Sage has been a reliable rod producer since 1980, when Don Green founded the company. An experienced angler, Green channeled all his expertise and fly fishing knowledge into creating awesome fly rods. From the beginning, the Sage models packed plenty of power.
| Image | Product | Details | |
|---|---|---|---|
 | Best PremiumSage X |
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| Best Mid-RangeSage Pulse |
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| Best BudgetSage Foundation |
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| Best For Euro NynphingSage ESN |
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| Best SaltwaterSage Salt |
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You can shop for online and in many reputable fly shops across the country. As an extra bonus, shipping is free for any order over $200 from the official Sage online shop. So let’s take a look at what Sage has to offer, and which of the Sage fly rods would be best for you:
Sage Fly Rods – Fast Action
Fast action rods are what Sage is most famous for, and they won’t let you down! Currently, fast action range includes the premium X, the mid-range Pulse, and the Foundation. These rods all come in with a different price tag and have some important variations to note. Their free shipping policy covers all of these models.
If you’re comparing them in a field, the X will cast the furthest. But there’s a lot more to consider, too. Here’s a quick overview of the different rods:
X Series
Sage X Series Specs:
| Line Weight: 3 – 10 | Length: 9ft |
| Action: Fast | Handle: Snub-nose Half-Wells |
| Rod Weight: 2.31oz | Rod Tube: Evergreen powder coated aluminum rod tube with Sage medallion |
| Color: Black | Sections: 4 |
| Warranty: Sage Lifetime Warranty ($30 Processing Fee) | Country Of Manufacture: USA |
Overall Score
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Key Features
- Fuji Ceramic Stripping Guides
- KonneticHD Technology
- Evergreen powder coated aluminum rod tube with Sage medallion
- The Sage Lifetime Warranty
Description
The Sage X rod is a high-end fly rod for freshwater. With this rod in hand, the search for trout, bass, or muskies will be a doddle. Thanks to the Sage’s Konnetic HD, you’re guaranteed tight loops, a quick tip stop, and convincing presentations. You can also check out this video to see why it’s such a popular rod.
Pulse
Sage Pulse Specs:
| Line Weight: 3 – 8 | Length: 7 – 10ft |
| Action: Fast | Handle: Half-Wells / Full-Wells |
| Rod Weight: – | Rod Tube: Black nylon rod tube |
| Color: Olive thread wraps with Black trim wraps | Sections: 4 |
| Warranty: Sage Lifetime Warranty ($30 Processing Fee) | Country Of Manufacture: USA |
Overall Score
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Key Features
- Fuji Ceramic Stripping Guides
- Graphite IIIe technology
- Black ballistic nylon rod tube with divided liner
- Rosewood insert and Gloss Black anodized aluminum reel seat
- The Sage Lifetime Warranty
Description
The Sage Pulse fall into the mid-range, with a price of around $450. While these rods contain the earlier Graphite IIIe technology rather than the latest KonneticHD, they are still impressive rods. The Sage’s team has paid attention to every detail, with nothing left to chance. As a result, you’re left with a versatile, performing rod at an excellent price. Interested?
Foundation
Sage Foundation Specs:
| Line Weight: 4 – 9 | Length: 9 – 10ft |
| Action: Fast | Handle: Snub-nose Half-Wells |
| Rod Weight: 2.88 – 4oz | Rod Tube: Black Nylon Rod Tube |
| Color: Black | Sections: 4 |
| Warranty: Sage Lifetime Warranty ($30 Processing Fee) | Country Of Manufacture: USA |
Overall Score
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Key Features
- Ceramic Stripping Guides
- Graphite IIIe Technology
- Black Nylon Rod Tube
- Uplocking w/Black Anodized Aluminum
- The Sage Lifetime Warranty
Description
If you’re looking for a fast action rod on a budget, the Sage Foundation rod is the sort of rod you need. It’s versatile and impressive, performing well anywhere between 25 – 70 feet. It won’t reach the furthest distances on the water as well as the X or the Igniter fly jobs, and it does feel heavier in hand. But the accuracy, the sturdy build, and the affordable price make this rod a worthy contender.
Specialty Rods
Trout LL
| Line Weight: 3 – 6 | Length: 7 – 9ft |
| Action: Medium | Handle: Slim Snub-nose Half-Wells |
| Rod Weight: 2.06 – 2.62oz | Rod Tube: Powder Coated Aluminum Rod Tube |
| Color: Mahogany | Sections: 4 |
| Warranty: Sage Lifetime Warranty ($30 Processing Fee) | Country Of Manufacture: USA |
Overall Score
Trout LL
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Dart Fly Rod
| Line Weight: 0 – 4 | Length: 6 – 7ft |
| Action: Fast | Handle: Snub-nose Half-Wells |
| Rod Weight: 1.72 – 2.5oz | Rod Tube: Powder Coated Aluminum Rod Tube |
| Color: Green | Sections: 4 |
| Warranty: The Sage Lifetime Warranty | Country Of Manufacture: USA |
Overall Score
Dart Fly Rod
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Payload
| Line Weight: 6 – 11 | Length: 8 – 9ft |
| Action: Fast | Handle: – |
| Rod Weight: – | Rod Tube: Black Ballistic Rod Tube |
| Color: Tannin | Sections: 4 |
| Warranty: The Sage Lifetime Warranty | Country Of Manufacture: USA |
Overall Score
Payload
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Igniter
| Line Weight: 4 – 10 | Length: 9 |
| Action: Very Fast | Handle: Snub-nose Half-Wells / Full Wells w/Fighting Butt |
| Rod Weight: 2.81 – 4.13oz | Rod Tube: Powder Coated Aluminum Rod Tube |
| Color: Red | Sections: 4 |
| Warranty: The Sage Lifetime Warranty | Country Of Manufacture: USA |
Overall Score
Igniter
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Key Features Trout LL
- Ultra-Light Hard Chromed Snake Guides
- Fuji Ceramic Stripping Guides
- KonneticHD Technology
- Powder Coated Aluminum Rod Tube
- Walnut Wood w/ Bronze Uplocking Components
- The Sage Lifetime Warranty
Description
If fast action’s not your thing, don’t worry! Sage has plenty more to offer, too. The trout angler will love the Trout LL, specially designed for trout at short-medium distances. This rod provides a superior feel, amazing precision, and excellent loop control. If you prefer to wade and fish up close, the Sage Trout LL is just what you’ve been on the search for.
Sometimes, you need to cast in tight spaces or around obstructions. And that’s what the Sage rod designers created the Dart fly rods for. When you’re fishing in small water and you’ve got overhanging branches to deal with, the Dart is the best rod for the job.
It’s available from 0 weight up to 4 weight at 7.6 feet, plus a shorter 3-weight model. You’ll achieve delicate presentations with a Sage Dart, although it works best with small flies. You can search out any trout lurking in awkward spots with this specially designed rod.
The Payload has been designed for the angler who sets their sights on those lunkers lurking in the water. You’ll want to throw big flies to tempt these monsters, and that’s what the Payload does best.
If the fast-action fly rods aren’t enough for you, that’s where the Igniter comes in. For jaw-dropping ultra-fast action, long lines, and heavy flies, you need the Igniter. It’s not the easiest to use, but it performs in the trickiest conditions. This sort of rod is perfect for fishing big waters. Wanna see how this unique rod performs? Check out this video to see for yourself! You can also get free shipping when you order from the Sage online shop.
Sage ESN – Euro Nymphing
Sage ESN Specs:
| Line Weight: 2 – 4 | Length: 10 |
| Action: Medium | Handle: Snub-nose Half-Wells |
| Rod Weight: – | Rod Tube: Powder Coated Aluminum Rod Tube |
| Color: Stealth Black / Chipotle | Sections: 4 |
| Warranty: Sage Lifetime Warranty | Country Of Manufacture: USA |
Overall Score
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Key Features
- Fuji Ceramic Stripping Guides
- KonneticHD Technology
- Powder Coated Aluminum Rod Tube
- Downlocking w/Anodized Aluminum
- The Sage Lifetime Warranty
Description
Euro nymphing has rapidly been growing in popularity among fly fishers, and the Sage ESN is an awesome nymphing rod. The ESN range has been completely redesigned with significant improvements to the earlier model. Now powered by the latest KonneticHD technology, this lightweight fly rod is a joy to use.
The delicate action on this rod is perfect for nymphing at short range. At the same time, you get a quick blank recovery and pinpoint accuracy. You’ll be able to feel every twitch at the end of your lines, but it has enough power to reel in decent-sized fish, too.
Sage Spey & Switch Rods
Sage Spey Specs:
| Line Weight: 6 – 10 | Length: 11 – 14ft |
| Action: Fast | Handle: – |
| Rod Weight: – | Rod Tube: – |
| Color: Black Spruce | Sections: 4 |
| Warranty: The Sage Lifetime Warranty | Country Of Manufacture:USA |
Overall Score
Key Features
- Fuji ceramic ring stripper guide
- Generation 5 Technology
- Desert Olive primary thread wraps
- Brown blank color
- Rugged brown nylon rod tube with divided liner
Description
Sage has also adapted some of their rods into spey and switch rods for effective two-handed casting. Both the X and the Pulse are available in switch and spey variations, ideal if you want to search out those whopping salmon and steelhead. You can also buy a specialized Trout Spey HD model, or go for the Igniter Spey rod for ultra-fast action out on the water.
With these sort of rods, it’ll be a breeze to achieve those extra-long casts smoothly and quickly. The spey and switch rods have the power to throw your longest lines and biggest flies out across the water and land them on target. If you’re a spey angler, you’ll appreciate the strength in the butt section and neat tip stop. Of course, these rods also have the high-quality construction and the smart KonneticHD technology we expect from Sage.
Sage Saltwater Fly Rods
Motive
| Line Weight: 3 – 8 | Length: 7 – 10ft |
| Action: Fast | Handle: Snub-Nose, Half Wells / Full Wells w/ EVA Fighting Butt |
| Rod Weight: 2 – 4oz | Rod Tube: Blue Steel ballistic nylon rod tube |
| Color: Bluefin Blue | Sections: 4 |
| Warranty: The Sage Lifetime Warranty | Country Of Manufacture: USA |
Overall Score
Motive
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Salt HD
| Line Weight: 6 – 16 | Length: 8 – 9ft |
| Action: Fast | Handle: Super Plus Full-Wells / Super Plus Full-Wells Extended FB |
| Rod Weight: 3 – 6oz | Rod Tube: Blue powder coated aluminium rod tube |
| Color: Squid Ink | Sections: 4 |
| Warranty: The Sage Lifetime Warranty | Country Of Manufacture: USA |
Overall Score
Salt HD
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Key Features Motive
- Oversized Ceramic Stripping Guides
- Graphite IIIe Technology
- Ballistic Nylon Rod Tube
- Uplocking w/Anodized Aluminum
- The Sage Lifetime Warranty
Description
So you’re all about fishing for bonefish, tarpon, and permit? Then, you’ll be pleased to hear that Sage has two saltwater-specific rods: the Motive and the Salt HD.
The Motive comes in at less than half the price of the Salt HD, making it a great mid-range option. You get plenty of strength, accuracy, and feel from these fly rods, and they’re strong enough for the meatiest saltwater fish.
If you have a bit more money to spend, consider investing in one of the Salt HD. It provides everything that the Motive offers, and then some. I challenge any angler to be disappointed by the incredible loop control, precision, and power of the Salt HD.
You can see our full Sage Motive Review here for an in-depth guide.
The Wrap Up
If you’re looking for a medium fast action fly rod, Sage also has something for you. You might want to take a look at the Sage Accel fly rods here.
So there you have a rundown on all the Sage fly rods. If any particular sort of rod catches your interest, make sure you click through and read the full, detailed review. At Fly Fisher Pro, we’re massive Sage rods fans. These high-quality, high-performance rods don’t disappoint. On your search for the best fly rod, don’t miss the wide range Sage has to offer.
The fast action rods provide all the power you need for big flies, long casts, and windy conditions. But if you prefer to slow it down, check out their specialty fly rods too. From saltwater fishing to throwing dry flies in freshwater, Sage has it covered. Plus, you get a generous lifetime warranty for your rod, and free shipping from the online Sage shop is an added bonus.
Let us know which is your favorite fly rod from the Sage range in the comments or send us an email! We’d love to know what you think!
1 thought on “Sage Fly Rods Complete Lineup Reviewed in 2025”
At +$200 for “warranty” work, Sage is no longer a fly-fisher’s friend. Ridiculous for a “lifetime” warranty. Do not patronize this company of billionaires. They do NOT support their products. The CEO stated that a main reason for buying sage equipment is, “that the company will stand behind it”. I guess that means they stand far behind the rest of the industry, charging $200 to repair a rod is robbery. So much for Sage, quality and customer service.
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