Legend Ultra x FLi

[Vit]

I just discovered a nice place for snook quite near my new working place, so I deceided to get me a 7 weight. But as I'm not going to do this fishing so often, I was wondering to buy a mid price rod, with a not so fast action. I'm know between the St. Croix legend ultra and the Sage FLi (both 9 '). Any suggestions?

[MatthewP]

while it's definitely not the fastest rod out there, I wouldn't describe the legend ultra as a "not so fast" rod. It's described as a fast action rod, and i'd agree. I fish the 9 wt. in that series. Also have the 12, but haven't fished it that much. If you're looking for a medium fast action, I'd go with St. Croix's avid series. Also a great rod, I have that in a 6 wt. probably my favorite rod to cast. It's a cream puff.

[WeeHooker]

The Ultra 6 wt with a 7 wt line is sweet too. I particularly like the SW version w butt and oversized guides.

[Vit]

I will make some tests when I got the chance, with the avid and overloading the legend ultra. Thanks guys!

[Count]

You may even want to check out the St. Croix Imperial model...it's an impressive rod for the money.

[JGH]

Has anyone fished (or at least casted) a Sage "FLi" rod? I'd be interested in any impressions...thanks.

[Strat]

To me the FLI is faster than the Legend Ultra. FLI is light and the funky-colored blank casts well although the hardwear is not as nice as the top-line sages.

I like the fit & finish of St. Croix rods but they are too slow for my taste.

You might want to look at a Powell TiMax if you're in that price range. Nice finish, medium-fast action and they come in 4pc in case you want to hit the road.

[James Plante]

Both of the rods that you are using are fast action. Let me just say that I only use Sage and Winston rods. I am in love with the way they perform in both fresh and salt water. I am a guide and as much as I fish, I want the best equipment. I own a couple of Sage SLT and Winston Boron IIX. However, I also have some of the mid priced rods such as the Ibis. If you are choosing between a FLi or the St. Croix, I would go with the FLi. Nothing against St. Croix, I just am partial to the Sage. The FLi is a fast action rod and very light weight. Sage did a fantastic job with this rod. You wouldn't think it was a $295 rod! I know the fly shop sells a ton of them as well. I myself am purchasing the 7wt and 8wt for salt water. Remember, in salt water, you want fast action rods. You don't want a mid flex or a full flex for that matter. You don't want a soft rod. You won't get the punch when you need to go for distance and when you are trying to cast big flies.

[SHORTFIN]

I would recommend the St. Croix Legend Ultra U907.4. This is a fast action rod, but you can dampen it by using an 8 weight line, and then using a 7 weight if the situation calls for a fast rod. St. Croix Uses both the 'IPC' technology for an high performance taper/design as well as 'ART' which increases the 'hoop strength' of the rod dramatically, making it far more durable than any other rod of this type. This rod sells for $340. If you would like something less expensive Then The Avid A907.4 would be your ticket, a slightly slower action ( moderate fast) these rods also have the IPC technology found on the Ultra's, but this rod costs $250. Both of them have a lifetime warranty.

Capt. Chris