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Dave A 
Group: Members
Posts: 349
Joined: Jul. 2005
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Posted on: May 03 2012,22:36 |
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Hi Team
I'm looking at purchasing a 5wt ZXL. I have a choice of lengths 8', 8'6" and 9'.
Intended use is for fishing dry flies up to large (cicada) size and small/med size nymphs.
Casting distance will on average 25 to 50ft.
What rod length would be best?
Thanks in advance
Dave
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Dave A
I spend some of my life flyfishing - the rest I just waste!
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| Post Number: 2
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upstream
Group: Members
Posts: 1099
Joined: Jan. 2006
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Posted on: May 04 2012,11:26 |
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Hi Dave,
I'm a great fan of 8'6" for a 5wt. It just feels right for the type of water and conditions in which I would use a #5. But I have no experience of the ZXL in that configuration.
Cheers
Kevin
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| Post Number: 3
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fraser hocks
Group: Members
Posts: 562
Joined: Nov. 2010
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Posted on: May 04 2012,12:00 |
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Tough one to answer simply Dave. At 50' the 9' is defiantly going to be the best option (not to say the others wont cast that far), closer in around 25' id be going the 8'6" version for better accuracy. Id probably not be considering the 8' version. I love short small rods (iv got down to a 6'6" 3#), but I must say its rare to need a rod as short as 8' in NZ due to our clear open rivers and streams. Obviously for close hand to hand combat style streams they rock, but it doesn't sound like your chasing a rod for that?
The compromise you have to make is that the 9' wont be as acuate in closer by comparison to the 8'6", but at longer ranges the 8'6" wont throw the line as well. So I guess you have to ask yourself will you be fishing more to fish at 25' or more to fish at 50? If your willing to compromise on distance ability go the 8'6", if your distance casting needs some work or your going to be in the wind a lot go the 9' would be my advice, but that's just me, im sure others may have different opinions.
Hope that helps?
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The best things in life, arnt things.
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| Post Number: 4
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Tore
Group: Members
Posts: 885
Joined: Jul. 2006
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Posted on: May 04 2012,21:40 |
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I'm impressed with your knowledge of the ZXL's Fraser! For a man who doesn't like Sages... 
I happen to own the 586 ZXL, and I use it for smaller streams and close quarter fishing. That said it can cast a full line if need be (well....I can).
It's a superb combo with an Airflo Tactical 5wt line! It's a very sensitive rod. Quite tippy, light and with a narrow handle. And the good thing it's got the Struble nickel silver seat that all high end Sages SHOULD have.
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| Post Number: 5
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Johnno
Group: Members
Posts: 3381
Joined: Jul. 2005
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Posted on: May 04 2012,21:55 |
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And trout notice things like that!
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"I never understood the appeal of flyfishing Jim. It's too much like masturbation for me, without the payoff".
( Gabriel Shear - Swordfish )
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kiwitroutbum
Simon
Group: Members
Posts: 640
Joined: Nov. 2006
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Posted on: May 04 2012,22:32 |
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hi Dave
do you have any size rivers in mind or is it one size rod for all occasions?
do you intend fishing blind much?
Do you use long leaders or indicators?
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| Post Number: 7
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Dave A
Group: Members
Posts: 349
Joined: Jul. 2005
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Posted on: May 04 2012,23:18 |
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Si
QUOTE do you have any size rivers in mind or is it one size rod for all occasions?
I have med to small rivers in mind (to give you an idea, I would class the Rangitikei as big). I have a 6wt Z-Axis already so this would be more for summer/late autumn use.
QUOTE do you intend fishing blind much?
At least 95% of my fishing is blind (probably why SoS thinks I don't catch fish  )
QUOTE Do you use long leaders or indicators? Average leader length is 14-16ft and 95% of the time I use a small yarn indicator.
If you were to ask Mr Dore, I'm not a master caster
I think that's about it - whew 
Thanks
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Dave A
I spend some of my life flyfishing - the rest I just waste!
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| Post Number: 8
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| Post Number: 9
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kiwitroutbum
Simon
Group: Members
Posts: 640
Joined: Nov. 2006
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Posted on: May 05 2012,01:27 |
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If most of your big river fishing is with the 9ft 6 Z then maybe you'll enjoy the 8'6 5wt. I've owned it and its a nice rod. I've also fished the 9ft 5 and rate that rod. The ZXL is a nice series and probably suits me a little better with the more moderate action.
I tend to fish everywhere with a 9fter for the ease of mending and prefer it with long leaders too.
The danger for you if you get the 9fter is that you might not fish your Z 
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| Post Number: 10
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For a start not commenting on this thread was like quiting smoking....dam near impossable. But you ask for it so here we go..
Apparently throwing a whole line in a carpark is more important than presenting a fly to a fish?