ORIGINAL: SilverKype

I hear the X axis isn't quite the rod the XP is.  I never casted one, can't say I will, at least with the intent of purchasing one.

 
 
 I got a chance to lawn cast an 9ft. 5wt. Z-Axis while in Buffalo.  
I can only compare it to my 9ft 5wt. XP which I brought with me.
The rest is a subjective analysis by a self taught, amateur caster.
 
The Z axis is lighter in weight and it was very noticeable when I picked it up and cast. The XP is light enough and to me, the Z Axis, actually felt too light. The reel that was on my rod was a bit heavier so that may be why there seemed to be such a difference in feel.
It's definitely a nice casting rod.
 At 30 ft. out it was comparable to the XP. Same stroke, different feel.  The Z-Axis was much better up close and the XP way better and less work at 40+ ft. 
For what its worth, being that I wasn't on the water, The Z did still seem to roll cast the line out better. Mends took less effort, too. 
 All in all, the Z is a lighter, more delicate XP. It's a little more versatile but it doesn't quite have the punch of the XP.