I’ve found a A2X locally (new), for a great price. Problem is.. They only have a 7 and 9wt no 8s. 8 is what I wanted, but I guess it’s 6:1, 1/2dzn to another.
So I reckon it boils down to line choice.
I have a 9wt SA Grand Slam I can use. Which I’m assuming Would be a good choice for the 9wt?
Or I have a true to weight 8wt Cortland All purpose.
And a Monic 8wt bonefish line. Would either of these be good choices for the 7wt?
I’m really trying to pinch pennies here especially if I’m buying new and would prefer to use something I have on hand as opposed to dropping another 100+ on new lines.
This rod would basically be my go to inshore Redfish/Trout ect.. So everything from sight casting tailers to blind casting grass lines.
I would start with the lightest 8 line you have, which I’m guessing is the Cortland AP. It might do pretty good. Sometimes you just never know until you try.
Well the issue is.
Do I buy the 7 or the 9wt.
I know it’s kinda putting the cart before the horse, I was just hoping some of the 2x owners would chime in.
I use a 6wt A2X for all my red fishing unless its blowing over 20. I think a 7 would definitely be better than the 9 for most scenarios on trout and reds
I’m sure the shop will let you bring your reel/line and try the reel before you buy as well? And I think it should be easy to find a lightly used 7wt line to put on it for well under 100 if the 8 does not work
I just picked up the 7wt 2x a few months ago. Lined it with a SA Redfish line I had forgotten about. It’s my favorite rod in the 2x series by far. It’ll handle a standard weight 8wt line no problem.
I would do the 7. 9 is a pretty big stick so unless you’re targetting the bigguns or are fishing in really windy condition, I’d go 7. Its a fast stick so will probalby feel like an 8 anyway
In all seriousness, I’d go 7. I have a 7 Payload and its a hefty 7 and its my favorite rod if I’m going to be doing a lot of casting, and it throws into the wind pretty darn good with a GS line.
I had posted in that other forum that will go unnamed a while back that the x2 with a SA Grandslam was my favorite rod I have ever cast. It was my buddy’s in a 9 wt. He just happened to be sponsored by TFO and SA. But that is irrelevant to me in this instance. I could care less about that it honestly is the best I personally have experienced. I have had an old Safe XP 9 wt underlined with a 8 line for a decade or more. I really love it but it’s getting really tired. I have a few janky repairs of breaks. And all the the guides need new wraps. But that X2 is the only thing I have found to replace it. And most of my friends are fly enthusiasts so I get to try a lot of rods out. It’s definitely going to be in my quiver very soon.
If I could only have one combo that is it
The 9wt, would give you more options, I use the 9wt in a lot of conditions, it is accurate and easy to be gentle with it. I have one set up to throw shrimp gurgs or gently drop a crab, so it’s rigged with a mono leader. It’s a mid flex Orvis TLS, My go to rod for big snook or large reds, a 9wt Hydros. The 9 is perfect rod, the 7 is great but is affected by wind a heck of a lot more.
If I have to decide between 2 rod weights, I tend to go heavier. It’s not very difficult to make a line land softly if you’re technique is good and the 9 IMHO is a super versatile rod. I use a 9 for bones, permit, reds, and snook. I used to love 8 wts (I have more than I care to admit) but the 9 has supplanted the 8 as my lighter rod choice these days. For me, I’d have both the 9 and the 7 if I had my druthers. Then add an 11 for big fish…and maybe a 10 for still days for big fish. But I digress…
