The XLS flyrods sit at the top of the Composite Developments range. Their 4 piece construction includes the use of a helical wind on the inside of the blank increasing hoop strength and nullifying the need to have ferrule wraps at the joins of the rod. By eliminating the need to use ferrule wraps the XLS’ weight is further reduced and flex enhanced helping reduce angler fatigue. Ferrule wraps also inhibit rod flex and can reduce the power transmitted from the fly-fisherman to the line giving the XLS more power for those long casts (learn more about Composite Developments blanks). Only the best materials are used in the XLS with up to 66msi (highest in the market) graphite used in the construction of the blank. The striper guides are all silicon carbide and the snake guides and reel seat are titanium coated. As with all the new generation Composite Developments fly rods you get a 5 year unconditional warranty and a new generation Rod Tube. All new generation XLS fly rods come with a free spare tip section so if you break your tip while out on the water you can keep fishing. The acclaimed XLS won “Best Product” award at the 2004 London EFFTEX show and has many people raving about it’s performance. At $999 RRP the XLS was named one of the top 3 value for money fly rods on the market. Rod Rage – Flylife Magazine Spring 2007.
Some feedback from professional guides on the XLS rod series;
Read Casey Craven's XLS #4 review
“If you are thinking of a new fly rod or upgrading, I would definitely recommend CD's XLS. It has plenty of backbone for rolling heavy tungsten beads or punching a dry into the dreaded nor-wester. Finally I have found my perfect rod!"
Greg Dougherty, Alpine Fishing Guides
“As a professional fishing guide in Taupo you need a fly rod for all occasions, one that can take the knocks yet deliver a fly with accuracy and doesn't cost the earth. . From large browns and rainbows to sight fishing in the tropics CD's XLS is my choice.”
Brett Cameron, Central Plateau Fishing
“With the low clear river conditions at the moment, I thought it was a good opportunity to test out my new Composite Developments XLS six weight rod. The two clients I had were very experienced anglers and in three days of fishing we gave the rod a good work out. The rod preformed extremely well and in our opinion the rod is one of the nicest we have ever used.”
Graham Dean, Graham Dean Fly Fishing
“I have been using my XLS # 6 night fishing the winter shoreline area’s on the Rotorua Lakes. The XLS has quickly destroyed the performance I thought I had with my previous set up in all regards including cast-ability which is awesome as my old set up was of heavier line weight. So add to that the superb sensitivity of the XLS which is so important when fishing at night when it all comes down to feel and you have a seriously potent night fishing tool. The XLS #6 is by far the best rod I have used and a real testament to the New Zealand designers and Manufactures.”
Blair Watson, Trout NZ
“When I first used this rod on my local river the Ohinimuri I was amazed at the weight of the rod while still delivering me bottom end rod strength to play good size fish – Later fishing my 5 weight XLS rod in the 2005 Oceania Championships I won the session with 7 fish including a 7 lb brown trout, 620mm long. This rod had given me the confidence to present both small dries and cast weighted tungsten nymphs with ease. I have also purchased the XLS in a 10 foot 6 weight and it is a fantastic rod with top end casting performance and handles the lunkers. I would recommend XLS rods to any angler to fish New Zealand waters both backcountry streams through to lakes.”
Rob Vaz, Mainstream Fly Fishing NZ
