Has anyone made up and cast the MHX 9' 5 weight fly rod? I would like a fast action 5 weight (basically a tip flex rod) for general purpose use. I looked over the common cents information and the AA reported by Mudhole is 70. That makes it pretty fast and is definitely helpful information but I would still like some information from someone more experienced than I am. For example, what sort of AA would a Z-Axis have?

Sage XP and Z-Axis are in the 68-72 range depending on line weight.

The MHX 9' 5wt is my new favorite rod, and I'm building a second one right now.
It is fast action - both of mine measured slightly over 70 for AA - but it isn't stupid fast. It doesn't behave like many tip-flex blanks like Dan Craft FT in that the MHX will flex almost to the grip when casting or fighting a fish.

I lawn casted a Z-Axis 5wt and my MHX back to back and found that I preferred the MHX hands down for both distance and feel. I think the Z-Axis needed to be overlined to make it perform better with my casting stroke, so maybe it wasn't a fair comparison.

Sage 5wt, 4-piece, Z-Axis = AA of 67, ERN of 5.65.

You can find a great deal of test data here ... [www.superbob.org]

Thanks Rick and Jim. I did look at the Superbob site, but couldn't find the Z-Axis. After looking at the Superbob site over several months, I wondered if it was still being updated. I haven't noticed any changes, but I could have missed them.

There are tabs at the bottom ... click on the "blanks" tab and you will find it.

Jim,

Thanks. I overlooked the tabs, but you probably already knew that.

I built the same blank about 6 months ago and it's become a favorite. I used REC single foots and top, with Fuji "K" Ti strippers. It makes a very light rod, which is the first thing you notice about it. I even but a small fighting butt on it just because I like them. I've used it to fish drys, and nymphing under an indicator. It has lots of power for a 5 wt.

I agree with the post above. It's fast but not over done. Sort of falls into that just right category. It compares favorably to an older SC4 and Sage RPL. I have an 8wt Z Axis factory rod, and to me the Z Axis action would make a great 5 wt, it's just a lot more money.

I don't think you could go wrong at any price, and it's nice the blank is right around $100, as I recall.