Joe, another awesome review. I enjoy and appreciate your balanced, objective reviews and fly fishing videos. You have great insights into fly fishing techniques and strategies. I have purchased 4 top line Sage fly rods from Red’s. I had one rod issue with a factory defect. You guys took care of it instantly and I greatly appreciated the outstanding after sales support.
Really appreciate it! This is why we have such loyal customers, and we are so grateful for your support. Thank you for sharing, and of course the business.
Unlike you I really like the cordura tube, as it is impossible to jam. I had an alu-tube that was impossible to open after bending the cap. Had to use a file and saw the thing in two! So cordura is a much better solution in my opinion. +1 for the Sage Foundation. A truly great rod that too many «good» flyfishers walk past because of the low price and cordura tube. Great video btw!
The igniter and a big nasty pairs well. That’s how I fell in love with this rod when casting into a real nasty wind at Red’s during a casting competition/new gear show.
A few years ago I bought an old TCX for a price I just couldn't turn down. Thing is a cannon! I love casting sage rods, they all have a great feel no matter the action in my experience.
Love your videos. I learn a ton and they definitely help me make more informed choices. My last two rod/reel purchases were from your shop and I can’t say enough good things about the experience. Nice work guys!
Sorry. The Sage XP has to be the all time favorite. It’s spectacular. This rod and my Sage X is all this flyman needs. I tried the R8 last week. NG . No way will this rod be as good. Dumb move to stop producing the X. I got all I need and everything I ever wanted.
Interested to know your thoughts on where the Sage X falls in this comparison? Would you say it’s somewhere in between the R8 and Igniter? Have yet to see a good comparison of Sage X and R8
I have not casted the Sonic, but If the sonic was very similar to the One that makes a ton of sense. I fished a one religiously for years and when thinking about up grading to the X there just was not enough there for me to make the purchase, now I have purchased the R8 and to me imo it is just and I creditable rod, delivers plenty of power with and insanely good feel
Can you please make a video comparing the R8 to the X in the 590, similar to the one you made for the X vs Sonic. And do you know why Sage has decided to not put the weights on their rods anymore or the website for that matter? I find it crazy companies like TFO can give the weights of their rods, but Orvis, Gloomis, Scott and now sage, cant.
Good question. I believe the weights are so close and ultralight, and 1/16 oz or 1/32 of an oz can be the difference. I don't think they can even build rods to that tight of a tolerance. It isn't fair or accurate with natural materials like cork and the variations of thread and resin. Picky weird customers paying $1,000 will weigh a Sage rod and if it isn't accurate, they will want to return it which is absurd. The top end companies don't want to have to think about whether the resin they use will add 1/32 of an oz, they just need to use the amount that makes the rod perform and work well. Nobody scrutinizes whether a TFO is actually heavier than it says on the blank.
Been looking at your online site. I’m new to fly fishing and live in south Texas in the gulf coast. Looking for a good quality entry level rig for saltwater trout and red/black drum. I was told to stay in the 7/8 weight to stay within a 30 feet range on the flats.
Great question and hello! This setup is turn key, and has a super quality line and perfect for a variety of fly sizes and situations. It's really well put together. redsflyfishing.com/products/redington-field-kit-complete-tropical-saltwater-fly-rod-and-reel-setup
Great reviews. I can't believe we've broken the 1000 dollar price range, for single handed rods. I have the 5 weight Sage X and it's fantastic. Can do anything. The R8 would need to be something to top it.
I'm grateful I got the Sonic before it went up $125. I've been pleased with it's performance on medium - large rivers using mid-large dries & nymphs. Love that Juniper blank color. 500ish bucks is my limit on a fly stick. I use the law of diminishing returns over that threshold 💸
Hi love your sage reviews, I have recently bought an igniter 10'7wt and paired it up with a rio single hand spey, Can you recommend a better line for lake trout fishing, I fish the single hand spey for salmon etc in small to medium rivers
Are you wanting to single hand spey for trout in lakes, or traditional overhand cast. For an overhand cast I would do a one line bump to the WF8I on this line, I love the Lux series. redsflyfishing.com/collections/lake-fly-lines/products/rio-camolux-intermediate-sinking-fly-line
@@redsflyshop okay thanks appreciate the reply, Ihaven't heard of this line I'll take a look, I was mostly looking for an overhead line as the rod and single spey line is new to me I've yet to master it
I would put a RIO Gold Elite on that rod. I love the MOD, it's a great all around rod as long as you aren't trying to cast streamers into the wind at 60' or more.
For a 9'6" 7wt for streamers/bass/steelhead in the Oregon and Washington should I save money and get the Sonic or save up money and get the R8? I am leaning Sonic but I'm not sure.
Great question. I like the R8 a lot. I would buy up on that if it's within reach. Line feeding, mending, roll casting is going to be a better vibe. You'll be fishing the same rod in 15 years and glad you did IMO. Like I said, if it's within reach financially. It's a lot of money but you'll only have to buy it once! :)
I have an R8 590, I'm thinking of making this into a dedicated indicator nymph rig. What line would you recommend for great mending and turnover power without killing the soul of the rod? SA Anadro looks good but the wf5w line is 1.5 heavy. Maybe the wf4w?
It depends on the size of the rig, if you are running small indicators I simply like an Amplitude Infinity, it's thinner, and drifts more drag free on light rigs. If you are using big indicators, shot, double rigs, the Anadro will turn it over better but comes with a cost. The thicker tip and head gives the current more traction and offers less finesse. On that rod, personally, I would stick with an Infinity.
Oh I would get an Indicator Taper if you are roll casting big indicators and stonefly nymphs or fairly heavy double nymph rigs. Both SA and RIO make great lines, either would be an excellent fit. Stay with a #5, these lines are buffed up a bunch anyway so no need to even consider a line bump. redsflyfishing.com/products/rio-elite-indicator
I'm still fishing my VXPs, (386-4 dry fly/small water/backpacking, 590-4 all around trout, 7133-4 for steelhead, 790-4 for beach rod). Quite happy with them with the exception of my beach saltwater cutthroat/coho/pink salmon rod. VXP doesn't quite have the oomph to it and 7 is a bit heavy. Would want to get a Sonic or Igniter for that in 697-4 - often casting into wind, which is why I had been using a 7 weight for the beach. Any thoughts?
Well they are both fantastic, it sounds like you keep and cherish your fine rods for all time and make good buying decisions. I would personally lean toward an Igniter if budget wasn't an obstacle there. The performance and finish is notably better, and the action of the Igniter is a bit snappier for casting in the situation you have described here.
Oh man I'm sorry, the performance is the story on the SONIC hahah. That rod is hot. Components are nice but not quite as flashy as some of the other models.
Usually love your videos but this one is crap Joe. Let me explain why. 'We' have made fly fishing way too complicated. Sage alone has 5-6 models for a 9ft 5 weight for instance. Why?... This isn't helping new comers or anyone that's not a true gear head. Why are we making our sport so difficult to get into?... Any good caster can adjust his/her casting to fish a rod with various distances, type of fly or personal preference of action. The rods action can be altered by going one line size up or down. Doing a lot of short distance fishing? Go a line size up. Let's make it a lot easier and less cluttered.
Right on ibookje! I am inclined to believe that "casting style" might often be an excuse term for not being a very good caster overall. If I am casting a soft rod for small stream trout I will be casting in a different "style" than I would casting a big bunny fly for pike. A good caster will adjust his "style" to the rod. A poor caster will try to find a rod to match his "style".
Your complaint should be aimed at the fly fishing industry or specifically Sage, and not Reds Fly shop. It is not in any way shape or form Red’s fault how many rods Sage makes. To the contrary Red’s does (especially this review) does a great job explaining the differences in each rod so you can make an educated decision on which one works for you. Your comment was in no way helpful or relevant to this fantastic review/explanation of the Sage line.
Yes I agree we all appreciate Joe’s great reviews. Sage purposely floods the market with as many models as possible, and puts the same snubnose grip on every one of them because it’s just a strait piece of cork that’s an easy shape to duplicate. Notice that the handle grip ergonomics is not even mentioned as a criteria. There are two big reasons why many senior fly fisherman still prefer their older Sage rods: 1) Handle grips were more comfortable and fit a wider range of people back in the XP days, and 2) Recent Sage rods, at least most of them, don’t have good “fish fighting feel”, they feel dead and don’t transmit vibration to your hand, like the old ones used to. Thats because Sage uses more fiberglass in their rods (blanks are really a composite construction), it’s an important part of the design and the blank technology. I don’t like the fact that Sage puts way too much emphasis on blank technology and not nearly enough on cork ergonomics and fish fighting feel. I can pick up an old Fenwick HMG graphite rod from the 1970’s, and feel every time the fish tries to spit out the fly while fighting them (same with the Sage XP too). Most younger fly fisherman won’t ever experience this difference.
Our channel has a video of most most models being fished, maybe search there for the model you are most interested in. Thanks for the productive feedback.
Love to see the videos coming in HDR! Keep it up! Hoping to pop out to reds fly shop this fall. Cheers from NY!
Joe, another awesome review. I enjoy and appreciate your balanced, objective reviews and fly fishing videos. You have great insights into fly fishing techniques and strategies. I have purchased 4 top line Sage fly rods from Red’s. I had one rod issue with a factory defect. You guys took care of it instantly and I greatly appreciated the outstanding after sales support.
Really appreciate it! This is why we have such loyal customers, and we are so grateful for your support. Thank you for sharing, and of course the business.
I have the R8 in 9'6wt with a fighting butt and it has dual locking rings
Unlike you I really like the cordura tube, as it is impossible to jam. I had an alu-tube that was impossible to open after bending the cap. Had to use a file and saw the thing in two! So cordura is a much better solution in my opinion. +1 for the Sage Foundation. A truly great rod that too many «good» flyfishers walk past because of the low price and cordura tube. Great video btw!
Definitely do one for the specialty rods, this was great
Ok you bet I will, thanks for the support.
The igniter and a big nasty pairs well. That’s how I fell in love with this rod when casting into a real nasty wind at Red’s during a casting competition/new gear show.
A few years ago I bought an old TCX for a price I just couldn't turn down. Thing is a cannon! I love casting sage rods, they all have a great feel no matter the action in my experience.
The TCX launches. Great rod for demanding longer casting scenarios.
Nicely presented ,well explained , thank you.
Oh thank you, really appreciate that.
Love your videos. I learn a ton and they definitely help me make more informed choices. My last two rod/reel purchases were from your shop and I can’t say enough good things about the experience. Nice work guys!
Thanks James, we really appreciate that!
“If I lived out west”…priceless :)
Great video, loved the line recs. Would love to see the same video for the predator/saltwater rods.
For sure. Thanks for watching and the suggestion!
Sorry. The Sage XP has to be the all time favorite. It’s spectacular. This rod and my Sage X is all this flyman needs. I tried the R8 last week. NG . No way will this rod be as good. Dumb move to stop producing the X. I got all I need and everything I ever wanted.
Love to see your videos. I hope soon you reach 1M
Great video man, you do such an awesome job explaining things, true master of your craft
Thanks, I love what I do here at Red's. Really appreciate the friendly support.
Please do more of these model comparison videos from other brands. Thanks.
Will do. Thanks for the feedback.
@@redsflyshop Agree with Phillip. Lots of company to company comparos. This is first company comparo I've seen
Interested to know your thoughts on where the Sage X falls in this comparison? Would you say it’s somewhere in between the R8 and Igniter? Have yet to see a good comparison of Sage X and R8
Yes that is accurate, with the release of the SONIC the X just didn’t split the gap anymore. The SONIC at $630 only a bit quicker than the X.
I have not casted the Sonic, but If the sonic was very similar to the One that makes a ton of sense. I fished a one religiously for years and when thinking about up grading to the X there just was not enough there for me to make the purchase, now I have purchased the R8 and to me imo it is just and I creditable rod, delivers plenty of power with and insanely good feel
Great review and very helpful. 👍
Can you please make a video comparing the R8 to the X in the 590, similar to the one you made for the X vs Sonic. And do you know why Sage has decided to not put the weights on their rods anymore or the website for that matter? I find it crazy companies like TFO can give the weights of their rods, but Orvis, Gloomis, Scott and now sage, cant.
Good question. I believe the weights are so close and ultralight, and 1/16 oz or 1/32 of an oz can be the difference. I don't think they can even build rods to that tight of a tolerance. It isn't fair or accurate with natural materials like cork and the variations of thread and resin. Picky weird customers paying $1,000 will weigh a Sage rod and if it isn't accurate, they will want to return it which is absurd. The top end companies don't want to have to think about whether the resin they use will add 1/32 of an oz, they just need to use the amount that makes the rod perform and work well. Nobody scrutinizes whether a TFO is actually heavier than it says on the blank.
@@redsflyshop HAHA, that is absurd. I didnt realize people were like that. Appreciate the response.
Been looking at your online site. I’m new to fly fishing and live in south Texas in the gulf coast. Looking for a good quality entry level rig for saltwater trout and red/black drum. I was told to stay in the 7/8 weight to stay within a 30 feet range on the flats.
Great question and hello! This setup is turn key, and has a super quality line and perfect for a variety of fly sizes and situations. It's really well put together. redsflyfishing.com/products/redington-field-kit-complete-tropical-saltwater-fly-rod-and-reel-setup
So is Sage X still your go to on yak/Missouri?
Yes, I’ll fish my X a lot. It’s a fabulous rod! Given a choice side by side however the R8 has a bit more fun and wow factor.
Great reviews. I can't believe we've broken the 1000 dollar price range, for single handed rods. I have the 5 weight Sage X and it's fantastic. Can do anything. The R8 would need to be something to top it.
I'm grateful I got the Sonic before it went up $125. I've been pleased with it's performance on medium - large rivers using mid-large dries & nymphs. Love that Juniper blank color. 500ish bucks is my limit on a fly stick. I use the law of diminishing returns over that threshold 💸
Hi love your sage reviews, I have recently bought an igniter 10'7wt and paired it up with a rio single hand spey, Can you recommend a better line for lake trout fishing, I fish the single hand spey for salmon etc in small to medium rivers
Are you wanting to single hand spey for trout in lakes, or traditional overhand cast. For an overhand cast I would do a one line bump to the WF8I on this line, I love the Lux series. redsflyfishing.com/collections/lake-fly-lines/products/rio-camolux-intermediate-sinking-fly-line
@@redsflyshop okay thanks appreciate the reply, Ihaven't heard of this line I'll take a look, I was mostly looking for an overhead line as the rod and single spey line is new to me I've yet to master it
Thank you, great review based on your experience.
The question is what is the best fly line for Sage Mod 9”#5?
I would put a RIO Gold Elite on that rod. I love the MOD, it's a great all around rod as long as you aren't trying to cast streamers into the wind at 60' or more.
I have tried a bunch of lines on the mod 590, I think the Perception beats the gold hands down. For better/longer mending I'd go to a double taper.
@@johanh9637 Thank you!
For a 9'6" 7wt for streamers/bass/steelhead in the Oregon and Washington should I save money and get the Sonic or save up money and get the R8? I am leaning Sonic but I'm not sure.
Great question. I like the R8 a lot. I would buy up on that if it's within reach. Line feeding, mending, roll casting is going to be a better vibe. You'll be fishing the same rod in 15 years and glad you did IMO. Like I said, if it's within reach financially. It's a lot of money but you'll only have to buy it once! :)
I have an R8 590, I'm thinking of making this into a dedicated indicator nymph rig. What line would you recommend for great mending and turnover power without killing the soul of the rod? SA Anadro looks good but the wf5w line is 1.5 heavy. Maybe the wf4w?
It depends on the size of the rig, if you are running small indicators I simply like an Amplitude Infinity, it's thinner, and drifts more drag free on light rigs. If you are using big indicators, shot, double rigs, the Anadro will turn it over better but comes with a cost. The thicker tip and head gives the current more traction and offers less finesse. On that rod, personally, I would stick with an Infinity.
Still love my XP 486-4 and X 590-4. If I lost one I would probably replace it with an R8.
The R8 has a wide stance, you would like it. I still love the XP but side by side… it’s astounding how far rods have come.
Is the foundation built to the same standards as the other rods? I’m considering getting it as an outfit or buying the sonic by itself.
What line do you recommend for the 596 r8 if I’m mostly doing indicator fishing?
Oh I would get an Indicator Taper if you are roll casting big indicators and stonefly nymphs or fairly heavy double nymph rigs. Both SA and RIO make great lines, either would be an excellent fit. Stay with a #5, these lines are buffed up a bunch anyway so no need to even consider a line bump. redsflyfishing.com/products/rio-elite-indicator
Here is link to the line, redsflyfishing.com/products/rio-elite-indicator
If you add the line to your cart along with the rod, it may ring up free. If not, use coupon code "FREELINE" at checkout!
I'm still fishing my VXPs, (386-4 dry fly/small water/backpacking, 590-4 all around trout, 7133-4 for steelhead, 790-4 for beach rod). Quite happy with them with the exception of my beach saltwater cutthroat/coho/pink salmon rod. VXP doesn't quite have the oomph to it and 7 is a bit heavy. Would want to get a Sonic or Igniter for that in 697-4 - often casting into wind, which is why I had been using a 7 weight for the beach. Any thoughts?
Well they are both fantastic, it sounds like you keep and cherish your fine rods for all time and make good buying decisions. I would personally lean toward an Igniter if budget wasn't an obstacle there. The performance and finish is notably better, and the action of the Igniter is a bit snappier for casting in the situation you have described here.
@@redsflyshop thanks Joe, excellent advice and much appreciated.
Maybe:
Add a review related to smaller, narrow trees covered NE streams /And suggested 3-4wt rods/ reels
Joe, you got a call it what it is....a Creek fisherman is a Dink fisherman
Trout LL or R8? 4wt
Gezz Joe. You were not showing any love on the Sage Sonic components. That is Sage’s Diamond in the rough.
Oh man I'm sorry, the performance is the story on the SONIC hahah. That rod is hot. Components are nice but not quite as flashy as some of the other models.
I dont really care about the appearance of a rod, i am only interested in the performance.
Best of luck sir
Take my sage out every weekend
Love my 5wt MOD..
Joe your my hero man 🤩
awesome!!!
Usually love your videos but this one is crap Joe. Let me explain why.
'We' have made fly fishing way too complicated. Sage alone has 5-6 models for a 9ft 5 weight for instance. Why?... This isn't helping new comers or anyone that's not a true gear head. Why are we making our sport so difficult to get into?...
Any good caster can adjust his/her casting to fish a rod with various distances, type of fly or personal preference of action. The rods action can be altered by going one line size up or down. Doing a lot of short distance fishing? Go a line size up. Let's make it a lot easier and less cluttered.
Right on ibookje! I am inclined to believe that "casting style" might often be an excuse term for not being a very good caster overall. If I am casting a soft rod for small stream trout I will be casting in a different "style" than I would casting a big bunny fly for pike. A good caster will adjust his "style" to the rod. A poor caster will try to find a rod to match his "style".
Just different options at different price points. The review wasn’t crap.
@@dong8307 Actually, I liked the review but was referring to ibookje's casting comments. I should have made that clearer.
Your complaint should be aimed at the fly fishing industry or specifically Sage, and not Reds Fly shop. It is not in any way shape or form Red’s fault how many rods Sage makes. To the contrary Red’s does (especially this review) does a great job explaining the differences in each rod so you can make an educated decision on which one works for you. Your comment was in no way helpful or relevant to this fantastic review/explanation of the Sage line.
Yes I agree we all appreciate Joe’s great reviews. Sage purposely floods the market with as many models as possible, and puts the same snubnose grip on every one of them because it’s just a strait piece of cork that’s an easy shape to duplicate. Notice that the handle grip ergonomics is not even mentioned as a criteria. There are two big reasons why many senior fly fisherman still prefer their older Sage rods: 1) Handle grips were more comfortable and fit a wider range of people back in the XP days, and 2) Recent Sage rods, at least most of them, don’t have good “fish fighting feel”, they feel dead and don’t transmit vibration to your hand, like the old ones used to. Thats because Sage uses more fiberglass in their rods (blanks are really a composite construction), it’s an important part of the design and the blank technology. I don’t like the fact that Sage puts way too much emphasis on blank technology and not nearly enough on cork ergonomics and fish fighting feel. I can pick up an old Fenwick HMG graphite rod from the 1970’s, and feel every time the fish tries to spit out the fly while fighting them (same with the Sage XP too). Most younger fly fisherman won’t ever experience this difference.
Overpriced. A $200 rod can do the same.
Same could be said about watches, art, and optics. If you want something a bit finer, it costs ya.
Where is the casting examples. This is useless.
Our channel has a video of most most models being fished, maybe search there for the model you are most interested in. Thanks for the productive feedback.
Overrated and overpriced.