For 2024, Sage introduces the next evolution in double-handed fly rod technology with the SPEY R8.
The Spey angler’s arena is exacting and exhausting. Seams and structure are often in the middle or far side of the river; bushes behind and trees above complicate casting the necessary distance. Deep and fast currents, combined with slick bedrock and boulders make wading arduous. All the while, extreme weather – rainforest deluges, high desert glare, or never-ending daylight – continuously test resolve. Nevertheless, the simple fact remains that the more time the fly is in the water, the better the odds of an encounter. To maximize their chances, the Spey angler needs a rod that delivers the fly precisely, time and time again, with minimal fatigue. They need a rod that’s Intuitive and easy to cast, optimized and Fine-Tuned for their application.
As Sage Rod Designer Paul Schmierer describes, “An effective Spey cast is dependent on efficient transfers of energy in each of its three key components: the Lift, Load, and Delivery. Utilizing our proprietary Revolution 8 graphite technology along the full length of double-handed rod tapers results in a blank with an unmatched ability to capture and carry power, plus exceptional tracking. Energy produced during the cast and applied directly to the rod are transmitted entirely into the line, so Spey casters aren’t required to compensate for lost energy or imprecise rod reactions.”
As Sage Rod Designer Paul Schmierer describes, “In designing our new SPEY R8 rods, we recognized there isn’t a single rod action appropriate for the wide variety of Spey fishing applications found around the globe. We identified four distinct Spey rod applications, each with its own unique set of requirements. This new approach matches rod action to application, ensuring anglers have the most fine-tuned Spey rod for their fishing. Across the family, our Revolution 8 Technology ensures a remarkably smooth and intuitive feel, no matter the line configuration.”
Sage’s history designing and building Spey rods dates back to the late-1980’s – nearly the beginning of the company itself – when America’s Spey Revolution was just beginning. While the SPEY R8 family’s performance is a culmination of their most-advanced material technology, blank designs, and rod weight-length configurations to date, Sage has chosen the aesthetics as a nod to their deep Spey rod history, the pioneers of this niche within fly fishing, and of course, the anadromous fish themselves.
SPEY R8 Highlights
– Fine-Tuned Actions – four distinct Spey-specific actions | Switch (7116-4, 8116-4), Lightweight Linespeed (5126-4, 6130-4), Max Versatility (7126-4, 7130-4, 7136-4, 8130-4, 9130-4), Most Powerful (8126-4, 8136-4, 9140-6, 10150-4)
– Intuitive Performance – bringing R8 Technology into Spey | Maximum energy is captured throughout the casting stroke leading to a highly efficient Spey cast.
– Classic Aesthetic, Distinctive Charm | A classically designed cosmetic package nods at Sage’s rich history in Spey while maintaining a fresh and familiar feel.
As Sage Rod Designer Paul Schmierer summarizes, “With SPEY R8, the result is a Spey Casting Synergy that ’s enjoyable and approaching effortless – casts are smooth, instinctual, and consistent. Be it steelhead, Atlantic salmon, Chinook salmon, or sea-run brown trout; Skagit, Scandi or Traditional lines. SPEY R8 rods capitalize on each cast, increasing the likelihood of the almighty moment that we all are devoted to.”
For more information on Revolution 8 technology and SPEY R8, visit https://farbank.com/collections/sage-spey-r8.
Features
– Spey Specific / Fast Action
– Revolution 8 Technology
– Ale Blank Color
– Grey Primary Thread Wraps w/ Gold & Black Trim Wraps
– Fuji K-Series “Tangle Free” Stripping Guides
– Hard Chrome Snake Guides & Tip Top
– Aluminum Down-Locking Reel Seat (Up-Locking for Switch) w/ Walnut Insert
– Laser Etched Sage Logo on Slide Band
– Super-Plus Grade Cork Handle & Rear Grip w/ Composite Cork Trim Rings
– Black Rod Bag w/ Gold Sage Logo & Ale Colored Model Tag
– Low Light Bronze Aluminum Tube w/ Granite Tube Cap & Gold Matte Black Sage Medallion
– Handcrafted in the USA
MSRP : $1300
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.