Questions about older rods

[Tinker]

Since I'm trying to gear up again after a brush with death, I've learned I'm pretty stupid about older rods. I'm looking for Scott and Winston and Sage rods from before they became super- and ultra-fast actions, but I can't sort them out. I'm looking for a somewhat slower action - but faster than glass - to fit what I'm capable of these days - but I can't match an action to a rod to save my life. Is this information available somewhere? Books? Websites? Anywhere?

 

[Tinker]

XP does not have a stiff tip. But you do benefit more from the rod with a faster sharp short casting stroke. It’s a true weight rod however many will up the line 1/2 to 1 size more. I usually stay true weight but some lines are built 1/2 size heavy and I have used them and they work well. I found the 6-7-8-9 weights in most configurations all to be great casters. I own the 691/6100/896/8100/990 all 4 piecers. If you’re looking at 4/5/6 weight rods then the z-axis should definetly be on the list. Fast action but not your normal fast action feel. Not a stiff rod at all. Very smooth.

RPL is another but it will feel heavier casting the line than the XP or the Z axis. (Yet the physical rod weight is less). It’s part of that rod jargon and physics where the rod weighs .375 ozs more due to reconfigured graphite/scrim mixture and directional fibers being realigned in to new patterns but the newer rod feels 20% lighter when casting and in hand. Blah blah. But it is true. The Sage X felt stealthy light in hand compared to the elder lineage. I would also mention the Sage SLT, which is a very fine trouting rod, but unfortunately Sage will no longer service that rod. Not sure why?

I fettered-away the past couple of years fishing a level shooting line tipped with T-18 sink tips. I'm not sure I can still recognize a rod that feels heavy when being cast, but this does help (force) me to remember things about rod design and material science I learned what seems to be a long time ago.

Thanks!

 

[Tinker]

If not already, read fly rod guru Paul Arden’s review of the XP 590-4…. It’s a bit different,

On Sexy Loops? I haven't been on there in... well, a long time. I'll see if I can find it. Thank you.

 

[Scslat]

I'm surprised at the lack of discussion of Winston, although their rods have been mentioned a few times. I immediately think of the WT and some of the BIIX models when thinking about slower to moderate actions. These are my go-to rods at 5 wt and below. I also have a Sage SP 590-3 that falls into this category. Winston still makes some models, like the Pure, that likely fit your request. But they do generally draw a premium price, even for the older rods.

 

[Tinker]

I'm surprised at the lack of discussion of Winston, although their rods have been mentioned a few times. I immediately think of the WT and some of the BIIX models when thinking about slower to moderate actions. These are my go-to rods at 5 wt and below. I also have a Sage SP 590-3 that falls into this category. Winston still makes some models, like the Pure, that likely fit your request. But they do generally draw a premium price, even for the older rods.

Yes, they do command high prices. I own a Winston so they were the first rods I thought about, until I saw the cost of admission.

Scott G and G2 series are also costly.

Older Sage rods are more plentiful and more economical than Winston or Scott. Maybe because there have been so many good Sage rods in the last 30 or 40 years?

 

[Buzzy]

Yes, they do command high prices. I own a Winston so they were the first rods I thought about, until I saw the cost of admission.

Scott G and G2 series are also costly.

Older Sage rods are more plentiful and more economical than Winston or Scott. Maybe because there have been so many good Sage rods in the last 30 or 40 years?

I think Tinker thinks too much about this. ;-)

I really like my Sage 590-TWO Fli. I don't think it's fast, it isn't slow. It's pretty soft but it has some backbone too. I don't care what Sage said it is/was, it works well for an "old" rod (for me).

Here's another one for you to ponder; Sage 596-THREE SP. This rod was gifted to me; I could fish with it all day and my shoulder and arthritic elbow weren't hugely inflammed. So it probably wasn't STIFF nor too fast. I'm hoping a veteran is enjoying it.

Keep on truckin'. //Pat

 

[Tinker]

I think Tinker thinks too much about this. ;-)

I really like my Sage 590-TWO Fli. I don't think it's fast, it isn't slow. It's pretty soft but it has some backbone too. I don't care what Sage said it is/was, it works well for an "old" rod (for me).

Here's another one for you to ponder; Sage 596-THREE SP. This rod was gifted to me; I could fish with it all day and my shoulder and arthritic elbow weren't hugely inflammed. So it probably wasn't STIFF nor too fast. I'm hoping a veteran is enjoying it.

Keep on truckin'. //Pat

Oh, hell yes, I do! Complicate boiling water? I can complicate getting the water into the pot...

 

[Scslat]

Yes, they do command high prices. I own a Winston so they were the first rods I thought about, until I saw the cost of admission.

Scott G and G2 series are also costly.

Older Sage rods are more plentiful and more economical than Winston or Scott. Maybe because there have been so many good Sage rods in the last 30 or 40 years?

If you can find a Sage SP in the length and weight you want, that would probably be a good choice. Very smooth and comfortable action. Neither stiff nor noodle-y. As you suggested, there may be a few more of those around, but they also seem to be a cult rod at a premium price.

Another alternative, which gets almost no love in the Western US, is the St. Croix Avid series. These rods are discontinued, but available from sometimes on auction sites. American made and I've found many models to have a nice, smooth action. I have a 7 ft, 4 wt that I built from a blank that I fish regularly on small streams. St Croix is mostly known for conventional tackle, but they make some decent fly rods. The current Mojo line is also inexpensive and has a nice action, but may be a bit stiffer than the Avid (but I don't think the Mojo is made in the US). They are generally sold through big box sporting goods stores in the Western US, not in fly shops, so they don't have the cache but also don't have the high price. There are a couple of dealers in Roseburg and lots around Portland. And a couple of actual fly shops in Oregon carry St. Croix, so you might call one of them to get their opinion on the Mojo.

 

[goinoregon]

epic makes some great fiberglas rods. i bought the 5 wt kit, and made one back at the start of covid hibernating. i wish i had made a salt, or steelhead version.