I have used this rod as my primary tool for streams and lakes in the Eastern Sierra for 10 years and it has never failed me. In fact the cork grip is now nearly molded to my hand! I never tire of casting this rod, its action is so smooth and it's delivery precise. Fishermen of any level will enjoy delicately placing small flies right on the nose of risers and warm water freaks will be able to toss poppers and bass bugs at the lunkers. For the price, it can't be beat.

Though the rod is marketed as a moderate fast rod, it casts more like a medium but still has enough punch to toss larger flies and fish bigger water.

Sage advice? Buy this rod! This medium fast rod has the ability to make short, precise casts as well as the backbone to reach out and touch that trout rising against the far bank. Constructed of graphite II, the beautifully polished blanks and superior components come together to create versatile rods designed for everything from small streams to the pounding surf. I had the opportunity to build mine from a blank and design my own wraps and select my components, but mine is still a classic Sage.

Customer Service

Never needed.

Medium action Warranty

??? Not a cannon; but then again, if you want that, don't look at DS series

I REALLY like this rod. It is not too fast, but has sufficient punch to lay down a line in moderate wind. Sage markets it as a beginner rod, but it is a pretty good rod regardless of experience level, in my opinion. I also got this rod for $160, which makes it all the sweeter. Great casting, fine looking rod.

Customer Service

Never had to use

Similar Products Used:

Cortland Loomis Redington

casts nice with it's slow action:), Accurate, smooth, good for roll casts. Plays fish really good(even on barbless hooks).

A bit too slow for dry fly:) A bit too hevy too. The handle isn't perfect..

Great rod! Have a 9'6", Its a good "tool" rod, good casting, excellent fish playing, not baeutyful, but good value...

Value. Overall performance is very solid.

Definitely lacks some power for longer casts. Not the prettiest rod either.

Great rod for the price. Casting is very smooth for short to moderate casts. Progressively worse from there. Great action that I would say is closer to Medium. Even a small fish feels live on the end of your line.

Customer Service

Very good, though $30 isn't exactly free to replace a rod. Still can't complain.

Similar Products Used:

Lots!

versitility

Wish i would have bought 2pc, lighter in the hand the better.

I've used a DS2 9' 5wt 4pc for the last 3+ yrs for Trout gills and my favorite Smallies nice rod froke te tip cleaning ice from the guide in February replaced for thirty bucks handling fee

Customer Service

excellent, see above

Similar Products Used:

Buddies cabelas my old Shakessphere and Garcia fiberglass

Overall nice rod

Weaknesses with depend upon the caster. It has a pretty forgiving flex.

I love this rod. It is Sage''''s economy rod, and it casts great. I have it as a back-up rod, and every time i fish it i think that i need to fish it even more. I don''''t think that this rod is outstanding in any single category, but it really does everything well. It is well-balanced, casts accurately and smoothly, and is a very comfortable rod to fish for a day. I would recommend it to any entry level flyfisherman, as well as anyone who wants a more economical rod to have a little fun with.

Customer Service

Great. I broke the rod right above the ferrule and sent it back to Sage. They replaced the piece and had it back in my hands in 10 days.