As enthusiastic anglers, we’re always on the lookout for new and exciting products.
Sage is a well-known company that excels in creating high-quality gear for fly fishing, so we were eager to try out the Sage Spectrum fly reel.
The Spectrum is an entry-level from Sage, coming in at around $300. In this review, we’ll go over the features, plus its pros and cons. Let’s find out what it’s got to offer!
Introducing the Sage Spectrum
Sage Spectrum Specs:
| Available Size: 3/4, 5/6, 7/8, 9/10 | Overall Weight: 4.19 – 7.63oz |
| Arbor Size: Large | Material: Fully Machined 6061-T6 Aluminum |
| Spool Diameter: 3.25 – 4.38in | Colors: Black, Platinum, Copper |
| Spool Capacity: 100 – 200 | Warranty: The Sage Lifetime Warranty |
| Drag Type: Sealed Carbon | Country of Manufacture: USA |
Overall Score
Check Trident Fly Fishing Price
Available Sizes
- 3/4
- 5/6
- 7/8
- 9/10
This fly reel is an entry to mid-range reel for beginners and intermediate anglers. It has a large arbor that offers plenty of backing capacity, and the fly reel drag system is fully sealed. You can use the Spectrum to fish in freshwater or saltwater, and the sealing will protect the drag system from corrosive and destructive elements.
For a saltwater-ready reel, the Spectrum is very reasonably priced. It retails for around $250-300, so it sits between budget reels and the high-end premium models. This reel offers a good range of user-friendly features, so it’s a fantastic choice for all your fishing trips.
Sage released the Spectrum to replace the earlier 3200 reel series, while the Spectrum LT replaced the Sage 4200 reels. If you’re not sure on the difference, here’s my quick summary: The Spectrum Max is a sturdier reel, designed for heavy-duty fishing for larger species of fish. In comparison, the Spectrum and the LT don’t pack quite as much power and are more suited to smaller fish, shorter distances, and more delicate techniques.
Features & Benefits
We want to explore all the details and features in our Sage Spectrum review. So, let’s take a closer look and discover if this reel is the best reel for you!
Construction
The Spectrum is a fully machined reel made from 6061-T6 aluminum. Sage has used high-quality, aerospace-grade aluminum for this reel, so it’s extremely sturdy and durable. The special cold-forging and tempering process only helps to make this product even more robust, so it should last you for years.
The Spectrum features a one revolution drag knob, which means that the reel will rotate one time per turn of the drag knob to pull in your fly line. This feature also makes it easier to set and adjust your drag settings. If you’re cautious of the one revolution drag knob because of potential issues with drop off, don’t worry. To their credit, Sage has avoided this pitfall when creating the Spectrum, Spectrum LT, and the Spectrum Max series.
If you prefer quiet reels, you’ll love the Spectrum. You can hear an audible click when it turns, but it’s on the quiet side so you can fully concentrate on your cast!