Hi All,

First post for me, I'm interested if there is any recent ERN data (past 5 years) on relating to standard 9' 5wt fly blanks that are offered.
I've found it a bit of a revelation in helping my understanding of my rods and builds.

For example, where does Sage X measure up compared Scott Centric or Helios 3?


Cheers, Gerard

You can look here- [www.rodcents.org] although the data is up to the builders to supply. Manufacturers aren't too keen on having a means to compare rods and blanks by relative and objective means.

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

Those values won't tell you what is best. My subjective review: Scott Centric, either of the Helios models, there is two I believe, than the Sage X. It's a mute point only Sage sells blanks. If you are just buying a rod there are better and cheaper choices, the G Loomis NRX+ LP for instance.
.

Thanks
I’m only looking for a relative reference and keen to continue only making my own rods
As a generalisation, is the Sage X supposed to be a lighter z axis?

I'd say no, and the Z Axis is a superior rod.

Thanks Spencer
Would you say the x is similar in power or greater than the comparable z axis?.

I’m only trying to get insight

I wouldn't put it that way, power has nothing to do with it and what weight blank also, they both get the job done one in my opinion better than the other, I just think the X was not a step forward it was supposed to be a new XP, the Trout LL a new LL, I think they both failed. They are not good in close, or far compared the a bunch of others. The Z Axis was and is a good stick, the X has showed me nothing and there are a bunch of rods out there now that I think are superior, you just can't buy blanks for them. I'd look elsewhere for good fly rod blank. One I would look at is the Rainshadow Eternity II, casts well near, or far and you can build with the best for less than your Sage blank.
It gets pretty bad when there are multiple rods out there that are better at both close presentations and distance casting then two of your sticks that were specially designed to do one well.