Sage’s New R8 Core

Earlier this month, Sage introduced the new R8 Core fly rod. Billed to be an all-round, fast-action rod that replaces the X in their lineup, Sage says it “applies new revolutionary material technology” in “a rod family focused on maximum versatility.” Our Director of Services and fly fishing guide, Jon Easdon, took it out recently and put it to the test. Here is Jon’s R8 review.

The Feel

The first thing I noticed is that the rod is very light in hand. The reel seat is a bit different but very functional. It didn’t take long to find the sweet spot on this rod. It feels like a fast action Sage rod but with some different attributes in the tip.

They have played with some new technologies in the construction of this rod and really nailed it. This is a very nimble rod and has a lot of sensitivity in the top two sections. Typically rods that feel like this can cast a little wimpy. Not this one.

The rod had a lot of power above the grip and can really lay out a cast — all the while maintaining a high level of sensitivity in the top sections. 

Strength Meets Flex

I especially noticed the advantage of the new technologies when hooked up on fish. The rod allowed you to put a lot pressure on the lower part of the rod while the tip easily took up the impact from the fight. This felt like two different rods in one. Sage’s description says that the R8  meets the need “where one rod needs to show even greater range.”

Overall, I am truly impressed with this rod and have not fished anything like it before. It’s tough to introduce a good rod in the market because the competition is tough, and companies are tapping into new technologies, but Sage developed a rod that stands out. I’m a fan.

Come on in and cast it on our ponds out back of the Shop.  Shop online for the new Sage R8 here.