Most of you probably know that Sage discontinued the SLT. Introduced in 2001, this model was a progressive taper and considered medium to medium-fast action.

This last year, Sage also replaced the XP, which was one of the most successful fly rods of all time. The model that replaced the XP is the Z-Axis.

Honestly, it was hard to believe that they could have improved on the XP. After casting the Z-Axis, I can tell you they did. This series blew me away. When you think you're pushing this rod, just keep on pushing, because it has a lot more to give. I was throwing all the line right out of the guides on the third cast. Accurate? Hell yes. Man, it is a bomb.

So what does this have to do with the ZXL (oops, I just gave away the secret before the show!)? Two letters. G5. That's G5 Technology, my friend. That's what powers the Z-Axis. It's also what's behind the replacement to the famous SLT.

I hope to sit down with Jerry Siem, Sage's rod design engineer, and get a better understanding of the engineering aspects of G5 Technology. Certainly, I already understand the most important aspect of it. It works. In just a few days, this will all be out and everyone will be talking about it. Some insiders already are.

I talked with Ray Schmidt, of Schmidt Outfitters, who had a chance to take one to the casting pond at his fly shop in Wellston, Michigan. Here is what Ray had to say,

"When Ben Hunting showed me the new ZXL, I was amazed at the beauty, I have never seen a rod that displayed such rich properties. This rod will make you feel good about owning one. This is truly an ultra light spring creek rod. I don't own one… yet."

Pictures and casting info will be posted here after I get back from the show. They are available in 3 through 6 weights, all 4 sections. In the mean time, read on..

What happens when cutting-edge Generation 5 (G5) Technology meets the silk-smooth action of our legendary SLT Series? As you might guess, an altogether unheard of level of performance and fishability comes to classic-action fly rods.

In other words, our new ZXL Series rods are significantly lighter, stronger and easier to cast for everyone who enjoys the relaxed casting rhythm of a progressive taper.

Through the miracle of our exclusive G5 process, we were able to remove every gram of unnecessary material from each rod blank and replace traditional glass hoop fibers with lighter, more responsive graphite.

In fishing terms, this means ZXL rods provide anglers with an incredibly high line feel and response, resulting in intuitively better casting.

On the water, ZXL rods are simply dreamy. The smooth, progressive action flexes down to the grip, making incredibly delicate presentations and reminding you to kick back, relax and enjoy.

All ZXL rods feature a narrower grip for increased comfort and feedback, slim-line nickel silver and rosewood reel seats, ultra-slender blanks and a deep “pomegranate” color.

Ready to experience life on the smooth side? Visit your nearest fly shop, test cast a ZXL and see how much fun it is to relax.

If you're in Michigan, go visit Schmidt Outfitters. Schmidt's is a Sage dealer that has been with them since the beginning. Schmidt's has a casting pond where you can cast all the new Sage rods. They also have the Sage Casting analyzer at the shop. You could also go right down to the Manistee River and tangle with some king salmon or steelhead with a new Sage rod in your hand. I hear the fish are swimming the river. Check out Schmidt's Sage ZXL rod department.