Sage TCX review

OK, so I think I've had enough time fishing my 9' 5wt Sage TCX to write a few comments. When I first starting using it I liked it although it was tough to say because I was always battling frozen guides. That makes getting a feel for it a little tough!
I was on the river yesterday and decided I needed to give my opinion for what it's worth.
Throughout the summer and into fall I've fished it with everything from sz20 blue wings to #6 clousers to a nymph rig with long leader and weight. I have to say that I am very impressed with the rod. I really believe that this could be the one rod you have in your arsenal for western rivers and it would perform great.
It loads and throws line great. It has a fast action but it really feels delicate when fishing the smaller top water bugs. I typically fish Winston rods when I am fishing small dry's because I love the soft feeling. Where this rod performs better is when conditions are less than ideal. Compared to a softer slower rod, the TCX is able to do the job when the wind is in your face. It's light in the hand (I have a 4550 reel on the rod) so you can cast all day to the finicky fish all day and not get the tight shoulder, other than the concentration cramps I always get in my neck.
When you need to switch over to the nymph rig and add some weight, it handles it with ease. I've probably fished the TCX with a long leader and weight more than any other set up and have been very happy. Again the feel of the rod is great and you can mend and sense the most subtle eats. Come winter fishing, that is very important when the fish aren't quite as aggressive. The butt section is more than capable to handle some larger trout when you do get hooked up. I have landed some larger fish (22" is the largest that I've actually put the tape to) and it performed great.
I have fished some streamers with it just to see how it would handle some larger, heavier bugs and this is where it may have some downside. I liked it when I fished #6 unweighted buggers but when I went to a double bunny rig it felt a little sloppy when I got very much line out. But for an all around rod it is great.
If you were to ask me "what one rod would you take on your trip to any western river"? I would suggest this rod without hesitation. I have a couple of rods that I always seem to go back to when I just take one rod on a trip. I am going to be taking my TCX with me on any trip from now on.
You can't go wrong with the Sage TCX. It isn't cheap, but I believe it's a rod that you can keep for the rest of your life and not be disappointed. Will something better come along? I'm sure at some point it may, but the TCX will always be a great rod.
Looking to buy something good? Try the Sage TCX, I think you'll agree with me.