Overview

SPEY R8

By utilizing our proprietary Revolution 8 graphite, SPEY R8 rods heighten the smooth transfer of energy throughout the three key components of the Spey cast, allowing anglers to effectively Lift line off the water, Load the rod sufficiently, and Deliver the fly to the target. Casts become instinctive and consistent. Simultaneously, we Fine-Tuned rod models and actions to match the vast array of Spey situations found around the globe. The result is a Spey Casting Synergy that’s enjoyable and approaching effortless. Be it steelhead, Atlantic salmon, king salmon, or sea-run brown trout; Skagit, Scandi or Traditional lines; SPEY R8 rods capitalize on each cast, increasing the likelihood of the almighty moment that we all are devoted to.

LIGHTWEIGHT LINE SPEED

Our Lightweight Line Speed models are designed specifically for summer-run steelhead, smaller salmon, and oversized trout. While fly size and desired depth may be modest when targeting these fish, placement is absolutely critical; you have to fish where the fish are. To cover the water effectively, anglers need high line speeds to cut through wind and turn over flies completely so the swing engages immediately. This is especially true when fishing bulky, wind-resistant surface flies. At the same time, the tool must match the quarry and shouldn’t be overpowered. Our Lightweight Line Speed models, available in a 5- or 6-weight, shine in these scenarios, where winds arrive daily and potential holding water extends from bank to bank.
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Intuitive Performance

An effective Spey cast is dependent on efficient transfers of energy in each of its three key components: the Lift, Load, and Delivery. Utilizing our proprietary Revolution 8 graphite technology along the full length of double-handed rod tapers results in a blank with an unmatched ability to capture and carry power, plus exceptional tracking. Energy produced during the cast and applied directly to the rod are transmitted entirely into the line, so Spey casters aren’t required to compensate for lost energy or imprecise rod reactions. With SPEY R8, casts are smooth, instinctual, and consistent.

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Lift

Adequate stiffness and power are required to Lift heavy sink tips, longheads, and bulky flies off the water, but responsiveness is also key to ensure that no efforts are wasted; when the angler begins moving the rod, the line and fly also move. All the while, minimizing blank weight is critical to reducing fatigue. 

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Load

While sustained- and airborne-anchor Spey casts generate their energy indifferent ways, in either case the rod needs to Load sufficiently to be able to turn over the sink-tip or leader, tippet, and fly at the desired distance. R8Technology maximizes the amount of energy collected in sweep or touch-and-go moves, carries that energy into the D-Loop, and transfers it smoothly into the rod.

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Deliver

To effectively Deliver the fly to its target, enough energy must be transferred from the loaded rod into the Spey line. SPEY R8 rods apply the responsiveness and tracking abilities of R8 Technology to diminish lost energy and reduce lateral movements upon the forward stroke, providing casting power and accuracy. 

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CLASSIC AESTHETICS

Sage’s history designing and building Spey rods dates back to the late-1980’s - nearly the beginning of the company itself - when America’s Spey Revolution was just beginning. While the SPEY R8 family’s performance is a culmination of our most-advanced material technology, blank designs, and rod weight-length configurations to date, we’ve chosen the aesthetics as a nod to our deep Spey rod history, the pioneers of this niche within fly fishing, and of course, the anadromous fish themselves. Every detail is a thoughtful mix of functional intention and traditional looks. The overall look feels fresh yet familiar, is distinctively Sage, and inspires you to pick up the rods and fish them.

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Ale Blank Color

The SPEY R8 blank color is a modern take on Sage’s original and iconic Two-Handed rods. Rich and warm, these Ale colored blanks signify the meeting of history, culture, and innovation. Gold and black trim wraps and silk screens alongside grey thread wraps complete the package.

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Walnut Reel Seat

Following the classic theme, we used a traditional wood insert on the reel seats. For SPEY R8, we chose a deep walnut wood, complementary to the Ale blank color. Components are a matte Granite anodized aluminum and down-locking, except those on the Switch rods, which are up-locking for better balance.

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Cork Handle

SPEY R8 rods feature brand-new handle profiles with smaller diameters and updated ergonomics. The top handle accommodates a wide variety of grip preferences and positions while the bottom handle’s shape enhances leverage. Symmetrical trim rings bracket the reel seat, adding a touch of elegance.

DETAILS

  • Revolution 8 Technology
  • Ale Blank Color
  • Grey Primary Thread Wraps w/ Gold & Black Trim Wraps
  • Fuji K-Series “Tangle Free” Stripping Guides
  • Hard Chrome Snake Guides & Tip Top
  • Aluminum Down-Locking Reel Seat (Up-Locking for Switch) w/ Walnut Insert
  • Laser Etched Sage Logo on Slide Band
  • Super-Plus Grade Cork Handle & Rear Grip w/ Composite Cork Trim Rings
  • Black Rod Bag w/ Gold Sage Logo & Ale Colored Model Tag
  • Low Light Bronze Aluminum Tube w/ Granite Tube Cap & Gold Matte Black Sage Medallion
LEARN MORE

SHAPING 8 REVOLUTIONS IN HOW WE FISH

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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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.

SPEY R8 6130-4 - All Models

ModelLine SizeRod LengthHandleColorPiecesPhysical WeightSKU
SPEY R8 5126-45WT12' 6"12" Fore Grip/4.5" Rear GripAle45 15/16oz2058-5126-4
SPEY R8 6130-46WT13'13" Fore Grip/5" Rear GripAle46 7/8oz2058-6130-4
SPEY R8 7116-47WT11' 6"11" Fore Grip/4" Rear GripAle45 5/8oz2058-7116-4
SPEY R8 7126-47WT12' 6"12" Fore Grip/4.5" Rear GripAle46 3/4oz2058-7126-4
SPEY R8 7130-47WT13'13" Fore Grip/5" Rear GripAle47 1/16oz2058-7130-4
SPEY R8 7136-47WT13' 6"13" Fore Grip/5" Rear GripAle47 1/4oz2058-7136-4
SPEY R8 8116-48WT11' 6"11" Fore Grip/4" Rear GripAle45 3/4oz2058-8116-4
SPEY R8 8126-48WT12' 6"12" Fore Grip/4.5" Rear GripAle47 1/16oz2058-8126-4
SPEY R8 8130-48WT13'13" Fore Grip/5" Rear GripAle47 1/4oz2058-8130-4
SPEY R8 8136-48WT13' 6"13" Fore Grip/5" Rear GripAle47 5/8oz2058-8136-4
SPEY R8 9130-49WT13'14" Fore Grip/5" Rear GripAle47 7/8oz2058-9130-4
SPEY R8 9140-69WT11' 6"14" Fore Grip/5" Rear GripAle68 11/32oz2058-9140-6
SPEY R8 10150-410WT15'15" Fore Grip/5" Rear GripAle410 1/16oz2058-10150-4
SPEY R8 6130-4
$1,300.00

When fishing classic wet flies and skaters, the 6130 is the ideal choice when paired with light scandi setups. Additionally, it’s plenty capable of fishing light sink-tips and moderately-weighted flies during midday sun. This is our most versatile lower-48 summer-run steelhead model - with plenty of power to cut through summer winds.

ACTION: Lightweight Line Speed

APPLICATION: Light-Duty Spey - Summer Steelhead - Dry line skaters - Grilse Atlantic Salmon

FISHERY: Deschutes, Klickitat, Rogue, Grande Ronde

TARGET LINES: Skagit 400-450 / Scandi 350-400 / Rec Skagit 425 Skagit Max Launch / Rec Scandi 380 Scandi Launch

SPEY R8

By utilizing our proprietary Revolution 8 graphite, SPEY R8 rods heighten the smooth transfer of energy throughout the three key components of the Spey cast, allowing anglers to effectively Lift line off the water, Load the rod sufficiently, and Deliver the fly to the target. Casts become instinctive and consistent. Simultaneously, we Fine-Tuned rod models and actions to match the vast array of Spey situations found around the globe. The result is a Spey Casting Synergy that’s enjoyable and approaching effortless. Be it steelhead, Atlantic salmon, king salmon, or sea-run brown trout; Skagit, Scandi or Traditional lines; SPEY R8 rods capitalize on each cast, increasing the likelihood of the almighty moment that we all are devoted to.

LIGHTWEIGHT LINE SPEED

Our Lightweight Line Speed models are designed specifically for summer-run steelhead, smaller salmon, and oversized trout. While fly size and desired depth may be modest when targeting these fish, placement is absolutely critical; you have to fish where the fish are. To cover the water effectively, anglers need high line speeds to cut through wind and turn over flies completely so the swing engages immediately. This is especially true when fishing bulky, wind-resistant surface flies. At the same time, the tool must match the quarry and shouldn’t be overpowered. Our Lightweight Line Speed models, available in a 5- or 6-weight, shine in these scenarios, where winds arrive daily and potential holding water extends from bank to bank.