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. Brick Masonry

none so far

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

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)

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

Strong rods with excellent action and reliability.

Haven't found one....

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

Solid casting performance and has the guts for the big ones

none

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

Great looks, wonderful feel in casting, good ability to detect light strikes, Sage warranty - what more do you want?

None

If you are looking for the best all round fly rod (if there is such a thing!) for the widest possible fishing applications, buy either the 5 weight or 6 weight SP. End Of Story!

Customer Service

It''s Sage - need I say more?

Similar Products Used:

G. Loomis; Fly Logic (No comparison in my book!)

A high end, all around rod. It has enough backbone to pull a full sink II out of the water while on a lake. It nymphs weight and strike indicators into the wind pretty good. The tip is soft enough to fish tiny midges with, just add a little 6 or 7x tippet. I''ve thrown size 10 Daves Hoppers with it with good results. It will work as a streamer rod, but that is not it''s forte. I am suprised at the accuracy of it while still fishing to risng fish at day break. Best feature/ convenience is the tiny dots of paint to line up the rod during assembly. Every manufacturer should do this!

Like all good things, it''s life cycle has come to an end, but I already bought a 590-4 SLT

The last of the beautiful blanks from Sage. Cosmetics on the rod are exemplary on my 590-3. Fit and finish are typical of Sage products. ie. one of the best in the business for the price. I bought mine at a blow out, discontinue sale and as much as I love my 590-3 Light line, I feel this is a better value.

Customer Service

Broke a tip on my 389-3 Light line ( my stupidity) after the series was already discontinued. Shipped it on a Monday, had the rod back in action the following Friday. Thank You Paul Johnson! I co

Similar Products Used:

Sage DS, RPL+, LL (one of the very best products Sage EVER made) and the New SLT. ST Croix and G Loomis GLX.