I'm looking to get a new 5 WT and to some degree have narrowed it down to the following two rods, Sage VXP and Orvis Recon, based on several factors including budget. I have read a lot of online reviews out there and they are mainly positive for both rods. I believe that Sage model is no longer in production and that it why it is on sale at different places. Not sure if getting a discontinued model matters or not. Of course the best case would be to go to a store and be able to cast both side by side and see what feels best to me. Other than that does anyone have any feedback they can share on either rods. Thanks in advance.

I bought the VXP on sale at Cabelas a couple months back . Got the 9' 5wt . Beautiful rod , came in a carry case . The carry case was like one of those that also has room for the reel also , not just the tube . http://www.sageflyfish.com/fly-fishing-gear/ballistic/ . Have not used it for fishing yet but I did do some practing by adding a Cabelas RLS Reel . Very light fast action rod . SAGE suggested to me to use RIO GRANDE WF 5/6 wt for best loading . Has same warranty as a new rod . It is discontinued and if you break it and they cannot repair you can upgrade with a upgrade price to a newer rod .

I've not handled a RECON by ORVIS but have read many excellent reviews on that rod . The rods by both SAGE and ORVIS are made in the USA but not their reels . Doesn't mean the reels are not good just saying not USA made . I went with SAGE because of price first and second is RedsFlyshop spoke highly of the VXP rod : http://redsflyshop.com/

I laso have the Cabelas RLS+Combo in 9' 5wt . An excellent combo , comes with carry case . That's one combo pack that prices fluctuate from $250.00 down to $139.00 at different times of the year . Right now it's $169.99 : Cabelas RLS+ Combo Just depends your preference . If I had the funds I'd have the Recon also . But I searched and read reviews myself for a couple months before I finalized my decision . My other choice was the Orvis Clearwater combo in 9' 5wt also : http://www.orvis.com/store/product.aspx?...subcat_id=44223

Let us know what you decide , the two you have chosen are great rods . Even tho I have not used my SAGE VXP yet just practicing with it I can tell I did not make a wrong choice . Hoping to use it this coming fall .

You can't go wrong with the Sage VXP. It's a med-fast, but not too fast. Good for smaller flies in the wind. I like the 5wt rio grand on it.

I love picking up "last year's" rods and other stuff from both Orvis and Sage. My opinion - they are both great rods - and the tweaks between models is usually so subtle - maybe Lefty Kreh would feel the difference but I sure as heck wouldn't. If the price differential is substantial I like the Sage. Just my thoughts.

I've contacted SAGE and they told me it's a Fast-Action rod and manufactured and advertised as a Fast-Action rod . I remember when you told me mine was med action and that's why I contacted SAGE . They said they will argue with you about it being a med-action rod . Regardless , I love mine !!

Thanks everyone for the feedback and suggestions! Well as luck would have it I found a never used Sage VXP 8'6" 5WT on Ebay for $275. That price is $70 cheaper than the sale price Cabelas has for the VXP and $150 less than the Orvis Recon. I went ahead and pulled the trigger as I figured at that price I could add a reel for the cost of just the Recon rod. As for reels I am now looking at the Cabela's RLS that was suggested as well as the Allen Trout II reel ( I have a Allen Kraken and really like it) but open to other suggestions that would pair well and be $200 or less. Will definitely go with the Rio Grand line. With some basic backing I can get the entire setup for just a little over $500.

Congratulations Charlie . look forward to a report what reel you end up with and how it fishes for you . I do know that the RLS+ reel by Cabelas is made in Korea but since I have one already and have used it for practice I must say it's a very nice economical reel ! Very smooth and the Rulon Disc Drag is very sweet . But I will admit there are many others out there just as good . The Lamson Guru II has been highly recommended , runs around $200.00 . Redington has some very nice reels and even Orvis has the Battenhill III for $119.99 or the Hydros SL III for $219.99 . Good luck !

BTW Charlie here is an interesting read about Flyreels that may interest you .

http://www.trout-fly-fishing.com/best-fly-reels.html

Thanks for link Ron, very good info. I ended up ordering a Ross CLA. I have one for my 3 WT and its a great reel. I guess they are discontinued as well so it was a little hard to find but I think it will pair up well. I'm going to Fort Collins over the labor day weekend and am excited about fishing the new setup.

That's great Charlie , I think you will totally enjoy it . Look forward to hearing how your trip turns out . Which Ross CLA did you finally get and do you have a link ? I'm still looking for a reel for my VXP rod .

Ron - I found some on Ebay but I ended up getting a CLA 2 off Amazon. Below is the link to the page.

https://www.amazon.com/Ross-CLA-Fly-Reel...ywords=Ross+CLA