I have an 8 wt. Love the action but the tip sure seems fragile. I think I've snapped the tip six times.
Thought about selling it a few times but I've caught some of the greatest fish of my fly fishing life on that rod so it has some sentimental value lol
I’ve got a 6 wt and it’s a thing of beauty. Only had it a couple of weeks so I can’t say anything about it’s durability, but it checks out on all other fronts.
I get to go cast one next week. As for longevity my outings are a couple times a month so hopefully it keeps up well for me. Has anyone been able to compare this rod to the motive?
I have a 6wt SALT. I have been using it fish the sound for 6 months it can shoot line, I have not had durability issues been out about 10 times. The fish bro's at my local shop like it more than the HD.
I have an 8wt and have only snapped the rod tip twice. Once was with Nick so I'll blame him for that one. The other one was....strange and not while fishing. I like it a lot, although I have not compared it to other high end 8wts. I got it for half price when it first came out. For that price, I didn't think it was worth cross shopping. I also have a 6wt Xi3 (predecessor to the Salt) and I am very fond of it.
I've fished the Salts in 6 and 8. No durability issues on my end and I caught many bonefish on both rods. Great lifting power and seemed to be built very well.
I've since sold both. They are good but I preferred other rods more. I'd rate them as B minus rods or upper-middle of the pack.
I chose the Sage Xi3 and Scott Radian over the 6 weight salt and I chose the Sage X over the 8 weight Salt if you were wondering. It comes down to personal preference- I use 8 weights and 6 weights the most and have cast a ton of them side by side.
I have the 6wt salt on my boat and probably have guided 150+ days with it. I would say of the modern rods I have fished its one of the toughest as far as durability. It's light, powerful, and super responsive. I am a huge fan of the Salt HD over the Salt however I have heard an argument the other way more than once. I do love the fact that you can not over power the Salt in a casting stroke, and most casters can find the sweet spot real quickly. I believe you would be very happy with it.
I agree with XP, the Salt can lift an amazing amount of line off the water and it is a smooth shooter (caster). My experience is from a couple hours with it, as with some other newer rods. I liked the Salt over the X in 8 weight, thought the X was kinda soft and didn't get a great load feel from it. For me, the Radian blows the X out of the water in 5-6 weights. (not that it has anything to do with what you asked)
I own the Xi3 in a 6, which I find to be an easy rod to cast all day. I know the Salt is on close out prices, but since your considering that amount of $$$$ you might want to try a couple others out there too. You can find some practically new Meridians, NRX's, GLX's, etc at fly shops that have been returned after a single trip, they are returned by favored clients who for one reason or another didn't like the rod. And of course there is an auction site too....good luck
You can find some practically new Meridians, NRX's, GLX's, etc at fly shops that have been returned after a single trip, they are returned by favored clients who for one reason or another didn't like the rod.
I have an 8 wt. Love the action but the tip sure seems fragile. I think I've snapped the tip six times.
Thought about selling it a few times but I've caught some of the greatest fish of my fly fishing life on that rod so it has some sentimental value lol
Dat be many fly shops.....ask? you ever notice how many fly shops sell used but practically new fly rods on daz E-site? Client returns/exchange type program....you can be like that hommie, Tom Shane, and cut out the middle man, Man! Just askz!
It is how I acquired one of my sage sticks a decade or so ago. Client returned a couple rods he bought a couple weeks previous for a trip. He did not like the rods and exchanged or returned. Supposedly he was a good client/patron. They were going to put on eBay but he offered me 40% off retail. I bought one/w warranty card, thing was practically new. And goes to show.....test cast before you buy.....unfortunately I don’t have the clout like that client, or dough !
They were going to put on eBay but he offered me 40% off retail. I bought one/w warranty card, thing was practically new. And goes to show.....test cast before you buy.....unfortunately I don't have the clout like that client, or dough !
All seriousness it doesn’t hurt to ask your local fly shops. Probably not a common occurrence, but have seen other rods available to (walk-ins) under same type scenarios. Eventually they sell in shop or end up on eBay.
But then again if I was throwing a 8 weight line which was actually an 8.5 or 9 one would think I would feel the rod load easier. It felt empty to me... I think the X is simply not my kinda rod.
Sorry I pulled this away from topic. Back to the Salt...I like the blue better than the Black Spruce!
I have a Salt 9wt and like it quite well. Paired with a RIO Redfish winter line and the thing is pure fun to fish and it can put a hurting on the fish. I recently got a new 10 wt in the SaltHD. I love that rod and think the HDs are really top notch. Getting an 12wt SaltHD soon.
Ended up purchasing the Salt 5wt at a 40% discount and throwing on a Lamson speedster I bought on the forum classifieds. All I have to say is wow... what an upgrade from my diamondback 5wt with a behemoth reel. It casts like a dream and feels great. I can't wait to get out and chase some fish this week. Thank you for everyone's input! Now on to the next stick for the quiver
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