More New Things From Sage

[briansII]

As we ACCELerate into the future of fly fishing, Sage keeps pace with a new rod. This model is to replace the VXP line that's showing up on closeout sales. Foot mashed to the floor, Sage ACCELerates their Gen 5 graphite technology to the next level. This will be a full lineup, with a 3wt trout rod all the way up to a 13'6" 8wt spey. Sage let off the ACCELerator pedal just a bit, with MSRP ranging from $595 - $750. A good name for this would be........

Another new entry into the DOMAIN of high tec, affordable cost, is Sage's latest reel. Fully machine, 6061 T6 aerospace aluminum, hard anodized, and fully sealed drag. These features were once the DOMAIN of $500+ reels, but now Sage offers it at MSRP of $340. Name this reel

Or better yet, think up some hyperbole laden sentences that include "Domain". I maxed out at 2.

briansII
PS, if anyone is thinking about a 6wt spey rod, I _really_ like the 6129 VXP. At closeout prices, it will be a good buy.

[BrownBear]

I clearly need to do some casting with the new Sage offerings. I'm feeling a little behind the curve here.

The fly fishing class I taught last weekend included demo rods from Sage, Echo, TFO, Loomis and St. Croix, all 8WTs and a few different models in some of the brands. The class and the casting were most decidedly NOT about delicate casts for trout, but looong casting with big flies in wind. None of the newer Sage rods were in the array, more's the pity. Sage's recent tapers haven't really suited me for that combo of demands. Clear winner among the models and brands for all of us was the TFO TiCrX. The shop owner was one step short of pizzed, because he had a guy ready to buy a Sage One before the class, who instead settled on the TiCrX after tossing both.

Probably the more interesting aspect of having so many rods on hand was swapping lines back and forth trying to match actions with tapers. All the lines were "weight forward" of some description from Rio, SA, Airflo and Teeny. For the combo of big flies, wind and distance the winning fly line by about 2 miles was the Rio Outbound Short. You could add 15-20' of line to a good tight cast just by switching to the Outbound. Combined with the TiCrX, it was a rocket.

Lotta good competition for Sage these days, but I bet they're up to it. Good outfit that rises to the challenges and gives you your money's worth even with the higher price. Looking forward to what they can come up with for wind, big flies and long casts!

[k9mark]

The thing people need to realize with all the new Sage technology is that the rods need to be over-lined in most cases for the average, even expert caster, to make the rod flex during casting. It's amazing the difference in how it makes the rod come alive.

[briansII]

I clearly need to do some casting with the new Sage offerings. I'm feeling a little behind the curve here.

The fly fishing class I taught last weekend included demo rods from Sage, Echo, TFO, Loomis and St. Croix, all 8WTs and a few different models in some of the brands. The class and the casting were most decidedly NOT about delicate casts for trout, but looong casting with big flies in wind. None of the newer Sage rods were in the array, more's the pity. Sage's recent tapers haven't really suited me for that combo of demands. Clear winner among the models and brands for all of us was the TFO TiCrX. The shop owner was one step short of pizzed, because he had a guy ready to buy a Sage One before the class, who instead settled on the TiCrX after tossing both.

Probably the more interesting aspect of having so many rods on hand was swapping lines back and forth trying to match actions with tapers. All the lines were "weight forward" of some description from Rio, SA, Airflo and Teeny. For the combo of big flies, wind and distance the winning fly line by about 2 miles was the Rio Outbound Short. You could add 15-20' of line to a good tight cast just by switching to the Outbound. Combined with the TiCrX, it was a rocket.

Lotta good competition for Sage these days, but I bet they're up to it. Good outfit that rises to the challenges and gives you your money's worth even with the higher price. Looking forward to what they can come up with for wind, big flies and long casts!

Good info!

I was just thinking about my other Sage post, where you and Luc said you liked stiffer/faster rods. I'm in that camp too(for 6wt and above), but have been slowly accepting a slightly softer action. That's why I like the Xi3. Looking at what's currently offered, TFO looks like one of the few that still offers something really "fast". I noticed they dropped their TiCr, but still have the X model and the Axiom. I've owned all 3(plus a few more slower models), and they are very powerful, fast rods. I'll be honest, I don't like the feel of any of those, but they flat out get it done with heavy lines. Agreed too about the Outbound Short. If you're feeling down about your casting, an instant ego boost is the OBS. They fish really well too. Airflo's new Sniper is similar, with a better(IMHO)running line.

I don't see any of the big name rod makers coming out with an old school, fast rod. Trend seems to be lighter, with more "feel", or sensitivity. That's ok with me. Less temptation to spend $$.

briansII

[BrownBear]

...a better(IMHO)running line.

That's the best news I've heard in a while. My one beef with the Outbound is the running line. Fine for a little while, but before a year is out it's a soft, tangly mess.

I'm getting real hooked on the Vision fly lines. Their Vibe 65, 85 and 125 lines are essentially the same style of line we're talking but giving you the choice of 6.5 meter (21'), 8.5 meter (27') and 12.5 meter (40') heads with great running lines. The 85 is much like the Outbound Short, while the 125 is like the original Outbound (which I prefer to the short). That 65 however, is a marvel on small rods for longer casts, while it's the best "double taper" you've ever put on a small rod while the running line is still back in the guides. I have it now on my 2- and 3-weight rods, and may never use anything else again.

The 65 is a little short for the way I use my 4- and 5-weights, for which the 85 is a better choice. I start to run out of steam with the 85 (and with Outbound Shorts) on 7-WTs and likely will switch to the 125 in lieu of the now-gone original Outbounds. For sure I'll switch up to the 125 when my last 8 WT original Outbound dies this year. Hands down the best line going for my 10-WT's.

Kinda bewildering array of lines at Vision, there are so many to choose from. But the more I delve into them, the more I am using them.

[briansII]

I might give Vision lines a try, but between my single hand, AND two handed rods, my inventory of lines is getting unmanageable. Because I tend not to label things, I don't have a clue what some of the lines/heads are.

For a very short head, I have a few of Wulff's new Ambush line. 20' head that loads quick, and cast exceptionally well. Strong roll casts with single hand rods, and it will shoot line on a roll cast. Very easy skagit casts for switch and spey.

I still have a selection of the original Outbounds. They don't see the water much anymore, but I agree they are great lines. The running line(intermediate)was finicky, but the longish heads made for long casts.....when the running line didn't tangle. The Outbound Short sort of solved the running line issue, but I think the Airflo Sniper is one step better.

briansII

[k9mark]

I clearly need to do some casting with the new Sage offerings. I'm feeling a little behind the curve here.

The fly fishing class I taught last weekend included demo rods from Sage, Echo, TFO, Loomis and St. Croix, all 8WTs and a few different models in some of the brands. The class and the casting were most decidedly NOT about delicate casts for trout, but looong casting with big flies in wind. None of the newer Sage rods were in the array, more's the pity. Sage's recent tapers haven't really suited me for that combo of demands. Clear winner among the models and brands for all of us was the TFO TiCrX. The shop owner was one step short of pizzed, because he had a guy ready to buy a Sage One before the class, who instead settled on the TiCrX after tossing both.

Probably the more interesting aspect of having so many rods on hand was swapping lines back and forth trying to match actions with tapers. All the lines were "weight forward" of some description from Rio, SA, Airflo and Teeny. For the combo of big flies, wind and distance the winning fly line by about 2 miles was the Rio Outbound Short. You could add 15-20' of line to a good tight cast just by switching to the Outbound. Combined with the TiCrX, it was a rocket.

Lotta good competition for Sage these days, but I bet they're up to it. Good outfit that rises to the challenges and gives you your money's worth even with the higher price. Looking forward to what they can come up with for wind, big flies and long casts!

Good info!

I was just thinking about my other Sage post, where you and Luc said you liked stiffer/faster rods. I'm in that camp too(for 6wt and above), but have been slowly accepting a slightly softer action. That's why I like the Xi3. Looking at what's currently offered, TFO looks like one of the few that still offers something really "fast". I noticed they dropped their TiCr, but still have the X model and the Axiom. I've owned all 3(plus a few more slower models), and they are very powerful, fast rods. I'll be honest, I don't like the feel of any of those, but they flat out get it done with heavy lines. Agreed too about the Outbound Short. If you're feeling down about your casting, an instant ego boost is the OBS. They fish really well too. Airflo's new Sniper is similar, with a better(IMHO)running line.

I don't see any of the big name rod makers coming out with an old school, fast rod. Trend seems to be lighter, with more "feel", or sensitivity. That's ok with me. Less temptation to spend $$.

briansII

Have you cast the TFO Mangrove yet? Very nice....easy on the wallet too.

[briansII]

Have you cast the TFO Mangrove yet? Very nice....easy on the wallet too.

No I haven't. I was at Kiene's Expo and should have given them a try, but I didn't even think about test casting rods. I hear good things about them, but no new rods in my immediate future.

The thing people need to realize with all the new Sage technology is that the rods need to be over-lined in most cases for the average, even expert caster, to make the rod flex during casting. It's amazing the difference in how it makes the rod come alive.

On most of my 8 & 9wt Sages, I am over lining them a bunch. Not to feel the load, but just as a function of how I'm fishing(heavy lines/shooting heads). Funny thing is, I have cast them with the rated WF floating lines, and really like them that way. Some folks like to feel more load, and up line them. On my 7wt and below Sages, I fish them with the rated floating, and sinktip lines. I just prefer the faster/stiff tip feeling. If I have a multi rated rod, like a 3/4, I will almost always choose the lighter line. Not to say I don't enjoy a moderate action. I love fishing full flexing rods too.

briansII

[BrownBear]

...my inventory of lines is getting unmanageable. Because I tend not to label things, I don't have a clue what some of the lines/heads are....

I've only found on solution that works for me:

I have an old Struble Line Winder like the one in this link but without the base unit. Quick and easy to remove and coil lines from a reel. Only way for me to keep track of them is to put them into a ziploc bag and label heck out of the bag. Works great.... When I get around to it!

Nuther quick tip- Leave about 3' of backing attached and put a Bimini in it, as well as the front of your backing. Snap for swapping lines that don't have welded loops. The Bimini on the front of your backing works well on welded loops, too.