Sage xi2 7wt vs. 8wt

[clouserfly]

Hi flyfishers,

I have a question about these two rods. Can somebody describe the difference between the 7wt and the 8wt.

I casted the 8wt and it seems to me a fast rod, with backbone. Line was 8WF, in real a 9WF.
I want to use it most in freshwater (europe), or for european seatrout in saltwater. Flies are small and middle clousers, poppers, gurglers. For this I think a 7wt is enough.
Is there a blatant difference between 7 and 8, or is it just small?

thanks for informations.

[TightLines]

Clouserfly-

I would def. rock the 7 wt. I have the 8 wt. XI 2 for a salt rod and have caught large bones / reds on it without putting too much bend in it. I usually prefer throwing my buddies 7wt. XI 2 because it has a much softer feel to it. Unless the gamefish you are seeking are over 10-15lbs + with some serious fight in them I think you will be over powered with the 8wt. Some guides prefer overlining by 1 wt as well. For instance throwing the 8wt line on that 7wt. rod. My opinion would be 100% the 7 wt. when im fighting Reds on the Texas coast with my 8wt XI 2 I wish it was a 7wt. You will spook less fish with the lighter rod too.

[clouserfly]

Hello TightLines,

thank you for your answer. You're saying what I feeled about the 7wt.
There are rare fish about 15 lbs, expect a pike, but very rare (no big fighter)
The more soft action of the 7wt sounds better. So it will be the 7wt.

Best regards

[TightLines]

Good choice pards.