Has anyone got any experience of both of these rods, and how do they compare?
The reason I am asking is I currently use an XP but it is a two piece, and I am going to have to start leaving my tackle in my car before fishing so I want it all hidden in the boot but the two piece wont fit.
Initially I was looking for a four piece XP as I love mine but there is not much difference in price of the Z-Axis, so I was after experiences of them both.
I will be buying second hand as although I like Sage I cannot justify the price of new current models.
I am after a 9'6 #7

Cheers.

Hi,
I have both Z axis and XP rods.. 2 pc & 4pc.
My opinion is.. (ready to be shot down!)

The original 2pc XP, in my opinion, is better than the 4pc.
The 4pc doesn't feel as light and i prefer the casting feel of the 2pc. I say 'feel' because i dont think there is much difference in the action? Both are fast rods.
I agree its a pain for transporting and like you, this is why i went for 4pc as well.

The Z axis great but i really cannot find a single thing to say about the Z axis that makes it any better than the XP? (apart from the colour of the metal tube!.. I prefer that?!) The Z axis is still a great rod but it feels slightly heavier, less sensitive at a push, and for me, really doesnt improve on the original XP.

Whenever practical i always go back to the 2pc XP.

For practical reasons, if you have to get it in the boot, and you have to change from the 2pc XP, you will not be dissapointed in the XP 4pc or the z axis and i truly beleive its all down to whether you want a later model, different colour, etc... as i cannot find a performance reason for picking one over the other.? Lets see what the experts think.. Particularly the casting instructors?

Sorry that doesnt make it crystal clear but just sharing my thoughts

I'm no expert but I've tried a XP two and four piece 9'6''#7 and agree the two piece felt a better rod,where i do disagree though is about the Z-Axis being a heaver and less sensitive than the XP.I've tried a 9'6''#7 Z-Axis and own a 9'#7 again i agree with arjxh56 that theirs not much between them,but for me the Z Axis is the better rod as i find more forgiving than the XP and easier to cast teams of flies with.Again that's not much help just confusing the issue as opinions on rods are like bum holes in that everyone has got one

Neil

Two section XP's????

You lucky Dogs! Not sold here that I could ever tell. But the rod, the 4 bit, love it to bits. 95%+ of the time I'm tossing line off a two hander .. the other? A 7wt 10' XP.

Absolutely love that rod.

fae

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Thanks guys, I appreciate that everyone has there own opinions and that they will differ, but I always prefer real experiences than mag write ups.
I initially bought the two piece as when I tried them both I prefered the two piece, but couldn't tell you why.
I was wondering with the later technology in the Z-axis if the difference was less between the two and the four piece.
I guess there is not much in it either way, I'm not bothered if it is the latest and greatest model as rods don't become poor over night!

Don't think i made it clear in my post but I've tried 2 and 4pc Z-Axis in the past and didn't notice any real difference in action or weight.The difference between the XP's was more noticeable if that helps?,the biggest issue between the XP and Z-Axis IMO is deciding which to buy as their both great rods

Neil

I have both XP and Z Axis rods in 4 piece and love them. I would say that the ZA is not better than the XP overall, just a bit different in some areas.
XP is slightly slower, a bit less stiff, slightly heavier in the hand, but feels more sensitive with a fish on.
The ZA will cast just as far but with slightly less effort, and copes slightly better in a strong wind.
Both are superb rods to use and my favourites are XP 9ft 4wt, 10ft 5,6 and 7 weights. The ZA 9.5ft 5wt, 10ft 6wt, 10ft 7wt.

If pushed into keeping only one rod it would be the XP.
Cheers Diarmid.

Thanks Neil that's what I was wondering
Thanks Diarmid now I'm more confused

Cheers John