SAGE R8 Technology - Premium Fly Rod
We don’t just fish for the fishing, we fish to feel it in our soul. Since SAGEs founding on the shores of Puget Sound, they have revolutionized graphite fly rod technology not once or twice, but seven times. The next revolution is coming, shaped by the fishing evolutions happening all around us—from habitats we stalk and waters we frequent, to the flies we fish and the diversity of species we now target. Emerging soon ... APRIL 2022
Classis R8 Fly Rod with Cigar Grip
Special Edition: Classic R8 Fly Rod with Cigar GripSensitive Action and Precision on the WaterWith the CLASSIC R8, SAGE has fully leaned into this characteristic and applied R8 Technology to a deep loading Moderate action, resulting in rod blanks that are astoundingly lightweight and soulful - perfect for fishing at calculated, measured tempos. Due to the fiber purity and resinapplications of Revolution 8 graphite, CLASSIC R8 rods retain fast recovery speeds and incredible overallst rength while offering an instinctive in-hand feel. This blend of a deep load and fast recovery results in a rod that maximizes smooth energy transfer and overall feel while achievingunprecedented line speed, control, and accuracy. Thanks to R8 materials, the CLASSIC R8 has revolutionized performance at a moderate action.Classic R8 Fly rod features:• Revolution 8 Technology• Sage Brown Blank Color• Chestnut Base Thread Wraps w/ Beige Trim Wraps• Super-Slick Chrome Snake Guides & Tip Top w/ SiC Stripper Guide• Custom Aluminum Up-Locking Reel Seat w/Extra-Figured Walnut Insert• Super-Plus Grade Cigar Grip Cork Handle - Rudi Heger Special• Black Rod Bag w/ Quick-Tie Cord Lock• Aluminum Rod Tube w/ Sage Medallion• 3 Weight - 5 WeightOVERVIEWFor those choosing to slow down their approach to the water, the CLASSIC R8 rods inspire this measured pace while fishing, allowing anglers to take in the surroundings and find the moments they seek. Due to the natural properties of Revolution 8 Technology, a perfect blend of deep load and fast recovery results in a rod that maximizes smooth energy transfer and overall feel while achieving unprecedented line speed, control, and accuracy. Thanks to R8 materials, the CLASSIC R8 has revolutionized performance at a Moderate action.PERSONALITYSuited to the more traditional angler with a slower casting stroke and more soulful approach to fly fishing. Presentations are often atshort to moderate distances.LINE SPEEDModerate line speeds and more open loop-shapes facilitate a lighter and more delicate presentation.APPLICATIONShort-moderate length presentations, average leader lengths, dry flies, soft hackles, light nymph and streamer rigs. Spring Creeks,Tailwaters, and other traditional trout fishing venuesSpecs of the Classic R8 Fly Rods:ModelLine ClassLengthHandlePartsWeightCLASSIC R8 386-43259 cm (8'6")Cigar cork grip463,8g (2 1/4oz)CLASSIC R8 486-44259 cm (8'6")Cigar cork grip465,6g (2 5/16oz)CLASSIC R8 586-45259 cm (8'6")Cigar cork grip467,3g (2 3/8oz)CLASSIC R8 590-45275 cm (9'0")Cigar cork grip470,9g (2 1/2oz)
Classic R8 Fly Rod
Sensitive Action and Precision on the WaterWith the CLASSIC R8, SAGE has fully leaned into this characteristic and applied R8 Technologyto a deep loading Moderate action, resulting in rod blanks that are astoundingly lightweightand soulful - perfect for fishing at calculated, measured tempos. Due to the fiber purity and resinapplications of Revolution 8 graphite, CLASSIC R8 rods retain fast recovery speeds and incredibleoverallst rength while offering an instinctive in-hand feel. This blend of a deep load and fastrecovery results in a rod that maximizes smooth energy transfer and overall feel while achievingunprecedented line speed, control, and accuracy. Thanks to R8 materials, the CLASSIC R8 hasrevolutionized performance at a moderate action.Features of the Classic R8 fly rods:• Revolution 8 Technology• Sage Brown Blank Color• Chestnut Base Thread Wraps w/ Beige Trim Wraps• Super-Slick Chrome Snake Guides & Tip Top w/ SiC Stripper Guide• Custom Aluminum Up-Locking Reel Seat w/Extra-Figured Walnut Insert• Super-Plus Grade Snub-Nose Half-Wells Cork Handle• Black Rod Bag w/ Quick-Tie Cord Lock• Aluminum Rod Tube w/ Sage Medallion• 3 Weight - 6 Weight OVERVIEWFor those choosing to slow down their approach to the water, the CLASSIC R8 rods inspirethis measured pace while fishing, allowing anglers to take in the surroundings and find themoments they seek. Due to the natural properties of Revolution 8 Technology, a perfect blendof deep load and fast recovery results in a rod that maximizes smooth energy transfer andoverall feel while achieving unprecedented line speed, control, and accuracy. Thanks toR8 materials, the CLASSIC R8 has revolutionized performance at a Moderate action.PERSONALITYSuited to the more traditional angler with a slower casting strokeand more soulful approach to fly fishing. Presentations are often atshort to moderate distances.LINE SPEEDModerate line speeds and more open loop-shapes facilitate a lighterand more delicate presentation.APPLICATIONShort-moderate length presentations, average leader lengths,dry flies, soft hackles, light nymph and streamer rigs. Spring Creeks,Tailwaters, and other traditional trout fishing venuesSpecifications:ModelLine ClassLengthHandlePartsWeightCLASSIC R8 380-43244 cm (8'0")Slim Snub-Nose, Half Wells462,1g (2 3/16oz)CLASSIC R8 386-43259 cm (8'6")Slim Snub-Nose, Half Wells463,8g (2 1/4oz)CLASSIC R8 486-44259 cm (8'6")Snub-Nose, Half Wells465,6g (2 5/16oz)CLASSIC R8 490-44275 cm (9'0")Snub-Nose, Half Wells469,1g (2 7/16oz)CLASSIC R8 586-45259 cm (8'6")Snub-Nose, Half Wells467,3g (2 3/8oz)CLASSIC R8 590-45275 cm (9'0")Snub-Nose, Half Wells470,9g (2 1/2oz)CLASSIC R8 690-46275 cm (9'0")Snub-Nose, Half Wells478g (2 3/4oz)
Spey R8 Fly Rod
Be it Steelhead, Atlantic Salmon, King Salmon, or Sea-Run Brown Trout; Skagit, Scandi or Traditional lines; SPEY R8 rods capitalize on each cast, increasing the likelihood of the almighty moment that we all are devoted to. Introducing SPEY R8. SPEY SPECIFIC / FAST ACTION / FINE-TUNED An effective Spey cast is dependent on efficient transfers of energy in each of its three key components: the Lift, Load, and Delivery. Utilizing our proprietary Revolution 8 graphite technology along the full length of double-handed rod tapers results in a blank with an unmatched ability to capture and carry power, plus exceptional tracking. Energy produced during the cast and applied directly to the rod are transmitted entirely into the line, so Spey casters aren’t required to compensate for lost energy or imprecise rod reactions. With SPEY R8, casts are smooth, instinctual, and consistent. Lift - Adequate stiffness, power, and responsiveness paired with light weight ensure no efforts are wasted and fatigue is minimum when lifting long or heavy heads, sink tips and flies. Load - R8 Technology maximizes the amount of energy collected in sweep or touch-and-go moves, carries it into the D-Loop, and transfers it smoothly into the rod. Deliver - Responsiveness and tracking abilities of R8 Technology diminish lost energy and reduce lateral movements upon the forward stroke, increasing power and accuracy. FINE-TUNED ACTIONSIn designing our new SPEY R8 rods, we recognized there isn’t a single rod action appropriate for the wide variety of Spey fishing applications found around the globe. We identified four distinct Spey rod applications, each with its own unique set of requirements. This new approach matches rod action to application, ensuring anglers have the most fine-tuned Spey rod for their fishing. Across the family, our Revolution 8 Technology ensures a remarkably smooth and intuitive feel, no matter the line configuration. Action: Switch - Compact Casts In Tight Quarters | 7116-4 8116-4Lightweight Line Speed - Accurate Distance With Light Spey Lines | 5126-4 | 6130-4Max Versatility - The Spey Casting Multi-Tool | 7126-4 | 7130-4 | 7136-4 | 8130-4 | 9130-4Most Powerful - Maximum Power, Distance & Control | 8126-4 | 8136-4 | 9140-6 | 10150-4 CLASSIC AESTHETICSSage’s history designing and building Spey rods dates back to the late-1980’s - nearly the beginning of the company itself - when America’s Spey Revolution was just beginning. While the SPEY R8 family’s performance is a culmination of our most-advanced material technology, blank designs, and rod weight-length configurations to date, we’ve chosen the aesthetics as a nod to our deep Spey rod history, the pioneers of this niche within fly fishing, and of course, the anadromous fish themselves. Every detail is a thoughtful mix of functional intention and traditional looks. The overall look feels fresh yet familiar, is distinctively Sage, and inspires you to pick up the rods and fish them.Blank Color - Rich and warm, Ale colored blanks paired with black and gold trim wraps signify the meeting of history, culture, and innovation.Wood Reel Seat - A traditional deep walnut insert paired with Granite machined aluminum componentry follows a classic theme and is complementary to the Ale blank color.Cork Handles - Excels in the majority of Spey fishing situations and are best suited to handling a mix of line types and casting styles. FEATURES Revolution 8 Technology Ale Blank Color Grey Primary Thread Wraps with Gold and Black Trim Super-Plus Grade Cork Handle & Rear Grip with Composite Cork Trim Rings Fuji K-Series “Tangle Free” Stripping Guides Aluminium rod tube with Sage medallion Models Line Class Length Parts Tube Length Ø Bottom Ø Tip Weight 5126-4 5 381 cm 4 106 cm 11,2 mm 1,7 mm 150 g 6130-4 6 396 cm 4 110 cm 11,4 mm 1,8 mm 192 g 7116-4 7 351 cm 4 96 cm 11,5 mm 1,8 mm 159 g 8116-4 8 351 cm 4 96 cm 11,7 mm 1,8 mm 163 g 7126-4 7 381 cm 4 105 cm 12,0 mm 1,8 mm 191 g 7130-4 7 396 cm 4 110 cm 13,0 mm 1,8 mm 200 g 7136-4 7 411 cm 4 113 cm 13,6 mm 1,8 mm 205 g 8126-4 8 381 cm 4 105 cm 13,3 mm 2,0 mm 200 g 8130-4 8 396 cm 4 110 cm 13,5 mm 2,0 mm 205 g 8136-4 8 411 cm 4 113 cm 14,0 mm 2,0 mm 216 g 9130-4 9 396 cm 4 110 cm 15,4 mm 2,0 mm 223 g 9140-6 9 427 cm 6 85 cm 14,5 mm 2,0 mm 236 g 10150-4 10 458 cm 4 124 cm 15,4 mm 2,0 mm 285 g What Makes A Great Spey Rod? By utilizing our proprietary Revolution 8 graphite, SPEY R8 rods heighten the smooth transfer of energy throughout the three key components of the Spey cast, allowing anglers to effectively Lift line off the water, Load the rod sufficiently, and Deliver the fly to the target. Casts become instinctive and consistent. Simultaneously, we Fine-Tuned rod models and actions to match the vast array of Spey situations found around the globe. The result is a Spey Casting Synergy that’s enjoyable and approaching effortless. Be it steelhead, Atlantic salmon, king salmon, or sea-run brown trout; Skagit, Scandi or Traditional lines; SPEY R8 rods capitalize on each cast, increasing the likelihood of the almighty moment that we all are devoted to. Rod detailsClick here for PDF (opens in new tab)
SALT R8 Fly Rod
MORE FIGHT, MORE TOUCH Most salt rods are built for pure power and ultimate strength—that is table stakes for the venue and the discipline. With SAGEs new R8 graphite, adding 25% more strength-per-weight was the easy part—a simple function of material advancement—but one that also increased the fight in the rod even down to our six-weight. SAGE increased the pure pulling power without the need to add more material, fillers or reinforcement. The outcome is simple, providing the ability for faster landing times and reducing fish stress and catch-and-release pressure on ever so delicate ecosystems. More strength and fight were an obvious upgrade, yet few salt rods, especially in the heavier weights, achieve the importance of feel for fine touch shots and precise presentations. Shaping a taper that brought this increased touch into the equation took more time. Yet after a long residence in the birthplace of saltwater fly fishing, and working directly with the experienced guides there, our rod designers found the right profile and fiber alignment that delivered strength, fine touch presentation, and a more intuitive sweet spot to a class of rods that have long had a reputation as unwieldy, unforgiving and difficult. With the SALT R8, gone are the days of sacrificing the feel and touch in your saltwater rod. Whether maximizing your limited shots for Tarpon or blocking the right moon cycle for a Permit trip—or just delivering a quick, confident cast through wind at distance—saltwater is a game where patience and urgency are equally critical to maximizing opportunity. Whether on idyllic flats, coastal beaches or backcountry mangroves, you need faith—in your cast, your reaction time and your choice of rod. While saltwater locales often move slower, the fishing is faster, the pressure more intense and the variables more variable. From wind, weather and tides to spooky fish, seasonal migrations and salty guides, it’s a different game with a different set of rules in venues that range from tournaments and Grand Slam flats to legendary bonefish lodges and hushed redfish beaches. The shots are fewer, the stakes are higher and seconds matter in sight fishing. By the third false cast, your time—at least for that fish—has passed. But more than just delivering a fly on demand, saltwater sight fisheries necessitate a different tool than what works for your standard trout stream. A rod that loads quickly and predictably, a sweet spot more intuitive to feel. More strength to land fish quicker and more touch for precision short shots. A more durable rod that is built to survive both long skiff runs and remote destinations - where broken rods are absolutely heartbreaking. A precisely honed taper that will ensure your fly is presented in the right place at the right time. For Sage, having Revolution 8 technology in hand meant now was the time to shape a dramatic advancement in saltwater rods that spoke to these truths right from the heart and birthplace of the discipline. Welcome to the SALT R8 — More Fight, More Touch. Features: Revolution 8 Technology Tempest Blue blank color Slate primary thread wraps with graduated White and Grey trim Titanium Fuji K-Guide ceramic stripper guides with oversized hard chromed snake guides and tip-top Laser etched line weight on slide band Black rod bag with new quick-tie cord lock for faster, easier, and cleaner storage Aluminum rod tube with Sage medallion Premium Flor grade full-wells cork handle with EVA fighting butt Heavy-Duty anodized aluminum up-locking reel seat with Integrated hidden hook keeper in reel seat Technical Details for the SALT R8 fly rods: Model Line Size Length Handle Parts Tube-Length Weight SALT R8 690-4 6 9'0" (275 cm) Slim Full-Wells with Eva Fighting Butt 4 77 cm 106 g SALT R8 790-4 7 9'0" (275 cm) Slim Full-Wells with Eva Fighting Butt 4 77 cm 109 g SALT R8 890-4 8 9'0" (275 cm) Full-Wells with Eva Fighting Butt 4 77 cm 111 g SALT R8 990-4 9 9'0" (275 cm) Full-Wells with Eva Fighting Butt 4 77 cm 115 g SALT R8 990-4 ROD OF THE YEAR LIMITED EDITION 9 9'0" (275 cm) Full-Wells with Eva Fighting Butt 4 77 cm 115 g SALT R8 1090-4 10 9'0" (275 cm) Full-Wells with Eva Fighting Butt 4 77 cm 119 g SALT R8 1190-4 11 9'0" (275 cm) Full-Wells with Eva Fighting Butt 4 77 cm 136 g SALT R8 1290-4 11 9'0" (275 cm) Full-Wells with Eva Fighting Butt 4 77 cm 138 g SALT R8 1290-4 FG 12 9'0" (275 cm) Extended Full-Wells with Eva Fighting But 4 77 cm 141 g SALT R8 1586-4 15 8'6" (260 cm) Extended Full-Wells with Eva Fighting But 4 73 cm 180 g
990-4 SALT R8 Special Edition Fly Rod
MORE FIGHT, MORE TOUCH - The 990-4 SALT R8 as a limited "Rod of the Year 2023" Edition. Most salt rods are built for pure power and ultimate strength—that is table stakes for the venue and the discipline. With SAGEs new R8 graphite, adding 25% more strength-per-weight was the easy part—a simple function of material advancement—but one that also increased the fight in the rod even down to our six-weight. SAGE increased the pure pulling power without the need to add more material, fillers or reinforcement. The outcome is simple, providing the ability for faster landing times and reducing fish stress and catch-and-release pressure on ever so delicate ecosystems. More strength and fight were an obvious upgrade, yet few salt rods, especially in the heavier weights, achieve the importance of feel for fine touch shots and precise presentations. Shaping a taper that brought this increased touch into the equation took more time. Yet after a long residence in the birthplace of saltwater fly fishing, and working directly with the experienced guides there, our rod designers found the right profile and fiber alignment that delivered strength, fine touch presentation, and a more intuitive sweet spot to a class of rods that have long had a reputation as unwieldy, unforgiving and difficult. With the SALT R8, gone are the days of sacrificing the feel and touch in your saltwater rod. Whether maximizing your limited shots for Tarpon or blocking the right moon cycle for a Permit trip—or just delivering a quick, confident cast through wind at distance—saltwater is a game where patience and urgency are equally critical to maximizing opportunity. Whether on idyllic flats, coastal beaches or backcountry mangroves, you need faith—in your cast, your reaction time and your choice of rod. While saltwater locales often move slower, the fishing is faster, the pressure more intense and the variables more variable. From wind, weather and tides to spooky fish, seasonal migrations and salty guides, it’s a different game with a different set of rules in venues that range from tournaments and Grand Slam flats to legendary bonefish lodges and hushed redfish beaches. The shots are fewer, the stakes are higher and seconds matter in sight fishing. By the third false cast, your time—at least for that fish—has passed. But more than just delivering a fly on demand, saltwater sight fisheries necessitate a different tool than what works for your standard trout stream. A rod that loads quickly and predictably, a sweet spot more intuitive to feel. More strength to land fish quicker and more touch for precision short shots. A more durable rod that is built to survive both long skiff runs and remote destinations - where broken rods are absolutely heartbreaking. A precisely honed taper that will ensure your fly is presented in the right place at the right time. For Sage, having Revolution 8 technology in hand meant now was the time to shape a dramatic advancement in saltwater rods that spoke to these truths right from the heart and birthplace of the discipline. Welcome to the SALT R8 — More Fight, More Touch. Features: Revolution 8 Technology Tempest Blue blank color Slate primary thread wraps with graduated White and Grey trim Titanium Fuji K-Guide ceramic stripper guides with oversized hard chromed snake guides and tip-top Laser etched line weight on slide band Black rod bag with new quick-tie cord lock for faster, easier, and cleaner storage Aluminum rod tube with Sage medallion Premium Flor grade full-wells cork handle with EVA fighting butt Heavy-Duty anodized aluminum up-locking reel seat with Integrated hidden hook keeper in reel seat Technical Details: Line size: 9 Length: 9'0" (275 cm) Handle: Full-Wells wth Eva Fighting Butt Parts: 4-geteilte Fliegenrute Tube-Length: 77 cm Weight: 115 g Special Edition with "Rod of the Year 2023" printed on the blank Through the following Link you'll find all other SAGE R8 Saltwater Fly Rods: SALT R8 series
R8 Core Fly Rod - Cigar Grip
SAGE R8 Core Fly Rods - Special Edition Cigar Grip MADE TO FISH NOT TO CAST R8 Core is focused on maximum versatility and applies new revolutionary R8 material technology through our forward-thinking lens of what we're seeing out on the water - where one rod needs to show even greater range. At its core, R8 Core traces a direct lineage to Sage's multi-application / fast action vision, one shaped by the fishing evolutions happening all around us—from habitats we stalk and waters we frequent, to the flies we fish and the diversity of species we now target. Coming in a range from 3wt to 9wt, with a variety of lengths from 8'6" to 10'0", there's sure to be a model to fit the core needs of every freshwater angler. R8 TechnologyThe advanced, leading-edge material behind R8 enables us to shape a rod with a stiffer, stronger backbone but a more sensitive tip and more connected feel. The secret is twofold. First, a proprietary aerospace composite with a greater hoop strength enables us to dimensionally grow taper diameter more quickly from the tip—while a nano-sintered resin application increases axial resilience and allows us to pack more fiber into the blank, resulting in that true two-way connection from hand to fly and back for greater feel, flow and control. Revolution 8 Technology Silver Pine blank color Slate primary thread wraps with graduated White and Grey trim Fuji ceramic stripper guides with hard chromed snake guides and tip-top Laser etched line weight on slide band Black rod bag with new quick-tie cord lock for faster, easier, and cleaner storage Aluminum rod tube with Sage medallion 3WT - 6WT Premium Flor grade CIGAR (special edition) cork handle Sustainable Ziricote wood insert with anodized aluminum up-locking reel seat Dry Fly A fast action provides the capability to stay tight to the line and in control of the presentation, while the high line speed drives a tight loop that assists in laser accuracy in technical dry fly situations. With ability to handle dry fly lines with long heads, increasing loop control when carrying long lengths and making precise casts to rising fish, all while making it easier to turn over long leaders for technical feeders at range. Nymphing With a sensitive tip section to protect light tippets, a versatile balance between lifting power and delicacy provides perfect synergy for nymph fishing. A very effective tool for anglers that fish nymphs and indicators wading or out of a boat. With a combination of power and feel,R8 Core allows for intuitively better cast timing, easier line lifts and sharp, precise mends leading to faster reaction times when setting the hook. Streamers A powerful butt section easily throws a wide range of streamers and accommodates a full lineup of sinking tip lines while also quickly pulling aggressive fish out of structure for increased landing success. The powerful butt section of the R8 CORE provides stability, connectedness, and power to rock and fire those one-shot casts. Mending With feel that extends to the smallest dry flies, R8 provides the touch to deliver efficient mends with intention and precision. Setting From subtle sips to streamer strikes, the amplified sensitivity of R8 enables fine nibble feel that triggers instant, instinctual reaction for trout sets or strip sets. FISH FIGHTING With a fish on, R8’s fusion of stronger backbone yet greater feel enables you to control your fish, even from tough structure, with touch and care. Details per line class with CIGAR grip: SAGE R8 Core - 390-4 #3 Fly RodFor delicate presentations of small flies to average-sized trout on light tippets, the 390-4 is the tool of choice. The length gives good casting distance and line control.SAGE R8 Core - 490-4 #4 Fly RodA light and versatile trout rod, the 490-4 offers great line control without compromising accuracy. Best for dry flies and smaller nymphs.SAGE R8 Core - 586-4 #4 Fly RodThe 586-4 is great for wade fishing for trout. Extremely accurate and able to cast a wide variety of fly sizes and weights.SAGE R8 Core - 590-4 #5 Fly RodOur most versatile and most popular rod model. The 590-4 handles trout flies of nearly any size, lines of varying densities and does so with superb feel, accuracy, and line control.SAGE R8 Core - 690-4 #6 Fly RodThe 690-4 is a very powerful trout rod, able to cast large, heavy and wind-resistant flies long distances or into heavy winds. Great for big river trout fishing and smallmouth bass. MADE IN THE USA We’re not a big faceless factory, but rather a workplace of craftspeople who design and build the world’s best fly rods and reels using our hands and hearts. We do it by sharing ideas and always asking the next question to find what can be done to make this better. Our rods are built one at time right here on Bainbridge Island, WA, following hundreds of meticulous steps and passing through 23 sets of hands. We’re out there fishing the same places in the same unforgiving conditions that you are. Craftsmanship is applied experience. Lifetimes of it.
R8 Core Fly Rod
SAGE R8 Core Fly Rods - the revolution MADE TO FISH NOT TO CAST R8 Core is focused on maximum versatility and applies new revolutionary R8 material technology through our forward-thinking lens of what we're seeing out on the water - where one rod needs to show even greater range. At its core, R8 Core traces a direct lineage to Sage's multi-application / fast action vision, one shaped by the fishing evolutions happening all around us—from habitats we stalk and waters we frequent, to the flies we fish and the diversity of species we now target. Coming in a range from 3wt to 9wt, with a variety of lengths from 8'6" to 10'0", there's sure to be a model to fit the core needs of every freshwater angler. R8 Technology The advanced, leading-edge material behind R8 enables us to shape a rod with a stiffer, stronger backbone but a more sensitive tip and more connected feel. The secret is twofold. First, a proprietary aerospace composite with a greater hoop strength enables us to dimensionally grow taper diameter more quickly from the tip—while a nano-sintered resin application increases axial resilience and allows us to pack more fiber into the blank, resulting in that true two-way connection from hand to fly and back for greater feel, flow and control. Revolution 8 Technology Silver Pine blank color Slate primary thread wraps with graduated White and Grey trim Fuji ceramic stripper guides with hard chromed snake guides and tip-top Laser etched line weight on slide band Black rod bag with new quick-tie cord lock for faster, easier, and cleaner storage Aluminum rod tube with Sage medallion 3WT - 6WT Premium Flor grade snub-nose half-wells cork handle Sustainable Ziricote wood insert with anodized aluminum up-locking reel seat 5WT - 9WT Premium Flor grade full-wells cork handle with cork/EVA fighting buttGunmetal anodized aluminum up-locking reel seatIntegrated hidden hook keeper in reel seatA fast action provides the capability to stay tight to the line and in control of the presentation, while the high line speed drives a tight loop that assists in laser accuracy in technical dry fly situations. With ability to handle dry fly lines with long heads, increasing loop control when carrying long lengths and making precise casts to rising fish, all while making it easier to turn over long leaders for technical feeders at range. Nymphing With a sensitive tip section to protect light tippets, a versatile balance between lifting power and delicacy provides perfect synergy for nymph fishing. A very effective tool for anglers that fish nymphs and indicators wading or out of a boat. With a combination of power and feel,R8 Core allows for intuitively better cast timing, easier line lifts and sharp, precise mends leading to faster reaction times when setting the hook. Streamers A powerful butt section easily throws a wide range of streamers and accommodates a full lineup of sinking tip lines while also quickly pulling aggressive fish out of structure for increased landing success. The powerful butt section of the R8 CORE provides stability, connectedness, and power to rock and fire those one-shot casts. With feel that extends to the smallest dry flies, R8 provides the touch to deliver efficient mends with intention and precision. Setting From subtle sips to streamer strikes, the amplified sensitivity of R8 enables fine nibble feel that triggers instant, instinctual reaction for trout sets or strip sets. FISH FIGHTING With a fish on, R8’s fusion of stronger backbone yet greater feel enables you to control your fish, even from tough structure, with touch and care. Details per line class: SAGE R8 Core - 390-4 #3 Fly RodFor delicate presentations of small flies to average-sized trout on light tippets, the 390-4 is the tool of choice. The length gives good casting distance and line control.SAGE R8 Core - 486-4 #4 Fly RodThe 486-4 is a trout lover's rod. Light in hand and extremely accurate, it delivers small to medium size flies to picky trout and protects light tippets during battle.SAGE R8 Core - 490-4 #4 Fly RodA light and versatile trout rod, the 490-4 offers great line control without compromising accuracy. Best for dry flies and smaller nymphs.SAGE R8 Core - 4100-4 #4 Fly RodThe 4100-4 is a standout nymphing rod. It offers the utmost in line control yet retains accuracy and delicacy for strike detection and tippet protection.SAGE R8 Core - 586-4 #4 Fly RodThe 586-4 is great for wade fishing for trout. Extremely accurate and able to cast a wide variety of fly sizes and weights.SAGE R8 Core - 590-4 #5 Fly RodOur most versatile and most popular rod model. The 590-4 handles trout flies of nearly any size, lines of varying densities and does so with superb feel, accuracy, and line control.SAGE R8 Core - 596-4 #5 Fly RodA slightly longer five-weight to aid in casting distance and line control when fishing for trout. The 596-4FB features a fighting butt and is great for big river fishing, nymphing, and stillwater situations.SAGE R8 Core - 5100-4 #5 Fly RodOur longest five-weight is our most powerful one. Able to cast longer distances, the 5100-4FB has the greatest line control and mending capabilities. Featuring a fighting butt, this rod is great for stillwater and nymphing scenarios.SAGE R8 Core - 690-4 #6 Fly RodThe 690-4 is a very powerful trout rod, able to cast large, heavy and wind-resistant flies long distances or into heavy winds. Great for big river trout fishing and smallmouth bass.SAGE R8 Core - 690-4 FB #6 Fly RodA fighting butt version of the 690-4FB. A streamer junkie's favorite, this rod has enough power to cast big streamers or bass bugs all day. The 690-4FB is all-water ready with an anodized aluminum reel seat.SAGE R8 Core - 696-4 FB #6 Fly RodThe 696-4FB is at home on big trout rivers where streamers and nymphing rigs are the norm and features an all-water ready reel seat.SAGE R8 Core - 6100-4 FB #6 Fly RodThe 6100-4FB offers incredible line control and power. All-water safe reel seat for beach fishing, or in big-river trout situations.SAGE R8 Core - 790-4 #7 Fly RodA very versatile and often-overlooked rod weight. The 790-4 is equally at home fishing streamers from a drift boat, bass fishing, or fishing for trophy trout and salmon in Alaska.SAGE R8 Core - 796-4 #7 Fly RodThe 796-4 is a favorite of steelhead-indicator fishermen and Alaska trout anglers. Added length for mendability and line control.SAGE R8 Core - 7100-4 #7 Fly RodThe 7100-4 offers the greatest line control of all 7-weights. With incredible mending capability in rivers and distance in lakes or bigger rivers.SAGE R8 Core - 890-4 #8 Fly RodOur most versatile and popular all-water rod model. The 890-4 is able to effectively present flies and handle the fight with Alaska trout and salmon, striped bass, largemouth bass or other similarly-sized species.SAGE R8 Core - 896-4 #8 Fly RodFor anglers fishing heavy, sinking lines or heavy, multiple-fly nymphing rigs to anadromous species, the 896-4 is the perfect choice.SAGE R8 Core - 8100-4 #8 Fly RodThe 8100-4 offers incredible line control and distance for anglers pursuing large species. Extremely effective as a beach rod for striped bass as well as a river rod for anadromous species.SAGE R8 Core - 990-4 #9 Fly RodThe 990-4 is a very versatile all-water and big game rod, able to pull on striped bass, large anadromous species, and big aggressive freshwater meat-eaters. MADE IN THE USA We’re not a big faceless factory, but rather a workplace of craftspeople who design and build the world’s best fly rods and reels using our hands and hearts. We do it by sharing ideas and always asking the next question to find what can be done to make this better. Our rods are built one at time right here on Bainbridge Island, WA, following hundreds of meticulous steps and passing through 23 sets of hands. We’re out there fishing the same places in the same unforgiving conditions that you are. Craftsmanship is applied experience. Lifetimes of it.