Predator, boost blue, axiom 2x

rw94

Just Hatched
Hi, i’m searching for a faster 8wt in the 300$-400$ range to replace my redington wrangler mostly for bass, pike, and beach coho (great rod but felt like a noodle with OBS). Sorry i’m basically posting this again but I’m asking about a few different rods this time around πŸ˜… I already asked about the 84B as well but the guy at mad river said it wouldn’t be ideal to shoot such an overweighted line like OBS. Back to the drawing board and I think i’ve narrowed it down to the redington predator, echo boost blue, and axiom 2x but I’m not able to cast any of these besides the boost blue so i’m looking for any insight. Thanks!
 
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I've used all of those but not necessarily in the exact same configuration, as well as the Axiom II-X, Redington Crux, and a few others.

Obviously subjective but I like the Boost Blue the most. I use them with Arctic Silver compact, various OBS, SA Sonar Titan, and a Scientific Anglers line that I can't remember the name of that's kind of like the Rio Coastal Quickshooter XP.

After one evening with the 84b I'm really looking forward to more time with them.
 
I've used all of those but not necessarily in the exact same configuration, as well as the Axiom II-X, Redington Crux, and a few others.

Obviously subjective but I like the Boost Blue the most. I use them with Arctic Silver compact, various OBS, and a Scientific Anglers line that I can't remember the name of that's kind of like the Rio Coastal Quickshooter XP.

After one evening with the 84b I'm really looking forward to more time with them.
Yeah thanks so much, I think i’m leaning towards the boost blue mostly cause my 8wt lines are both shooting head OBS and titan long and it just seems right. Also the 84B is a super interesting rod I think it’ll be a future purchase for sure for me in a 6wt for wading and kayaking with trout streamers and bass bugs after i’ve beat up my ion xl some more.
 
I've owned a 6wt predator and a 6wt boost blue is my main beach rod at the moment. The boost blue is a little faster and I prefer it over the predator but both are nice rods. I fish the boost blue overlined with a 7wt SA titan int 2-3 and it has no problem launching it and cutting through the wind. You won't be disappointed with it!
 
I've owned a 6wt predator and a 6wt boost blue is my main beach rod at the moment. The boost blue is a little faster and I prefer it over the predator but both are nice rods. I fish the boost blue overlined with a 7wt SA titan int 2-3 and it has no problem launching it and cutting through the wind. You won't be disappointed with it!
Thanks, I think the faster action of the boost blue will better than the predator. I’m impressed for sure with the over lining your able to pull off too that’s probably similar to almost 3 line sizes up too
 
I carry two TFO Axiom IIX 7 weights on the Central Gulf Coast inshore flats around Tampa and Sarasota Bay. They handle just about anything I encounter with maybe the exception of an occasional unintended Tarpon. A SA SONAR 30 Warm 200 grain sinktip handles the shallow/deep grass, potholes and channels well in both calm and windy conditions with large and small unwieghted flies. An intermediate sinktip or clear tip floating line handles situations where I am using surface flies. I settled on these two rods after years of using Radians, Sage Salt and Meridian sticks. All good rods but the Axioms just seem to hit the spot for my style of fishing on the inshore flats.
 
I've spent the last few days at the beach putting the 6wt 84b to the test, including some back-to-back comparisons w/ my trusty all-time favorite 6wt Boost Blue.

Reels on both are Lamson Liquid 5; lines on both are Arctic Silver Compact 6wt so the setups are identical except for one has a floating line and the other's an intermediate.

The overall weight and especially swing weight of the 84b is so much better than the Boost Blue which means way less fatigue when blind casting for hours. I didn't notice much of a difference when it came to overall casting distance. There may have been more of a tendency to slap water behind me with the 84b.

I definitely felt the difference going from the 84b to the BB "Ugh! The BB weighs a ton!"

While the Boost Blue is still amazing, I may have a new favorite rod in the 84b.
 
I've spent the last few days at the beach putting the 6wt 84b to the test, including some back-to-back comparisons w/ my trusty all-time favorite 6wt Boost Blue.

Reels on both are Lamson Liquid 5; lines on both are Arctic Silver Compact 6wt so the setups are identical except for one has a floating line and the other's an intermediate.

The overall weight and especially swing weight of the 84b is so much better than the Boost Blue which means way less fatigue when blind casting for hours. I didn't notice much of a difference when it came to overall casting distance. There may have been more of a tendency to slap water behind me with the 84b.

I definitely felt the difference going from the 84b to the BB "Ugh! The BB weighs a ton!"

While the Boost Blue is still amazing, I may have a new favorite rod in the 84b.
Yeah i’m thinking of the 84b for my new 6wt. I have an ion xl for now but the short stick is definitely interesting for trout streamers or beach fishing. However, I like the length of the boost blue for my 8wt for salmon and pike.
 
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