The Sage XP series of fly fishing rods is arguably the best fly rod that Sage has ever produced. For six years the Sage XP fly rod has been the industry standard by which fast action fly rods have been measured. Sage has now replaced its XP range with the Sage Z-Axis series of fast action rods. Sage has a lot of confidence in their new Z-Axis range as they have completely replaced one of the most popular ‘fast action’ rods ever produced. This guide to the Sage Z-Axis fly fishing rod range will tell you why this fly rod is rated so highly, and also provide information on the different rod models available in the Sage Z-Axis range.
The Sage Z-Axis series of fly rods are lighter than the older XP series. This is due to Sage incorporating their new G5 graphite technology into the rod, and replacing the fiberglass hoop fibers previously used with lighter, stronger graphite fibers. During the curing process, this new graphite fiber fabric binds together more effectively, and this results in a stronger, lighter rod.
The Sage Z-Axis is a ‘fast action’ fly rod which effortlessly generates fast line speeds, resulting in greater casting distances. In the past a fly rod had to be manufactured to be quite stiff in order to have a ‘fast action’, but Sage have managed to produce a ‘fast action’ rod with a decent amount of rod fexibility with their new Z-Axis range. This rod has far more flex than the previous XP range, which results in the rod having a better line feel and feedback. Because of the tapered design of the rod, and lighter rod tip, you feel a greater sense of contact with the line, which you normally don’t get with a ‘fast action’ rod.
The term ‘action’ refers to the rod’s ability to generate line speed, and a ‘fast action’ rod can therefore generate faster line speed than a medium or slow action rod. Faster line speed results in greater casting distance.
So what we have here is a rod that is very easy to cast for anglers of all skill levels, and a ‘fast action’ rod that will enable you to cast greater distances. The flex and tapered design of these Sage Z-Axis rods also give the angler tremendous feel and feedback of any movements on their fly line. These rods are also extremely accurate to cast.
If you are prepared to pay $600 or $700 for a fly fishing rod, then the Sage Z-Axis range of fly rods are some of best fly rods available on the market today. All the rods in the Sage Z-Axis range also come with a lifetime warranty, which provides peace of mind when you are spending this kind of money on a fly rod. Also, with the extensive range of rod models in the Z-Axis range, there is a fly rod to suit any fly fishing application.
- Rod weights: 3 through 10
- Rod lengths: 7′6″ to 10′ for single hand rods, and 11′ to 16′ for Spey rods
- Reel seats: Nickel/silver with Rosewood inserts or anodized aluminum
- Cork handles: Cigar grip, small cigar grip or full wells
- Aluminum tubes with cloth socks
