I got a gift certificate and the store only sells Winston or Sage Blanks. I am looking for opinions about a 10 wt 4 pc - Winston Boron IIx, Sage Xi, Sage XP - I have an XP in a 6 wt, but have no idea how these rods will compare in the 10 wt. This rod wll be my salmon, and some salt water rod. Thanks for any feedback.

zach

Zach,

I know the Xi2 and XP. The Xi2 has more power further up the rod. It is a very technical rod to cast IMO. I don't like that series of blanks one bit. The XP is a little softer. It is a powerful rod, but not my first choice for banging a ton of line and a chicken wing all day. Just not enough OOMPH.

Personally I love my SCIV 3 pc (Pre IPC) 9' 10 wt. It is a cannon for line but has a soft tip end for short stuff.

Thanks,
Rick

Zach,

I am not sure what kinds of lines you intend to use with the rod, but I had a chance to use a 9wt Xi2 when striper fishing in the Sac Delta over Thanksgiving week this year, and really really liked it. I was casting 28' LC 13 shooting heads for darn near 11 hours straight, and loved it. It is a fast and powerful blank, which is a good thing for this type of fishing. I have also casted a 6wt Xi2 which my buddy has for So Cal Surf fishing. Worked well there too.

I would love to have one, but the price is WAY too much for my tastes, so I am thinking of getting a Dan Craft FT 10wt instead. But, since you have a gift cert, price isn't as much of a concern. Just my 2 cents.

Barret

Zach,

Personally, I love my Sig V 10wt, but the guys at the shop up here in Juneau swear by their 10wt. XPs when the kings come in. They're both great guys and even better fishermen.

Ray

I just had an xp built for me which is how I got into building. Both rods are excellent. I would go for the winston based on weight at ten feet. It is going to be a little lighter a tad bit crisper. You can't go wrong.

Thanks for all the responses.

I actually was planning on going back to Dan for the 10 wt, since I love my 4 wt from him. I certainly agree that the price of all of these blanks is more than I would like. I guess there are some advantages to having a Mother In Law with money. I was going to use for the reel, but already have two nice reels in that size and just do not need another one.

zach