Z-Axis 990-4 - Sage Fly Rods - Fishing Gear Reports - Trout's Fly Fishing

Gear Reports - Z-Axis 990-4

Z-Axis 990-4 by Sage Fly Rods
Z-Axis 990-4 by Sage Fly Rods

Manufacturer: Sage Fly Rods

Product: Z-Axis 990-4

Retail Price: $695.00

Tester: Tucker Ladd

Rating: 5 / 5 - A Must Have
5 / 5 - A Must Have

Date Tested: Feb. 01, 2008 - Feb. 07, 2008

Test Area: Amazon Rainforest, Northeastern Brazil

What they say:
We went back to the drawing board to create the incredible Z-Axis Series Fast Action Rods. By improving the entire rod-building process, we created a rod that's significantly lighter, stronger and easier to cast for anglers of all skill levels. The Z-Axis offers an entirely new level of fishability with unprecedented line feel, response and performance. But don't take our word for it-visit a local fly shop and take it for a test spin.

What we say:
what initially made this rod stand out from other big game rods was its minimal weight. My previous go-to salt water rod was the Sage XI2, which although a very powerful and accurate rod, was very heavy and quite exhausting to cast all day. The Z-Axis on the other hand has just as much power and accuracy as any other rod in this class, but had a super light weight feel that made it a pleasure to cast and fish. The first time I used this rod was during a week long trip to the Amazon Rain Forest in Northern Brazil. We were targeting Peacock Bass, which are a very demanding species due to the distance and number of casts that are made daily (roughly 1000-1500). Day after day, this rod performed beautifully no matter if I was casting a large surface popper, or 400-grain sink tip line.

Last minute thoughts:
Looks great with Tibor on it!