Sage R8 Core Fly Rods

R8 Core is focused on maximum versatility and applies new revolutionary R8 material technology through our forward-thinking lens of what the people of Sage are seeing out on the water – where one rod needs to show even greater range. At its core, R8 Core traces a direct lineage to Sage’s multi-application / fast action vision, one shaped by the fishing evolutions happening all around us – from habitats we stalk and waters we frequent, to the flies we fish and the diversity of species we now target. Coming in a range from line-classes #3 to 9, with a variety of lengths from 8’6″/260 cm to 10’0″/305 cm, there is sure to be a model to fit the core needs of every freshwater angler.

R8 Technology

The advanced, leading-edge material behind R8 enables Sage to shape a rod with a stiffer, stronger backbone but a more sensitive tip and more connected feel. The secret is twofold. First, a proprietary aerospace composite with a greater hoop strength enables Sage to dimensionally grow taper diameter more quickly from the tip—while a nano-sintered resin application increases axial resilience and allows Sage to pack more fibre into the blank, resulting in that true two-way connection from hand to fly and back for greater feel, flow and control.

Features

• Revolution 8 Technology
• Silver Pine blank colour
• Slate primary thread wraps with graduated white and grey trim
• Fuji ceramic stripper guides with hard chromed snake guides and tip-top
• Laser etched line weight on slide band
• Black rod bag with new quick-tie cord lock for faster, easier, and cleaner storage
• Aluminium rod tube with Sage medallion
• Line-classes #3 – 6

#3 – #6 rods
Premium Flor grade snub-nose half-wells cork handle
Sustainable Ziricote wood insert with anodized aluminium up-locking reel seat

#5 – #9 rods
Premium Flor grade full-wells cork handle with cork/EVA fighting butt
Gunmetal anodized aluminium up-locking reel seat
Integrated hidden hook keeper in reel seat

Dry Fly

A fast action provides the capability to stay tight to the line and in control of the presentation, while the high line speed drives a tight loop that assists in laser accuracy in technical dry fly situations. With ability to handle dry fly lines with long heads, increasing loop control when carrying long lengths and making precise casts to rising fish, all while making it easier to turn over long leaders for technical feeders at range.

Nymphing

With a sensitive tip section to protect light tippets, a versatile balance between lifting power and delicacy provides perfect synergy for nymph fishing. A very effective tool for anglers that fish nymphs and indicators wading or out of a boat. With a combination of power and feel, R8 Core allows for intuitively better cast timing, easier line lifts and sharp, precise mends leading to faster reaction times when setting the hook.

Streamers

A powerful butt section easily throws a wide range of streamers and accommodates a full line-up of sinking tip lines while also quickly pulling aggressive fish out of structure for increased landing success. The powerful butt section of the R8 CORE provides stability, connectedness, and power to rock and fire those one-shot casts.

Mending

With feel that extends to the smallest dry flies, R8 provides the touch to deliver efficient mends with intention and precision.

Setting

From subtle sips to streamer strikes, the amplified sensitivity of R8 enables fine nibble feel that triggers instant, instinctual reaction for trout sets or strip sets.

Fish Fighting

With a fish on, R8’s fusion of stronger backbone yet greater feel enables you to control your fish, even from tough structure, with touch and care.

Made in the USA

Sage is not a big faceless factory, but rather a workplace of craftspeople who design and build the world’s best fly rods and reels using the hands and hearts of its employees. Sage does it by sharing ideas and always asking the next question to find what can be done to make this better. The rods are built one at time right on Bainbridge Island, WA, following hundreds of meticulous steps and passing through 23 sets of hands. The people of Sage are out there fishing the same places in the same unforgiving conditions that you are. Craftsmanship is applied experience. Lifetimes of it.