That, too, was a lovely rod, but the R8 Core has a super broad sweet spot and ultra-springy mid-section that brings the rod to life on casts both short and long. This also works well for bass, although a lot of people will go a little heavier for these tough-fighting fish. The medium action allows for accuracy in tight spots and stiffness with bigger fish on the line. This style of fly fishing rod is completely different than any other on the list because its an entirely different way of fly fishing. Reach for this model if you are looking for a fast, powerful four. The Sage R8 Core had a slight edge. Even my guide friends loved it, and I could see a smidge of jealousy in their trout-lovin eyes. I would unconditionally recommend some rods within the R8 Core series. I chose the G-Series because I don't care for rods that are stiff as a fireplace poker. It includes a rod, reel, fly line, leaders, tippet, a fly box, a rod case, a reel sleeve, and even the option to add a net. - Babe Ruth. I was surprised at how much more effortless this was with the X (vs. my old RPL and SP). We spend a lot of time testing gear and writing reviews to give you all the tools to make your next trip a success. A fast action taper keeps your loops tighter and more efficient, creating a smooth angling experience. This rod is a little easier to cast than the 896 and I like it a little more than the 790 in general. I felt it had more soul and personality than the X, however, I did not feel a big "wow" factor when casting it. Both Matt and Bill are highly skilled casters and can huk fly line. Has the backbone needed to handle a 350-grain Striper line or Outbound Short. For example, the 790-4, 890-4 and 990-4 may cast best with bonefish lines, but I wouldnt buy these rods for the flats. Unsurprisingly, at first glance, the R8 Core has the quality weve all come to expect from a Sage product. Gear Review: Sage R8 Core Series Fly Rods - The Fly Shop You want shills, go on Instagram. But if they were to be spey casting, theyd go for a 13-foot 7- or 8-weight rod. Thanks-. For the best experience on our site, be sure to turn on Javascript in your browser. Best Uses: Striper fishing, permit, pike - this was a favorite. Typo 11, thanks for your reply. And if you learn a bevy of casts beyond the standard like false casting, roll casting, or slack line casting youll be able to further dial in presentation for any number of setups or weather conditions. Sage R8 Core First Impressions | Page 8 | The North American Fly It excels in all the subtle techniques including roll casting, line mending, informal Spey casts and tippet protection. Light hand, the R8 6wt can toss foam stonefly patterns to the edges of banks while still having plenty of feel for throwing drakes on the Henrys Fork. This Carbon XL has a moderate to moderate-fast action that loads and casts easily for all skill levels. Different fly lines summon unique casting qualities, but the rod handles them all. Another thing well always suggest is to head to your nearest fly shop and ask questions. The rod also lacked the versatility found in the other models. The SA Infinity Taper is a natural fit for this long 6-weight, but anglers who prefer a shooting style line such as the Rio Outbound will marvel at the distance this rod achieves. TFO Blue Ribbon does not compete with Loomis Asquith or NRX+, Orvis Helios, Sage R8 or IGNITER, Scott Centric or G Series or T&T Paradigm or Avantt. A medium (or moderate) action will be stiffer throughout. Sage R8 or Winston Air 2 4 wt? | The North American Fly Fishing Forum Not only does it fish well, but the cosmetic details are also there. Double hauling in the wind, it knifes long loops that turn over with an audible hiss. article and model reviews by John Duncan and Richard Post Tech | Model Reviews. Support us! For the longest cast of your life, stick an SA Infinity Taper on the 596 and see how much line you can hold in the air before shooting. Sage R8 Core First Impressions | Page 2 | The North American Fly 100% of our funding comes from your gear purchases, so if this blog post helps you on your next fly fishing adventure, please support us by buying your gear from us. This allows for a stiff backbone to set against a powerful fish or cut through the wind with speed and power. It takes a slow, steady cast to really deliver a fly line. They cast with familiarity and intuition. It seems like an odd omission since its such a small component. You can really stand on it too, you dont have to, but the response of the rod encourages you to really drive the cast. The soft tip to protect light tippets and the mending focused taper make for a highly specialized nymphing rod and one technical tailwater fisherman should pay attention to. We are all bozos on this bus, and fly-fishing is just one little nook that we occupy sometimes. JavaScript is disabled. Read more. I dont know many people who actually use them. Weight- The least subjective of all. Fishing broad water with sinking lines comes naturally to the Centric 1006-4. The R8 896 had a shooty feel with this line and was truly fun to watch the head of the line race away and turn over. The exactness is akin to fitting a puzzle piece in its proper spot. We found it needed a lighter line like its younger sibling, such as Rio Gold or, if youre *only* fishing dries, Rio Technical Trout is also a reasonable choice. A Rio Technical Trout didnt engage the rod much, and I began to lose hope. There was no kick at the delivery and the rod absorbed those inherent aberrations that ripple through the line when casting short heavy heads. This is a bit of a wild card. Our testers found the Scott Centric to have a faster recovery speed than the Sage R8 Core. Now, the fun part. Scott Centric Fly Rod Test - New Scott Centric VS Scott Radian VS Sage The 896 has a similar fast rod feel to the R8 696, but the heavier blank of the 8 weight isnt quite as lively. Click here for a more detailed look at the 9 5wt. All rights reserved. I was able to. This is a telescoping rod, meaning it collapses down into itself. Prior to that, Rachelle held leadership positions in multiple conservation organizations and often finds herself testifying in the capitol on topics ranging from wildlife management to habitat protection. and "What line works best on this rod?". -John Duncan. The consistent review from the pros is that it casts like a much higher-priced rod. I also cast the Rio Elite Gold and the Rio Perception WF4Fs as well. And like the Helios, this makes for a helluva boat rod. Impressive action, good feel, and good aesthetic. -John Duncan, I was very excited to cast this rod. All our users found both rods to be very light compared to other rods. All of the potential bases for "disgust" are prevalent throughout just about any market that is appealing to something other than actual need. Its just plain awesome with all three, which tells me that there is virtually no bad line choice for this rod. Obviously, there are a lot of opinions involved in what it takes to be the best, and if you visit six different sites, youll get six different lists. Scott Centric - Bigfork Anglers Hi all, I'm looking at buying my "life time" rod and wanting to get people's opinion on which rod. Scott Centric $ 895.00. This is a finely tuned fly rod. The store will not work correctly in the case when cookies are disabled. . Both are approximately weight heavy for their line designation, so the difference must lie in the taper. The RIO Striper line fits like a glove, but it threw the SA Amplitude Bonefish nicely. It casts naturally with tremendous line speed and zero torsional play at all distances. That being said, here are our recommendations for 2022. Figuring out the right rod weight for your target fish species is generally pretty simple. In fact, we observe two distinct design strategies within the R8 Core. Choosing a fly rod really comes down to three components: where youre fishing, what youre fishing for, and what flies youll tie to the end of the rod. Typically, youll find a whole crew of experts willing to help you better understand fishing gear, flies, and your local waters. It has a very nice, progressive flex to it. Really, the hope was to mimic the power of the Sector for big freshwater applications. We understand multi-disciplinary as versatile. The growing popularity of spey casting led Sage to reconfigure the G5 to accommodate the most recent advances in spey lines available on the market. G-Loomis NRX+LP $ 795.00. I can catch little brookies in the high alpine or decent rainbows in bigger water, no problem. new Sage R8 CORE 590-4? We had the pleasure of casting two newly released six-weight fly rods from two premiere fly rod companies, the Sage R8 Core 690-4FB and the Scott Centric C906/4FB. This rod feels Incredibly light in hand but has plenty of range and is an excellent option for anglers seeking versatility from their 4wt. Both rods are 9 foot six weights. The Airflo Universal casts well throughout this rods range, too, and I suspect that the Rio Perception is also a good match. When blanks become available I might consider building one for myself. Scott Centric Fly Rods | Model-by-Model Review - Telluride Angler Choose this model over the 956-4 for light line steelheading, high stick nymphing on big rivers and fishing lakes at distance. Are a top Fuji stripper and H&H Chrome Stainless super slick guides ho hum? Versatility and top end performance across a wide range of fishing environments are key attributes of this model. Scott Centric C905/4 ? Or maybe all of the above. The R8 Core Series ($1,050) from Sage was just released on April 5. Smashing rod for fishing floating flies with a long leader on small and medium sized trout streams. This setup is perfect for kids and adults who want to test the waters without investing a huge sum of money to do so. 7 Most Popular Smoked Salmon in the World, Who Doesnt Like Potcakes?- Support The Bahamas by Helping the Potcakes, Tips on Mousing for Rainbow Trout and Grayling at Alaska West, Whats Happening with Pebble Mine- Good News for Alaska. The reactions to this R8 Core release are kind of strange. Scott Centric Fly Rod Test - New Scott Centric VS Scott Radian VS Sage Igniter 17,262 views Sep 12, 2020 Daniel is having a little shootout, to compare the existing 5 weights he normally uses. This rod would be perfect for tossing big poppers to largemouth. The rod lacked a weakness, and the dedicated striper, permit, or pike angler will pick this one up and have a hard time returning to their previous nine-weight. We have guides, shop pros and all manner of self-proclaimed authorities (like me by virtue of my 'old-timer' status). I think well see the upper-weighted-end of this series both throwing streamers for salmon and pike, and wandering into the salt flats for bonefish and permit. When you start talking about rods that reach past the 11-foot mark, responsiveness becomes an issue. "How does the 9wt compare to the 10wt?" If I asked my pals in Washington what they throw for steelhead, theyd tell me a 96 7-weight rod is the most versatile. The SA Amplitude Smooth Infinity slows the tempo of the rod down just a hair and exemplifies this rods intuition. Appalachian anglers will find this length and weight combination particularly beneficial on overgrown freestones when a bit more backbone than a 4wt is called for, but a nine-footer is quarrelsome. The companys direct-to-consumer model means you get a higher quality product at a far lower price point. We see this as both fly rods are accurate in capable hands. Since one of them broke and since trying a friend's Sage X (which was far superior for casting/presentation), I am in serious need for a serious upgrade for a rod that can do all freshwater things reasonably well - streams, rivers, lakes, small dries up to medium+ streamers & nymphing, from delicate presentation to punching through the wind. Our testers found both rods to be excellent fly rods and great additions to any fly anglers quiver. Sage R8 Core Fly Rods | Model-by-Model Review. As a mending rod you feel a little stiffness. With its target demographic being drift boat fisherman, it has become a favorite for guides who spend long days afloat. Gear Review: First Cast, Sage R8 Core & Scott Centric - Deneki Your email address will not be published. I was much more impressed when I cast the Douglas Sky G 6wt. -John Duncan, Expecting a tip-casting streamer stick, I found this model to be more suitable for bass fishing and nymphing, where an easy going cast with an open delivers the goods without much input from the caster. Bring them with you to your test casting sessions. At its Core, R8 CORE traces a direct lineage to Sage's multi application vision, one shaped by the fishing evolutions happening all around usfrom habitats we stalk and waters we frequent, to the flies we fish and the diversity of species we now target. Flats anglers neednt worry; we had zero issues throwing tight loops with a Flats Pro Fly Line. The X 896 was so good and I really didnt know what they could do to improve that rod. Neither light nor heavy for its class, the 690-4 is a convincing piece of equipment from the first impression, a rod that seems optimized for its purpose. As you likely know by owning both, the physical weight on both rods is identical - 2 13/16 ounces. Every angler should put a 9 3-weight Sage in their quiver because no other rod maker of my acquaintance builds a model even remotely similar. With identical weight rods and the R8 feeling noticeably lighter than the X, it seems nearly certain that the weight savings, no matter how little, must critically be in the upper 3 sections, with the R8 having a slightly heavier butt section. It is not often we find a rod of its caliber. R8 Core lands at the center point between Igniter and Trout LL, but Walker emphasizes that the action of each model is purposeful and unique. I U-40 all my cork grips before I fish them. My overall impression was that the R8 Core 4100-4 is a specialized model ideally tuned for fishing all manner of nymph rigs for trout. Scott Centric Fly Rod Review - Fast Meets Feel, Elevated Ratings are explained in each category. This delineates the amount of flexion versus stiffness in the rod. 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. Sage Introduces R8 Core Fly Rod - Fly Fisherman Two tone trim wraps and first-rate cork? Sage R8 Core Fly Rods | Model-by-Model Review - Telluride Angler Cast all day without tiring. What 5 weight fly lines will you be casting with your new rod? But itll still allow for a modicum of flex for accuracy, offering a meeting point between stiffness and agility. I own the sage r8 core 486. Stay tuned. The 6wt is a multi-purpose rod that leans towards indicator or hopper dropper fishing out of a drift boat instead of heavy streamers. If little mountain streams are where youre headed, you might want to consider a different rod choice. I felt the Douglas was snappier and able to generate more natural line speed despite being medium fast in action. All our testers found the Sage R8 Core and the Scott Centric exude quality. The extra length allows the taper to relax just a little more than the 790 and makes it more adept at fishing indicators and swinging flies. It casts a Rio Elite Bonefish line reasonably well, but I expect it will get more reps with freshwater lines such as the Rio Gold, SA MPX, SA Titan, Rio Predator and the range of sink tips customary for Alaska and similar environments. We fished the Centric with the Scientific Anglers Amplitude MPX and Rio Premiere Gold and found these to be choice lines for this rod. Stay away from extra heavy long-headed lines, such as the Rio Grand. I think this rod gives you the best of both worlds, without sacrificing performance. Author. Sage R8 Core Fly Rod Review - Darn Fine - Duranglers Fly Fishing Shop Enhanced fishability comes with improved roll casting and line mending as they naturally put a little more graphite behind subtle techniques on the water. This was their chance to make a move and they fell considerably short in my opinion. I dont tend to extend much past the 9-foot mark, but this rod seems to have the responsiveness and control you might expect from a shorter rod. My 9'/#4 Core just arrived, and I have yet to string it up, but it looks Sage classy and understated in muted, subtle, green paint. My favorites are the Rio Gold and Rio Technical Trout, but the rod also handles the long-headed SA Infinity Taper, the SA Trout Taper and the Airflo Superflo Universal. Every year, theres a new list of the best rods out there. ReAct technology combines our X-Core design with a new complex materials and taper system to create a break-through in fast action rod design. As a true freshwater-six, it's best to leave this one at home on your next bonefishing trip. My impression was the 690 R8 was a good all around fishing rod (I was impressed with how well it mended). Some will say yes, and some will say no. Sage introduces the new R8 CORE fly rod lineup - Hatch Mag Maybe it is more of an indictment on the industry. By signing up for email newsletters, you agree to GearJunkie's, Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window), Click to share on Twitter (Opens in new window), Click to email a link to a friend (Opens in new window), The Redington Butter Stick in action; (photo/Redington), With 5 line weights, all at 86 long, G. Loomis introduced a powerhouse series with the. Lines: Scientific Anglers Amplitude MPX Fly Line, RIO Perception Fly Line. Then, others are frustrated until they believe that Sage is just running a big con job and using this forum and its members to achieve that. If anything, the FB edition feels a tiny bit lighter, the natural result of mounting the grip higher on the blank. -John Duncan, No rod is this series surpasses the performance and feel of the 596-4.

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