Sage 690-4 R8 Core

Reviews

1. Rated 5 out of 5

   The 6-weights are among the finest rods in the R8 series, designed with progressive fast action similar to the 390-4 and 596-4. Neither light nor heavy for its class, the 690-4 is a convincing piece of equipment from the first impression, a rod that seems optimized for its purpose. More than anything else, Sage just nailed the taper and material application. It casts naturally with tremendous line speed and zero torsional play at all distances. We ask much of our 6-weights, but the R8 690-4 exceeds all requirements. I cast it with a Rio Gold, SA Infinity Taper and Rio Predator, 3 of my favorite lines for 6-weight fishing. It’s just plain awesome with all three, which tells me that there is virtually no bad line choice for this rod. It gets going right away with little line out the tip without the irritating hesitation of many fast action rods. Double hauling in the wind, it knifes long loops that turn over with an audible hiss. I found the FB version to be almost identical in character.

   John Duncan (Telluride Angler)

2. Rated 5 out of 5

   A 6wt rod is something almost every dedicated trout angler should own at least one of. They are rods that we use for a wide range of techniques. Building a truly well rounded 6wt can often times be difficult. Sage nailed it with the 690/4. It admittedly feels a little heavier in hand than some of the competition, but it is hardly anything to complain about. The rod throws beautiful loops at all distances and is spot on with accuracy. This rod will be happy throwing large dry flies, heavier nymphs, and modest sized streamers. I’ve played around with this rod with various fly lines. For a good all around line I’d recommend either the Rio Elite Gold WF6F or the SA Amplitude Smooth Infinity WF6F. If you’re looking for a streamer style line I’d go with the Rio Elite Predator.

   Parker Thompson (Telluride Angler)

3. Rated 5 out of 5

   If I had to pick my favorite line weight of the R8 Core lineup, it would be the 6-weights. Each one is best in class and the 9-footers are no exception. I did not notice a significant performance difference between the R8 690 and the R8 690 FB and I believe they cast and handled similarly. The different versions made me feel like each rod had an idea of what it wanted to do, but lines performed similarly on both rods. The Sage R8 Core 690 gave me the impression of a do everything western trout rod. The lightness in the hand is noticeable and the action feels quick, springy, and stable. Loop formation is instant, and the rod turns over the leader in a predictable and precise manner at all distances. I got that “loops frozen in time” feeling as I delighted in the sensation of line leaving the rod tip with purpose. The Rio Elite Gold is my top choice on this rod and the line exemplifies the R8 690’s affinity as a trout rod. Fish small dries to indicator rigs with the Gold and switch up to a SA Infinity taper for larger nymph rigs and better streamer performance from a floating line. The R8 690 is a noticeably improved rod over the X 690. Lighter in the hand, more playful and more stable the R8 690 is completely capable and ready for anything a western trout river can deal out.

   Richard Post (Telluride Angler)