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Question for Sage Rod fans.

2.7K views 10 replies 11 participants last post by  creekx  
#1 ·
I purchased a sage SP. I love the rod. I want to buy another older Sage rod. What are some of the older models that are similar to the SP. I am not interested in the newer models. I want at least an 8' 6",5#,3 to 4 piece, or a 9' in the same configuration. Any suggestions on models to look for. Thanks, Mark.
 
#2 ·
My favorite rod for fishing dries is RPL+ 81/2 foot for 3 wt. I just now pulled my 6 wt out of the case and its graphite but so old I can no longer
read the description on the rod. My 8wt is a graphite III. I broke it once doing a stupid move dragging a steelhead up the bank. I mailed it with a check for $50 to sage and it was repaired in a couple weeks. I'm a fan.
 
#4 · (Edited)
Bobduck, and RPL+ is typically much faster than the SP.

Look for the LL, SPL, VPS, SLT and ZXL series for similarly medium action older Sage rods. I also really like my Circa 489 as a long dry fly rod.
 
#8 ·
Having owned a few Sage's through their years of production, I cannot think of another Sage rod like the SP. I often think of Sage rods being fast-action, progressive rods with backbone. The SP doesn't really fit in to that mold. Like others have suggested, the ZXL, what I consider to be Sage's best all-around trout stick, and the RPL are great sticks from Sage but are both progressive in taper. I find the SP to be parabolic in action that loads deeper but still has quick recovery. The Sage 99 was, in my opinion, somewhat comparable to the parabolic SP, but not nearly as smooth or pleasant of a taper as the SP. My ultimate input for you in seeking a rod that is similar to the SP is the 9' 5 weight Winston Biit. A far better rod in that it is smoother, easier to load at all distances, also made in the US of A, lighter, etc.. I believe there's one on the 'bay right now.
 
#11 ·
The Sage Graphite II 586-2 LL was my go-to trout rod for a number of years. Really a sweet rod, as most of the lightlines were. Was a nice all-around rod. Great for dries on the Mo, nymph rigs, etc. Even fished it with a sinktip and sculpins for cutties.