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Multi-Application / Fast Action

R8 Core 990-4

R8 Core 990-4

$1,100.00
$1,100.00

The 990-4 is a very versatile all-water and big game rod, able to pull on striped bass, large anadromous species, and big aggressive freshwater meat-eaters. From Alaskan Salmon to the flats of the Key's for Permit and Bonefish, the 990-4 R8 CORE is an excellent rod for the angler using a 9wt in a multitude of applications.

View All Model Specs

Selected Model Details

  • Model:
    R8 CORE 990-4
  • Line Size:
    9WT
  • Rod Length:
    9'0"
  • Handle:
    Fighting Butt Handle
  • Color:
    Silver Pine
  • Pieces:
    4
  • SKU:
    2054-990-4
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R8 CORE

Overview

R8 Core is focused on maximum versatility and applies new revolutionary R8 material technology through our forward-thinking lens of what we're seeing out on the water - where one rod needs to show even greater range. At its core, R8 Core traces a direct lineage to Sage's multi-application / fast action vision, one shaped by the fishing evolutions happening all around us—from habitats we stalk and waters we frequent, to the flies we fish and the diversity of species we now target. Coming in a range from 3wt to 9wt, with a variety of lengths from 8'6" to 10'0", there's sure to be a model to fit the core needs of every freshwater angler.

R8 CORE

Details

Revolution 8 Technology

Silver Pine blank color

Slate primary thread wraps with graduated White and Grey trim

Fuji ceramic stripper guides with hard chromed snake guides and tip-top

Laser etched line weight on slide band

Black rod bag with new quick-tie cord lock for faster, easier, and cleaner storage

Aluminum rod tube with Sage medallion

3WT - 6WT

Premium Flor grade snub-nose half-wells cork handle

Sustainable Ziricote wood insert with anodized aluminum up-locking reel seat

5WT - 9WT

Premium Flor grade full-wells cork handle with cork/EVA fighting butt

Gunmetal anodized aluminum up-locking reel seat

Integrated hidden hook keeper in reel seat

Behind The R8

MAXIMIZED VERSATILITY

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Dry Fly

A fast action provides the capability to stay tight to the line and in control of the presentation, while the high line speed drives a tight loop that assists in laser accuracy in technical dry fly situations. With ability to handle dry fly lines with long heads, increasing loop control when carrying long lengths and making precise casts to rising fish, all while making it easier to turn over long leaders for technical feeders at range.
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Nymphing

With a sensitive tip section to protect light tippets, a versatile balance between lifting power and delicacy provides perfect synergy for nymph fishing. A very effective tool for anglers that fish nymphs and indicators wading or out of a boat. With a combination of power and feel,R8 Core allows for intuitively better cast timing, easier line lifts and sharp, precise mends leading to faster reaction times when setting the hook.
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Streamers

A powerful butt section easily throws a wide range of streamers and accommodates a full lineup of sinking tip lines while also quickly pulling aggressive fish out of structure for increased landing success. The powerful butt section of the R8 CORE provides stability, connectedness, and power to rock and fire those one-shot casts.

MADE TO FISH, NOT JUST CAST

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Mending

With feel that extends to the smallest dry flies, R8 provides the touch to deliver efficient mends with intention and precision.
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Setting

From subtle sips to streamer strikes, the amplified sensitivity of R8 enables fine nibble feel that triggers instant, instinctual reaction for trout sets or strip sets.
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FISH FIGHTING

With a fish on, R8’s fusion of stronger backbone yet greater feel enables you to control your fish, even from tough structure, with touch and care.

SHAPING 8 REVOLUTIONS IN HOW WE FISH

R8 TECHNOLOGY

The advanced, leading-edge material behind R8 enables us to shape a rod with a stiffer, stronger backbone but a more sensitive tip and more connected feel. The secret is twofold. First, a proprietary aerospace composite with a greater hoop strength enables us to dimensionally grow taper diameter more quickly from the tip—while a nano-sintered resin application increases axial resilience and allows us to pack more fiber into the blank, resulting in that true two-way connection from hand to fly and back for greater feel, flow and control.

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New Axial Fiber Formulation

Advanced nano-sintered resin application and a more resilient axial fiber allow us to re-profile the dimensional taper to get thicker quicker from tip to butt - resulting in better energy transfer and greater feel. Simply put - a better and more efficient "wiring" of energy.
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EFFORTLESS ENERGY TRANSFER

Elongated energy transfer shifts the sweet spot closer to the hand creating a more natural extension of your arm for greater range, quicker reactivity and less wasted effort.
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New circumferential hoop fiber

Advanced hoop fibers hold blank in optimal cylindrical shape creating greater circumferential strength - continuously maintaining inherent taper profile while actively engaged or under tension.

MADE IN THE USA

We’re not a big faceless factory, but rather a workplace of craftspeople who design and build the world’s best fly rods and reels using our hands and hearts. We do it by sharing ideas and always asking the next question to find what can be done to make this better. Our rods are built one at time right here on Bainbridge Island, WA, following hundreds of meticulous steps and passing through 23 sets of hands. We’re out there fishing the same places in the same unforgiving conditions that you are. Craftsmanship is applied experience. Lifetimes of it.

Overall rating: 4.950704 / 5 from 284 reviews.

AI Generated Review Summary

The R8 Core 990-4 is a versatile rod praised for its smooth casting, powerful action, and high-quality components. It is highly regarded for its accuracy and ability to handle big flies, making it suitable for various fishing applications.

Summary topics

  • Rod Feel: 8%
  • Big Fly Handling: 5%
  • Rod Taper: 2%
  • Rod Power: 5%
  • Casting Accuracy: 3%

Review topics: [model, weight, color, problem, quality, feel, shipping, service, looks, power, control, work, protection, conditions, craftsmanship, rod, casts, action, rods, flies, line, sage, streamers, fish, accuracy, core, nymph, stick, components, presentation].

Review highlights

  • "Very light and balanced high quality components very sensitive" — John G.
  • "Beautiful looking colour, components, and wraps." — Mike E.
  • "Unbelievable rod, load and power are perfect!" — Danny B.

Reviews

I have always been a

"I have always been a Sage guy and i absolutely love the Sage R* Core 796-4."

— Bryant E. (5/5)

Best Sage rod yet!

"Im a Sage rod guy and this Rod is amazing. I have been a Sage sonic guy for the last couple years and the r8 makes that feel like a much lesser rod. The casting is butter smooth and the accuracy is by far best I've ever seen. I fish every day so it gets put thru the ringer. LIGHT! cant stress that enough! Awesome Rod!"

— Mike P. (5/5)

10’ 6wt. Worth every penny

"One of the best streamer rods I have ever casted. Roll casts like a beast, and handles heavy streamer rigs like it’s nothing. I wanted something on the softer side with the power to slice through the wind, and I got something that could do more. Swing weight is light in handle and the overall rod is well balanced."

— Troy G. (5/5)

New Fly Rod

"5wt R8 ~~~~~~ Hard water now in AK…cast great in the dome. Can’t wait until I hit the water. Why waste time with cheap imitations … life’s too short…always eat pie first 😎 🐥😎🐥😎🐥😎🐥😎🐥😎"

— Steve P. (5/5)

Greta rod!

"Send me another review in 4 weeks. I haven’t fished with it yet. But i do have the R8 Core in a 9ft 6 in length 5 wt and absolutely love it so I’m expecting the same from the 6wt!"

— Phil S. (5/5)

Put it to work last

"Put it to work last week on the San Juan, loved it. Smooth and quick haven’t fish it with dry yet, not much dry fly action where I am, but I think it will be good."

— Jeff T. (5/5)

Sage 696-4 FB R8 Core

"This is the 9. 5 foot 6 wt R8 Core. I have been fishing for a while from a raft and wade fishing. This rod is amazing and can throw dry flies, hopper/dropper rigs, Large Nymph Rigs and streamers. I owned both a 9 foot and 10 foot Sage X 6wt fly rods and did not care for either one except for throwing streamers just too stiff and they did not mend well and forget about throwing dry flies or hopper rigs with them. The new Sage R8 Core 9. 5 foot 6wt flexes just right for whatever you want to do. I have have fished it with SA Infinity and a 25 foot SA sink tip both a pleasure to cast."

— Jason C. (5/5)

Awesome rod

"Plenty of stored energy for distance yet forgiving on sloppy casts. What more can be said, it's a Sage"

— KENT M. (5/5)

Perfect Alaska rod

"Such a great rod. extra 6 inches really makes a difference when mending. Have caught lots of wild rainbows in Alaska and definitely does the job"

— Daniel A. (5/5)

R8

"Best rod on the market!"

— Danny B. (5/5)

Q&A