In the market for a new Sage. Are there any Cons to having one custom built??

[Fredy]

Hello,
So I am in the market for a new Sgae Z-Axis 590-2.
The rod retails for $635 from Sage. I can have one built by Flycatcherinc.com for $500. Their method of Zero Balancing sounds very interesting. I used their custom order guide and started with the "Better" option making some upgrades along the way and opted out of the rod tube option. The warranties are basically the same.

Does any one have any opinions/thoughts on this? Pros & Cons?

It seems like a good option to help save some coin.

Your opinions are welcome :drunk:

Fredy

 

[Zonk]

A big downside of a custom built graphite rod is that its resale value is substantially less than a factory built rod. A factory built Sage will hold its value very well on ebay. Should it turn out in a few years that the Z-Axis doesn't fit your style of fishing or you just want to upgrade to Sage's latest and greatest after the Z-Axis eventually gets discontinued, the hit you're gonna take on the custom will more than wipe out any savings you originally made.

I'd go for the custom only if you think it provides a superior product.

 

[Fredy]

Zonk,
Thanks for chimming in, much appreciated.
Funny you should mention resale value. I just sold my old Sage RPL 586-4 for $275 on e-bay. I have 5 other Sages and 1 Orvis that are about 15-20 yrs old that I do not plan to part with any time soon. If anything when my son is old enough he will get them and I will move on to some new rods:thumb: Hoping he will take up flyfishing. I was never happy with the RPL so I did not mind letting her go. I did see some old used McNeese cutom Sage's sell for $200+ on ebay, seems they held some value, not a total loss.

The only difference I see bettween the Factory and a custom is the lower price since there isn't a such big mark up on custom and the fact that I can choose my set up options and still same some coin.

If I am way of base on my opinion please feel free to comment. I always appreciate any feedback, good or bad.

Thanks,
Fredy

 

[Trout Nazi]

Another way to look at this is; there really isn't much your going to be able to do to improve the Z, its awesome from the factory. Also, how much money are you really saving, around $130? Lets not even bring the eBAY thing into it for the sake of argument, where you will find that rod cheaper. If you buy a factory Z from a shop, most will also throw a $60-70 line in with it.

 

[Fredy]

Trout Nazi,
Good point. But what shops are offering free fly lines? I also have seen any discounts on the Z's on any site? I you know of any please let me know.

Thanks,
Fredy

 

[Trout Nazi]

Theres a brand new 5wt on ebay right now for $500 with 5min. left in the auction.

Any shop (at least the ones I've been in) that sells you a high-end rod usually throws the line in. Tell them up front, usually not a problem.

 

[Fredy]

Trout Nazi,
Unfortunately the ones on ebay for that price are 4 piece rods. I'm wanting a 2 piece. I'll have to try and see who will include a free line with purchase, I'd rather get a discount or credit

Fredy

 

[Trout Nazi]

From my buying experience, and what I know from friends in the "biz", throwing in line with a high-end rod is common practice. You can't really discount the rod because prices are tightly controlled bythe manufacturer, so line is thrown in as a way of giving you a little bit of a deal.

 

[Fredy]

Trout Nazi,
Thanx for the tip on the line, I will have to see what they are doing locally.

On another note. Do you really see any difference in performance/quality from a custom vs factory?

Fredy

 

[streamfisher]

I have a custom Sage Z-Axis 10' 4wt from Dan Trela in MA. He offers the same discount pricing and includes custom attention to where the wraps/guides should be placed as well as upgraded components. He also put my name on the rod at no additional charge. I met Dan fishing on the Beaverkill and he showed me a bunch of his rods. I thought about it for over a year and then contacted him. It's a fantastic rod. He made himself the same one specifically for fishing the upper WB. trelarods@comcast.net ask him to send you his brochure.

 

[Fredy]

streamfisher,
Thanks, I sent him an e-mail. Looking at all my options :dizzy:

Fredy

 

[Trout Nazi]

I never cast a custom rod. Quality wise, I would expect a reputable builder to equal or do better than the manufacturer. Performance wise, I would imagine subtle differences, as most of the performance comes from the blank. If your looking strictly to save a few bucks, there are probably more effective ways (i.e. eBAY, etc.). As a counter point, I would say that getting something custom is cool in that its made personally for you. I for one don't care about resale, I buy my stuff to use the shit out of it.

 

[Fredy]

"I buy my stuff to use the shit out of it" :iagree:unk:
That's f'n funny. I am feel the same. But I also like to take care of my stuff, it's a pride thing.

Fredy

 

[Fredy]

streamfisher,

Thanks for the info on Dan Trela. I just got off the phone with him. I ordered a Z-Axis 590-2. He was very helpful and pleasant to deal with. Looking forward to the new rod!!

Fredy

 

[MACFLY]

You can also try anglers habitat. They do custom builds and you can trade in older gear as credit towards a new rod.

Hello,
So I am in the market for a new Sgae Z-Axis 590-2.
The rod retails for $635 from Sage. I can have one built by Flycatcherinc.com for $500. Their method of Zero Balancing sounds very interesting. I used their custom order guide and started with the "Better" option making some upgrades along the way and opted out of the rod tube option. The warranties are basically the same.

Does any one have any opinions/thoughts on this? Pros & Cons?

It seems like a good option to help save some coin.

Your opinions are welcome :drunk:

Fredy

 

[streamfisher]

streamfisher,

Thanks for the info on Dan Trela. I just got off the phone with him. I ordered a Z-Axis 590-2. He was very helpful and pleasant to deal with. Looking forward to the new rod!!

Fredy

That's great. I'm sure you'll be thrilled. Here's a pic of when I unboxed mine

 

[Fredy]

MACFLY,
Thanks. I also did ome research on Trela and he has a pretty good following in the North East.
AH has a good program too w/ the trade ins.

Fredy

---------- Post added at 01:27 PM ---------- Previous post was at 01:16 PM ----------

Streamfisher,
Nice rod. Can't wait to see what my Z looks likes like when it arrives. I went with an aluminum nickle/silver anodized up locking seat by REC (lighter & less maint.) Emerald wood insert, western grip, wire D hook keeper, Silver thread accents on wraps, "Snake" guides all in silver, I did not want any gold colors on the rod and did not want my name inscribed on the rod just incase I ever want to sell in the future.

Fredy

 

[MACFLY]

MACFLY,
Thanks. I also did ome research on Trela and he has a pretty good following in the North East.
AH has a good program too w/ the trade ins.

Fredy

---------- Post added at 01:27 PM ---------- Previous post was at 01:16 PM ----------

Streamfisher,
Nice rod. Can't wait to see what my Z looks likes like when it arrives. I went with an aluminum nickle/silver anodized up locking seat by REC (lighter & less maint.) Emerald wood insert, western grip, wire D hook keeper, Silver thread accents on wraps, "Snake" guides all in silver, I did not want any gold colors on the rod and did not want my name inscribed on the rod just incase I ever want to sell in the future.

Fredy

Yeah no worries and good luck. I just got my 9ft 6inch Z axis over the winter.

 

[streamfisher]

MACFLY,
Thanks. I also did ome research on Trela and he has a pretty good following in the North East.
AH has a good program too w/ the trade ins.

Fredy

---------- Post added at 01:27 PM ---------- Previous post was at 01:16 PM ----------

Streamfisher,
Nice rod. Can't wait to see what my Z looks likes like when it arrives. I went with an aluminum nickle/silver anodized up locking seat by REC (lighter & less maint.) Emerald wood insert, western grip, wire D hook keeper, Silver thread accents on wraps, "Snake" guides all in silver, I did not want any gold colors on the rod and did not want my name inscribed on the rod just incase I ever want to sell in the future.

Fredy

Sounds real nice. I told Dan which reel I was planning on using and he suggested I go for a different reel seat option for better balance. You won't get that kind of attention from the mfr. Post a pic when you get it. Look forward to seeing the rod :thumb:

 

[WBDluver]

Performance wise, I would imagine subtle differences, as most of the performance comes from the blank.

You are correct, however you can screw up that performance by not finding the spine (or spline) and inproperly spaceing the guides and using too many or to little guides. Also are they first quality blanks or blem's?

 

[Trout Nazi]

Speaking form my limited experience, I've never cast a custom rod. On the other hand, I have yet to throw a factory Sage or Winston that was not an awesome casting tool.

 

[Fredy]

Performance wise, I would imagine subtle differences, as most of the performance comes from the blank.

You are correct, however you can screw up that performance by not finding the spine (or spline) and inproperly spaceing the guides and using too many or to little guides. Also are they first quality blanks or blem's?

Good point. I did ask him about the blanks, they are not blems or defects, they are first quality. He also takes the time to find the spine of the blank before building the rod.

Fredy

 

[Fredy]

Ok, here are some pics of the Sage from Trela. I also purchaed a couple of Allen reels. You cant beat the quality for the money on these Allens. The Silver one is the Alpha 5/6 and the Black one is the XL 5/6 same as the alpha just a little wider arbor. Sorry for the crappy pics, had to use the cell phone.

Fredy