Sage Xi2

[englishman]

I am thinking of building another fly rod for bone fishing, and I am looking at the Sage Xi2 blank,
any thoughts on these blanks vs other top of the line blanks, ideas, suggestions ? thanks

[tightline]

To me, the Xi2 is an awesome rod, but I don't think it's for everybody. It's a very fast rod that can shoot the fly line like a cannon. When I was shopping around for a rod, I casted 7 different rods (all 8 wts.), and the Xi2 beat them all hands down for my casting style. It was also perfectly balanced with my Super 8 reel attached. On the other hand, one of my fishing partners, who likes a more medium-fast action rod, doesn't like the Xi2 at all. It's just too fast for his liking.

I would really suggest casting one before you drop the money on the blank.

[JGH]

I have an Xi2 9 wt., which I've used for a year-plus of northeast fishing and a week of bonefishing in Andros. I like it, usually quite a lot, but I think it is a difficult rod to categorize as "fast action." It is not nearly as stiff as, say, a Loomis CrossCurrent GLX or Sage TCR. I'm not sure it's as stiff as a Scott S3S. The right rod for you will, of course, depend on your casting style.

I find that the Xi2 is a fantastic rod for most flats fishing -- its extra flex gives you a great feel (as advertised) for placing a fly delicately where you want it. But on days where you need to shoot a lot of line directly into the wind (like here in the northeast), I sometimes find it lacking in backbone.

Similarly -- though not a concern on the flats -- I don't think an Xi2 throws a sinking line of any density very well. It's like waving around a noodle.

[englishman]

I know field testing rods is the way to go but where I live it's mail order for such rods or nothing, that's why I am so interested in other peoples thoughts and ideas, thanks for the input guys :)

[sue m]

I have an Xi2 9 wt., which I've used for a year-plus of northeast fishing and a week of bonefishing in Andros. I like it, usually quite a lot, but I think it is a difficult rod to categorize as "fast action." It is not nearly as stiff as, say, a Loomis CrossCurrent GLX or Sage TCR. I'm not sure it's as stiff as a Scott S3S. The right rod for you will, of course, depend on your casting style.

I find that the Xi2 is a fantastic rod for most flats fishing -- its extra flex gives you a great feel (as advertised) for placing a fly delicately where you want it. But on days where you need to shoot a lot of line directly into the wind (like here in the northeast), I sometimes find it lacking in backbone.

Similarly -- though not a concern on the flats -- I don't think an Xi2 throws a sinking line of any density very well. It's like waving around a noodle.

JGH, my thoughts exactly. I sold mine because it lacked enough stiffness to shoot into the wind. I still like the "old" loomis GLX (not the crosscurrent GLX).

[sloppyloops]

Hi there Englishman.
For what its worth,I'll throw in my six penneth.
I have been building rods for friends and I for around the last 30 years,but specifically saltwater for the last 3.
I have "off the shelf" rods too,as you can't always buy the blanks. I've fished with Lamiglas IM700,Redington QTi,Loomis Cross Current and the "old" GLX,Sage Xi2 and TCR,and Scott S3S, in 7,8 and 9 weights.
All of them are very good,and if you put one in my hand at any bonefish destination I'd be more than happy that they could perform better than me!
However,if I had to start over then I would chose to build my own on the Loomis GLX blanks (they have just started selling them this year). For me,they have a wonderful crisp feel,fast without being fast for the sake of it,very well balanced in the hand,able to cast into the wind without losing power. I'd ring them with REC Recoils,not the single leg but the doubles. If I could only have one size it would a #8,but if you plan on fishing where the wind always blows then I'd go for a #9.

Hope this helps!

[englishman]

Well that's a good sixpence worth, thank you
I have built many rods over the years but of late and I am new to the saltwater fly fishing scene and therefore not very familiar with the blanks so there is some good food for thought in your post.
Rec recoils? New too me I'll have to look into them as well, two foot over single foot? Do you not feel that interferes with the action a little?
Again thanks for the info :)

[sloppyloops]

Hello again.
Sorry for the delay,heve away for a few days.
If you have not done so already,check out the rec.com website.
I've used them for the last 3 years and would not use anything else now.
I like their single foot (RSFX) for lines up to #7,but prefer the "two legged" snakes (RSNX) for larger weights.Their RSG stripping guide looks a bit like the old rings from the 1950's,but don't let that put you off.They are much lighter than lined rings and will not crack if you drop them on rocks etc.However,I prefer a hard chrome loop tip top as I have had the REC tops break.
I think the Loomis cross currents are rung the same,whereas the original glx used the single legs......it would be fair to say that the guys at Loomis know a lot more about building top of the range/performace rods than me,so who am I to argue!

[FishHawk]

Two other blanks to consider are the T&T Horizon II and Helix. The Helix is a slower action rod. I used to be a Sage guy until I built my Horizon II. Powerful rod. It has changed my fishing style. I also like the REC reel seats.
FishHawk