I had a chance to cast this rod the other day and I am just curious who else has.
I have not fished it yet and the first impression in the shop was “too stiff for me.” So we took it out back and played around with it and man, is it ever a wonder. Accuracy claims verified for us and the ability to shoot some fairly sick length of line is without doubt.
I cast fairly well but watching the owner of the shop cast is a whole other experience. We cast a lot of rods outside for fun at the end of the day but this one is notably a step above the other fast rods we have on the shelf.
Hopefully this weekend we will get some 20" + fish on it and see how it fights.
Overall I was really impressed, well, except the fact that it is ugly as sin. Whoever thought up that color combination was jammin in another dimension…
It has been a while since I have fished a Z-Axis so I will have to compare them, which I can do soon.
Just from memory I will say, yes, I think it does. This is what I know for sure:
[ul]
[li] It is light, very light due to the smaller diameter that is a result of this Konnetic technology manufacturing process.[/li][li] It has very low profile ferrules that “help direct and carry energy through the rod without sacrificing strength, critical action and feel.”[/li][li] It has “an intentionally forgiving ?sweet spot? that complements widely diverse casting styles.”[/li][/ul]
From Sage:[i] Konnetic technology, the most recent and significant evolution in fly rod innovation, uses new materials combined with pioneering manufacturing methods and processes. This technology incorporates an optimized ratio of Sage?s proprietary resin to exclusive high modulus aerospace-grade carbon fiber. The latest construction methods include Sage?s Advanced Modulus Positioning System (AMPS); a process that precisely aligns and positions carbon fiber materials to exacting tolerances for the greatest blank strength delivering extremely efficient energy transfer throughout the shaft. Using Sage?s High Compression Molding process, carbon fibers are compacted for optimum density and precise alignment while simultaneously fusing the 50% lighter all-carbon fiber inner core.
[/i]They are calling it “The ONE” for a reason. I will have to fish it to see if it can compare to my Scott G2 when it comes to landing fish. That G2 sticks to fish like glue.
So all I could get was a Scott S4 8’ 6" 4wt to compare it with. So it was the Sage ONE 9’ 4wt that I compared it with. It felt lighter than the 8’ 6" Scott and the tip did not seem to have as much flex but still, somehow, it felt like a softer action.
I thought I would have a chance to fish one sooner than later but it looks like I will have to wait until they come out on proform…
edit
I did not have a chance to compare it to the Z-Axis. I do not own one and the shop sold out of those about 3 days after they dropped the price…
Do you see 4wt One being a good dry fly rod or good for fishing tailwaters? I have a 4 wt ZXL that does a great job, but when the wind whips up it can be a bit of a challenge to place the fly where I would like it. I have a 4 wt in the z-axis, but would prefer something a bit stiffer at the tip.
I can’t wait for saturday, … some friends got a hold of a Sage One (and 24 other rods and identical reels and lines) and we’re goning to do an 8wt Shootout!!!
Hey Chris haven’t seen you post in a while or maybe I am not lurking on he forums you have been visiting. Anyway, can’t wait to read your report on the 8 wt shootout.
I wish we had more than an 8 wt left in Z-Axis in the shop. Those rods were gone once they were discounted. This Saturday I will be fishing a 9’ 4wt Z-Axis so I will be more refreshed on the Z-Axis since I do not fish that particular rod much.
The ONE will be punchier than the ZXL without a doubt. I think the 4wt will be an excellent dry fly rod in substantial winds. The lateral movement of the rod is stiffer as well with their Konnetic tech process. Maybe a better term is it tracks better throughout the cast. It is crazy accurate!
I am reaching here without having cast the Z-Axis in so long; but I am saying the ONE is between the Z-Axis action and the TCX action. Still not as stiff as the TCX but a little more punchy than the Z-Axis. And as I think about what I just said I ask myself “When was the last time you picked up a TCX?” Well, it has been a while but that rod is a freaking cannon.
If the ONE is anywhere near my G2 when it comes to keeping the fish on then I think I am sold…
I can’t really give out a whole lot of info as I have to wait for the article to come out. (Quebec french language magazine).
I can say though that the One is a really nice rod. Light in the hand, casts well, loads fine at short distance (important for a “quick” rod).
My top pick was th Hardy Zenith 'cause I have a tendancy to brutalize a rod and the Zenith would be there to reply at all distances. I only got it to falter when I deliberately turned it off axis and hauled.
I can’t really give out a whole lot of info as I have to wait for the article to come out. (Quebec french language magazine).
I can say though that the One is a really nice rod. Light in the hand, casts well, loads fine at short distance (important for a “quick” rod).
My top pick was th Hardy Zenith 'cause I have a tendancy to brutalize a rod and the Zenith would be there to reply at all distances. I only got it to falter when I deliberately turned it off axis and hauled.
[/QUOTE
Oh the waiting!!!
Thanks Chris. I look forward to hearing more when the time comes.
The Rep was in yesterday and had a Sage One 691-4 and a 590-4 for testing. Did not have time to wait around for the One but I did throw around the new Redington rod that is replacing the RS4. It is called the Voyant. It was very nice in my opinion. More in the fast action category but the tip felt like it was delicate enough.
I still find it weird that Redington will take their premier rod and put it in an outfit kit with their next to last quality reel.
Oh well, I will just have to order them separate because I will buy one of these Voyants with a Rise reel…
