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[Ed]

The Xi2 was made from my knowledge for saltwater use. The Zaxis on the other hand is a newer rod replacing the old XP rods.  If a fisher splits saltewater fishing and freshwater fishing 50/50 then which rod would YOU prefer?

[Xgolfman]

Fished my z axis in the salt and it did OK,....but if I was going to be fishing salt mostly I would go with the salt rod..

[mastercaster]

I sure like my Xi2 for the salt and I thought it worked great on the Columbia R. as well.  It has a fighting butt on it which is great for fighting larger fish as well as keeping your reel out of the sand or off the gravel/rocks when standing the rod upright.  Not sure if the Z axis has a fighting butt??
Maybe someone like G-man can let you know that since he owns one.

[Ed]

Yeah from what i've seen both rods are very good making it very difficult to choose which one to purchase.

[Chrome Mykiss]

Ed,
What weight rod are you thinking of purchasing?

I have had a 6wt Xi2 for two years now, and use it everywhere. I initially bought it for chucking big indicators with long leaders on wind blown interior lakes for big trout. However,  I use it all over the place from fishing big dries/nymph rigs on big rivers to beach fishing for coho/pinks. My 690 Xi2 is definitely the most versatile fly rod I have ever owned and used.

I haven't had a chance to cast any of the new Z axis rods yet, but have waved them around a bit in the store and at shows. They feel very light in the hand and more faster than a Xi2. I have casted several XP's which have found that they are fast and load easily. I found that the Xi2 has lots of reserved power when your using the double haul, meaning it won't buckle under the most aggressive hauling and can really shoot line.

It's a tough call between the two. If your going to be strictly fishing lots of weighted flies, nymph rigs and shooting head type lines, than I would go with the Xi2. If your going for a more multi-purpose rod, thats able to fish both delicate presentations and long casts when needed, than go with the Z axis. The Z axis is available with the fighting butt and full well handles from 6wts and higher.

[Jamison Jay]

Chrome mykiss has a good review of the rods. I've casted both of the rods and the Xi2 is the faster rod. The Z-axis is a more progressive action rod, and is more versitile. It's going to come down to personal casting style and what you like. I'd give the boys at M&Y a call in surrey and see if they have both in stock, I know they have a few versions of the Z-axis in a 6wt.

Both rods can cast a mile

[Ed]

Yeah after talking with some people at Sea Run tackle,  i think I am going to go for the z axis. Thinking of the 896 in case i ever visit my gf's family in Panama again. Saw some big peacock bass and snook fishing.

Thanks for the review of the 2 products Chrome! they were great help. I have a coworker that  owns a xi2 and loves it. But personally for my taste I like the more flexable tip from the z axis.