I am partial to dry flies and do value a rod that casts accurate with good line control, good fly placement & presentation. The Gold really kicked up the line speed of this rod and felt very good from 20 feet out. Two of our testers preferred the casting stroke of the Sage R8 Core. April 18, 2021 at 6:38 pm #886633. reel screamer. A medium (or moderate) action will be stiffer throughout. The rod is so light it feels more like a 9 rod in hand. Fly fishing rods are constantly changing with improvements in construction, fly lines, reels, and technology. These are the best new rods of the year. Reactions: ghostrider408. Very light, delicate yet powerful and it swings very lightly. Both Sage and Scott have a long history of building great fly rods through innovation. Exactly. Sage SALT R8 Fly Rod First Impressions January 26, 2023 . The Centric doesn't seem like much of a departure from my Radians. We use cookies to ensure that we give you the best experience on our website. Your review of the 7wt sounds like they are very close. Click Here for the Rating Graph for the Scott Centric. The Orvis is pretty good too, but is a few years old now and tech has clearly moved on. Ratings are explained in each category. The R8 Core is an insult at the price point. All four 6-weight models are designed with progressive fast action similar to the 390-4 and 596-4. Its just plain awesome with all three, which tells me that there is virtually no bad line choice for this rod. Walker is keen on R8 technology. This is my favorite 7 weight in the R8 Core lineup. The RIO Striper line fits like a glove, but it threw the SA Amplitude Bonefish nicely. Fishing broad water with sinking lines comes naturally to the Centric 1006-4. Roll cast across the river. The Igniter has become broadly accepted as an all-purpose fast action fly rod, more versatile than the Method and covering some of the ground formerly occupied by the X series. Prior to that, Rachelle held leadership positions in multiple conservation organizations and often finds herself testifying in the capitol on topics ranging from wildlife management to habitat protection. For the longest cast of your life, stick an SA Infinity Taper on the 596 and see how much line you can hold in the air before shooting. These rods all have the stiff tip, medium-fast action. Centric 1006-4. Coming in a range from 3wt to 9wt, with a variety of lengths from 8'6" to 10'0 . This is a finely tuned fly rod. But if they were to be spey casting, theyd go for a 13-foot 7- or 8-weight rod. And like the Helios, this makes for a helluva boat rod. When you start talking about rods that reach past the 11-foot mark, responsiveness becomes an issue. You must log in or register to reply here. Support us! We get questions about specific rod models all the time. Figuring out the right rod weight for your target fish species is generally pretty simple. It responds to both touch and power. Typo 11, thanks for your reply. Its been out for a few years now, but I dont think this rods been given the credit its earned. Comparable models in Salt HD, Igniter and Maverick have greater capability in the wind. I U-40 all my cork grips before I fish them. Think of the R8 seven as more of a trophy trout rod for the angler who uses a variety of tactics and could be a nymph rod for steelhead in certain situations. Neither light nor heavy for its class, the 690-4 FB is a convincing piece of equipment from the first impression, a rod that seems optimized for its purpose. What is positive for me about this Forum, is that there is a tremendous amount of genuine knowledge, good-will, and experience that informs the thoughts and opinions of members/contributors. I'm laughing my ass off, on all the Sage far bank threads. The Verdict- The Sage R8 Core and the Scott Centric are fantastic rods and will be a great addition to any experienced fly angler's fly rod lineup. This is not a 1 Trick Pony. Double hauling in the wind, it knifes long loops that turn over with an audible hiss. Rich Post, The R8 Core 7100-4 is a best in class long 7 weight for all around Trout and Salmon fishing when you need a powerful rod that can cast a long way and control line a long way out. TFO Blue Ribbon does not compete with Loomis Asquith or NRX+, Orvis Helios, Sage R8 or IGNITER, Scott Centric or G Series or T&T Paradigm or Avantt. The 390-4 R8 is a bit of a unique rod. Very light in hand but no weight inscribed on it. Not only does it have a groovy look, it fishes really well if you know what youre doing. I would unconditionally recommend some rods within the R8 Core series. Both rods earn high marks for fit and finish, from the cork to the wraps to stripping guides. Another thing well always suggest is to head to your nearest fly shop and ask questions. To me, they are freshwater and fresh/salt crossover rods that allow the angler to make many casts without fatigue. Stiff-tipped rods comprise approximately half of the R8 Core series. I hear what you're saying, but it is not that simple. Id recommend something along the lines of the F-Series, specifically designed for those tight spaces. Yes, swing weight is what is critical with a rod. I didn't try the 5 wts. Does that include saltwater situations? That, too, was a lovely rod, but the R8 Core has a super broad sweet spot and ultra-springy mid-section that brings the rod to life on casts both short and long. Your email address will not be published. "When should I use this rod?" The Sage X 7wt was fantastic, and if Im being honest, Id have to cast them side-by-side to tell the difference. G-Loomis NRX+LP $ 795.00. Unsurprisingly, at first glance, the R8 Core has the quality weve all come to expect from a Sage product. Reel seat seriously? Bring them with you to your test casting sessions. Then, I found the line: the SA Trout Taper. It roll casts and mends with command. There, fish like tarpon and marlin call for super-stout rods in the 10- to 16-weight range! The R8 Core 896 has a faster rod feel and produces higher line speed, giving the caster a more empowering feeling. That line really personified the line speed potential of this rod and made it feel lively and zippy through the guides. Gear Review: Sage R8 Core Series Fly Rods by Eric Fields As many of you know, Sage just released their Fish this rod with long dry fly leaders or as a late summer pocket water stick on rivers like our own San Miguel. A Rio Technical Trout didnt engage the rod much, and I began to lose hope. Lines: Scientific Anglers Amplitude Infinity, Rio Perception Fly Line, Scientific Anglers Amplitude MPX. -John Duncan, A lively and playful 5-weight with all but the right lines, this flagship model is much more than a pure caster. Recovery What we mean by recovery is the rods ability to return after a back cast. If thats the case, save some cast fatigue and go with something like a Sage Salt HD. , this rod is strong where it needs to be and light where it can be. I cast the Scott Centric and G-Series. Loops were perfect right out of the hand and line speed was sizzling with a Rio Elite Gold. The CORE's all-new graphite fibers, Sage says, results in significantly enhanced reactivity and sensitivity and shifts . While less touchy and playful than the stiff-tipped models, they will meet the expectations of loyal Sage anglers and get it done with confidence on the water. Raise the tip after the lift and effortlessly lay it into the desired position. Sage Salt R8 fly rods: read our model-by-model review. However, the rods refined subtleness also means better presentation when throwing small flies to spooky bonefish. -John Duncan, Expecting a tip-casting streamer stick, I found this model to be more suitable for bass fishing and nymphing, where an easy going cast with an open delivers the goods without much input from the caster. Very nice feeling rod, very light, with a nice mellow action. These rods increase in stiffness incrementally down the blank. Now, the fun part. I also wondered if a number of those people actually fly fished by their postings. Rich Post, In my opinion, the 6-weights are standouts in the R8 series. It felt heavier in hand than the 486-4, despite being a size lighter. Check Price at Trident Fly Fishing Check Price at Scott Fly Rod Best Do-It-All Series: Sage R8 Core The R8 Core Series ($1,050) from Sage was just released on April 5. Flats anglers neednt worry; we had zero issues throwing tight loops with a Flats Pro Fly Line. The only real notable drawback is the decision not to integrate a hook keep. We have two lives, and the second begins when we realize we only have one. S. steveg47 Member. Whether you prefer to fish on the beach or off rocks, this 9wt can handle any type of striper environment. It isnt hard to find glowing reviews as fishermen have sung its praises for having the power and accuracy of a 10-foot rod while still casting with the ease of a 9-footer. Scott Centric C905/4 ? We fished the Centric with the Scientific Anglers Amplitude MPX and Rio Premiere Gold and found these to be choice lines for this rod. This style of fly fishing rod is completely different than any other on the list because its an entirely different way of fly fishing. . Its just plain awesome with all three, which tells me that there is virtually no bad line choice for this rod. Its very common to see rods of identical length and line weight having significantly differing swing weights unrelated to their physical weight, as weight distribution is what will be the determining factor, not simply overall weight. The Redington Butter Stick ($280) drips with vintage cool. and "What line works best on this rod?". Thanks to excellent leverage and control, heavy fish come quickly to the net. The predatory freshwater angler who prefers an 8wt will love the makeup of the rod, too, and should handle reasonably large flies. You couldnt ask for a better all-purpose boat rod, with tight loop dry fly capabilities combined with plenty of butt section for streamers up to a size 8. R8 Core is a rod family focused on maximum versatility and applies new revolutionary 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. The smaller the fish, the lower the weight. Tossing smaller flies at cutties and brookies in alpine lakes would be appropriate too. Equivalent to 6-weight, and with two included tips to change action and length, it packs down into a slim little case that is only 29 inches long. We are all bozos on this bus, and fly-fishing is just one little nook that we occupy sometimes. The companys direct-to-consumer model means you get a higher quality product at a far lower price point. The Centric is decidedly a fast action rod; the G-Series more of a medium-fast. How we Rated the Rods- This particular review covers the following. My local shop got several R8's in a couple days ago and I gave the 904 a wiggle, but refrained from casting it. I found the FB version to be almost identical in character. The Echo Carbon XL ($180) is an excellent choice for anyone who wants to do some serious fishing without breaking the bank. All of the potential bases for "disgust" are prevalent throughout just about any market that is appealing to something other than actual need. Almost Orvis bad. This setup is perfect for kids and adults who want to test the waters without investing a huge sum of money to do so. Check Price at AmazonCheck Price at Trident Fly Fishing. We are not a blog or a review site. The Sage R8 Core fly rod family is labeled as "Fast Action". My 9'/#4 Core just arrived, and I have yet to string it up, but it looks Sage classy and understated in muted, subtle, green paint. Best Uses: This rod has Alaska written all over it. Obviously, there are a lot of opinions involved in what it takes to be the best, and if you visit six different sites, youll get six different lists. Everyone will talk about these rods because they are noticeably different from their X predecessors. You say the 9wt can handle a 350 grain outbound .. except there isnt a 350 grain outbound. This is a bit of a wild card. Anglers seem to agree with those claims. Sage R8 Core Fly Rod $ Sage Sonic Fly Rod 9ft 5wt $ 675.00. Most rods are able to perform in multiple scenarios. Is it possible that maybe there's a better line for it than what you tried? This fly rod offers wonderful feedback to the caster. Every angler should put a 9 3-weight Sage in their quiver because no other rod maker of my acquaintance builds a model even remotely similar. These models are springy and powerful in the butt section but require patience in the casting stroke. Seems like profit margins are getting in their way. Just look at it. Others I find to be narrow in purpose, but unique within the Sage toolbox and valuable to the purposeful angler. You really feel precise and in control with this line and the rod casts a little bit lighter in the hand. This can of course be seen in graphite rods as well, and I thought it would be interesting to compare the weight distribution on two identical physical weight, length and line weight Sage rods one generation apart which have different swing weights, and to the Sky G 6 wt if you had one, which has a famously light swing weight. To provide better info so you can make a more informed buying decision, we decided to start a 'model-by-model' blog series. The shortest rods in the series defied expectations and were two of the most enjoyable. The team scrapped it and moved forward in a different direction. There was no kick at the delivery and the rod absorbed those inherent aberrations that ripple through the line when casting short heavy heads. 221 W. Colorado Ave PO Box 685 Telluride, CO 81435. More than anything else, Sage just nailed the taper and material application. I had an opportunity to fish with some friends today and fished the R8 Core 690 alongside my 690 X. It doesnt possess the superhuman attributes of the shorter 4wt and, unlike most of the trout rods in the series, needed a heavier line like the SA MPX to bring it to life. article and model reviews by John Duncan and Richard Post Tech | Model Reviews. Boasting crazy fast line speed and enough power to overcome unpredictable ocean fishing conditions, this rod is still shockingly sensitive and surprisingly light. Trident Fly Fishing is a full-service fly shop. A typical wade-and-walk, small-stream, slow-action rod might be a 76 3-weight rod. The reactions to this R8 Core release are kind of strange. This allows me to be more precise with the position of my line when mending, and the R8 Core 4100 handles this as intuitively as any rod out there. It gets going right away with little line out the tip without the irritating hesitation of many fast action rods. I agree for the most part with JFJ, but at the same time, this is the version of capitalism that we have, and have come to accept. You must log in or register to reply here. The rod also lacked the versatility found in the other models. Description Additional information . -John Duncan, One of the sweethearts in the series, the R8 486-4 casts every suitable fly line with natural grace, line speed and precision throughout its substantial range. Add to cart. Were always trying to build a better spring. The new graphite consists of high-density fibers with improved sintering, a high modulus material that may be used higher on the blank without sacrificing strength. We realized this is a very subjective category also. A marvel of design, this rod succeeds the 597-4 X with equal casting capability but even greater control, most noticeable when throwing in the wind or horsing a nymph/indicator rig. It puts fun in fishing. Granted, were talking about a rod that fishes completely different than our modern 9-foot 5-weights, so I get it. Though this fly rod is targeted at freshwater fishermen, the 990-4actually took home the award for Best Saltwater Fly Rod at the 2022 IFTD Show. At its Core, R8 Core traces a direct lineage to Sage's multi application vision, one shaped by the fishing . Sage has a long history of designing amazing seven-weights, so we had high expectations for the R8 model. That being said, here are our recommendations for 2022. Boasting crazy fast line speed and enough power to overcome unpredictable ocean fishing conditions, this rod is still shockingly sensitive and surprisingly light. Places and fish for this rod: Alaska Trout, California Surf, Northeast Surf for schoolies, Anadromous Indicator fishing, Jurassic and Pyramid Lake style trout fisheries. Hi all, I'm looking at buying my "life time" rod and wanting to get people's opinion on which rod. It doesn't change that Sage buys the most expensive, highest-grade cork in the industry. Carrying along a Rio Euro Nymph Shorty or a second reel with Euro line, adds another dimension of versatility to this rod. I enjoyed line in the air with this rod, but I loved how it performed with line on the water. In theory, it seems like a simple concept, but rod designers have often struggled to find the right balance with fast-action rods. Rachelle Schrute has been writing about hunting, fishing, and conservation for several years, as well as being a wilderness guide in Yellowstone National Park. anyone think of a double blind test of this and other fly rods? You must log in or register to reply here. The Scott Centric Fly Rod is the most efficient rods Scott has ever created. In the right hands, this could make a great spring creek rod when conditions call for the longest leaders, lightest tippets, and smallest flies to be delivered to the wariest of trout. Feel free to click the rods that interest you below, or scroll through to see the entire lineup: Released in July 2021, the Orvis Helios 3 Blackout ($998) missed many of the best of lists for last year. This rod is not a power caster. As a curiosity, do you happen to have a home kitchen scale which can weigh grams or tenths of ounces? The draw of one-piece rods is both weight reduction and improved performance. The R8 Core 7100-4 is the rod for an Alaska Trout and Salmon trip. This rod would be perfect for tossing big poppers to largemouth. My favorite line was the SA Amplitude Smooth Infinity WF4F. JavaScript is disabled. I got a little more drive out of this line and felt like I could carry a larger fly. Both lines were excellent. Pretty plain. The X 896 had a really sweet action that cast beautifully and felt lighter in the hand than you expect for a 9 foot 6 inch 8 weight. I was under the impression that the R8 line was a softer action than the X line. The SA Infinity Taper is a natural fit for this long 6-weight, but anglers who prefer a shooting style line such as the Rio Outbound will marvel at the distance this rod achieves. Get yours today With Free Shipping: https://www.tridentflyfishing.com/sage-r8-core-fly-rod.htmlBlog Review HERE: https://www.tridentflyfishing.com/blog/sage-. We spend a lot of time testing gear and writing reviews to give you all the tools to make your next trip a success. The 10 foot R8 rods really have a special ability to direct line via water based anchors. This rod encourages you to slow down your stroke and smooth out your haul. Sale Cellar; Spring Special; Gift Certificates; BFA Logo Gear; Accessories; Single handed Spey casts and powerful roll casts leap from the tip. However, they can be brutal to transport. The Rio Perception makes this model feel light, crisp and free, whereas the Infinity Taper feels like the tail is wagging the dog. The Infinity taper slows the rod down a touch, but it gives it more of that flow state. This one might have a bit too much bang. You feel more connected to this rod and get the feeling of hitting the gas in a sporty car when you stand on this rod. This shorter 4wt is the perfect rod for small-to-medium-sized rivers where accuracy and delicate presentation are crucial, but line speed and power are needed to punch a small terrestrial through the air. Sage described the G5 as being a highly responsive rod at lengths at and past that, and the sentiment was echoed by the public. Youll really feel that tip follow through when roll casting and mending line. Posts. Guide set? Real names are not used to protect the innocent. The Heritage Taper is reminiscent of the old glass rods you might find in a dusty garage. Then, others are frustrated until they believe that Sage is just running a big con job and using this forum and its members to achieve that. It casts progressively with a natural casting stroke and offers plenty of command to handle streamer tapers and sink tips in addition to floating lines. This rod is a prime example of a company that tried something, realized it didnt work, and changed course. If I asked my pals in Washington what they throw for steelhead, theyd tell me a 96 7-weight rod is the most versatile. My overall impression was that the R8 Core 4100-4 is a specialized model ideally tuned for fishing all manner of nymph rigs for trout. A lot of my other rods gathered dust; the Blackout did not. -John Duncan. If youre looking for an empowering distance casting 8 weight that is approachable to many fly casters, look no further. If you plan on traveling a ton, youll want to look at a four-piece rod. Sage Introduces R8 Core Fly Rod Fly Fisherman's Best New Freshwater Rod for 2023 focuses on angler experience through maximum versatility and applies new material technology. I cast it with a Rio Gold, SA Infinity Taper and Rio Predator, 3 of my favorite lines for 6-weight fishing. This stick has the authority to lift long lines and deep nymph rigs from distant drifts, prowling a broad river like an angler with long arms. Typically, youll find a whole crew of experts willing to help you better understand fishing gear, flies, and your local waters. I thought this was a great idea as it really helped me to see the subtle and not . It has a fluid casting arc with sensational feel at all distances. SKU: N/A Category: Fly Rods. Fish these rods with meat flies, whether in Alaska or somewhere in pike/musky country. Required fields are marked *. The 9 3wt is at the bottom of the R8 Core series barrel. And, of course, rod weight can go way up in the saltwater world. Choosing a fly rod really comes down to three components: where youre fishing, what youre fishing for, and what flies youll tie to the end of the rod. Hi Scott, The RIO Striper Line with the fast sinking. Nice review. Why Ultralight People Need to Chill Already, Kershaw Iridium Review: A Great Flipping Knife Under $100. Casting at short and long range is a joy, the power and smoothness of the rod has to be experienced to be believed. According to Sage, in designing the R8 CORE, the rod maker shifted its focus back to feel and rhythm, "rather than dialing up parking lot distance," a statement which will no doubt prove intriguing to many anglers.