That's good to hear, I just ordered one. I have the bvk also. From reading the 2018 shootout data online the bvk beat the Axiom 2 in every category except 30ft. And I had read a few forums saying it wasn't good past 60ft. I guess I will find out soon enough. But, reading that stuff had me wondering...If the bvk is so much better why does the Axiom 2 cost more? Sure, it does come with a case apparently.
First of all, my compliments to an extremely precise review of these TFO models, and by far the most comprehensive I have seen. I have not been down to the Bahamas for a few years, but will be heading down to Swains Cay on Andros in late April, 2024, and was looking for a 10 weight rod for windy days and perhaps a shot at an early season Permit or Tarpon. The last time I was there I used a Sage Xi2 10 weight and was not at all happy with the rod based on my casting style - for me, just way too stiff and beast-like. By contrast, I love most of the Scott saltwater tapers and your fine review convinced me that I would be much happier with an Axiom II in a 10 weight rod. I'm planning to move to Florida in the next few years and will probably be looking at the newer Mangrove Coast for the backwaters there. Again, many thanks for your great work.
Thanks for your comment! The situation is fluid when it comes to fly rods, and especially coming out of the pandemic. There are other options now, and they are improvements. I am especially fond of the SAGE Maverick. Who knows what's next?! If you have never felt the Thomas & Thomas Sextant? That is one fine rod as well. These price points are completely out of control now though.
Understand you’ve moved on to Sage, however, I was so impressed with this video that I went ahead and purchased an Axiom II, 8wt. My one question would be in the case for Texas and LA. inland Marsh tailing redfish fly fishing what brand and type of fly line and leader would you recommend for a beginner to intermediate.
Well I am still very sentimental about those TFO rods! Especially since the TFO supply chain seems to be holding up! Lines? I like a Rio Redfish line - warm and cold. I’m starting to warm up to Rio Bonefish for spookier fish (carp in my case). You can move up to the Rio Flats Core Pro lines ($$$) where I run the full float and their clear sink tip. That tip is hard to see though! I do he’s a lot more follows with that clear tip though. All this said, fly lines have hit a peak in most areas of their design in my opinion. I’d like to see more durable long lasting coatings for sure.
Excellent review! Just wanted to get your opinion on rod and weight. I’m looking for a bass rod for here in Colorado as well as Florida. Is there a rod/wt you would suggest that could cover both areas and fish?
Whoa. Florida bass can be beasts. Colorado bass? Is there such a thing? Kidding Kidding! If you ask about Colorado, I'd say a 6wt, maybe optimistic 7. If you asked about Florida? I'd say a hard 8. Let me throw in the confusion of a newer version of the AXII, that at least "looks" saltier than the original AXII. For all I know, it is just a different color.I have not tried it and probably won't. But that's another story ...
Great video! In your point of view axion II would bring a beginner a little more forgiveness to mistakes trough the process of learning to cast? Better than basics kits like NXT? Actually I'm coming back to fly fishing 2-3 years after my first attempt with an orvis and redington basic kits (clearwater and crosswater).
The Axiom II is a more "beastly" rod than NXT - they are so different. The AXII is a lot faster rod and speed forgives for sure ... and you know it's almost triple the cost. This answer also depends on what fish you will be chasing after you have gained casting competence. There's little crossover between a bass rod and a trout rod.
I'm from Brazil and the plans are going for the peacock basses ans eventually golden dorados. Not the giant ones at the beginning, but medium size from 1-4 Kg. I know it's much more expensive, but investing more to get a better and more adequate rod is my idea. Now I'm trying to find out what rod would best fit my needs with a a decent quality.
I’ve made the shift to Sage since this video. I have casted the 2X and it is another great rod! Has been around for awhile now but pandemic slowed new design development and hurt supplies for all brands.
I still have not put my finger on exactly what makes this rod so good, but DANG! It may just be it matches my casting stroke so well. I know I don't have to work nearly as hard to get it where I want it - near and mid distances. I need a new fly line though, and that is an important choice as well.
Someone recommended that I try the Bermuda Triangle Taper line and so far I'd say it was good advice. I was very close to dropping big bucks on a new rod and thankfully I gave the new TFO a try. I've wasted too much money experimenting with different lines and rods over the past few years.
I've got a TFO signature series ll 5wt I use for large bluegill and small bass down here along the mobile tensaw delta but I've recently gotten a chance to relocate for work to Quebec Canada for 3 months this fall and I'am thinking about picking up this Axiom ll before I leave to target some nice trout/salmon while in Canada. Do you think this would be a good choice?
@@andrewwilliamson3676 Well The AXII is a smooth action with a lot of guts. I use the 8 on carp up to 8-pounds and it handles them well. I really say rods need to compliment your casting stroke more than anything else. It does NOT feel anything like a broomstick as some Sage saltwater rods can feel, so I think it is a good crossover rod ... multi-functional.
I love my mangrove in a 8 weight and 10 lefty was the one that turn me on to them years ago he was amazing I lived and fished the east coast of Florida for 26 yrs that was how I met lefty and got into fly fishing I miss fly fishing tarpon on a sup paddle board
Hey Jon. No I have not. While I still love my Axiom II, I am afraid I am no longer working with TFO, and now working with Sage. That said, it seems like there is always something better, and it's just out of my reach. In a perfect world I would be throwing Winston and / or the G Loomis fly rods every single day! Thanks for watching!
Texas Fly Caster those are a bit out of my price range. I’m looking under 400 for an 8wt for smallmouth/largemouth. Any suggestions? I hear sage may be coming out with something new here soon? Thanks for the videos buddy!
@@jonmiller6320 Yes, the new year brings new offerings from Sage.www.sageflyfish.com/product/saltwater/maverick but it breaks your budget / mine too for now!
@@jonmiller6320 I have been taking a look at this fly shop as a model of how things can be done to help those of us on an actual budget - www.stillwaterflyshop.com/ Let me know what you think.
Had the AX2 on the salt this past weekend. Finally needed distance and 85-feet was no problem whatsoever. Good, very good.
That's good to hear, I just ordered one. I have the bvk also. From reading the 2018 shootout data online the bvk beat the Axiom 2 in every category except 30ft. And I had read a few forums saying it wasn't good past 60ft. I guess I will find out soon enough. But, reading that stuff had me wondering...If the bvk is so much better why does the Axiom 2 cost more? Sure, it does come with a case apparently.
First of all, my compliments to an extremely precise review of these TFO models, and by far the most comprehensive I have seen. I have not been down to the Bahamas for a few years, but will be heading down to Swains Cay on Andros in late April, 2024, and was looking for a 10 weight rod for windy days and perhaps a shot at an early season Permit or Tarpon. The last time I was there I used a Sage Xi2 10 weight and was not at all happy with the rod based on my casting style - for me, just way too stiff and beast-like. By contrast, I love most of the Scott saltwater tapers and your fine review convinced me that I would be much happier with an Axiom II in a 10 weight rod. I'm planning to move to Florida in the next few years and will probably be looking at the newer Mangrove Coast for the backwaters there. Again, many thanks for your great work.
Thanks for your comment! The situation is fluid when it comes to fly rods, and especially coming out of the pandemic. There are other options now, and they are improvements. I am especially fond of the SAGE Maverick. Who knows what's next?! If you have never felt the Thomas & Thomas Sextant? That is one fine rod as well. These price points are completely out of control now though.
Understand you’ve moved on to Sage, however, I was so impressed with this video that I went ahead and purchased an Axiom II, 8wt. My one question would be in the case for Texas and LA. inland Marsh tailing redfish fly fishing what brand and type of fly line and leader would you recommend for a beginner to intermediate.
Well I am still very sentimental about those TFO rods! Especially since the TFO supply chain seems to be holding up! Lines? I like a Rio Redfish line - warm and cold. I’m starting to warm up to Rio Bonefish for spookier fish (carp in my case). You can move up to the Rio Flats Core Pro lines ($$$) where I run the full float and their clear sink tip. That tip is hard to see though! I do he’s a lot more follows with that clear tip though. All this said, fly lines have hit a peak in most areas of their design in my opinion. I’d like to see more durable long lasting coatings for sure.
Excellent review! Just wanted to get your opinion on rod and weight. I’m looking for a bass rod for here in Colorado as well as Florida. Is there a rod/wt you would suggest that could cover both areas and fish?
Whoa. Florida bass can be beasts. Colorado bass? Is there such a thing? Kidding Kidding! If you ask about Colorado, I'd say a 6wt, maybe optimistic 7. If you asked about Florida? I'd say a hard 8. Let me throw in the confusion of a newer version of the AXII, that at least "looks" saltier than the original AXII. For all I know, it is just a different color.I have not tried it and probably won't. But that's another story ...
Great video!
In your point of view axion II would bring a beginner a little more forgiveness to mistakes trough the process of learning to cast? Better than basics kits like NXT?
Actually I'm coming back to fly fishing 2-3 years after my first attempt with an orvis and redington basic kits (clearwater and crosswater).
The Axiom II is a more "beastly" rod than NXT - they are so different. The AXII is a lot faster rod and speed forgives for sure ... and you know it's almost triple the cost. This answer also depends on what fish you will be chasing after you have gained casting competence. There's little crossover between a bass rod and a trout rod.
I'm from Brazil and the plans are going for the peacock basses ans eventually golden dorados. Not the giant ones at the beginning, but medium size from 1-4 Kg.
I know it's much more expensive, but investing more to get a better and more adequate rod is my idea. Now I'm trying to find out what rod would best fit my needs with a a decent quality.
Absolutely the Axiom II. No doubt at all.
How about another video including the axiom iix ? Great review
I’ve made the shift to Sage since this video. I have casted the 2X and it is another great rod! Has been around for awhile now but pandemic slowed new design development and hurt supplies for all brands.
I picked up the Axiom 2 8wt and it's a keeper for sure.
I still have not put my finger on exactly what makes this rod so good, but DANG! It may just be it matches my casting stroke so well. I know I don't have to work nearly as hard to get it where I want it - near and mid distances. I need a new fly line though, and that is an important choice as well.
Someone recommended that I try the Bermuda Triangle Taper line and so far I'd say it was good advice. I was very close to dropping big bucks on a new rod and thankfully I gave the new TFO a try. I've wasted too much money experimenting with different lines and rods over the past few years.
Jamie Nichols yeah. I have a few rods that, strangely enough, seem to be too fast for me now. Strange.
Did you oversize your line on the axiom 2? I have the 8wt and use 9wt lines, new to fly fishing so just curious
No. I use saltwater lines and they are already 1/2 weight over.
@@Texasflycaster thanks, in made the mistake of oversizing my lines on my 8wt and I think its hindering my casting ability
I've got a TFO signature series ll 5wt I use for large bluegill and small bass down here along the mobile tensaw delta but I've recently gotten a chance to relocate for work to Quebec Canada for 3 months this fall and I'am thinking about picking up this Axiom ll before I leave to target some nice trout/salmon while in Canada. Do you think this would be a good choice?
looking to pick it up in an 8wt***
@@andrewwilliamson3676 Well The AXII is a smooth action with a lot of guts. I use the 8 on carp up to 8-pounds and it handles them well. I really say rods need to compliment your casting stroke more than anything else. It does NOT feel anything like a broomstick as some Sage saltwater rods can feel, so I think it is a good crossover rod ... multi-functional.
I love my mangrove in a 8 weight and 10 lefty was the one that turn me on to them years ago he was amazing I lived and fished the east coast of Florida for 26 yrs that was how I met lefty and got into fly fishing I miss fly fishing tarpon on a sup paddle board
Have you tried the axiom 2 X yet? Im kinda torn between the two
Hey Jon. No I have not. While I still love my Axiom II, I am afraid I am no longer working with TFO, and now working with Sage. That said, it seems like there is always something better, and it's just out of my reach. In a perfect world I would be throwing Winston and / or the G Loomis fly rods every single day! Thanks for watching!
Texas Fly Caster those are a bit out of my price range. I’m looking under 400 for an 8wt for smallmouth/largemouth. Any suggestions? I hear sage may be coming out with something new here soon? Thanks for the videos buddy!
Jon Miller yeah they sure are pricey
@@jonmiller6320 Yes, the new year brings new offerings from Sage.www.sageflyfish.com/product/saltwater/maverick but it breaks your budget / mine too for now!
@@jonmiller6320 I have been taking a look at this fly shop as a model of how things can be done to help those of us on an actual budget - www.stillwaterflyshop.com/ Let me know what you think.
B