Sage SP - 5 wts

Review Date
April 17, 2009

Overall Rating
 5 of 5

Value Rating
 4 of 5

Reviewed by: pseymour ,  Day Hiker

Price Paid:  $0.00

Summary:
This was my first fly rod and I have never found one I have liked better. I have tried the new Sage and Orvis rods but still like this one best. Only problem is that the reel seat has come off. When I walked into my local fly shop for repair, before they even looked at it they said, "It must be an SP." They fixed it for free and it came off again. Another free repair and so far it has held. Don't know what this is all about. Still love it though.

Customer Service:
Not used

Similar Products Used:
Winston, Redidngton, Bamboo

Review Date
October 24, 2006

Overall Rating
 5 of 5

Value Rating
 5 of 5

Visitors rate this review
5.00 of 5, 3 votes

Reviewed by: johnmiao ,  Day Hiker

Price Paid:  $439.00 at xcaliburrods.com

Summary:
Best 5wt fly rod:

Re: Xcalibur 9’ 5wt. 4 piece Fly Rod (X905-4)

"I did not test the rod with a super-distance line on it (like an XXD), rather I tested it with ‘average’
lines that many anglers would end up using. Here is what I found for a 5wt WF taper (fairly standard
taper, no tricks):

When casting in a relaxed style with no hauling, I liked the rod best at the 33-35 foot range (mostly tip
casting with a moderate tempo). When adding hauling and upping the casting tempo, I preferred to be out at
40-43. I found that the rod would easily carry 57-60 with great control of loops while hauling, and would
hold 63-65 at what I would call maximum controlled hold. The rod will obviously hold more with a
different line taper, but when shooting from a 65 foot hold, I could consistently hit 95-101.

Since the line was only 90ft and then knotted to gel-spun, I kept the casting at a max range of 99-101
(always accurately measured), and even then the good shoots would jerk the reel slightly. So, no issue with
good line speed development when necessary.

The rod that I had fit together beautifully--one of the nicest fits in recent memory. Nice work on getting
smooth ferrule junctures--the rod inspired confidence in the fit.

Thanks for the opportunity to cast the rod, John. I do appreciate knowing who is making what, especially
when smaller graphite makers are involved. There are some intriguing rods out there (including yours),
and it helps when I can point casters toward "alternative" rods if those rods would be a
better/more interesting choice given the angling/casting situation."

(Feedback from a Master Fly Caster)

Review Date
October 23, 2006

Overall Rating
 5 of 5

Value Rating
 5 of 5

Reviewed by: John(Unregistered User) ,  Day Hiker

Price Paid:  $439.00 at xcaliburrods.com

Summary:
Best 5wt fly rod:

Re: Xcalibur 9’ 5wt. 4 piece Fly Rod (X905-4)

"I did not test the rod with a super-distance line on it (like an XXD), rather I tested it with ‘average’
lines that many anglers would end up using. Here is what I found for a 5wt WF taper (fairly standard
taper, no tricks):

When casting in a relaxed style with no hauling, I liked the rod best at the 33-35 foot range (mostly tip
casting with a moderate tempo). When adding hauling and upping the casting tempo, I preferred to be out at
40-43. I found that the rod would easily carry 57-60 with great control of loops while hauling, and would
hold 63-65 at what I would call maximum controlled hold. The rod will obviously hold more with a
different line taper, but when shooting from a 65 foot hold, I could consistently hit 95-101.

Since the line was only 90ft and then knotted to gel-spun, I kept the casting at a max range of 99-101
(always accurately measured), and even then the good shoots would jerk the reel slightly. So, no issue with
good line speed development when necessary.

The rod that I had fit together beautifully--one of the nicest fits in recent memory. Nice work on getting
smooth ferrule junctures--the rod inspired confidence in the fit.

Thanks for the opportunity to cast the rod, John. I do appreciate knowing who is making what, especially
when smaller graphite makers are involved. There are some intriguing rods out there (including yours),
and it helps when I can point casters toward "alternative" rods if those rods would be a
better/more interesting choice given the angling/casting situation."

(Feedback from a Master Fly Caster)

Similar Products Used:
Sage XP, TCR

Review Date
November 19, 2002

Overall Rating
 5 of 5

Value Rating
 5 of 5

Visitors rate this review
2.60 of 5, 5 votes

Reviewed by: clintgoyette(Unregistered User) ,  50+ days a year , from Whistler, BC, Canada

Price Paid:  $0.00

Summary:
Excellent product. Excellent customer service. We use these rods as our main all round multipurpose trout rod for intermediate to advanced fly fisher clients. These rods can easily handle any medium to large trout or char we throw at them. They are great to teach with too!

Customer Service:
The best there is!

Similar Products Used:
St. Croix

Review Date
February 1, 2002

Overall Rating
 5 of 5

Value Rating
 5 of 5

Visitors rate this review
1.00 of 5, 1 votes

Reviewed by: jdemarie(Unregistered User) ,  50+ days a year

Price Paid:  $560.00 at American Angling

Summary:
They best 5wt anwhere for any price. I have used this rod in every conceivable situation from Maine coast stripers to spring creeks. It is best suited for good sized waters like the Beaverkill or the Green River.

Customer Service:
great

Similar Products Used:
Loomis GLX