Sage 490-4 X

Reviews

1. Rated 4 out of 5

   Sage 490-4 X: Very light in hand, the 490-4 X needs a slightly heavier line with a long head, like the Rio Gold, to load into the mid section and smooth out the casting action. Stiffer than most rods in the series, the 490-4 flex has some imperfections in its casting profile that translate to a slightly lumpy feel when casting with a light line, like the Rio Perception. This rod will catch every fish In the river, but I preferred the pure casting feel of the 486-4 and 590-4 X.

   Lines: The Rio Gold is by far my favorite line on this rod.

   John Duncan (Telluride Angler)

2. Rated 4 out of 5

   Faster and more off the tip than the 486. It wasn’t quite as “touchy” as I like my 4 weights to be and it didn’t have the magic wand feel that the 590 has, but overall a very impressive fast 4 weight. This is the rod in the lineup for the guys who are really bummed out about the One rod going away. Not quite as fast as the One 490, but more One-like than the other models. It needs a slightly heavier line but not a 5 weight.

   Richard Post (The Telluride Angler)

3. Rated 4 out of 5

   Upon further consideration (2nd review with new lines): The Sage X 490 is a rod that many may overlook but none should look past. This is a very solid 9-foot 4-weight that is capable of increasing an angler’s fishability, especially is you’re looking to further your range with the 4-weight line. In general, the X 490 is not as light in the hand as some of the other rods that we cast. With the Technical Trout the rod felt noticeably lighter through the cast than with the Elite Gold. The Tech Trout livens up the rod and personifies the classic no nonsense automatic Sage delivery. Look, think, cast and watch the line unfold where you intend. The X 490 also has the most feeling with the Technical Trout. Pick this combo for an exacting dry fly rod. With the Infinity taper the rod loads a little lower down and morphs into a more all-around rig for throwing bulkier terminal tackle and carrying flies further without compromise. This combo feels more utilitarian and gave me the impression it could step up to jobs intended for a 5-weight. If you’re a newer angler that wants a 490 as their go to rod, put a Rio Elite Perception on here and get ready to witness your ability progress. The shorter Perception is not my personal favorite on this rod but it makes fishing inside of 40 feet easy and automatic across the range of techniques and fly sizes.

   Richard Post (Telluride Angler)

4. Rated 4 out of 5

   This rod wants to fish nymphs. Whether these nymphs are suspended from an attractor dry or a small indicator, if I am planning on fishing sub surface with my 4wt, I am going to be choosing this Sage X. With that being said, we all enjoy fishing those #10 terrestrials, and this is a 4wt that would fish them well. I enjoy this rod paired with a Rio Elite Technical Trout for all around backyard casting, but what we really want is a line that will fish, and in my opinion that line is the SA Amplitude Infinity Taper.

   Jim Harris (Telluride Angler)

5. Rated 4 out of 5

   The 490/4 X is a great “do it all” style 4wt rod. It is not the lightest rod in the bunch but is certainly not heavy. It is a smooth casting rod that is very stable. It’s not the best inside of 30’ but really comes alive with 30’ or more of line out. It doesn’t have the feel of the other models in the X family, but has plenty of power. The Rio Elite Technical Trout line is my favorite casting line on the 490, but the Rio Elite Gold will be the best all around fishing line on the water in my opinion.

   Parker Thompson (Telluride Angler)