Country Pleasures

Magic! Replacing what is quite possibly the most popular fast action fly rod in the world takes a lot of ... well, research and development. It also takes something so good you can confidently move forward without a backward glance. In short, it takes a fly rod with nearly magical properties."

The incredible new Z-Axis Series FAST ACTION RODS

So, how did we do it? How did we create a rod that’s significantly lighter, stronger and easier to cast for anglers of all skill levels? The answer, much to the marketing guys’ dismay, isn’t a simple buzzword or an easily described new material. In fact, the latest version of our Generation 5 (G5) Technology is defined by improvements across the entire rod-building process.

To start with, our exclusive analysis software helped us to better evaluate the performance requirements of every inch of rod blank, allowing us to eliminate all unnecessary material. At the same time, we made significant advances in our Aligned Fiber Technology, which, most significantly, replaces traditional glass hoop fibers with lighter, more responsive graphite. This, of course, required us to develop new construction techniques to align and compress these rods for maximum strength.

To take advantage of these developments, Jerry Siem went back to the drawing board (and out on the water) to create improved taper designs for each Z-Axis rod. The G5 process gave him an opportunity to reach previously unattainable levels of line feel, response and performance. It also allowed him to design rods that better fit the modern casting style, with the tip strength to bail you out on a missed stroke and the power to more easily punch flies into the wind. The result? An entirely new level of fishability.

But don’t just take our word for it. By all means, visit us and take the Z-Axis for a test spin. We think you’ll find it’s the lightest, longest-casting, most accurate fast action fly rod you’ve ever tried. It might not be magic, but it’s pretty darn close.