By utilizing Sage's proprietary Revolution 8 graphite, SPEY R8 rods heighten the smooth transfer of energy throughout the three key components of the Spey cast, allowing anglers to effectively Lift line off the water, Load the rod sufficiently, and Deliver the fly to the target. Casts become instinctive and consistent. Simultaneously, Sage Fine-Tuned rod models and actions to match the vast array of Spey situations found around the globe. The result is a Spey Casting Synergy that’s enjoyable and approaching effortless. Be it steelhead, Atlantic salmon, king salmon, or sea-run brown trout; Skagit, Scandi or Traditional lines; SPEY R8 rods capitalize on each cast, increasing the likelihood of the almighty moment that we all are devoted to.
LIFT: Adequate stiffness, power, and responsiveness paired with light weight ensure no efforts are wasted and fatigue is minimum when lifting long or heavy heads, sink tips and flies.
LOAD: R8 Technology maximizes the amount of energy collected in sweep or touch-and-go moves, carries it into the D-Loop, and transfers it smoothly into the rod.
DELIVER: Responsiveness and tracking abilities of R8 Technology diminish lost energy and reduce lateral movements upon the forward stroke, increasing power and accuracy.
In designing the new SPEY R8 rods, Sage recognized there isn’t a single rod action appropriate for the wide variety of Spey fishing applications found around the globe. Sage identified four distinct Spey rod applications, each with its own unique set of requirements. This new approach matches rod action to application, ensuring anglers have the most fine-tuned Spey rod for their fishing. Across the family, Sage's Revolution 8 Technology ensures a remarkably smooth and intuitive feel, no matter the line configuration.
Switch: Close Quarters | 7116-4 8116-4
When tenuous wading and compromised space for D-Loops call for situational and creative Spey casts, Switch rods are ideal - often essential - tools. The SPEY R8 Switch rods are built for Spey casting in the closest of quarters, where maximum distance isn’t required but getting the fly to turnover and into the zone is critical. Efficient, capable, and dynamic, these models pack a punch and allow anglers to alter their cast and change approaches according to the surroundings. Despite their shorter length of 11’6”, they cast both Skagit and Scandi lines to necessary and even surprising distances. In core sizes of 7- and 8-weight, they’re scaled to match a variety of species from trout to salmon and steelhead.
Lightweight Line Speed: Accurate Distance With Light Spey Lines | 5126-4 6130-4
Sage's Lightweight Line Speed models are designed specifically for summer-run steelhead, smaller salmon, and oversized trout. While fly size and desired depth may be modest when targeting these fish, placement is absolutely critical; you have to fish where the fish are. To cover the water effectively, anglers need high line speeds to cut through wind and turn over flies completely so the swing engages immediately. This is especially true when fishing bulky, wind-resistant surface flies. At the same time, the tool must match the quarry and shouldn’t be overpowered. Lightweight Line Speed models, available in a 5- or 6-weight, shine in these scenarios, where winds arrive daily and potential holding water extends from bank to bank.
Max Versatility: The Spey Casting Multi-Tool | 7126-4 7130-4 7136-4 8130-4 9130-4
At the heart of the SPEY R8 family are the collection of models designed with a Max Versatility action. These rods excel in the majority of Spey fishing situations and are the best suited to handle a mix of line types and casting styles. Available in rod weights appropriate for summer and winter steelhead, Atlantic and Pacific salmon, and other sea-run targets, the assorted Max Versatility models are proficient at casting the typical combinations of lines, leaders, tips, and flies that each season requires. With core lengths of 12’6” to 13’6”, lines can be controlled when on the water, and rivers big or small are all in play. Steelheaders looking for their go-to, multi-application Spey rod will find it here.
Most Powerful: Maximum Power, Distance & Control | 8126-4 8136-4 9140-6 10150-4
Targeting the biggest and brightest Atlantic salmon, winter steelhead, or Chinook on vast and deep rivers is the most demanding form of anadromous angling and Sage's Most Powerful SPEY R8 models are required. With additional blank strength and rod lengths up to 15’, these rods offer maximum amounts of power and control. For the angler, this translates into increased abilities to move and lift long and heavy lines from the water, then carry them through the entire Spey cast, all in the face of extreme conditions. In technical situations where line and loop control, casting range, and fish-fighting strength are paramount and none can be compromised, choose the Most Powerful models of the SPEY R8 family.
The advanced, leading-edge material behind R8 enables us to shape a rod with a stiffer, stronger backbone but a more sensitive tip and more connected feel. The secret is twofold. First, a proprietary aerospace composite with a greater hoop strength enables us to dimensionally grow taper diameter more quickly from the tip—while a nano-sintered resin application increases axial resilience and allows us to pack more fiber into the blank, resulting in that true two-way connection from hand to fly and back for greater feel, flow and control.
New Axial Fiber Formulation
Advanced nano-sintered resin application and a more resilient axial fiber allow Sage to re-profile the dimensional taper to get thicker quicker from tip to butt - resulting in better energy transfer and greater feel. Simply put - a better and more efficient "wiring" of energy.
New Circumferential Hoop Fiber
Advanced hoop fibers hold blank in optimal cylindrical shape creating greater circumferential strength - continuously maintaining inherent taper profile while actively engaged or under tension
| Line Suggestions | |
| Model | Lines |
| 5126-4 | 5wt 12'6" | Skagit 350-400 / Scandi 300-350 / RIO Skagit 375 Skagit Max Power / RIO Scandi 320 Scandi Launch |
| 6130-4 | 6wt 13'0" | Skagit 400-450 / Scandi 350-400 / RIO Skagit 425 Skagit Max Launch / RIO Scandi 380 Scandi Launch |
| 7116-4 | 7wt 11'6" | Skagit 450-500 / Scandi 400-450 / RIO Skagit 475 Skagit Max Power / RIO Scandi 440 Scandi Launch |
| 7126-4 | 7wt 12'6" | Skagit 500-550 / Scandi 450-500 / RIO Skagit 525 Skagit Max Power / RIO Scandi 470 Scandi Launch |
| 7130-4 | 7wt 13'0" | Skagit 500-550 / Scandi 450-500 / RIO Skagit 525 Skagit Max Launch / RIO Scandi 470 Scandi Launch |
| 7136-4 | 7wt 13'6" | Skagit 500-550 / Scandi 450-500 / RIO Skagit 525 Skagit Max Launch / RIO Scandi 470 Scandi Launch |
| 8116-4 | 8wt 11'6" | Skagit 500-550 / Scandi 450-500 / RIO Skagit 525 Skagit Max Power / RIO Scandi 470 Scandi Launch |
| 8126-4 | 8wt 12'6" | Skagit 575-625 / Scandi 520-580 / RIO Skagit 600 Skagit Max Launch / RIO Scandi 520 Scandi Launch |
| 8130-4 | 8wt 13'0" | Skagit 550-600 / Scandi 500-550 / RIO Skagit 575 Skagit Max Power / RIO Scandi 520 Scandi Launch |
| 8136-4 | 8wt 13'6" | Skagit 575-625 / Scandi 520-580 / RIO Skagit 600 Skagit Max Launch / RIO Scandi 520 Scandi Launch |
| 9130-4 | 9wt 13'0" | Skagit 600-650 / Scandi 550-600 / RIO Skagit 625 Skagit Max Power / RIO Scandi 580 Scandi Launch |
| 9140-4 | 9wt 14'0" | Skagit 625-675 / Scandi 550-610 / RIO Skagit 650 Skagit Max Launch / RIO Scandi 580 Scandi Launch / RIO Traditional 710 Mid Head Spey |
| 10150-4 | 10wt 15'0" | Skagit 675-750 / Scandi 610-670 / RIO Skagit 725 Skagit Max Launch / RIO Scandi 640 Scandi Launch / RIO Traditional 785 Mid Head Spey |
