TCX or Z-Axis ?...

[byron011]

Hi

I'm in the market for a new premium stillwater rod and would like to know is the Sage TCX too much gun for a novice to intermediate caster, I'm looking at the TCX for it's punching power as I go to Ireland once a year and nead a rod that deals well with seriously windy conditions and was told the TCX is the way to go but fear I dont have the skills to utilise this rods potetial.

What to do, what to do? Do I go TCX or for the much more forgiving Z-Axis? Please could somebody advise me on this purchase.

Tnx a mil
Byron

[Andre]

I have a TCR, 9wt, and I use it for salt water work. I wouldn't dream of using a TCR for trout, it is way to fast action, and won't protect light tippets. I thought I was a resonably good caster when i got it, but it took me a couple of years to get it working properly. I can't speak for the TCX, as I have never used one, but I hear it is a little more user friendly than the TCR.
If you are a novice or intermediate caster, don't but either. They are for the expert caster, and are extremely unforgiving.
Having said that, when you can get it going, no other rod can come close.
In UK and Ireland, they fish lakes for trout with really heavy tippets, so they can stand up to it, but here we fish stillwaters with 5 pound tippets, and thats too light for a TCR.
I think the Z-Axis might be a better rod for you, but you still need to be areasonably accomplished caster to get the best out of it. The way, the Z-Axis might not be quite as forgiving as you might imagine, iut's till arod for an experienced angler, regardless of what the marketing gumph says.

[byron011]

Hi Andre

Tnx a mil for your advice and the lake fishing advice in Ireland, this will be my 5th trip and first time fishing lakes as we usually fish the rivers and streams in Co Cork so any advice on fishing Lough Corrib will come in handy and is greatly appreciated. I will probably hire a Ghillie for the first 2 days and try suck up as much knowlege as possible which I hopefully too can pass on one day.

Tnx a Mil
Byron

[byron011]

Hey Andre

Me again, last week I purchased a ZXL from Fronteir this is when I was advised on the TCX for it's distance and wind punching abilities, the salesman recons the 590-4 TCX can turn over a 5x tippet is this more sales talk or can the rod actually achieve this?

Tnx again
Byron

[Michael]

Hey Andre

Me again, last week I purchased a ZXL from Fronteir this is when I was advised on the TCX for it's distance and wind punching abilities, the salesman recons the 590-4 TCX can turn over a 5x tippet is this more sales talk or can the rod actually achieve this?

Tnx again
Byron

Yes of course you can...you can use a TCX 7wt and turn over flies on 7X tippet if you are a good caster.
That's the key here...if you are a reasonably good caster the TCX will be a great rod for you.
Don't be fooled though...the Z-Axis can punch a line out in wind as well!! Again, if you are a reasonable caster the rod will work with you.
But yes, the TCX is a faster actioned rod, which means it loads and recovers faster than the Z-Axis, but will handle light tippets if required.

If I were you, I'd buy the TCX. It seems it will suit your needs as you describe them...and remember, don't worry if you are a novice caster now...as time goes by you will become better and better and then the TCX will really start working with you.

Otherwise what? You going to buy a piece of crap rod 'cos you can't cast so well...and only LATER buy a TCX as you get better at casting?? That's a waste of money anyway.
But it now, and it will motivate you to start casting better and better.
Maybe even go for a casting lesson or two. In fact, ask Frontier to throw in 2 casting lessons for FREE, if you buy the TCX from them. I'm sure they will be more than happy to oblige.

[gkieser]

My Daiwa osprey could turn over a 5x tippet.

I think he was having you on there - most 5wts should be able to turn over a 5x tippet, especially if it has Sage written on the side.

When fishing the Irish Loughs, you are mostly going to be in a boat with your back to the wind for most of the time so i don't think you should stress too much about punching into the wind. Ask Frontier if you can cast the rods, and then choose the one that feels best for you and gives you best results. They have representatives on this website so they should be able to say if that is possible (ie let you cast them).

I have not cast a TCX, but by it's reputation i would not expect a novice or intermediate caster to use it to it's full potential and will more than likely get frustrated using it. I have cast Andre's TCR a few times and it was too much cannon for me to handle.

For me personally, the Z-Axis is also a frustrating rod. I borrowed Andre's as i wanted to buy myself one, and took it for a days fishing. It casts incredibly well and can definitely handle strong winds without a problem. Although it cast so well, for me, it was not a rod that i had fun casting and fishing with. I have spoken to Andre about this and he disagrees with me. At the same time, I love the VXP and he Hates it. It is all down to your casting style as to what you might enjoy so you should really consider casting these rods.

Byron - it would be interesting to hear what fly rod you currently have, or if you have a few, which are your most and least favourite? That might give us an idea of which rod might suit you best?

[gkieser]

Just to add on the loughs - they usually fish it with longer rods (10ft mostly) and i would imagine they are usually 6wt, with a team of flies (usually 3) and don't usually cast very far. If you intend to do this type of fishing the tight loop of a very fast action rod might cause you endless frustration with the flies getting tangled on the cast, especially if you are not used to the rod.

As Mike says, you could grow into the TCX, but maybe that won't happen before you go on your trip. I would really recommend that you go with something you are comfortable with otherwise it could ruin your fishing time.

You should still be able to find a Premium Rod that suits you and you will love for a lifetime, but is a bit more forgiving.

[Michael]

Might be a good idea even to go cast all three rods...the TCX, the Z-Axis, and the VXP...and then see which one you like best. The Z-Axis and VXP just may surprise you.

[dlampert]

I agree with Grant, go and cast both of them and see which one suits your casting now. It doesn't make sense to buy a rod that you are going to battle to cast for the next two years until you get "good" enough. The Z-Axis is Sage's best selling rod of all time - I guess that must be for a reason - I think it is actually the best selling rod of all time regardless of brand.

I cast both the Z-Axis and TCX 5wt's and much preferred the Z-Axis and found it much easier to cast. The TCX felt like a broomstick to me and I could not feel when it was loading. Having said that I am not a particularly good caster. After casting both I ended up buying the 99 5wt - possibly a mistake as I think the Z-Axis would have been the better all round rod for me.

[gkieser]

I agree with Grant, go and cast both of them and see which one suits your casting now. It doesn't make sense to buy a rod that you are going to battle to cast for the next two years until you get "good" enough.

Yep - and Sage will have new models out by then.