SAGE ONE: Looking for thoughts...

[dillon]

Sweetandsalt, I am considering purchasing a One this spring. Do you have thoughts on the 586-4?

[sweetandsalt]

I have not cast either the 8 1/2'/#4 or 5. In that length I might favor the 4 and stick to 9' for the 5. Given the opportunity I would, as I often recomend, cast them at a fly shop. I did cast the 8'9"/#4 Circa and while lovely and super slender for a fan of deliberate action rods it is what we called back when a "wet fly" action rod as opposed to ONE's "dry fly" action.

---------- Post added at 01:53 PM ---------- Previous post was at 01:41 PM ----------

I should add, in keeping with this thread's Helios content, that the new H2 8 1/2'/#4 will be out by trout season and I was told in both a mid and tip-flex version. The H1 mid-flex only rod in that size was the Helios sweet spot and if the new one is improved as much as the new #5's are (light of day better), it is a potential contender. Also I anticipate Clutch Fly Rods model in that size may be available by spring too. Many new rods to look forward to. I don't recall if we have done a forum thread on rod model line "sweet spots" but they absolutly exist.

[shotgunfly]

Originally Posted by sweetandsalt

Shotgunfly, In reading my earlier reply and mini-review of ONE #5, do not get the wrong impression...the Helios has not been imagined that fishes in the same league as ONE. Nor is ONE a streamer rod; it is the most technical dry fly rod extant. As I said, I continue to thoroughly enjoy fishing Z- or Zenith but, if I am getting serious, ONE has no peers. I too have heard that the "sweet spot" in the ONE line-up is the #'s 6 & 7, this is due in part to the heavier lines being more obvious in the rods communication. The #5 is, again, in a class by itself.

---------- Post added at 11:00 AM ---------- Previous post was at 10:56 AM ----------

Oh, and rig it with #5 RIO Gold (new version) this is the line the rod was designed to use and my tests using alternatives confirm this. It will cast a Grande or XPS fine but they rob ONE of some of its scalpal-like precision.

Good advice on the line, I'll pick one up. Also good to know that it performs better as a dry rod and not a streamer rod. Although it should fish them all well?

[alexs]

Just bought a 9ft #6 on ebay (used) . I'll need to save some $$$ for a good reel and a couple lines. My wife says I can't buy more fishing stuff unless I sell some of what I already have...or wait until I have enough reward points...

Alex

[sweetandsalt]

It is not that it can't throw streamers or even (gad!) weighted nymphs; it is simply an ultra tight loop specialist. If you open up the loop by seperating the planes of your stroke more you can easily bang streamers against the bank but you might find your naturally more open looped Helios will do the sunk fly work for you.

[shotgunfly]

Originally Posted by sweetandsalt

It is not that it can't throw streamers or even (gad!) weighted nymphs; it is simply an ultra tight loop specialist. If you open up the loop by seperating the planes of your stroke more you can easily bang streamers against the bank but you might find your naturally more open looped Helios will do the sunk fly work for you.

My God! Are you an engineer? ;-)

[sweetandsalt]

I am neither an engineer nor a materials scientist...I just make believe I am on our Forum!

[Meatco1]

I've got a Sage One 904-4 that I might be selling, sooner, rather than later , if I can't get the hang of it. I've gotten used to the feel of my ZXL 904-4, which I think is very similar to my older SP rods.

The casting action of the "One" is entirely different, and I don't know exactly how to explain the differences, the're just different.

In any case, I'm going to give it a bit more time, and if I am unable to adapt my cast to its characteristics, it's down the road.

Could be me (probably is), but I prefer the softer traits of the ZXL, at least at this point.

Respects,

Richard

[herman35]

You must try a Hardy zenith before

[troutchaser8]

I casted it next to multiple other rods in the 9ft 6wt configuration including the Orvis Helios 2, Scott S4, and the Sage TCX. I just couldn't make the ONE work for me. Felt to stiff for my taste. If you like really fast action rods than you will love it. But it all comes down to preference and casting style......