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Field Test
I've been using the XLS for over a year
now, comments from clients and those who have purchased one have all been
very positive.
Construction;
66 MSI pre preg 100% graphite
Computer modeled taper designs
Graphite helical core for hoop strength
Silicon carbide stripper guides
Titanium coated single foot snake
guides
Titanium coated maple burl reel seat
Initially when you first pick it up
you'll notice how beautifully made they are, how light they feel and the
slim profile. If you haven't used a CD rod before, other features are the
size of the guides used, a little larger, particularly the tip guide which
aids casting but also helps knots slip through, so less tangles and
problems with leader knots catching. And the ferules are very streamlined,
not the usual built up ferule, all adding to that slim profile. The reel
seat is nicely finished in maple.
Feeling so light in the hand I was a
little dubious as to how strong it might be. I've seen other rods snap on
the strike, break at the ferules or break when over flexed. But there have
been no problems, it's held up, it's been put through it's paces and come
through with flying colours. The graphite is lightweight but it is
strong!! But having said that, you do need to treat them with care, they
are a precision tool and wont handle being mistreated.
Once you start casting it you'll find
it does lives up to all the hype!! Compared to it's predecessor, the GHR,
its action is faster and again the rod is noticeably lighter. The 66
graphite means as well as being lighter the rod has a faster recovery
rate, the time it takes to unload
A unique feature of the tip
construction is that it unloads as one, tightened loops,
making them more aerodynamic, meaning they'll slice there the air better,
giving more distance for the same amount of effort.
And the casting;
Accurate, precise presentations.
Loads smoothly and easily
Loads easily for short casts.
A noticeably tighter loop - Giving
clients the rod to try after watching them cast their own rods, there
was a noticeable difference in loop size, - so it not just a sales
pitch, it does make a difference. Also delivery of the fly was improved (Less dumping
of the fly heavily on the water, in fact you had to try to make
that happen)
Performs well into the wind
Overall it just has that feel about it
that says class, a purist's fly rod pure and simple. I don't think anyone
could be disappointed with this rod!! |
