Answers to your Sage fly rod questions

DOES SAGE MANUFACTURE ITS OWN BLANKS AND RODS?

Sage manufactures all of its blanks and rods, using exclusive Sage designs, processes and equipment. The blanks and rods start out as rolls of graphite fiber and leave the factory as finished rods or blanks. If it is a Sage rod, it was built at their factory in Bainbridge Island, WA.

I AM NEW TO FLY FISHING, WHAT ROD SHOULD I BUY?

This depends on your needs. Sage manufactures performance fly rods for just about any environment and performance level. From the ultimate high performance Z-Axis to their entry level Launch Series. The Launch Series can be purchased as a kit or as a rod only. It is made of Graphite II, the original IM-6, and offers great all-around performance in a variety of line sizes that cover from trout to salmon or stripers (4-10 weight). The Launch package allows beginners to start out with a quality rod that they will not grow out of or gives experienced anglers an economical second-rod option. Also, see How To Select a Sage Fly Rod for more specific information.

WHAT ARE THE ADVANTAGES OF A TAPER-LOCK FERRULE SYSTEM?

Team Sage member, Jim Green, invented the taper-lock ferrule system in the 1950s. Sage has continued to use this system because it is the strongest, yet at the same time offers the smoothest transfer of power. The system flexes between the two shafts giving a continuity of action from tip to butt that provides superior sensitivity and casting performance.

WHAT PERFORMANCE IS LOST FROM 2-PIECE RODS TO 3, 4, and 5-PIECE RODS?

Sage feels very strongly that their multi-piece rods are almost identical to their 2-piece rods. The multi-piece rods weigh slightly more, due to additional ferrules. However, the strong taper-lock ferrule system offers a smooth transfer of power for superior sensitivity and casting performance. While the 2 piece rods represent the greatest performance efficiency, the convenience of packing and traveling with multi-piece rods far outweighs the slight difference in performance and weight.

WHAT IS DURASCRIM?

Durascrim is an exclusive scrim technology developed by Sage that increases durability of a rod while actually increasing performance. Scrim is the material added to the lineal graphite fibers for hoop strength in a rod. Sage's design eliminates the lengthwise fibers in the scrim and concentrates the hoop strength fibers. This process is what allows Sage to produce fly rods made from ultra-high modulus graphite IV.

WHAT IS THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN GRAPHITE III, IIIe & IV?

The difference is in the modulus, which is actually the fiber stiffness. Graphite III is 50 million modulus, Graphite IIIe is 57 million modulus and Graphite IV is 64 million modulus. Sage's exclusive design with the Graphite IV SP's and SPL's (both of which are now discontinued) allows them to build a stronger, lighter rod using the ultra-high modulus graphite. Graphite III offers greater design parameters, allowing Sage to manufacture performance rods in line weights from 0 to 14. Modulus is just one of the many properties evaluated in fiber selection.

WHAT IS THE DIFFERENCE IN THE SAGE ROD FAMILIES?

Sage firmly believes that there are two types of people in the world, those who like a 'moderate' action rod and those who like a 'fast' action rod. The major differences really focus on casting style rather than expertise. The Z-Axis is a 'fast' action rod. ZXL is medium fast action;  The Launch is a moderate action rod. Sage offers a rod action to meet the full range of different casting styles.

WHAT IS THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN THE Xi2 AND THE Z-Axis?

The Xi2 is the Sage saltwater series. There is more power in the butt section for lifting and leveraging, aggressive saltwater species. The grip is a full wells for better comfort and control of the rod under more pressure and the larger models (11-14 weight.) include a fore-grip for two handed leveraging and lifting. The exclusive braced stripping guides and oversized snake guides and tiptops accommodate larger knots and heavier lines and leaders to allow smoother casting and fish fighting. The Xi2 is also designed for sight casting, which requires quick pick-up, line shooting and lay down to visual targets. The Z-Axis is designed as a fast action rod which is ideal for freshwater.

CAN I USE A HEAVIER OR LIGHTER LINE THAN RECOMMENDED FOR THE ROD?

Sage has carefully designed the rods to match the recommended line weight. In order to maximize the performance of the rod, they suggest that you use the line weight designated on the rod. Often times we are asked if it is OK to line up one size. Our answer is that lining up a line size will load the rod quicker and give you more feel with less line out. The flip side is that you will lose performance at longer distances. This is a trade-off some anglers are willing to make.