[jimsand]

Now that the new SA XLT lines are starting to come out, I was going to pick up one. I have a sage 7141. I've been using a 7/8 midspey since I bought the rod. This was the recommendation from Rio. On a good day, I can put the belly off the tip and shoot the rest of the line with a single spey.
Rio rec. a 6/7 with an accelerator with this rod. Because of the increased belly length with the SA and concommitant increased grain weight past the tip, I was leaning toward the 6/7 rather than the 7/8 with the SA. Any thoughts would be appreciated. Thanks.

jims

 

[Rick J]

SA Line Option

Not sure the action of the rod you have. I have the Scott 1287 and have cast the SA prototype 7/8 and it is awesome. Unless the rod is relatively slow, I think I would opt to match the line to the first of two wt listings (ie - 7/8 vs 6/7)

 

[fisshman26]

I think you would be better off with the 8/9 xlt on that rod as it is quite stiff as I recall from the spey clave.

 

[jimsand]

Thanks for the info guys. It's too bad I can't test drive one before buying....but. I think I'll post after I've casted it a little. Haven't seen too many comments since the clave.
Jims

 

[juro]

I think you will be able to test drive one depending on availability to us from S/A. We are scheduled to get one of each weight for this purpose. You won't be able to hang on to it too long but will have plenty of time to decide whether it's the match you are looking for or not. I'll keep you posted!

BTW - if you can already cast like that why switch?

 

[jimsand]

Juro,

That'd be great. I've been interested in the lines since there was talk on the board months ago. As for switching lines, the mid spey has tips. On my other rods I usually carry at least two spools, one floater and one or more tip systems. I've been waiting to buy a straight floater until these lines came out. I liked the idea of the longer belly. I'll keep the mid spey for when I use the sink tips.
By the way, I ain't that great a caster. Only on a good day can I get that sucker to straigten out. Just looking for that extra 10' to reach way out to the steelhead that arent' there usually. Thanks,
Jims

 

[fisshman26]

The Flyshop is now offering demo lines so you could check there. But you wont have to look far as I know the 8/9 XLT will work on your rod, I have tried it and know that is the line, the 7/8 would be to light and the 9/10 to heavy and the 8/9 just right.
As for juro asking why change, I guess he only fishes with one fly also, cuz you know, Why change?

 

[doublespey]

Do it Yourself!

A few thoughts -

If you like what you're using, then you probably don't need another line (unless you feel obligated to spend more money to support the flyfishing industry:devil: )

Never accept another's line (and wt) recommendation when you can try one for yourself and see if YOU like it!!! Doesn't matter if Joe Super-Speycaster can cast it into the next galaxy. Don't be fooled by a flashy sales pitch.

There's always someone out there trying to make you feel inadequate. Your rod isn't big enough, belly isn't long enough, loop isn't sharp enough, waders aren't tight enough (oops - sorry :hehe: ). But they're not the ones who will spend hours in a rushing river fishing this setup - YOU ARE!! Decide what you like and get out there fishing.

Happy Casting!

DS

 

[JDJones]

Line Chart

There is a compatability chart for the XLT lines posted on The Fly Shop's web page www.flyfishusa.com According to the chart, the 7/8 gets two X's (highly recommended) for the 7141.
But what the hell, if you can get a demo line to try before you buy, then by all means go for it.

 

[fredaevans]

To sharpen up Jim's post above.

http://www.flyfishusa.com/lines/mastery-xlt-compatability.html
Chart is obviously set up to be expanded as the lines above/below the 8/9 XLT become available.
fe

 

[Dana]

couldn't agree more with doublespey's post!

I've looked over the XLT chart, read the comments on the 7141 above, and have now cast the 8/9 XLT (final version) and 9/10 XLT (prototype) on 8 rods by 5 different manufacturers, rods rated 9/10 through 10/12. I did not find that the line weights and rod weights matched at all. In almost every case I found that I liked the line/rod combination best when a lighter line weight was used. For example, the 8/9 XLT cast best on the rods rated 10/11 (on the 9/10 rod I tried the 8/9 line seemed to be badly overloading the rod when I started working the entire belly and I was afraid I was risking blank failure so I stepped up to the 10/11 rods and found for me the right match); I found the 9/10 line slowed most of the 10/11 rods down to the point where I did not enjoy casting them, and I will be surprised if I like the 10/11 lines on these rods if I already didn't enjoy the 9/10 line. These rods certainly were able to cast the 9/10 line, I just didn't enjoy casting the combination as much as the lighter line. The 9/10 line was a better choice for the rod rated 10/12.

When you look at Simon's charts for RIO he factors in the "feel" a caster prefers, and generally a caster who prefers a faster "tippier" feel will select a lighter line (a 9/10 line as opposed to a 10/11 line for a 10/11 rod, for example). I think the same thing is happening here. The XLT chart recommends the 7/8 for the 7141; Bruce prefers the 8/9; based on my recent experiments with the heavier lines, I might prefer the 6/7 on this rod (but won't know until I try it). I think an important question that doesn't seem to be addressed on the XLT chart is "how much line are we working with in making these recommendations?" And of course an angler's personal preference must be factored in here as well. It would make sense that the heavier line might be a better match for a rod if the expectation is that less than the entire belly is being lifted and cast, while perhaps a lighter line would be the choice for anglers who will be using the line at maximum range.

I think doublespey's point is well-taken: it is best to use any recommendation as a starting place, and if you can try the lines out for yourself to see what you prefer.

 

[fisshman26]

Dana, just wondering what the # is of the 9/10 proto that you have.

 

[Dana]

not sure, Bruce, but I'm told that the one I have is undergoing final refinement before release, so I believe it is the most recent.

 

[fredaevans]

Last two SA XLT's appear to now be available.

Don't know the volume that have been manufactured for distribution, but got an e mail from Mark B from the Fly Fishing Shop in Welches, OR (see his add above/or on the spey clave 'click' to the left) saying he's shipped me the two new lines yesterday.

Time to strip off some older lines and get my self emotionally prepared for "new goodies." Actually darn glad their coming as the water flow has really been reduced on the upper Rogue. Have hooked 5 or 6 kings using a 9wt dry line, but this is pretty underpowered (rod wise) for fish kicking in at 20-30#. Only landed two and they were both hooked in what is flat/slower 'traditional' dry line water.

Read that: I had somewhere to run with the buggers.

Fred