For 2024, Sage introduces the next generation of Spey-specific fly reels in the SPEY Reel family.
Angling for anadromous species is a dynamic balance of preparation and faith. In any given day on the water, or at any given moment, either element may prove more important than another. While in focused pursuit, the angler employs their tackle to the best of their abilities and when doing so, they demand consistency, reliability, and ease of use. Among all their tools of choice, these criteria are most applicable to the fly reel. A great Spey reel satisfies these plus a wide variety of other specific requirements, from precise outgoing drag to comfortable balance with the rod and effective line management. Lastly, but not to be discounted, is its ability to captivate and inspire confidence. Sage’s new SPEY Reels are designed specifically for the anadromous angler, providing an ideal mix of enhanced, modern performance, and refined, traditional design.
As Sage Reel Designer Joseph Conrad describes, “SPEY Reels are built on the foundation of our longstanding Sealed Carbon System (SCS) Drag and improved upon with two key evolutions: newly formulated O-ring seals, and custom dual-clicker. The drag systems are sealed by our new and proprietary O-rings, which are designed to withstand greater amounts of compression. This ensures a stronger seal while at the same time resisting wear and fatigue. We also redesigned the clicker system, adding a second clicker. In addition to increased amplification and improved durability, the dual-clicker design also limits free spool rotation, so fishing distance isn’t inadvertently decreased while casting. The SPEY Reels’ One-Revolution Drag Knob has twenty, numbered drag settings with half-detents, allowing for precise, consistent, and replicable drag settings that can be returned to over and over again.”
Mass and balance were given equally-high attention in their design process as they updated model sizing to better align with matching Spey rods, and they adjusted the location of the reel foot to provide uniform axial balance with the rod.
As Sage Reel Designer Joseph Conrad describes, “The frame and spool designs of the SPEY Reels focus on the Spey system’s balance as a whole, and also the unique lines and riggings used in two-handed casting and fishing. The location and amount of the reels’ portings (or lack thereof) are strategic, resulting in an overall weight that is appropriate for longer Spey rods. Additionally, we adjusted the location of the reel foot from an exact-center position to better align with the center-of-mass of the reels themselves. In the machining of the reel foot, we included radiused edges; this prevents any kinking, memory, or compromising of the Spey leader, tip, or tippet. Retrieval direction is changed easily with a flip of the clutch bearing. Lastly, our spool design features full-frame line guards to eliminate any chances of shooting line migration, a wide palming rim to allow for additional control while fighting fish, and capacity dimensions to match larger-diameter Spey lines.”
As Sage Reel Designer Joseph Conrad describes, “The SPEY Reel aesthetic is an amalgam of influences from the past and present, a nod to Spey traditions and innovations of our own making as well as those from the greater anadromous angling community. The reels’ porting shapes and laser engravings call to mind classical designs while the depth and layers of the frame and spool are never-before-seen. The colors were developed to be alluring but modest, and the anodized finishes add character while also providing corrosion resistance and surface protection. Of special note is the Granite colorway, which perfectly complements the new Sage SPEY R8 rods.”
SPEY Reel Highlights
• Newly Formulated O-Ring Seals & Custom Dual-Clicker | Greatly increases both functionality and durability of the SPEY Reel drag system
• Fine-Tuned Balance & Consistent Line Management | Full-frame design keeps lines tangle-free while an off-center reel foot aligns center of gravity for a better balanced Spey setup
• Classic Design | High-performance is blended with a timeless and classic design that appeals to the traditional nature of Spey fishing.
Features |
• SCS Drag
• One Revolution Drag Knob With 20 Numbered And 39 Detented Settings
• Large Arbor For Fast Line Pick-Up
• Concave, Ported Arbor For Greater Strength And Capacity
• Machined Aluminum Full Frame Construction
• Radiused Reel Foot w/ Center-Of-Mass Balance
• Minimal Porting For Classic Look And Better Counter-Balance
• Easy Conversion From Left-Hand To Right-Hand Retrieve
• Neoprene And Embroidered Ballistic Nylon Reel Case
• Screw Tight Spool Lock With Knurled Lock Nut For Extra Grip
• Colours: Granite, Black
MSRP: $550-$575
As Sage Reel Designer Joseph Conrad summarizes, “Our new SPEY Reels are the result of 40 years of designing, fishing, and tinkering combined with our enduring passions of Spey fishing for anadromous species. During that period, we’ve watched – and in many cases, driven – innovation in the Spey world in real time: material advancements, rod and line development, evolutions in fishing and casting techniques, and the discovery of new swung fly fisheries. As a result of all those years of experience and collective understanding, we’ve determined the very specific demands that modern Spey anglers place on their reels. We’ve taken this information and applied it to the new SPEY Reels.”
Available in three Spey-specific models that will suit double-handed rods 5 through 10 weight, there’s sure to be a SPEY Reel to match any Spey setup. For more information on Sage’s all-new SPEY Reel, visit https://farbank.com/collections/sage-spey-ii-reel.
MODELS
• 5/6/7 | 550gr Skagit Head + 100ft SL + 150yds/20lb Backing
• 6/7/8 | 600gr Skagit Head + 100ft SL + 150yds/30lb Backing
• 8/9/10 | 725gr Skagit Head + 100ft SL + 200yds/30lb Backing
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.