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Adams XTZ - Feel The Difference. Yes, you can feel the difference with these nymph rods. The XTZ's innovative handle, made from strong, ultra-light carbon fibre, amplifies the smallest vibrations of the sensitive rod blank, so you can better detect gentle takes and control the drift of your nymph.
Adams Fly Rods come from Spain and have been developed there for several years by passionate fly fishers and nymph fishermen. The experienced minds behind Adams know exactly what demanding nymph fishermen need and have trimmed their rods from A to Z for functionality and fishability - without losing sight of a modern design.
The XTZ is the latest member of the Adams Family - and a very special one. Because this rod is different from all other nymph rods on the current market. Its most striking feature: handle and spacer on both rod models are made of carbon rather than cork. This is not only visually very appealing, but also has a great advantage, especially for Euro nymphing. This is because this tightline technique places the highest value on sensitivity and subtlety in the entire setup. Small nymphs and thin, long leaders are used. Special lines with a minimum diameter are used. And the rods are also designed so that the finest bites can be felt in the best possible way. And it is precisely here that the XTZ handle made of carbon has the edge over classic cork handles. It is way ahead! Because the braided carbon fibres are extremely strong and amplify all vibrations (e.g. bites) that emanate from the blank. In contrast, conventional cork absorbs these vibrations, which means that a lot of feeling is lost from the take to your rod hand. The bottom line is that the carbon grip means that you can feel the cautious touch of a fish even better and convert more bites on the stream and river. And you also have much more control when following the drift of the nymph.
Feel The Difference - The carbon handle amplifies vibrations in the blank
We are very excited about this courageous step of the rod makers from Adams! The carbon handle and spacer not only fit perfectly into the black design of the XTZ, but are also functional. And that is what counts for a fly rod. The ergonomic handle fits perfectly in the hand, is much lighter than cork and has a good grip even when wet. We were able to convince ourselves of this during Trout fishing at the end of the season and especially during winter Grayling fishing. With an 18mm nymph on a 10mm leader, maximum sensitivity is essential. Especially as the Grayling only pick up the nymph very, very gently due to the low water temperatures. This is where the new type of carbon handle has been able to demonstrate its full strength.
And at the latest since these winter days in search of the 'Lady of the Stream', we are certain: we won't give this rod away again! And this despite the fact that the XTZ is only offered in class #2. But this decision was also made quite consciously. Because only the tip section of the XTZ corresponds to a typical line class #2. The butt section, on the other hand, is much stronger and can therefore provide the necessary power for the fight. So with the XTZ 10.6 ft. #2, we had no problems at all in gently and quickly fighting Brown Trout beyond the 60cm mark and Grayling over 50cm - and landing them safely. In our opinion, the Adams XTZ combines sensitivity and power in perfect balance and is therefore a first-class choice for all nymphing experts - and for all those who want to become one.
Small nymphs, thin leaders - Winter fishing for Grayling
But also the other features of the Adams XTZ show that a lot of knowledge and expertise from the field of modern nymph fishing has gone into it. Each component has been specifically selected for the construction of the rod and contributes to the overall performance of the XTZ and supports effective nymph fishing.
XTZ Blank
XTZ rods come in two different lengths, 10 ft. and 10.6 ft. in the #2 class with a medium-fast action. With 'X-TorZion Technology', Adams rod builders are able to produce thinner, stiffer and lighter blanks than ever before. This innovative technology combines 6 separate ultra-thin layers of high modulus Japanese nano-carbon material, applied at varying 45 degree angles to neutralise torque and increase rod performance. The main features of the XTZ are increased sensitivity, reactivity and perfect balance. The blank has a consistent but very fast tip recovery force with a crisp backbone. The tip section has enough stiffness for very controlled hook setting, while the amazing amount of rod flex protects the lightest tippets, even when very big fish are at the other end of the line.
In developing the rod, the benefits of 'X-TorZion technology' were applied to a range of rod blanks and in the end a 'medium fast action' blank was chosen. A deep-bending blank that allows the angler to present even very small, light nymphs effortlessly, with control and finesse. Absolute hardcore Euro Nymph specialists will benefit from the XTZ blank's unpolished 'spiral wrap finish' as 'mono rigs' are less likely to stick to the blank in rainy conditions.
Reel Seat and Fighting Butt
Like all other Adams nymph rods, the XTZ has been fitted with a downlocking reel seat to achieve a perfect balance between reel and rod. The CNC machined 6061-T6 aluminium reel seat is manufactured by ALPS Rod Components. ALPS has long been known for its innovative high-end quality products. The reel seat features CFX composite carbon fibre, which has the same finish and properties as the carbon handle. Adams has designed the Fighting Butt to provide extra comfort and act as a counterweight when dribbling a fish. With extra mass added to the Fighting Butt, it was paramount to reduce the weight of another important component: The rod rings.
Perfect balance - Loop Opti Dry Fly and Einarsson 3+ on the XTZ
The Rod Rings (11+1)
XTZ rods use ultra-light single-foot Recoil guides with Black Pearl PVD finish. The lightest and most durable guides on the market. Recoil guides are made from a special, extremely durable and smooth nickel-titanium alloy. The inherent physical properties of recoil guides include extremely low weight, which is critical to building an overall lightweight tip section. The much lower swing weight results in a faster recoil force and therefore less contraflex for optimum casting accuracy. The Adams XTZ uses ten Single Food Guides and one Snake Guide just below the tip ring to help the flying line and leader connection glide through the rings.
As the XTZ is a Euro Nymphing rod, the first ring has been placed only about 20 cm above the handle to reduce line snagging to a minimum. Due to the friction that occurs with stiff mono lines, Fuji SIC rings have been a gold standard in the industry for over 20 years and reduce abrasion to a minimum.
The most important details of the Adams XTZ at a glance:
- Medium Fast Action
- Innovative ergonomic handle made of carbon fibre braiding
- Carbon spacer with CFX composite carbon fibre
- Blank with X-TorZion technology
- CNC-machined 6061-T6 aluminium downlocking reel seat from ALPS
- Ultra-light single-foot Recoil Guides with Black Pearl PVD finish
- Snake Guide directly under the tip ring for better gliding of the fly line and leader through the rings
- 4-piece design
- Supplied in triangular Cordura carrying tube with shoulder strap
- 15 years manufacturer's warranty
After initial scepticism about the carbon handle, we are completely thrilled with the new Adams XTZ after our extensive tests on Trout and Grayling! This is where functionality, innovation and high-quality components come together. You notice immediately that these rods have been developed by nymph fishermen for nymph fishermen and we are very happy that the rod makers at Adams have found the courage to go new and different ways so that you can FEEL THE DIFFERENCE!
