PDA

View Full Version : Sage Z Axis 8129 Skagit Recommendation


jon88
03-20-2014, 09:56 PM
Hey guys,

This is my first post on this forum and I hope you guys can give me a hand on this one. I recently purchased a Sage Z Axis 8129 spey rod and I wanted to know, specifically from those of you who currently fish this rod, which skagit heads including brand and grain weight do you use? I'm aware that a lot of it has to do with personal preference, however considering I am a beginner in spey fishing and rio suggests a grain weight between 500 - 550 for skagit max while airflow suggests 600 for compact skagit is a bit confusing. I'll list what this rod is intended for. I currently live in Ontario and plan on using this rod on rivers such as the maitland and the saugeen, perhaps even the niagara river. I will be definitely using this rod on a trip I intend on doing out to the Skeena in the fall. I appreciate your time and help guys. I realize there are many searches out there but my intention is to "hopefully" condense this so that it fits my situation and I know you guys can guide me in the right direction. Again, thanks!

- Jon
Bill Kiene semi-retired
03-20-2014, 10:26 PM
http://www.kiene.com/forums/showthread.php?12730-Sage-Z-Axis-8129-4-review

Rio is always a little light on grain weight recommendations, especially for Skagit.

Read the review above from Spey expert and guide Jason Hartwick

Most 600 to 650 grain Skagit heads will work on that rod.

Some of our staff have owned and fished that rod.
Kneedeep
03-21-2014, 06:12 AM
Condensed version; contact Steve Godshall for your line and save yourself a ton of money and time.
stevegodshall@charter.net
Terry Thomas
03-21-2014, 08:01 AM
Have owned and fished that rod since it came out. One of the top Skagit rods out there, still! The Rio Skagit Short in 625 was the line. Now, with the new Rio Max Shorts I would drop to 600 grains. The connect core will load faster and take one line down on most applications.
jon88
03-21-2014, 01:41 PM
Have owned and fished that rod since it came out. One of the top Skagit rods out there, still! The Rio Skagit Short in 625 was the line. Now, with the new Rio Max Shorts I would drop to 600 grains. The connect core will load faster and take one line down on most applications.

Thanks for the replies guys! Terry would you recommend the 600 skagit max short instead of the 600 skagit max?
Terry Thomas
03-21-2014, 08:01 PM
Yes, go with the Max Short. I was put on the shorts a few years ago by some of the guides on the coast and in Alaska.
jon88
03-21-2014, 10:33 PM
Yes, go with the Max Short. I was put on the shorts a few years ago by some of the guides on the coast and in Alaska.

Terry, thanks a lot buddy. Which running line do you use? And can this setup cast 10' of t14 with ease?
Mark Kranhold
03-21-2014, 10:58 PM
I'm sure that beast could huck T-17 with your neighbors cat with ease!
jon88
03-21-2014, 11:36 PM
I'm sure that beast could huck T-17 with your neighbors cat with ease!

Hahaha nice
Terry Thomas
03-22-2014, 10:44 AM
Yes, it will take care of T-14. I would suggest the Rio Connect Core in .032.
jon88
03-22-2014, 06:06 PM
Yes, it will take care of T-14. I would suggest the Rio Connect Core in .032.

Thanks again Terry. I noticed Rio suggests the .037 for the connect core for the max short 600 grain wt. Both the .032 and the .037 are rated at 20lb breaking strength. Is there any reason why you suggest the .032? Is this for more distance/performance or just what you use?
Terry Thomas
03-23-2014, 09:05 AM
Both will work. The .037 is closer to the 600 gr line.