Sage XP - 3 wts Freshwater Rods

Sage XP - 3 wts Freshwater Rods 

DESCRIPTION

Three weight fly rods are multi-purpose, lightweight and specially designed for trout, panfish and other species. They're used with smaller dry flies and nymphs. Their effective casting range is 15 to 55 feet, depending on the length of the rod.

USER REVIEWS

Showing 1-7 of 7  
[Jan 06, 2007]
guy benner
Day Hiker

XP 380and390 blanks. Save yourself the time and money in buying other rods to test. Just bite the bullet and purchase an XP. You won't be dissappointed. Best rod I ever cast. Get one before they are gone. Discontinued for 07

Customer Service

Never needed, but heard it to be first rate

Similar Products Used:

Sage SP,LL,VPS, Scott SES,SAS,G, Loomis GLX,IMX,Diamondback Aeroflex,St. Croix.

OVERALL
RATING
5
VALUE
RATING
5
[Sep 30, 2002]
Goodoo
50+ days a year

Strength:

The strength of the butt section of this rod is astounding, and it really comes into effect with longer casts and/or bigger flies. Most 3 weight rods that I have tried have a ssoft progressive action that seems to bottom out at a certain range. Most tend to agree that 3 weight rods are best for shortish casts up to 50 or 55 feet, but the XP390 can and does lay out a whole length of line. For distance casting, I overline the rod with a 4 weight line, which seems to help with hauling and shooting. The softness of the tip is an asset. I've tested my rod with 6X and 7X tippet, and it really is difficult to break this if you keep the rod down low. When paired with a light reel with a good drag, you have the best in light line tackle available. The colour and finish of the rod is impeccable, absolutely first rate. I know some people don't like the flashy blanks that Sage produce, but to be absolutely honest, my catches do not suffer as a result of this. Overall, the balance between casting finesse and delicacy is perfect for most of my trout fishing in lakes and streams. It is especially good for sight fishing in mountain lakes, where quick and accurate casts are important.

Weakness:

This rod is not suited for casting heavily weighted flies or flies with lead shot, but it isn't designed for that anyway.

My Sage is the 2002 factory built XP390. I was hesitant about purchasing such a light rod at first, but did so because in the smaller streams and rivers that I fish, I knew that my Loomis GLX 5 weight was too much rod. I was looking for a rod that could handle the lightest of tippets and small flies, and in the XP390, I got what I was looking for...and much, much more. I am interested in the other reviews which suggest the absence of any 'limits' with this rod. This is absolutely correct: this is a rod that handles small flies and small fish, as well as bigger flies and much bigger fish than one might normally assume of a rod this light. Rainbows and browns up to 5+ pounds have been no problem for this rod, and a few carp almost double that have also been subdued. I've heard rumours in my circle of fishing friends that another angler caught a 14 pound brown in a mountain lake on this rod - certainly an indication of its capabilities. Although sometimes you get some strange looks when showing up on a bigger lake with such a light rod, I've been catching just as many fish as anglers using heavier 'traditional' lake rods, and sometimes I've been catching more, sepecially when fish are feeding on midges - and I've been having more fun too. This rod is a cannon, disguised as a slingshot!

Customer Service

I have never had to use it, but the knowledge that I have a good warranty means that I'm never hesitant to use the rod.

Similar Products Used:

G Loomis GLX 5 weight, Sage XP 590, Sage RPL+ 590-4, Hardy split cane 4 weight (I think).

OVERALL
RATING
5
VALUE
RATING
5
Showing 1-7 of 7  

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