Has anybody cast this rod, or own one? I gave it a shake test and have a feeling it is a little beast. I am getting ready to order a blank for some light duty saltwater use and wanted a little feedback. I have an 8 and it's a beast of a rod. I am just a little worried about the fact that it's only 8'9". Why would they do that? Will I lose any of the smoothness or distance? I built a MHX 5 for the same use and it is very smooth and a blast to cast. I just think the Xi3 might have just enough more power to get the job done on some slightly bigger fish, plus I am getting the deal of a lifetime on it. What do you think? Should I bite the bullet? Is it worth it?

Sounds like you already have yourself convinced to buy the Sage, the 8 ft 9 in length is pretty popular at Sage and has been around in their earlier offerings for many years.
If your looking for a bit more power than just buy a 6 wt MHX blank and call it your saltwater 5 wt special, wouldn't be the first time it's been done even by the manufacturers. The power numbers used by the blank manufacturers don't really tell the whole story.



Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 03/14/2012 09:12AM by Spencer Phipps.

From what I recall the Xi series 5wt blanks have ERNs in the mid sixes, comparable to a 6wt MHX. If the MHX is fast enough for casting in the wind then I would say stick with it.

Good point, I also have considered getting an MHX 6 and doing this. The thing is I can get the Xi3 for pretty much the same price as the MHX right now on a one time shot so my head is all screwed up :-)

An 8'9" fly rod gives you more leverage and I like my 8'9" eight weight that I use for poppers. It's easier on your elbow.

Another good point, Greg. I just know that the Predators I have had in the past are miserable to blind cast with. Way too short and stiff. This is also why I don't fish my TCX as much when blind casting in the passes and such. Way too much work. My SP 8 is the rod for me when a lot of casts are needed. I have a blast with the 5 that I built when targeting fish under 30" or so. Maybe I will have to just drive to the nearest dealer that has an xi3 5 in stock.



Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 03/14/2012 12:27PM by Tom Kirkman.

Brad,
I've cast the rod and you're quite right it has a lot of power for a 5 weight.
Really comes to life after the first 60' is out and still has plenty of backbone to lift the line once cast.
You don't have to spend a lot of time working line out.
Shoot half in the backcast and the remainder in the forward cast.
I was unaware the rod was a little shorter, but that explains the lack of discomfort aerializing that much line.

Eugene Moore

What constitutes a "5-weight" rod?

............

I think you will find the Xi3, has a little faster recovery than the MHX blanks. A tad more responsive.

I'm ordering it today. Can't wait to try it out. Tom, good point! They call it a 5 but I have a feeling it will be getting a 6 or 7 weight line depending on what model line I end up using. I am thinking I am going to try the new Liquid Crystal on the flats which has a long head/taper. Maybe a 7 SA Redfish for some short quick casts with bigger flies for bass. Thanks for all the information. Like I said, I am getting a killer deal so I'm sure I won't be disappointed. I would love to test it on some little bones someday!

Right, my point is that there is no such thing as a "5-weight" rod per any sort of written or measured standard. It doesn't exist.

.............

Since it is called a 5-weight in the catalog, on the blank, etc, we just call it a 5 wt so everyone knows what model you're talking about. It would be nice if they all had the ERN rating and AA as well.

that would be to easy

for us

Bill - willierods.com

Maybe some day, but probably not. It would save a TON of confusion in the fly fishing world. I managed a fly shop for a little while and it gets crazy once fly line weight to rods comes up. It's like drinking and talking religion and politics.

Yea

Put just numbers on a rod Fisherman/ woman would not be able to figure out Line and lure weight or fly line to use
Confuse them all

Bill - willierods.com

I put ERN and AA on all my builds.