After introducing several Vision models from the Nymphmaniac series, let's move on to the top-range XO series dedicated to all fly fishing techniques. The first XO presented is a classic 9 '# 5 for dryfly fishing and sight fishing :
Static test :
With its unvarnished blank and its raw graphite, its black wraps and light touches of brown at the first piece, this rod is sober. The joints are spigot type. The top-quality components feature single-titanium Recoil nickel titanium guides and the AAA cork handle. The reel seat has a birch insert (and precisely in curly birch, a very hard Finnish birch variety). This 4-pieces rod is delivered in a metal tube and a cover.
Measurements :
The Common Cents System protocol was used to characterize the action, the power and the frequency of this rod :
Regarding the power, 46 cents were required to load the rod over a third of its total length, which gives after conversion an ERN of 5.79 and a #5/6 line power, just a little more than expected. With an AA of 67°, the action is fast (AA> 66°) but closed to the moderate fast action.
With a CCF at 86cpm, this is a very reactive rod.
Its BTW of 8oz reflects a great comfort regarding the length and power of this model.
Vision XO 9' #5
The opinion of Christian Bazan, FlyScène France / Belgium on the XO series :
"The XO rods are the result of 3 years of work by our product developers, our rods had never been so quality before the introduction of the XOs, so the challenge was great. The market offers so many rods as not to disappoint those who waited impatiently for these rods.The special action emanating from these blanks comes from the conjugation of nano-resin particles with different high modulus carbons. The action that comes from this carbon is enough to attract the attention of all enthusiasts. For the overall aesthetic, we wanted minimalist without neglecting the finishes. To do this, we have selected the best as REC guides and Portuguese AAA cork. At the dawn of its third year on the market and given the excitement generated by this high-end, I can announce that the XO family goes to be expanded in 2020 with 6 new references, and I invite you to follow us on our website or on social networks to discover them once they are officially available. "
... and on the 9 '# 5 medium in particular:
"The 9 '# 5 Medium, at first glance, seems quite rigid, which allows it to be very precise short and long distance, but once loaded with a line one can see immediately the softness of the rod. This is the ideal tool for dry and nymph fishing with long, thin leaders. "
The opinion of the editor :
With its reactivity (86cpm) and its relatively high power, this rod is intended especially for the research of large fish on dries or sight nymphing. The major interest of this model is its fast action, but close enough to the moderate fast category (AA at 67 °), as suggested by its name "9 '# 5 Medium". Thus, it is able to use relatively thin tippet and limit hook-off during the fight with big fish. Its sober look, but not austere, is classy and worthy of its rank, as is the comfort in fishing action. A reel of about 130 gr is enough to balance it perfectly ! The choice between the 9 '# 5 and the 9' # 5 Medium tested here will essentially be based on your personal taste in terms of fly rod action. Of course, we encourage you to test these two models to check the one that suits you best. These rods are guaranteed 10 years.
