Sage 890-4 Power R8

Reviews

1. Rated 5 out of 5

   The 8-weight is the most improved rod in the series. The Igniter 8-weight was arguably a 10-weight, incredibly powerful but uncastable in the hands of many. The new Power R8 890-4 might still be the most powerful rod relative to line weight in the series, but it is now a highly refined 8-weight, rather than something else, empirically.

   This is a saltwater rod of the highest order that some anglers will repurpose for heavy pike or salmon. Cast it off the beach for stripers. Fish it on the West Coast for open water salmon. It’s a legitimate 8-weight for Louisiana redfish and permit that still swings light enough for bonefish anywhere in the world. It casts standard saltwater lines with tight loops and enormous line speed but really distinguishes itself when the angler asks a special favor, like knocking a Rio Outbound over breaking surf or driving a wind-resistant permit crab into a headwind. It plays fish like a 9 or 10-weight but feels lively and frisky on any cast with any fly line. This rod has the answer. Ask the question.

   John Duncan (Telluride Angler)

2. Rated 5 out of 5

   The Sage Power R8 890 is the most improved model over the Igniter. The Igniter was stubbornly fast and often required line tinkering to match your casting stroke and ability. The Power R8 is a different animal altogether.

   It retains all that downright power but pairs it with a taper that performs surprisingly well with only a little line out of the tip. A Rio Elite Flats Pro WF8F feels just right as an all-around line, especially when you’re throwing flies bulkier than a #2 Gotcha. Rock the blank back and stop it with intent, the leader rolls out cleanly. It loves to reach out, and it does so quickly when called upon.

   Like the 5- and 6-weights, the Power R8 890 shows a healthy measure of incremental power acceptance. You don’t have to hammer this rod to get it to perform. Sit back on it just a touch and it delivers with a nuance and feel this class of rod has not traditionally offered.

   Is it better than a more supple rod in glass-flat conditions? No. But unlike the rod it replaced, the Power R8 890 is very much in the game on a muggy, calm day. A Rio Bonefish line is a better match here than the SA Bonefish. It throws a narrow, dagger-like loop and allows the caster to maintain continuous pressure throughout the cast.

   In truly obnoxious, unrelenting wind, I prefer a longer, lighter-headed line paired with a smaller fly. Push hard, stop high into the wind without shooting line, and let a little line get pulled out incrementally by the wind on the backcast. Focus on line speed, loop shape, and persistence. The Power R8 890 is a rod that lets you do this in a sustained 20 mph wind.

   All the power you expect in this class, delivered in a more approachable package. Expert casters will love this rod with a Rio Elite Flats Pro, SA Bonefish Plus, or Rio Elite Bonefish, depending on fly size and conditions. First-time bonefish anglers will enjoy it with a Rio Outbound Short WF8F. I’d have a hard time believing anyone with a half hour and the desire couldn’t get that setup to turn over cleanly at 40 feet and in.

   Richard Post (Telluride Angler)