We get questions about specific rod models all the time. "How does the 9wt compare to the 10wt?" "When should I use this rod?" and "What line works best on this rod?". To provide better info so you can make a more informed buying decision, we decided to start a 'model-by-model' blog series. We recently had the opportunity to cast most of the rods in the Sage R8 Core series. This article is designed to pass that info along to you. Of course, like our shootouts and other casting commentaries, these mini-reviews are based on our casting style and preferences. Your mileage may vary.

Series Overview

A good fly rod doesn't just cast well but is equally effective in real-world fishing scenarios. In theory, it seems like a simple concept, but rod designers have often struggled to find the right balance with fast-action rods. 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. 

The R8 Core is a brand new series, but we were lucky enough to cast most models in the series with a variety of fly lines… here’s what we found.

Click here for a more detailed look at the 9’ 5wt.

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9’ 3wt

The 390-4 R8 is a bit of a unique rod. It felt heavier in hand than the 486-4, despite being a size lighter. The tip felt prone to wobble and didn’t track as well as others in the series. Sage built this rod not as a generalist but for specialized tasks… but it begs the question, does anyone need a 9’ 3wt? 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. The Rio Gold helped give this long 3-weight a bit of pep.

Lines: RIO Gold Elite Fly Line

Best Uses: Spring creeks… I guess.

8’6” 4wt

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. This rod feels Incredibly light in hand but has plenty of range and is an excellent option for anglers seeking versatility from their 4wt.

Lines: Scientific Anglers Amplitude Trout Fly Line, RIO Gold Fly Line, RIO Technical Trout 

Best Use: A proper trout angler's rod; the 486-4 is perfect for smaller rivers and dry flies but offers a hint of versatility generally not seen in this size configuration.

9' 4wt

The 9’ 4wt is another interesting model. It doesn’t 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. Reach for this model if you are looking for a fast, powerful four.

Lines: Scientific Anglers Amplitude MPX Fly Line, RIO Perception Fly Line

Best Uses: Dry fly fishing on tailwaters where medium distant casts are needed. Tossing smaller flies at cutties and brookies in alpine lakes would be appropriate too.

10' 4wt

Coming soon...

Lines: Coming soon...

Best Use: Coming soon...

8’6” 5wt

The shortest rods in the series defied expectations and were two of the most enjoyable. The 5wt feels like the four’s older sibling and is an excellent option for when the wind picks up or the fly size increases. The 586-4 is an extremely lightweight rod that prefers throwing dry flies but can get away with tossing smaller nymph rigs. We found it needed a lighter line like its younger sibling, such as Rio Gold or, if you’re *only* fishing dries, Rio Technical Trout is also a reasonable choice. Appalachian anglers will find this length and weight combination particularly beneficial on overgrown freestones when a bit more backbone than a 4wt is called for, but a nine-footer is quarrelsome.

Lines: Rio Gold Elite Fly Line, Rio Technical Trout Fly Line

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.

9’ 5wt

In-Depth Review

Lines: RIO Gold Elite

Best Uses: This is a general-purpose trout rod, but it’s softer than you’re used to from Sage. Because of that softer action, it’s a better dry fly rod than previous models. 

9'6" 5wt

Coming soon...

Lines: Coming soon...

Best Use: Coming soon...

10’ 5wt

Coming soon...

Lines: Coming soon...

Best Use: Coming soon...

9’ 6wt

The 6wt is a multi-purpose rod that leans towards indicator or hopper dropper fishing out of a drift boat instead of heavy streamers. Light hand, the R8 6wt can toss foam stonefly patterns to the edges of banks while still having plenty of feel for throwing drakes on the Henry’s Fork. The carp angler who frequently fishes longer, lighter leaders, and smaller flies will love this rod too. As a true freshwater-six, it's best to leave this one at home on your next bonefishing trip.

Lines: Scientific Anglers Amplitude Infinity, Rio Perception Fly Line, Scientific Anglers Amplitude MPX

Best Uses: Hopper-droppers, stonefly patterns, and larger mayflies on western rivers… preferably from a drift boat!

9’6" 6wt

Coming soon...

Lines: Coming soon...

Best Use: Coming soon...

10' 6wt

Coming soon...

Lines: Coming soon...

Best Use: Coming soon...

9’ 7wt

Sage has a long history of designing amazing seven-weights, so we had high expectations for the R8 model. The Sage X 7wt was fantastic, and if I’m being honest, I’d have to cast them side-by-side to tell the difference. It might even be too light to throw a sink tip and big articulated streamers all day. 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 rod would be perfect for tossing big poppers to largemouth. 

Lines: RIO Predator Fly Line, Scientific Anglers Amplitude MPX Fly Line

Best Uses: This rod has ‘Alaska’ written all over it. The Great Lakes’ tributary steelheader will find the taper beneficial for rolling out bulky indicator rigs. 

9’6" 7wt

Coming soon...

Lines: Coming soon...

Best Use: Coming soon...

10' 7wt

Coming soon...

Lines: Coming soon...

Best Use: Coming soon...

9’ 8wt

A true all-water rod with plenty of power to lift sinking lines, the 8wt R8 would make an excellent rod for northeastern schoolie stripers. The RIO Striper line fits like a glove, but it threw the SA Amplitude Bonefish nicely. The 8wt leans on the softer side of things, so wind on the flats could be an issue. However, the rod’s refined subtleness also means better presentation when throwing small flies to spooky bonefish. The predatory freshwater angler who prefers an 8wt will love the makeup of the rod, too, and should handle reasonably large flies.

Lines: RIO Striper Fly Line, Scientific Anglers Amplitude Bonefish Fly Line

Best Uses: This is a tremendous all-around 8wt. 

9’6" 8wt

Coming soon...

Lines: Coming soon...

Best Use: Coming soon...

10' 8wt

Coming soon...

Lines: Coming soon...

Best Use: Coming soon...

9’ 9wt

Striper anglers, this is your 9wt. One of the best rods in a great series of rods! Whether you prefer to fish on the beach or off rocks, this 9wt can handle any type of striper environment. Has the backbone needed to handle a 350-grain Striper line or Outbound Short. Flats anglers needn’t worry; we had zero issues throwing tight loops with a Flats Pro Fly Line.

Lines: RIO Striper Fly Line, Rio Outbound Short Fly Line, RIO Flats Pro Fly Line

Best Uses: Striper fishing, permit, pike - this was a favorite.

Favorite Rod:

The 9’ 9wt is the clear winner. 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. It is not often we find a rod of its caliber.

Least Favorite Rod:

The 9’ 3wt is at the bottom of the R8 Core series’ barrel. It felt clunky, was overly line-sensitive, and not enjoyable to cast. The rod also lacked the versatility found in the other models.