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 .