and "What line works best on this rod?". We understand multi-disciplinary as versatile. This is a telescoping rod, meaning it collapses down into itself. Tenkara really takes it back to basics, and the Suimenka is one of the coolest Ive seen. I'm laughing my ass off, on all the Sage far bank threads. S. steveg47 Member. Versatility and top end performance across a wide range of fishing environments are key attributes of this model. Product Categories. 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. It seems sensitive to its line pairing, but I would unconditionally recommend the R8 490-4 with an SA Trout Taper. Two of our testers preferred the casting stroke of the Sage R8 Core. Rich Post, When lawn casting this model for the first time, I was transported to the bow of a drift boat, strafing the banks with a grasshopper. -John Duncan, No rod is this series surpasses the performance and feel of the 596-4. Great post, surfnfish. They've been whipping this same horse for a long time. Cast with a Rio Gold, it charges to life at around 30 feet. So far Ive caught 4 decent size stripers with it, and couldnt be more happy with its performance. The R8 Core 796 is the perfect combination of power, confidence and ease of casting in a rod that can cover a wide variety of fishing styles. You must log in or register to reply here. That line really personified the line speed potential of this rod and made it feel lively and zippy through the guides. This rod feels Incredibly light in hand but has plenty of range and is an excellent option for anglers seeking versatility from their 4wt. Stillwater anglers will find plenty of spine for lifting full sinking lines from deep water and casting from float tubes or personal pontoon boats. It has a clean, classic look that is just cool. The power is smooth and rather than making you feel like you need to hurry up to stay with the rod, the feedback you receive is comforting and familiar. It seems like an odd omission since its such a small component. Posts. To be clear, we didnt fish with these rods; we merely cast them. It felt heavier in hand than the 486-4, despite being a size lighter. Never have they disappointed. The rod lacked a weakness, and the dedicated striper, permit, or pike angler will pick this one up and have a hard time returning to their previous nine-weight. Me too. At its Core, R8 CORE traces a direct lineage to Sage's multi application vision, one shaped by the fishing evolutions happening all around usfrom habitats we stalk and waters we frequent, to the flies we fish and the diversity of species we now target. By signing up for email newsletters, you agree to GearJunkie's, Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window), Click to share on Twitter (Opens in new window), Click to email a link to a friend (Opens in new window), The Redington Butter Stick in action; (photo/Redington), With 5 line weights, all at 86 long, G. Loomis introduced a powerhouse series with the. Version 2022 forms casting loops with a bit more elegance and nuance than the X or ONE, but like previous generations, this model fundamentally throws tight loops off the tip as a mode of operation. Stay away from extra heavy long-headed lines, such as the Rio Grand. There is simply something about the tapers of this rod and line that work well together. 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. Since when did you become grumpy? This advancement made its Sector series very popular. If little mountain streams are where youre headed, you might want to consider a different rod choice. A lot of my other rods gathered dust last year, mostly because the Blackout did not. Sage Salt R8 fly rods: read our model-by-model review. We paired each rod with the same reel and weight forward, 6-weight fly line. "When should I use this rod?" The other day our Sage sales representative, Alex Ramirez, gave The Fly Shop team a product demonstration on the new Sage R8 Core single-hand rods. The Centric rods were originally constructed with Scotts Carbon Web Technology. Stiff-tipped rods comprise approximately half of the R8 Core series. I am partial to dry flies and do value a rod that casts accurate with good line control, good fly placement & presentation. However, the rods refined subtleness also means better presentation when throwing small flies to spooky bonefish. The soft tip to protect light tippets and the mending focused taper make for a highly specialized nymphing rod and one technical tailwater fisherman should pay attention to. , this rod is strong where it needs to be and light where it can be. This rod is not a power caster. This rod is not a power caster. Are they worth the high price tag? Just lift the rod and place the line where you would like with the ease of dropping an ice cube into a high ball. A fast action taper keeps your loops tighter and more efficient, creating a smooth angling experience. Best Uses: The shorter 5wt is an excellent option for the angler looking to leave the nine-foot rod at home in favor of a much lighter rod without dropping down to a four-weight. Of course, like our shootouts and other casting commentaries, these mini-reviews are based on our casting style and preferences. Gear Review: Sage R8 Core Series Fly Rods - The Fly Shop This article is designed to pass that info along to you. This is a finely tuned fly rod. It needs the head length and weight of an SA Infinity Taper, Titan Long, Rio Grand or comparable fly line, but those are the lines we might expect to fish on rivers like the Gunnison and Deschutes where the 9 6-weight earns its place in the fly fishing world. You are using an out of date browser. The esthetics are often lacking when you hit this lower price point, but Echo certainly had looks in mind. Our rating went from zero being heavy and ten being lightweight. It might even be too light to throw a sink tip and big articulated streamers all day. This delineates the amount of flexion versus stiffness in the rod. These rods all have the stiff tip, medium-fast action. Sage R8 Core Fly Rod $ Sage Sonic Fly Rod 9ft 5wt $ 675.00. Sage R8 Core Fly Rod | In Depth Review - YouTube Carrying along a Rio Euro Nymph Shorty or a second reel with Euro line, adds another dimension of versatility to this rod. -John Duncan. Scott Centric Fly Rod Test - New Scott Centric VS Scott Radian VS Sage Igniter 17,262 views Sep 12, 2020 Daniel is having a little shootout, to compare the existing 5 weights he normally uses. We cant wait to get them on the water. This rod is a prime example of a company that tried something, realized it didnt work, and changed course. I love the idea of a longer light line rod for keeping tension on smaller fish and holding line off of the water. I've bought most of my rods from the classified on the previous name-that-shall-not-be-spoken WA flyfishing website. check around for used . Haven't seen a Sage R8 yet, but last summer I was looking for a 6 wt. This is a fine Alaska rod or crossover saltwater-freshwater model, which are increasingly rare. Roll casts feel good and look good with this rod. Neither light nor heavy for its class, the 690-4 is a convincing piece of equipment from the first impression, a rod that seems optimized for its purpose. The final thing to consider is packability. A lot of my other rods gathered dust; the Blackout did not. All he wants to hear about is a Sage or a Scott on how well they cast, because he's either a lousey caster of just has the bucks to burn on an expensive rod. Matt, Bill, and Jack. I have the R8 9 9 wt and it is the absolute best rod in my arsenal of high end rods. In terms of taper and flex profile, there seem to be 2 groups of R8 Core fly rods: stiff-tipped and progressive. Characteristic of the series, the 590-4 has a tip that is just stiff enough to force some graphite behind even the shortest casts. A more compact length and lighter weight combined is great for casting small flies in a small stream surrounded by brush or trees that can snag your fly on a backcast. Sage R8 Core Fly Rods | Model-by-Model Review - Telluride Angler With a Gold, it felt bouncy, the tip pulling from side to side with each stroke. We ask much of our 6-weights, but the R8 690-4 exceeds all requirements. We get questions about specific rod models all the time. I felt the Douglas was snappier and able to generate more natural line speed despite being medium fast in action. I really like how the taper seems to hide the extra length or this rod and provided for a crisp delivery. At its Core, R8 Core traces a direct lineage to Sage's multi application vision, one shaped by the fishing . 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. Sage R8 Core First Impressions | The North American Fly Fishing Forum We cast the new Sage R8 Core. Here's what we think, in our - YouTube I chose the G-Series because I don't care for rods that are stiff as a fireplace poker. Sage designed the R8 Core series to tackle the shortcomings of high-performance fly rods, such as roll casting, loop control, technical mends, and delicate presentations. Sage R8 Core Fly Rod Series Review: Model-By-Model JavaScript is disabled. This style of fly fishing rod is completely different than any other on the list because its an entirely different way of fly fishing. Plus, this balance of light and fast makes the fight really fun when a fish is on. Just a really great rod, the best Ive used in over 45 years of fly fishing. Choose this model over the 956-4 for light line steelheading, high stick nymphing on big rivers and fishing lakes at distance. Its interesting to me that you have found the R8 noticeably lighter than the X in this model. Scott F Series vs. Sage Dart: Comp on the Creek! I found that this rod casts lighter overhead than other rods in this class. -John Duncan. I rarely fish 6-weights over 9 because they are too much for me to cast all day, but the benefits of extra length are undeniable on big water. All this talk of hidden, lying shills is silly. This fiberglass rod doesnt just have the looks of a throwback its constructed like one, albeit with some modern tech. Gear Review: First Cast, Sage R8 Core & Scott Centric Sage R8 Core First Impressions | Page 2 | The North American Fly First Cast- Sage R8 Core and Scott Centric We had the pleasure of casting two newly released six-weight fly rods from two premiere fly rod companies, the Sage R8 Core 690-4FB and the Scott Centric C906/4FB. Both are aesthetically pleasing and possess a polished and well-refined buildsomething youd expect from both Sage and Scott, especially from the high-end rod lineup. Its zippy, fun to cast, and accurate. I felt like they were ready for a breakaway from the recipe, but no. Off-shore brands even more so in order to take advantage of both cheaper labor and automation. To be fair, Jacks ability to cast is more in line with the median of all fly anglers. The R8 Core 5100 really is a tremendous over head casting rod and throws an absolute power wedge. Weight- The least subjective of all. Are a top Fuji stripper and H&H Chrome Stainless super slick guides ho hum? All three reviewers were asked to rate each category from 0 to 10 for each rod. 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. new Sage R8 CORE 590-4? The other half are designed with progressive fast tapers similar to the X. Sage R8 or Winston Air 2 4 wt? | The North American Fly Fishing Forum Guides have praised the noticeable reduction in fatigue after a long day of throwing streamers, as well as noting the power it has relative to its lightweight feel. Roll casting is tremendous and the deep load along the blank of the R8 Core rods is very apparent here. We have said there is a cost to innovation and design, and in both Sage and Scott, the Centric and R8 Core are reflections of that. I found it to be equally capable with both freshwater and saltwater fly lines, but a heavy headed freshwater line such as an SA Titan or Rio Predator would probably be my first choice on the water. Best Uses: Hopper-droppers, stonefly patterns, and larger mayflies on western rivers preferably from a drift boat! Scott Centric - Bigfork Anglers The Scott Centric Fly Rod is the most efficient rods Scott has ever created. 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. Like a child reaching out to grab his mothers waiting 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. Thank you for the excellent assessment and comparison of the R8 to your 690x tybo 11. . Alex wanted us to cast a 905-4 X Series rod, which was replaced by the new R8, and the 905-4 R8 Core side-by-side. Does the 9 wt outbound overload this rod? On the other hand, Jack found the action of the Scott Centric not in rhythm with his casting stroke and found it to be less accurate than the Sage R8 Core. The bulk of my rods are Burkheimers, and the Scotts mix into my quiver nicely. The R8 796 cast the Rio Predator line well. Anyone thinking that all they want is to have someone tell them how great their new rod (reel, or whatever) really needs to check their own biases. Whether you prefer to fish on the beach or off rocks, this 9wt can handle any type of striper environment. The SA Amplitude Smooth Infinity WF7F was better and loaded the rod just a bit more. The 586-4 is an extremely lightweight rod that prefers throwing dry flies but can get away with tossing smaller nymph rigs. Fishing broad water with sinking lines comes naturally to the Centric 1006-4. Continuing the trend of producing a rod that feels shockingly light in hand, Scott has changed things up with the Centric ($945). Choose the line that best suits your fishing techniques. At $1000 plus tax it's keeping me away.Sorry, 9 8wt or 9 9wt for redfish out of a boat on the flats? After my initial casting session with this series, this was my project model. I first cast the R8 490-4 with a Rio Gold and knew that I had to keep searching. Flats anglers neednt worry; we had zero issues throwing tight loops with a Flats Pro Fly Line. We have guides, shop pros and all manner of self-proclaimed authorities (like me by virtue of my 'old-timer' status). My favorite line for this model is the Rio Perception and my least favorite is the SA Infinity Taper. I was looking over a few rods today and noticed how horrible the cork is on all the Hardy rods even their high end. This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged. All of the potential bases for "disgust" are prevalent throughout just about any market that is appealing to something other than actual need. Id recommend something along the lines of the F-Series, specifically designed for those tight spaces. In fact, we observe two distinct design strategies within the R8 Core. When blanks become available I might consider building one for myself. Add to cart. I'll say this, Ive never seen such a reaction to a fly rod, both good and bad about a fly rod before. Gear Review: Sage R8 Core Series Fly Rods by Eric Fields As many of you know, Sage just released their What the X had going for it was a stiff tip and butt section, which allowed a little more bend down the blank when you really needed to launch some line. Check Price at AmazonCheck Price at Zen Tenkara. Fast action freshwater fly rods will always represent the tip of the spear for Sage, which defined the category in the 1980s and 1990s. Click Here for the Rating Graph for the Sage R8 Core. The carp angler who frequently fishes longer, lighter leaders, and smaller flies will love this rod too. We just got our hands on the new Sage R8 Core Rod, and tested it right outside the shop. We use cookies to ensure that we give you the best experience on our website. You want shills, go on Instagram. This is one heck of a fly rod. Since one of them broke and since trying a friend's Sage X (which was far superior for casting/presentation), I am in serious need for a serious upgrade for a rod that can do all freshwater things reasonably well - streams, rivers, lakes, small dries up to medium+ streamers & nymphing, from delicate presentation to punching through the wind. 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. I have a 9wt zone already so I was hoping the 8wt R8 would be a good fit for redfish? ($260) from Zen Tenkara is just a cool rod. Almost Orvis bad. The are still some discontinued Radians floating around, and if you find one, grab it. -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. The CORE's all-new graphite fibers, Sage says, results in significantly enhanced reactivity and sensitivity and shifts . Reel seat seriously? You have so much confidence with a long line behind you in the air. Then, I found the line: the SA Trout Taper. For a better experience, please enable JavaScript in your browser before proceeding. My favorite line was the SA Amplitude Smooth Infinity WF4F. Rods are broken down mainly into length and weight. The Scott Centric fly rods are truly fast meets feel, taken to the next level. It excels in all the subtle techniques including roll casting, line mending, informal Spey casts and tippet protection. A typical wade-and-walk, small-stream, slow-action rod might be a 76 3-weight rod. Thanks-. This category has no bearing on the quality of either rod. However, they can be brutal to transport. Centric 1006-4. 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. This is exactly what I was hoping for from this model, among the most important for fishing in SW Colorado. 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 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. This is a vintage model in the Sage idiom of tippy and deliberate casting 9 3-weights. The companys direct-to-consumer model means you get a higher quality product at a far lower price point. Based in Montana, Rachelle is an avid hunter, angler, wild game cook, and professional outdoor napper. Copyright 2023 Telluride Angler 221 W. Colorado Ave PO Box 685 Telluride, CO 81435 1 (970) 728-3895 All rights reserved.Privacy PolicyWebsite by WEBDOGS. You really feel precise and in control with this line and the rod casts a little bit lighter in the hand. Sage designed the R8 Core series to tackle the shortcomings of high-performance fly rods, such as roll casting, loop control, technical mends, and delicate presentations. Places and fish for this rod: Alaska Trout, California Surf, Northeast Surf for schoolies, Anadromous Indicator fishing, Jurassic and Pyramid Lake style trout fisheries. The rods intuition does not stop when the line hits the water, and the same magnificent mending characteristics of the 4100 are evident in the R8 5100-4FB. If thats the case, save some cast fatigue and go with something like a Sage Salt HD. JavaScript seems to be disabled in your browser. JavaScript is disabled. This high-quality package is available with several different options to fit you and your home water. The 8wt leans on the softer side of things, so wind on the flats could be an issue. The smaller the fish, the lower the weight. Everyone will talk about these rods because they are noticeably different from their X predecessors. Your email address will not be published. JavaScript is disabled. This is my favorite 7 weight in the R8 Core lineup. The R8 9 3-weight is springy and active with a Rio Gold and throws long, dead level loops with a Rio Technical Trout or SA Trout Taper. Tenkara really takes it back to basics, and the Suimenka is one of the coolest Ive seen. The R8 Core delivers new performance parameters that deliver a noticeably heightened feel and connection, whether you are fishing, casting, or fighting a fish. Really, the hope was to mimic the power of the Sector for big freshwater applications. Scott Centric Fly Rod Test - New Scott Centric VS Scott Radian VS Sage The R8 896 had a shooty feel with this line and was truly fun to watch the head of the line race away and turn over. This one might have a bit too much bang. Does that include saltwater situations? We had the opportunity to put them in hand and cast them, and see what the hype was all about. I would personally use this rod for all manners of Stillwater fishing, and as a nymph rod for pre runoff, there may be no equal. I cast a Rio Elite Gold WF7F and the SA Amplitude Smooth Infinity WF7F line on this rod. We found it needed a lighter line like its younger sibling, such as Rio Gold or, if youre *only* fishing dries, Rio Technical Trout is also a reasonable choice. Get yours today With Free Shipping: https://www.tridentflyfishing.com/sage-r8-core-fly-rod.htmlBlog Review HERE: https://www.tridentflyfishing.com/blog/sage-. Reactions: ghostrider408. Sage described the G5 as being a highly responsive rod at lengths at and past that, and the sentiment was echoed by the public. With identical weight rods and the R8 feeling noticeably lighter than the X, it seems nearly certain that the weight savings, no matter how little, must critically be in the upper 3 sections, with the R8 having a slightly heavier butt section. Like all the 10 foot R8 rods, an easy stroke and more relaxed cadence produce remarkable results for the amount of effort the caster applies to the rod. A Rio Technical Trout didnt engage the rod much, and I began to lose hope. In other words, does the cost justify the performance of the rod? Coming in a range from 3wt to 9wt, with a variety of lengths from 8'6" to 10'0 . As a curiosity, do you happen to have a home kitchen scale which can weigh grams or tenths of ounces? Don't hold back, tell us how you really feel! I felt like the rod could handle a heavier and longer headed nymph specialty style line well. It has more personality than the X. The 9 4wt is another interesting model. After casting the R8 Core 896-4 I was left thinking that Sage bumped up the power and made the rod feel as strong as it casts. Fish it on the Colorado, not the San Miguel. This rod encourages you to slow down your stroke and smooth out your haul. I really enjoyed the Rio Elite Gold on this rod. To cap it all, the soft tip bends nicely into a fish and should protect fine tippets. I would confidently take the R8 5100-4FB to the Gunnison or the Colorado as a one rod to do it all while wading. Weight, Casting Distance Capability, Accuracy Capability, Versatility, Recovery, Fit and finish, and Value. Scott Centric Fly Rod - Duranglers Fly Fishing Shop & Guides Typo 11, thanks for your reply. Both rods earn high marks for fit and finish, from the cork to the wraps to stripping guides. But for those who do, it might be frustrating to invest in such a high-end rod and be missing that simple piece. From slow-action rods to the perfect nymphing setup, these are the best budget fly rods of 2020. First Impressions: Sage R8 Core 9' 5 weight - Fin & Fire Fly Shop R8 Technology | Sage - Far Bank Enterprises Find the best five weight rods here. We fished the Centric with the Scientific Anglers Amplitude MPX and Rio Premiere Gold and found these to be choice lines for this rod. The R8 bends deeper than the X and true to the marketing material Sage has released, you can feel the rod bend into the handle, providing a lot of intuitive feel when casting. Its also identical between the 590s ( why I suspect Sage is not printing the rod weights on this new series ).