For 2023, Sage introduces the next evolution in saltwater fly rod technology with the SALT R8.
Whether maximizing your limited shots for tarpon or blocking the right moon cycle for a permit trip—or just delivering a quick, confident cast through wind at distance—saltwater is a game where patience and urgency are equally critical to maximizing opportunity. Whether on idyllic flats, coastal beaches, or back-country mangroves, you need faith—in your cast, your reaction time, and your choice of rod.
To really understand what was happening in the heart and soul of saltwater fly fishing, Sage sent their senior rod designers to the birthplace of the discipline in South Florida. During their lengthy saltwater immersion, they listened carefully to the shops, guides, scientists, stories, and legends to truly understand what was happening on the water and what was really required to shape and hone a more perfect tool for saltwater sight fishing. Steeped in those cumulative decades of tradition, insight and knowledge, Sage’s design team then harnessed the power of Revolution 8 Technology and their precise knowledge of performance rod taper to create what naturally evolved into the fight and touch of the SALT R8 collection.
Most salt rods are built for pure power and ultimate strength—that is table stakes for the venue and the discipline. With Sage’s new R8 graphite, adding 25% more strength-per-weight was the easy part—a simple function of material advancement—but one that also increased the fight in the rod even down to the six-weight. Sage increased the pure pulling power without the need to add more material, fillers, or reinforcement. The outcome is simple, providing the ability for faster landing times and reducing fish stress and catch-and-release pressure on ever so delicate ecosystems.
As Sage Rod Designer Peter Knox describes, “The new R8 Technology brings a level of strength to the product that we couldn’t have achieved otherwise. And so if you look at the SALT R8, versus R8 CORE, you’re going to find you’ve got twenty to thirty percent greater strength.”
Shaping a taper that brought this increased touch into the equation took more time. Yet after a long residence in the birthplace of saltwater fly fishing, and working directly with the experienced guides there, Sage’s rod designers found the right profile and fiber alignment that delivered strength, fine touch presentation, and a more intuitive sweet spot to a class of rods that have long had a reputation as unwieldy, unforgiving, and difficult. With the SALT R8, gone are the days of sacrificing the feel and touch in your saltwater rod.
As Sage Rod Designer Peter Knox describes, “These rods have been designed a little bit easier to load, and so they’re a little bit quicker out of the hand. Having that touch to just flip a little cast in there, land the fly with enough time to sink, ’cause that fish isn’t very happy – that can spell out the difference between success and failure on any given day.”
SALT R8 Highlights
Saltwater Specific 25% Greater Strength Per Rod – Greater Pulling power equals more fight for faster landing and less stress on delicate ecosystems.
Enhanced Durability – Enhanced toughness withstands more rugged situations and demands of remote travel.
More Intuitive Sweet Spot – Prioritizes touch and speed for shorter shots and on-demand casts.
Saltwater Specific Guide Set – Fuji Titanium K-guides resist corrosion, while angled shape prevents snags and tangling in the chaos of the fight. Oversized chrome snake guides and tip-top allow larger saltwater knots to pass with ease.
Heavy-Duty Reel Seat – Built for enhanced contact and confidence, heavy-duty reel seat and oversized locking rings keep reel tight to the rod for greater contact, rigidity, and a more direct connection when fighting powerful high-stakes fish.
As Sage Rod Designer Peter Knox summarizes, “The SALT R8 is our next generation answer to saltwater fly fishing. It’s a formulation of our new R8 Technology that helps us create a super durable and high performance fishing tool that’s been wrapped up with the best guide set you can find.”
Available in a number of saltwater-application models from 6 through 15 weight, there is sure to be a go-to tool to fit every angler’s salty pursuits. For more information on Revolution 8 technology and SALT R8, visit https://farbank.com/collections/sage-salt-r8-saltwater.
Features
– Revolution 8 Technology
– Tempest Blue blank colour
– Slate primary thread wraps with graduated White and Grey trim
– Premium Flor Grade Cork Handle w/EVA Butt
– Black rod bag with new cord lock for quicker, easier, and cleaner storage
– Aluminium rod tube with Sage medallion
MSRP : $1100
MODELS // 690-4 / 790-4 / 890-4 / 990-4 / 1090-4 / 1190-4 / 1290-4 / 1290-4FG / 1586-4
About Sage:
Founded in 1980, Sage was created with one idea in mind—to build the world’s finest performance fly rods. From the start, Sage has maintained that singular focus on delivering the finest performance fly fishing rods, reels, and equipment to the avid angler. We are a company of passionate anglers and craftsmen, continually seeking performance advantages through new materials, designs, and engagement with the fly fishing community. We fly fish. You can feel our passion for fly fishing in everything we do. For more information, please visit https://farbank.com/pages/sage/. Connect with us on Facebook, Instagram, and Youtube.
Also look at:
https://flyfishing-blog.com/flyfishing-blog.com/2022/04/09/sage-introduces-revolutionary-new-graphite-technology-core-rod-family/
https://flyfishing-blog.com/flyfishing-blog.com/2022/04/01/sage-fly-rods-behind-the-r8/
https://flyfishing-blog.com/flyfishing-blog.com/2022/02/17/sages-thermo-reel-family-is-for-the-big-game-angler/