Z-Axis vs. Xi2

[El Bishop]

What's the difference? I'm guessing it's just personal preference and casting style.

[smolt]

They are, IMHO, very, very different rods. I find the 8-weight Xi2 to be very stiff and hard on the elbow to cast (the 10-wt is even worse). It is, however, a cannon when you get used to it. The 7-weight was a much different rod to me -- easy on the arm, but a cannon nonetheless. I really liked it.

The Z-Axis is a much softer rod than the 8-wt Xi2. Not as much backbone and not as hard on the arm, but much easier to cast. I didn't think too much of it. The 7-weight Xi2 was a much more substantial rod.

My quick $0.02.

[paulj]

I just purchased a Z-Axis 7 wt a month ago. I tried the Xi2 along with a couple of other manufacturers' 7 wts and for my ability and style, the Z-Axis was far and away the best rod. For me.

I was amazed at the difference in how I cast between the two rods. I'd say they're both excellent choices, but you really should cast both to see which one works better for you.

[Kuskus68]

If you can try a XP also I know they are no longer sold but I believe it is Sages best rod I fish a 8 weight and a 9ft 3.

[El Bishop]

I'm trying to find a big gun to launch 400gr and 500gr lines. My Xi2 handles the 400 without a problem and I like the way it casts. I think though that the super stiff 10 wt loomis CC GLX might be the big gun I need in a 10 wt.

[gseries69]

I just picked up a used 10wt GLX CC and have a 400 grain wonderline on it. It is an absolute cannon.

[Kuskus68]

I'm trying to find a big gun to launch 400gr and 500gr lines. My Xi2 handles the 400 without a problem and I like the way it casts. I think though that the super stiff 10 wt loomis CC GLX might be the big gun I need in a 10 wt.
Loomis is a cannon of a rod I own a few of them the GLXS are great for heavy line casting.

[peter mac]

Second the Sage XP, can cast it all day.......they are around you just have to dig a bit, ebay usually has a few new ones up for sale.

[lagunaredfish]

i'm loaning my zaxis to friends who like xp's hopeing they'll like it. i can't cast in 15-20 winds which is a buzz kill in south texas.

[sue m]

I use a 9 wt GLX and their 10 weight also for intermediate lines. I like the classic (old) Glx better than the new CC GLX.
But I also have a Sage 10 XP with a teeny 350 on it that casts really easily and casts a mile. Much further than the Loomis for the 350 Teeny. The Loomis however is much better (for my stroke ) than the sage for intermediate lines. So it depends on your cast and the line you have on it I guess. All good rods.
Good Luck

[92Esquire]

I have a custom Xi2 that I love a whole bunch. I've used it to go after stripers and salmon in fresh water, as well as beach fishing in salt. Mine is set up with single-foot guides, so it's a bit different than a stock Sage. I echo the comments above that this rod is an absolute cannon, but can be somewhat challenging to cast.