The R8 Core is Sage's flagship freshwater rod — fast action built on their Revolution 8 blank, which pairs a stiff butt section with a sensitive tip so you get line speed without going numb in the hand. Handcrafted on Bainbridge Island, Washington.
We stock the complete R8 Core lineup, all nineteen models, and we stock them deep. If you want a specific length and weight, we almost certainly have it on the rack today.
Standard lengths — 8'6" and 9'
| Model | Line | Length | Weight | Handle |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 390-4 | 3 wt | 9' 0" | 2.63 oz | Snub-nose half-wells |
| 486-4 | 4 wt | 8' 6" | 2.56 oz | Snub-nose half-wells |
| 490-4 | 4 wt | 9' 0" | 2.69 oz | Snub-nose half-wells |
| 586-4 | 5 wt | 8' 6" | 2.56 oz | Snub-nose half-wells |
| 590-4 | 5 wt | 9' 0" | 2.69 oz | Snub-nose half-wells |
| 690-4 | 6 wt | 9' 0" | 2.81 oz | Snub-nose half-wells |
| 690-4FB | 6 wt | 9' 0" | 3.25 oz | Full-wells, fighting butt |
| 790-4 | 7 wt | 9' 0" | 3.44 oz | Full-wells, fighting butt |
| 890-4 | 8 wt | 9' 0" | 3.69 oz | Full-wells, fighting butt |
| 990-4 | 9 wt | 9' 0" | 3.81 oz | Full-wells, fighting butt |
Longer rods — 9'6" and 10'
| Model | Line | Length | Weight | Handle |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 596-4FB | 5 wt | 9' 6" | 3.25 oz | Full-wells, fighting butt |
| 5100-4FB | 5 wt | 10' 0" | 3.50 oz | Full-wells, fighting butt |
| 696-4FB | 6 wt | 9' 6" | 3.38 oz | Full-wells, fighting butt |
| 6100-4FB | 6 wt | 10' 0" | 3.56 oz | Full-wells, fighting butt |
| 796-4FB | 7 wt | 9' 6" | 3.69 oz | Full-wells, fighting butt |
| 7100-4 | 7 wt | 10' 0" | 3.94 oz | Full-wells, fighting butt |
| 896-4FB | 8 wt | 9' 6" | 3.81 oz | Full-wells, fighting butt |
| 8100-4 | 8 wt | 10' 0" | 4.00 oz | Full-wells, fighting butt |
| 4100-4 | 4 wt | 10' 0" | 3.13 oz | Snub-nose half-wells |
All four-piece. Current pricing is on the selector above.
Picking one
- One trout rod? The 590-4. At 2.69 oz it is light for a fast 9-foot 5 weight, and the R8 blank gives it more feel up close than fast rods usually allow.
- Technical dries? The 486-4 or 586-4 — the 8'6" builds are the lightest in the series at 2.56 oz.
- Streamers and wind? The 690-4FB or 790-4. The fighting butt earns its keep on float days.
- Nymphing or stillwater? The 10-footers. The 4100-4 is a superb light nymphing rod; the 5100 and 6100 add backbone for indicator rigs and lakes.
R8 Core or Classic R8?
Same blank technology, very different personalities. The R8 Core is fast — line speed, wind, distance, versatility. The Classic R8 is moderate — deep-loading and smooth, the modern heir to Sage's legendary LL presentation rods. If your fishing is mostly dries at honest ranges and you value the feel of the load, cast the Classic before you decide. We stock both complete lineups, so you can.
Technology and components
- Blank: Revolution 8 — aerospace composite with more axial fiber and a nano-sintered resin; stiffer butt, sensitive tip, better tracking
- Guides: Fuji ceramic strippers, hard-chromed snakes and tip-top
- Reel seat: 3–6 weight models get a sustainable Ziricote wood insert with anodized uplocking seat; fighting-butt and heavier models run gunmetal anodized aluminum. Hidden hook keeper integrated in the seat.
- Grip: premium Flor grade cork; cork and EVA fighting butt on FB models
- Finish: Silver Pine blank, slate wraps with white and grey trim
- Included: aluminum tube with Sage medallion, black rod bag with quick-tie cord lock
Warranty: Sage lifetime original-owner warranty against defects, handled through Bainbridge Island. We can help you start a claim if you ever need one.
Come cast one — a flagship rod deserves ten minutes on the lawn first. Ed's Fly Shop, 432 E Main St, downtown Montrose, Colorado.
