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Whether you're a true fishing enthusiast who spends more time on the water than at the office or someone who has to make the most out of every free minute, Sage's new R8 Core Fly Rod is the perfect tool. Utilizing Sage's R8 Core Technology, this series of fast-action rods combines a wide range of species versatility with a well-connected feel and a seamless transfer of energy in every cast. Building on decades of premium rod-building craftsmanship, the R8 Core family of rods makes it easy to create those days when everything feels on point and being one with the water happens naturally. Built with a focus on versatility, the R8 Core rods are available in line weights 3 through 9, making them a tool you can turn to whether you're dropping terrestrials under every undercut bank in search of wild brookies or casting foot-long streamers into a school of blitzing crevalle. The all-new axial fiber construction provides instant feedback and a sensitive feel from your hand to the fly—this sensitivity begins at your cast, extends into your presentation, and ends with the fight of the fish. Sage's Silver Pine blank brings a look that puts a smile on your face whether the rod's resting in your hand or sitting on the stream's bank while you break for lunch.
Blank
R8 Core Technology - R8 Core is Sage's newest blank technology, focusing on seamless fishing versatility—whether that be species, habitats, or conditions—and an Amplified Two-Way Feedback Loop that provides sensitivity in every aspect of your cast, presentation, and fight. This combination gives the angler complete control during every second spent on the water, and with such a range of line weights, there's an R8 Core model for almost any fishing trip on your calendar. Additionally, this rod offers aesthetic value through its Silver Pine blank color and clean slate primary thread wraps with white and grey trim.
Guides
Fuji Ceramic Stripping Guides - Both long-lasting and reliable, Sage outfitted their R8 Core series with Fuji Ceramic Stripping Guides. These guides provide top-tier performance and drag reduction that's tough to beat.
Hard Chromed Snake Guides - An industry standard that gives flawless performance and a look that just seems right, Sage's R8 Core rods are equipped with Hard Chromed Snake Guides.
Reel Seat
Sustainable Ziricotta wood with anodized aluminum up-locking reel seat (3 weight - 5 weight) - In their 3 through 5 weight models, Sage provides an elegant and sustainable Ziricotta wood insert with an anodized up-locking reel seat. This durable construction will prevent your reel from loosening up, and you can count on it looking great while doing so.
Corrosion-resistant anodized aluminum reel seat (5 weight - 9 weight) - Ready for use in saltwater (and freshwater), Sage's R8 Core series in weights 5 through 9 have a corrosion-resistant anodized aluminum reel seat. This reel seat offers a clean look in hand, while its anodized aluminum prevents corrosion and remains durable in the long run. For added convenience, there's also a hidden reel seat hook keeper.
Rod Tube
Aluminum rod tube with Sage medallion - During its downtime, Sage ensures that your R8 Core Rod is protected by including an aluminum rod tube with the Sage logo and a matching black rod bag. This isn't just any rod bag; instead of tying it up like a pair of shoes, it has an all-new cord lock for quick and easy stowage.
Warranty
The Sage Warranty - As of March 2022, every new Sage rod and blank is covered by Sage's lifetime, original owner warranty against defects in materials or workmanship. Limited to repair and replacement of the rod or blank, this warranty will not cover defects caused by fire, theft, lost rod sections, intentional breakage, modification, customization, or any damage caused during the building of a blank into a finished rod. Sage charges a processing fee to handle any warranty processes.
More Info
Rod Action: Fast-action
Best for: Various applications depending on line weight, ranging from nymphing, dry fly fishing, and stripping streamers
Grip: Premium Flor grade snub-nose half-wells cork handle (3-6wt)
Full Wells w/Fighting Butt (7-9wt)
Ability Level: Intermediate
Recommended Lines
Scientific Anglers Mastery MPX Fly Line
Rio Outbound Short Premier Fly Line
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 Sage's latest all-water flagship series, which replaces the successful X series after over a half-decade on the market. The buzz around this rod has been HUGE, even by Sage's standards. There are good reasons for this: Sage has constantly pushed the envelope regarding rod design and graphite technology. The R8 may be hotter than sliced bread but has Sage reinvented the wheel?
| Length | Line Weight | Grip | Weight | Price | Buy |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 9ft | 3wt | Snub-nose Half-Wells | 2.63 oz. | $1,100.00 | |
| 8ft 6in | 4wt | Snub-nose Half-Wells | 2.56 oz. | $1,100.00 | |
| 9ft | 4wt | Snub-nose Half-Wells | 2.69 oz. | $1,100.00 | |
| 10ft | 4wt | Snub-nose Half-Wells | 3.13 oz. | $1,100.00 | |
| 8ft 6in | 5wt | Snub-nose Half-Wells | 2.56 oz. | $1,100.00 | |
| 9ft | 5wt | Snub-nose Half-Wells | 2.69 oz. | $1,100.00 | |
| 9ft 6in | 5wt | Full Wells w/Fighting Butt | 3.25 oz. | $1,100.00 | |
| 10ft | 5wt | Full Wells w/Fighting Butt | 3.5 oz. | $1,100.00 | |
| 9ft | 6wt | Snub-nose Half-Wells | 2.81 oz. | $1,100.00 | |
| 9ft | 6wt | Full Wells w/Fighting Butt | 3.25 oz. | $1,100.00 | |
| 9ft 6in | 6wt | Full Wells w/Fighting Butt | 3.38 oz. | $1,100.00 | |
| 10ft | 6wt | Full Wells w/Fighting Butt | 3.56 oz. | $1,100.00 | |
| 9ft | 7wt | Full Wells w/Fighting Butt | 3.44 oz. | $1,100.00 | |
| 9ft 6in | 7wt | Full Wells w/Fighting Butt | 3.69 oz. | $1,100.00 | |
| 10ft | 7wt | Full Wells w/Fighting Butt | 3.94 oz. | $1,100.00 | |
| 9ft | 8wt | Full Wells w/Fighting Butt | 3.69 oz. | $1,100.00 | |
| 9ft 6in | 8wt | Full Wells w/Fighting Butt | 3.81 oz. | $1,100.00 | |
| 10ft | 8wt | Full Wells w/Fighting Butt | 4 oz. | $1,100.00 | |
| 9ft | 9wt | Full Wells w/Fighting Butt | 3.81 oz. | $1,100.00 |
Overall rating: 4.818182 / 5 from 11 reviews.
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"Best overall rod I’ve ever used. Tip extremely sensitive easy to detect strikes 4 wt has plenty of backbone and it casts incredible"
"Excellent!"
"Just cast it on the lawn. Feels and looks great."
"To the angler looking for an ‘all-rounder’ 5 weight for trout fishing: you may stop your search now. You’ve found the rod you so desperately seek. This is the most devastatingly effective and versatile rod ever commercially manufactured. It displays a physics-defying progressiveness. It just as readily produces short, accurate lay downs with Sky-G-like soft touch and feel, while simultaneously hurtling v-shaped power wedges 85’ to the horizon, which shoot with such raw energy that the rod jolts loose in your hand as the cast runs out of slack. This, by the way, is achieved with Gold, SA trout, technical trout, SA infinity, etc. she certainly isn’t a one trick pony with line pairing. She also isn’t a temperamental ultra fast rod like the sages of yore. Instead, she is surprisingly accommodating to less than perfect casters (present company excluded), though of course amply rewards proficient casters with precise timing."
"Rep guy named Riley was very helpful seems like a nice young dude. We can do more business in the future. Thanks. David"
"Awesome Rod! And great action!!"
"Very pleased with my purchase and the subsequent customer service"
"Absolutely pleased with my trade in process"
"This is a pretty sweet casting rod. Tons of feel and feedback for a 9’ 5wt. Seems to handle different lines pretty well too. I’ll have this for a long time."
"The Sage R8 9 1/1 ft. 5 wt. is perfect for windy days on the San Juan in New Mexico. It also excels in effortless roll casting and line mending. I traded in my Asquith for this Sage which has been a joy to fish !"
