Line for Z-Axis 7136-4

[bamboo_fool]

OK - I searched the forum with the same criteria and found most posts to be two / three years old... We have had since a plethora of new lines on the market...

What is your favourite, current line for this rod?

For the Skagit Compact fans, 510 grain works for you? Which tips do you use? (Mow from Rio or the Versatip series?)
For the Delta Line fans, is the 6/7 bit too light? (as recommended by Airflo)

Rio lines?

any input is appreciated..

cheers,

Jimmy

[MJC]

The same amount of grains it took to load this rod (to a given person's liking) 2 to 3 years ago is what it takes now. With the exception of the Rio UniSpey not much else has come along. On paper the UniSpey 6/7 is only 5grns heavier then the Delta 6/7 so if the Delta 6/7 is to light the Uni will be as well. A Vector 7/8 will give you 25grns over a 6/7 Delta. I like the Delta 6/7 just fine on that rod.

Which tip you pick will have to do with your actual fishing situation. For 500/510 skagi head I'd pick the medium MOWs.

The 7136-4 Z rod is pretty sweet in my mind but since it's been discontinued there is not going to be a lot of new info on lining it. All that info will just barely get one in the ballpark on any account. Some time trying some various lines is the fastest way to get dialed in.

[Spey Rookie]

I use an Airflo Compact Skagit 510 and its perfect with 10 to 15 feet to T14. Sweet rod!!

[SSPey]

this is one of those rods that can work with a very wide range of lines, so it is really advisable to get your hands on several (very different) weight lines to see what you like best. For my tastes, I'd go heavier than anything recommended above so far.

[aaron s.]

I think this rod has the biggest grain window of anything ever produced. I personally really like 625+ on it...

[bamboo_fool]

Thanks all for chipping in - I live in the Detroit area where there is only one decent fly shop just opened up a couple of months ago.

They don't have an assortment of lines (or Spey rods) to try out, hence my posting here.

cheers,

Jimmy

[notellem creek]

With the great service Poppy has give him a phone call and Im sure he will set you up with a couple lines to try out... I have a great fly shop by me but when it comes to Spey gear Poppy is the man!

[WkoutPtr]

I like a Rio Skagit Flight @ 525 gr and also like the RIO AFS @ 460 gr. Recently, I have started using a 510 gr AirFlo Skagit Switch. With some minor adjustments to casting technique, I have found the Skagit Switch to cast better in a wider variety of conditions.

[raspberry-patch]

The line that I use is a Ballistic Express 470gr + Tips for Scandi. This is my steelie goto.

If Skagit I agree with the Airflo 510, but for a Delta Spey, I was leaning heavier than those recommended, but I have not confirmed as this as my choice-preference. The 6/7 is not wrong, but it may not have been the right one for me.

[bamboo_fool]

I think I'd try the Skagit Compact 510-Grain and I'd like to couple it with an Intermediate tip from Rio.

Which line weight would you use? I see the 75 & 85-grain intermediate tips.. would it really make any difference at all?

cheers

Jimmy

[bamboo_fool]

The recommended lines are 510-grain and the 470-grain Delta 6/7, which obviously there is a difference in Grain weight..

would the 7/8 Delta at 530-grain be more sensible?

I am simply looking for your input... I know there isn't right or wrong for a particular rod / line combo...

cheers,

Jimmy

[Chargedubrock]

I've been using the Guideline Dual Density Powertapers in the 8/9 weight on this rod. Loads pretty deep, and flies!

Also been fiddeling with the Loop Adapted system in the 8/9 weight. Also works well.

Have yet to try Skagit on it, but I hvae a 525 grain Rio Skagit for my 8 weight switch that I will give a roll.

[Speybstrd]

Jimmy-
While it's not in Detroit, theres a shop here in Traverse City that has a full set of Airflow skagit compacts just for this purpose. Your screen info says "Ausable" so I thought you might find it convenient. They are not sponsors here so I will not violate the rule and link them. PM me if you are interested in the info. You can hit the river right by the shop to check them out.

Otherwise, call Poppy at The Redshed. He da man.

[raspberry-patch]

Originally Posted by bamboo_fool

would the 7/8 Delta at 530-grain be more sensible?

To each there own, but as I noted before, I was preferring the heavier Delta (7/8). But this reflects my skill and perference.

In the single hand world, I have 5wt rods that work better with 6-7 (loomis) and others than manage 3-5wt (scott). One bamboo that handles Courtland DT5 taper lovely, but hates the RIO Trout WF5; and with the DT5 I can cast large deer-hair poppers for bass, swing lady-carolines for trout sulking in a pool and size 18 stimulators for trout sipping the top, as I can adjust my cast to make it work.

I am no-where as accomplish with a two-hand rod, but I learnt, some rods can have large grain window and the fit is personal.

I think that is why there is so many people buying-selling lines on this board. Trying to learn what works for them.

The advise to get to a shop (or a guide-instructor). I had an instructor who is (was) also a technical support rep for Airflo and we were able to play with some lines.

[chuck650]

I use an Airflo Compact 540 Skagit and a Vision Scandi cut to 450