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Z-Axis VS T&T Helix or Horizon II

KingCrab004 said:
dCabarle were you once a T&T Guy
Click to expand...
Yes, and I still think the LPS and Paridgm are terrific rods, as is the Vector (I still own 2 Vectors) but comparing the rods you mentioned with the Sage... There is no comparison. Then again, you might love the those rods over the sage. Since I still own the Vector series I'll say this....... if a Vector and a Z-Axis were on the same table, you can bet that I'm going with the Sage.
 
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I cast the Sage Z-axis at Somerset and I must say it is one sweet rod if distance is a factor in your fishing then this is the rod for you and it will fish in close as well. No problem dumping a full line with the Z-Axis. Have tried a T&T not nearly as impressive but it all boils down to what one likes.:)
 
I really prefer the Z Axis over those rods. I had a Horizon 2 for a bit (and casted a few others). I thought they were a bit heavy, and the grips on them were ENORMOUS! The Z Axis is very light and crisp.

Paul W
 
I have a 4 wt 8'6 z axis and it's a rocket. I've tried the T&T and the sage is awesome. You can shoot line like no other. If I was rich I'd own 1 in every weight. But I'm not so I don't.

Jeremy
 
sorry to play the trump card. having cast the z axis and da da daaaa, the loomis streamdance glx. the streamdance 8'6" in 4wt was the winner. The z axis may be the winner in 7-9wt, but the feel of the streamdance was great with punch and feel, which the z axis lacked a little. good luck, but definitely skip the T&Ts.
 
My question back to you, is this rod for you? If so then you really need to cast them and see how they feel to you. Then and only then will you have your answer. I am a Sage and Winston fan. Others may love somnething else. It all comes down to how the rod feels while casting to you. So please try before you buy. I don't care if the rod is $100 or $600. If your not happy with the rod it doesn't really matter on cost or brand or color. Not to mention that your now out money that you wish you spent on something else.
 
I own both the Z-Axis and a TnT Helix. I love both rods, but for different reasons. My favorite trout rod is the 9' 5wt Helix. It has a slow (compared to the zaxis) action that I love for trout rods. The full flex is great for fighting huge fish and protecting small tippets. The slower action makes for great presentation and casting. (For my casting style anyway) Not that it really matters, but TnT rods look great. They have one of the best finishes out there if you ask me. Don't get me wrong, the z-axis is a great rod too, I just prefer the helix as my number 1 trout rod. The z-axis does cast well though. I hear about a lot of people that buy them for the sole reason that they are canons and throw tight loops. For me, a trout rod has to have so much more than that.
 
The Sage Z-Axis is incredible, but why get a 9' 5 weight when you could have a 9' 4 weight. Try the Z-Axis 4 and the light will go on in your mind. The T&T is flat out nothing like a Z for multitudes of reasons. With this thought in mind, then pick up a Sage ZXL 9' 4wt. and you will come face to face with the single best every day 9' trout rod on the planet earth. Why? It does it all. Extremely accurate, incredibly smooth, a little softer action that gives you presentation, backbone for the wind, super light, incredibly nice appointments and gaurantee, light in the hand, balanced, wowy fit and finish and the best all around fishing performance from 40 feet and in that you will ever find. Sage is dependable. Sage is the rod that a cowboy would have strapped to his saddle. They are made so darn well. Fish with one for a day and you'll be snake bit. Trust me.
 
I have the 10' 4wt Z-Axis. Custom Built by Dan Trela of Trelarods. The rod is fantastic. The only rod I'll carry for the upper Delaware and wider sections of the Beaverkill and the Housatonic in CT.
 
I love all this nerdy gear talk. It's fun hearing other people's opinions on rods. As a shopaholic all this info is pretty helpful.
 
I cast the Loomis NRX last week. They had an issue with the reel seats and they were recalled for a perios as Loomis fixed the problem. 17 years in the making and they seemed to overlook their choice of seat wouldn't accomodate several types of reel seats. Wowy!

First of all, who can fault anyone for liking a Loomis rod. They have awesome actions and they will flat out take a pounding second to none. PLUS, they have a rockin gaurantee that is truly best in industry. I don't care for the reel seats and component choices as I've lamented in previous posts, but this part aesthetic to me and part anti-recoil guides for obvious reasons. Now, the NRX is an interesting rod if your objective is to cast far and have a really sensitive tip. Also, what jumps out the second you touch the thing is how light it is. Is it a downright crazy rod? Yep. Did they make it in all the right lengths and tapers? Nope. Not yet. Is the rest of the industry madly dashing to copy their lead? Yep. As usual, Loomis is right out there on the cutting edge of the sci-fi world.

The thing is, the Z Axis is again a tested commodity that is truly made in all the right lengths and tapers. Z's can take a true pounding, I mean abuse. They are clearly smoother feeling also. They are sexy looking too. I like to lay naked next to mine. :) mmmm. buttery. The NRX is fun though, don't let me sway anyone from buying one. I'd also say the same of some of the Winston Trout rods. Fish them and you'll appreciate how crazy they are in close. THE BEST for that 25 foot and in guy.

Also, down in PA my homies tell me that the 9' 3wt. Z must have been made by God Himself. I have to say, what an interesting rod. So too is the Loomis Stream Dance 8'3" 3wt. Talk about winners. They're both super cool and they cast like no other rods I've felt.
 
I'm still getting to know my 10ft 4wt z-axis but so far it's the best rod I've ever owned (after about 15 years flyfishing and about a dozen rods accumulated). Obviously it's overkill for small streams but for upper d, beaverkill / etc, I couldn't me happier. Float, wade, dries, nymphs, etc, it really is almost perfect. Without hesitation I'd recommend this rod to anyone who's fishing the bigger streams of the Catskills.

Only tiny caveat is the grip is a touch small for me. For any regular 4wt, it would be fine but it really can be a cannon and for that a tiny bit more diameter in the hand would make it perfect for me.
 
Well said on the 10ft. 4 Z-Axis. You brought up a cool point and a true one too. These rods allow a caster to grow into them. They do more than you thought a rod possibly could and the feeling of astonishment is fairly well perpetual when on the water with these longer Z's. You couldn't be in a better spot to doink around with this rod either. I used to live on the West Branch, right on the water. Fun river and near the upper Main Stem, even better. Enjoy that rod my friend.
 
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