The Spey R8 is Sage's two-handed lineup, built on the Revolution 8 blank and tuned specifically for the lift-load-deliver sequence of the spey cast. Handcrafted on Bainbridge Island, Washington.
The most useful thing on this page: Sage publishes grain windows for every model, so you can match a head to the rod without guessing. They are in the table below.
Models we stock
| Model | Line | Length | Skagit grains | Scandi grains | Sage's designation |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 7116-4 | 7 wt | 11' 6" | 450–500 | 400–450 | Switch |
| 8116-4 | 8 wt | 11' 6" | 500–550 | 450–500 | Switch |
| 5126-4 | 5 wt | 12' 6" | 350–400 | 300–350 | Lightweight line speed |
| 6130-4 | 6 wt | 13' 0" | 400–450 | 350–400 | Lightweight line speed |
| 7126-4 | 7 wt | 12' 6" | 500–550 | 450–500 | Max versatility |
| 7130-4 | 7 wt | 13' 0" | 500–550 | 450–500 | Max versatility |
| 7136-4 | 7 wt | 13' 6" | 500–550 | 450–500 | Max versatility |
| 8126-4 | 8 wt | 12' 6" | 575–625 | 520–580 | Most powerful |
| 8130-4 | 8 wt | 13' 0" | 550–600 | 500–550 | Max versatility |
| 8136-4 | 8 wt | 13' 6" | 575–625 | 520–580 | Most powerful |
All four-piece. Sage also builds a 9130, a 9140-6 and a 10150 — ask and we will order one in. Current pricing is on the selector above.
Picking one
- First two-hander for western steelhead? The 7130-4. Sage files it under max versatility for a reason — it handles Skagit with tips and Scandi with skaters, and 13 feet covers most water.
- Trout spey? The 5126-4. Soft hackles and small streamers on a 350–400 grain Skagit head is about as much fun as swinging gets.
- Winter fish and heavy tips? The 8126-4 or 8136-4 — the “most powerful” tapers, built to turn over T-14 and big intruders.
- Small water or one rod that nymphs too? The 11'6" switch models fish two-handed or single-handed with an indicator rig.
Lining it right matters more than the rod. A great spey rod with the wrong head weight casts worse than a mediocre one lined correctly. Sage publishes specific recommended lines per model — tell us which model and how you fish and we will set you up with the exact head, tips and running line before you leave.
Technology and components
- Blank: Revolution 8 tuned for spey casting — Sage calls it Spey Casting Synergy
- Guides: Fuji K-Series tangle-free strippers, hard-chrome snakes and tip-top
- Reel seat: aluminum down-locking with Walnut insert on the full spey models; uplocking on the two switch rods
- Grips: Super Plus cork fore and rear with composite cork trim rings
- Finish: Ale blank, grey wraps with gold and black trim; bronze tube with granite cap
Warranty: Sage lifetime original-owner warranty against defects.
Two-handed rods are the hardest purchase to make from a spec sheet. Come throw one. Ed's Fly Shop, 432 E Main St, downtown Montrose, Colorado.