Sage 486-4 Sonic

Reviews

1. Rated 5 out of 5

   Like most rods in the series, I would rate the 486-4 a 7 out of 10 in stiffness, a true “medium-fast action.” Sage recommends a Rio Gold with Sonic rods, but I cast it with an SA Trout Taper and just loved it. The Trout Taper was enough to load it in short, and presented with beautiful, natural loops throughout its range. Heavier lines, like the Gold, may bring undesirable bounciness, so stick with the SA Trout Taper, Rio Technical Trout or SA Standard fly line. This is a high-end rod all the way. Peter Knox says he wanted these rods to offer “feedback” to the caster. I’ve cast very few rods that were so easy to interpret, and so pleasant in the hand.

   John Duncan (Telluride Angler)

2. Rated 4 out of 5

   The Sonic 486-4 performs automatically from 15-30 feet. Line speed is adequate and appropriate for this line weight and length. The rod’s tempo is very even and confidently relaxed. I cast it with a Rio Technical Trout and a Rio Gold and I preferred the Gold on this model. Like the rest of the models in the Sonic family the 486 sports a medium fast action that makes it very versatile. The slightly larger diameter blanks make the rods feel solid. While the Sonic 486 doesn’t feel light in the hand compared to a rod like the X or the Trout LL in the same size, it certainly doesn’t feel sluggish in the hand or through the casting stroke. This is a great even casting and even fishing 8’6’ inch 4 weight.

   Richard Post (Telluride Angler)

3. Rated 4 out of 5

   The 486 certainly has a faster feel vs the 490 with more action in the tip and less flex into the mid section. It’s a capable rod and throws nice, tight loops. However, I felt the range was more limited vs the other 4 wt in the series. I cast it with the SA Trout WF4F. I think perhaps a Rio Gold would complement this rod a bit better.

   Jason Moshonas (Telluride Angler)