hello,
has anyone tryied the new RX8+? is this as good as they say..better than a Sage XP?
thanks

George,
I don't know how this blank compares to a XP but I do know it is an exceptional blank with tremendous backbone that is capable of very long distance casts. I use them as my top end blank both for custom and pre made rods. I had the 9' 6 wt. 4 pc model tested by multiple guides on my last trip to the Henry's Fork in ID. Every one of them really enjoyed casting it and thought it would be particualrly well suited for casting the large stone dries that are so common up there. They are a bit pricy but you can't beat their performance as a fast action, powerful blank. Hope that helps. You might try calling Mick Batson at Utmost Enterprises or calling Batson directly if you want technical specs on the series. Feel free to email if you have any further questions.
Andrew

George:
Hello. I assembled an RX8+ in a 5 wt. and it has become my favorite rod. I use it mostly for float tubing and really like the way it handles full sinkers, intermediate, and floating lines. As stated above very powerful, capable of throwing a whole fly line and subdoing large fish pretty quickly. Do date, my largest fish on this rod was a 19" rainbow that fought very well. The rod will also cast short well and fish small dries. I had a XP 905 and never really likes it. I think the RX8+ is a better rod. The only rod I liked better was my GLX 905 Max LIne speed, that was stolen several months ago. I really miss that rod. But, the RX8+ is a close second to the Loomis.

Lanny

in the past, some have favorably compared the dan craft Signature V as something similar (even better) than the XP. you might want to check into that lineup as well or at least do some (re)search on this site. if i recall there was a slight difference which existed but it was a nice difference.

eric
fresno, ca.