Product Reviews

Product Review:  SAGE ZXL #5 Weight, 9'

Made By:  SAGE

Well my review of the SAGE ZXL has been a long time coming.  A little while back I wrote a blog post about trying to find the perfect #5 weight fly rod.  After trying several rods, including a Winston Boron IIX, an Orvis Helios, and the "budget" Sage Vantage, my two favorites were the SAGE Z-Axis and ZXL.  I understand the Z-Axis is SAGE's most popular rod.  In fact, it may be best selling fly rod of all time.  But, I instead chose the ZXL.  Well, I finally had a chance to take mine out on the water and I couldn't be happier with my choice.  Without question it is the best #5 weight fly rod...  for me. 

Product Review:   Simms Headwaters Mesh Fly Fishing Vest

Made By:  Simms

Over the years I have tried different ways of carrying gear on the water.  I have used a vest, a chest pack and a fanny pack.  I am always looking for the best and lightest way to carry my necessary fly fishing gear for a long day of fishing.  Recently, I decided to go back to the fly vest.  I wanted the most comfortable, durable, light weight, and functional fishing vest I could find.  Hands down the Simms Headwaters Mesh Vest is the way to go.

Product Review:  EZ-Zip Yellowstone Guide Waders

Made By:  Dan Bailey

Well, It was time to retire my old Simms waders.  I got them second hand and used them for nearly 10 years.  On the one hand, they were durable.  On the other hand, there was probably more aquaseal than gortex on the waders in their last couple of seasons on the water.  As good to me as they were, I decided I'd had enough of damp, cold legs and feet.  Now, normally I would bite the bullet and throw down for another pair of Simms waders, but I'd been hearing and reading about some folks being pretty happy with the Dan Bailey waders.  At a fraction of the price, I figured it was worth a test of my own.  The good folks at Dan Bailey sent me my pair of the EZ-Zip Guide Waders a couple months back and I just couldn't get away to go fly fishing until this past weekend.

Product Review: Litespeed Hard Alox Reel

Made By:  Waterworks-Lamson

I was looking for the perfect reel to put onto my new 5 weight Sage ZXL rod.  I knew I wanted a durable, large arbor reel.  I didn't want a budget reel, but I didn't want it to cost an arm an a leg either.  Finally, I wanted to keep it light.  I narrowed down my list to a couple of reels and opted for the Lamson Litespeed.  I could not be happier.  In fact, "love" may be the perfect word to describe how I feel about this reel.