ZX4-PRO 395CM GEN 1.5

GEN 1.5 Changes for the ZX4-PRO

In the spirit of continuous improvement, Rob and I have made a few subtle changes to the GEN 1 ZX4-PRO. First of all, we have eliminated the epoxy bead at the top of the butt section on the rod. This feature was originally intended as an aesthetic element and also to provide limited protection to this part of the rod. After working the numbers, we believe the weight savings, as minimal as they may be, warrant the removal of this feature for the ZX4-PRO GEN 1.5. This gives us a cleaner and lighter transition to the nose cap. Secondly, we have improved our graphics process and have eliminated a coat of epoxy over the rod decal. Again, we are shaving weight in any way possible to lean up the overall design of the rod. We have also changed our logo work for the GEN 1.5 to give you all some fresh art for the newest version of the rod. Lastly, we have added a new color scheme- the White on Black is now available in addition to the very popular Fiery Orange, Black and Iron Grey options. Although it might not seem like a lot on paper, continuous improvement is something that Rob and I both strive for here at Riverworks and we will continue to improve the ZX4-PRO design for as long as we offer the rod. I think you all will be pleased with the subtle changes we have made.  

The Riverworks ZX4-PRO is the result of 4 long years of testing and development by Rob and Jeff to bring you the finest Tactical Nymphing Rod on the market. The ZX4-PRO was designed specifically for nymphing, it is not an existing rod design that was retrofitted with a new label and dubbed "our new nymphing rod". This rod was designed from step one to be a dedicated nymphing tool.  The greatest attribute of the ZX4-PRO is to provide the user the ability to deliver small nymphing rigs on ultralight line setups. Without a doubt, this rod gives you the opportunity for tactical advantage when fishing nymphs with a fixed line rod. As far as the action, we wanted the ZX4 to be able to emulate all the positive attributes of the ZX3 with some pretty important design improvements. 

 Longer Reach

At a full 35cm (approximately 13") longer than its predecessor the ZX3, the ZX4-PRO allows for longer, continuous drifts in the strike zone. This added length also allows for more precise casts at greater distance with longer line setups. For Rob, this length of a blank represents the "sweet spot" in achieving all his goals for the perfect, high performance Tactical Nymphing rod. 

Added Leverage

Whenever you add length to a blank, and you are able to maintain the same power balance (overall blank strength) as the ZX3, you are able to put more heat on fighting fish. Increasing blank length allows for additional stress to be distributed to the power curve of a blank. This was the toughest challenge in the design process, because as we wanted more length and thus more leverage, we wanted the blank to maintain a similar flex index to the ZX3. We have achieved this with the ZX4-PRO. 

Lighter Overall Weight

Early on in the design process for the ZX4-PRO, one thing we didn't want to do was to add a bunch of weight to the new rod with the additional length. We are happy to report that not only is the ZX4 extremely light, but by reducing the amount of finish on the blank, it is even lighter than the ZX3. Coming in at 3.30 ounces, the ZX4 is a full .35 oz lighter than the ZX3 360CM rod. It is a huge bonus for us as rod designers, and it speaks volumes about how blank technology has improved over the 4 years since we first starting toying with the idea of building this rod. 

Conclusions

If you are serious about Tactical Nymphing, and you want the best available rod to maximize your time on the water, the ZX4-PRO is your rod. If you are already using weighted nymphs with a Tenkara Rod, or another rod that is not designed solely for that purpose, you will notice an incredible difference with a rod that was designed strictly to excel at fishing with weighted nymphs. For most of our customers, this is such a noticeable difference they will not fish with bead head nymphs unless they are using a rod built especially for Tactical Nymphing. 

We use the term PRO in the title for the ZX4 because this is not a beginner's rod. It is however a rod that a beginner can grow into as his/her skills improve. Will the ZX4 PRO turn you into a "professional nymph fisherman" -- no. But it can transform the way you are able to present and cast weighted nymphs, and it will improve your ability to fight large fish in the most challenging conditions. 

Rob and I both wholeheartedly agree that there is not a better option on the market for fishing with weighted nymphs. The ZX-4 PRO 395 is the ultimate high performance rod for Tactical Nymphing. Period.  

All our rods come with the classic ZX, handmade carbon fiber grip (manufactured in the RRC shop in Signal Mountain, TN), Machined Aluminum Black Anodized Hardware (made and finished in the USA), and a high quality plastic shipping tube. 

Rod Blanks are Manufactured by Tanuki Tenkara

Blanks designed and tested by Riverworks Rod Co.

ROD SPECS 

LENGTH          395CM (13')

WEIGHT          3.30 OZ (94 Grams)

MATERIAL      Japanese Toray 40T Carbon Fiber Cloth with nano resin system

GRIP                American 4K Biaxial Carbon Fiber Sleeve with WestMarine Epoxy              

                          Poly/Carbon (7lb density) Core.  

ACTION         Fast Action Butt Section, Medium-Fast Mid-Section and Tip

Note: Due to the fact that all our rods are made to order, standard orders can take 30-45 days to complete.  

ALL SALE RODS WILL NOT SHIP WITH A ROD BAG.

THE NEW RIVERWORKS X-PAC ROD BAG WILL BE SHIPPED SEPARATELY ON December 30, 2023