7136 Zaxis owners: need help....

[mcsquidly]

I have bee using my old, brown 7136 as my goto summer rod for the last 12 years. It wasnt until a float down the D with some other guys that I got a chance to cast some newer rods. My goodness how rods have evolved over the years!!!!!

I have always known that my rod was a bit noodly, but when you were in the zone with its tempo it was a sweet caster. This being said it shortcommings give me pause. (wind, picking, foregiveness..)

Hmmmm, maybe I will look at a new rod?

Can anyone comment on the newer versions? What full floater are you guys using? anyone using a power spey line?

TIA

[cphatts]

I did a float a couple weeks ago with some friends and got to cast the Z Axis 7136, and also a Winston Boron and Meiser MKS. The 7136 was loaded with both a Vision Ace and also an Airflo Compact Skagit ( not sure how many grains). I really liked the 7136 and would have no hestitation buying one however I think it depends on what type of fishing you mainly do. I liked the Winston and MKS a little better for heavy tip work as I had an easier time on the intial lift with those two rods whereas the I had to work a little more to get the tip out of the water with the 7136. Some of this could just be due to my unfamiliarity with the road as I only cast it for about 10 minutes. Either way, its definately a great rod and I don't think you could go wrong with it.

I have bee using my old, brown 7136 as my goto summer rod for the last 12 years. It wasnt until a float down the D with some other guys that I got a chance to cast some newer rods. My goodness how rods have evolved over the years!!!!!

I have always known that my rod was a bit noodly, but when you were in the zone with its tempo it was a sweet caster. This being said it shortcommings give me pause. (wind, picking, foregiveness..)

Hmmmm, maybe I will look at a new rod?

Can anyone comment on the newer versions? What full floater are you guys using? anyone using a power spey line?

TIA

[Slow and Low]

I don't see any improvement between the the traditional 7136 and the new z-axis 7136. I own and have fished for 5 years the 7136. I demo'd the z-axis last year and the vt2 when I sent the winston in for warranty work.

A lot is personal style, brand loyalty, ect. The 7136 remains the same with moderate progressive action, which is what a lot of guys actually like. Less is more when casting. Lifting big tips can be a bummer.

I prefer the winstons and t&t's for the shear speed and strength in a lightweight shorter package. But I also prefer to single spey and find it difficult to get a good lift with the slower rods. I have not fished the Mike Kinney Series but have a highlander 11'7" that I absolutely love.

My advice is buy a new rod you've fished this one long enough. Keep the 7136 there will be some things you miss about it. Fish everything before making your next purchase because based on style each rod is different for each person. Call Bob Meiser and se if he will send you some rods to demo.

[SSPey]

I find that the new Z 7136 is a refined version of the old 7136, not radically different, but definitely different. In the scheme of things, it is still a pretty soft rod, but the newer version is lighter, has a slightly stiffer butt, and recovers (dampens) faster giving more line speed. If you really like the original 7136, then you'll probably like the newer Z version.

[jaxflyfish]

My story is similar. I fished a Sage Light Line for years and years and finally broke down last year and bought a VT2.

It took a bit of adjustment in my casting and I had a few rough days but honestly.....my light line hasn't been out of the rod tube since.....

[mcsquidly]

Good to here you guys.

I have a Triangle taper on it now and use this rod exclusively for light dry line work. I have no intention of using tips.

I am just looking for a replacement that is the same length because I like fishing long bellies but would like something with a little more authoritative.

Any thoughts on some rods to look at?

[SSPey]

I replaced my 7136 some years ago with a CND Solstice 13'4" 7 wt (6/7/8). This rod is also touchy-feely like the 7136, at least when compared to much faster rods like the T&T and Winston BIIx. It doesn't like to be pushed, but it definitely has more authority than the 7136. I handles long lines well, with a full-flex action and a decently strong tip.

a few other rods rated for 7 wt (like the Dec Hogan, or TFO Deer Creek) also have a nice groovy full-flex with authority, but they're also leaning a bit towards 8 wts. These less expensive rods are extremely capable, but weigh a bit more than some high end rods because of the lower modulus graphite - excellent sticks nonetheless.

the Winston 7133 which is much-loved has an action totally unlike the 7136. It will handle longer lines if called upon, but really shines with shooting heads. WIth longer lines, it takes more caster input to get the stiff butt section into play - something that makes it feel totally different from the 7136. Also, if a really long line is carried, the soft tip on this rod protests a bit and requires that the caster take care. It is a great rod, but completely unlike the 7136.

I could go on and on ...

[mcsquidly]

SSspey,

I think you have a good sense about where I am comming from. I do want a rod with a good groovy full flex to handle the long bellies but with more authority than my current 7136, while maintaining a light in the hand feel of a true 7 wt.

My buddy (Bigfatrod) has a TT 1733 (I think) and like you say it is the complete opposite end of the spectrum from my noodle stick.

My hope is that I can find a stick that is at the same end of spectrum as what I have, yet with a noticably stronger bottom end. Maybe the zaxis is it? I need to cast the CND.

What about the Burkheimer 7 wt?

[SSPey]

Burkie 7133-3; I struggle with longer lines on this rod. It flexes through the blank nicely, but is pretty stiff throughout as well (a 7/8 wt), and recovers so darn fast that it is hard to work with longer lines. I have tried very hard to like this rod, and it is a great stick, but best in my hands with shorter lines.

Kerry has a 13'2" 7 wt (4 pc) in his mind's eye right now, one that I hope will fit the bill. No telling when it will be ready.

the Solstice 13'4" 7 wt feels a tiny bit heavier in the hand than the 7136 - that's the price paid of getting more power. The graphite is very high modulus, which helps - and has spigot ferrules. The rod has "swing weight" so that it flexes when just swinging it around. There is a stronger brother to this rod - specialist North Fork 13'3" 8 wt has a notably stiffer butt - but it is an 8 wt

The faster action rods with light tips and stiff butts (like T&T and BIIx) will always feel lighter in the hand than these full-flex rods with strong tips. Its just a different vibe. I own and fish both fast and slow rods ... depending on my mood and river's conditions. I'm currently having a Sage Euro 6126 (close to 7 wt) extended to 13' by the Burkie boys ... hoping this will scratch my itch for a while.

I'd really recommend to try the Z-axis and CND rods, if you've got a love for that groove. Both have stronger butts than the old 7136 brownie

[mcsquidly]

SSPey,

Have you wiggled the Burkie 12'7" 7wt? I know that Kerry has alot of 7wts in which to choose from, which do you think is the closest to what I am looking for?

I only live 3 miles from his shop maybe I should take a few rods down to the Shoug and put a bend in them....then again maybe not!!

last time I did this I ended up commisioning a 9143 with some special work on the reel seat to fit a 4" perfect. Of course I took it deep, real deep, but I love that rod for winter fish and big rivers.

[SSPey]

I tried the final 2 prototypes of the 7127 ... the week before Kerry started from scratch and redid ALL the prototypes to get to the current model. Regardless of where he ultimately landed, he was positioning 7127 as more of a scandi action for shooting heads - that's certainly a fair description of the 2 protos that I tried. I don't think he intended these to be cast with anything longer than a short head line (50-55'), and that's as long as I tried. It handled them extremely well ... the rod's action is more akin to the Winston. Softer tip and stronger butt

you may wish to ask Kerry about his 7137 (?) - 3 piece. This is an older full flexing design with a flex like the Sage 7136

his 7125 .... AWESOME rod - fulling flexing, firms up in the handle, and doesn't mind being pushed. if it was 13-13'4" long, I'd be all over this one

[mcsquidly]

Ok, lots to choose from. Now I am getting confused.

Does Kerry have a "4 piece 13' whatever" with an action similar to the 7125? A rod that can be pushed, will handle the 60' heads but is not a scandi rod? A rod that feels light in the hand like my old sage?

I need to cast these rods with a 6/7 midspey, power spey and maybe even a airflo.

Maybe I am asking the wrong question in my search.

Maybe the questions should be....."which Burkie is best suited to cast the mid spey, long delta, and power spey?

[SSPey]

the rod you are looking for is the 7132-4 ... but it doesn't exist yet. I've discussed this rod with Kerry a few times, and the parameters you describe are what I'm looking for. He's got it high on his list to develop, but it doesn't exist yet.

[mcsquidly]

Ok, I think thats the rod.

Knowing how much I paid for my other Burkie I would hate to purchase a rod and try and make it "work".

So, is it fair to ask when such a rod would actually go into production?

I am in no rush.


What about the 14'1". Is it a 3 or 4 piece? Where does it fall?

[chromeseeker]

Might I suggest something in the Lamiglas line, say, a 1256? Not a high-falutin' rod and an oldie, but proven on big BC steelies. :wink:

CS

[mcsquidly]

CS,
I was wondering when you were going to weigh in.

One contingent, The rods reel seat must allow for a prewar Hardy Perfect brass reel seat,..... in all its massiveness!

Most, if not all, off the shelf rods do not "hunt"!! I am depressed.

[chromeseeker]

I neglected to consider the reel seat of the pre-war Hardy's in all their glorious massiveness when considering your needs. And after a "tall pour" margarita and several glasses of wine, my mind really isn't any clearer.

Sounds like your best option is the Burkie-in-production rod with a custom made reel seat which cofigures nicely to your Hardy.

Kerry crafts a pretty nice stick.

Now, back to the wine....

CS