Fly Fishing Specialties Forum

I have been in the hunt for a rod to replace my old Sage 490-3 SP.  The SLT version only improved the SP by being a 4 piece, but it didn't have the crisp feel that I really wanted.  Sage introduced the new ZXL series.  All I can say is that it's about time!

Even though I like fast rods generally, I prefer a medium fast rod in 4 weight and under for presentation of dry flies and soft hackles.  With this rod, I can maintain a tight loop and drop a size 20 Griffith's Gnat or a size 6 Crystal Stimulator at 60 feet gently.  For a medium fast rod, it develops line speed as well as some of the faster rods on the market.

The only fault that I have with the 490-4 ZXL is that it doesn't cast into the wind as well as other rods in the 4 weight category.  For that purpose, a faster rod, like the Sage 490-4 Z-Axis or a 904/4 Scott S4, would be better.

-- Edited by FFSDenny at 07:54, 2008-07-21