The Sage Spey R8 Double Handed Range Has Landed. Jim Fearn Tests The 14’ 9# And Discovers Just How Good These Rods Are
There is always great anticipation when Sage launches a new rod and it has been felt more keenly than ever with the flagship Sage Spey R8 DH range. It’s fair to say that salmon anglers in the UK have been waiting with baited breath for the Spey R8 Double Handed family to arrive.
I’m delighted to report it has been well worth the wait. These rods are truly exceptional. Sage analysed the three key components of a spey cast where efficient energy transfer is vital: lift, load and delivery. Revolution 8 graphite technology through the whole length of these double-handed rod tapers allows them to capture and carry power like never before. The result is the finest spey casting tools I have ever used. Here I look specifically at the 14ft #9 six-piece and how it performs with various line setups.


Sage Spey R8 Review – The Making Of A Great Rod
Guide Flyfishing was fortunate enough to be part of the Spey R8 Prototype development phase. With the Sage/RIO team we were able to test the prototypes on some of Scotland’s big rivers. We also sought feedback from ghillies and seasoned anglers. We asked them what the attributes of a great 14ft rod should be. Answers included: pleasurable to cast; versatility with different line systems, and the ability to deal with all the demands and changing conditions of a season.
So further prototypes were tested extensively with Spey lines, Skagits and Shooting heads. The latter were combined with fast sinking tips and heavy flies. This was done in all conditions and with mixed abilities of casters. It was also decided to make this rod a six-piece as it is the most likely size to be used as a destination rod.


Sage Spey R8 Review – Great Expectations
More is expected of 14ft rods these days. They are commonly regarded as true all rounders, especially if bigger rivers factor in your fishing season. Buying a new 14ft rod should be a considered purchase. There are key factors to bear in mind. Top of the list for many will be what types of line systems and weights of lines are best suited to the rod. How the rod feels to cast is also vital, as is how well it deals with the conditions or situations you are likely to face.
For example, how easy and enjoyable it is to cast in perfect conditions. And how does it perform with low-powered shots in areas where the back cast is restricted or when hammering a long cast across a big river in windy conditions. Below are my findings with the finished version of the Spey R8 14ft 9# six piece.


Sage Spey R8 Review – Shooting Heads/Scandi
From the prototype stage right through to the arrival of the finished version I have been solidly convinced that 580 grain is the perfect weight of line for this rod. For example the Scandi Outbound 9/10 is an ideal match. This line really finds the sweet spot and makes for a beautiful casting combination. Fishing-wise it allows for delicacy where needed. And it is a good choice for low to medium height water situations, both at short and long ranges.
And of course RIO’s new Elite Scandi Outbound Hover is a phenomenally good line to cast. A proven fish catcher, it digs in beautifully. This enables better control on the swing and, used with the appropriate Versileader, allows you to fish the fly deeper when higher/colder water conditions dictate.
This rod feels light and has a slim blank. In fact, it feels more like a 13ft 8 weight – until you cast with it. So I was pleasantly surprised to discover how well it performs with 640 grain heads. I was expecting sluggishness with this weight of head, but this was not the case. Loop shapes are impressively sharp, with short compact and long strokes, suggesting the tip was easily recovering. However, the 580 grain line was the star performer. The Scandi Outbound Body is also a great match, used in conjunction with RIO Replacement Tips. These come in a wide range of sink rates so this line set up gives you great choice when reacting to the conditions.
Sage Spey R8 Review – Skagits
There are differing schools of thought regarding best rod actions for use with Skagits. Some think slower/medium actioned rods are more suitable. This can certainly be true in areas where casting room is tight. Others, especially in the UK, believe faster rods are preferable, the logic being that the rod should be controlling the line as opposed to the other way around.
This latter mindset seems more prevalent since the advent of increased Spey tapers in Skagit lines. For example the RIO GameChanger and RIO Skagit Launch. With these lines more tension can be applied to the D-loop, casting from the tip. Generally, they are more like casting shooting heads than Skagits of old.
Regardless of rod action, it always helps if the weight of the head can be felt through the rod at the loading-up stage of the cast. The Spey R8 loads easily with deadline roll casts and low-tensioned Spey casts. It also performs brilliantly when you wind the cast up and blistering line speed at longer ranges can be achieved as a result. The Spey R8 14ft is rated for Skagits from 625 to 675 grain.
I began in the middle of this range, selecting the 650 grain RIO GameChanger F/H/I/5. This is an awesome combination and is a great high-water set-up. I am able to lift up and turn over long heavy tips with heavy flies easily, with no lag whatsoever in loop formation and turnover.
The rod also performed seriously well with 625 grain and 675 grain Skagits. I am torn between the 625 and 650 but it is a matter of personal preference. How much payload is required, personal casting style and changing situations will ultimately govern your choice.
In any case, the rod performs to a high standard throughout the recommended range of weights. My optimum casting weight preference for now, if I had to choose, is bang in the middle at 650 grain.


Sage Spey R8 Review – Mid Head Spey Lines
The R8 casts beautifully with the 9/10 RIO Mid Head Spey in conjunction with a 10ft 3ips RIO Heavy Versileader. The enhanced feedback and steely nature of the rod assist in the sweep, right through to the firing stage of casts. It felt like I was moving a much shorter shooting head than 62-foot head, due to the line speed that can be generated. Surprisingly, the rod was far from overloaded with 10/11 Mid Spey. However, the 9/10 is the optimum line in this category.
Perfecting Performance
Often when Sage launches a new rod range, people ask what the differences are between its predecessors and whether it is actually better? I have been and remain a big fan of the Sage Igniter 9140-6. The two rods feel a similar weight in the hand, but the R8 has a steelier quality and is noticeably faster and crisper in the tip and butt section. At the same time it still manages to offer more feedback and feeling during the cast.
Sage has nicely managed to transfer the key performance properties of the R8 core single handed rods into the Spey R8 DH range. It is unusual to have such power and yet so much feel and usability. Until now, these attributes have represented a trade off. The Spey R8 family of rods offer both in abundance and this is something to both celebrate and enjoy. The Sage casting and fishing experience has just got even better.


Conclusion
To summarise, the Spey R8 is an incredibly powerful 14ft rod, surprisingly so for one that feels so light in the hand. In fact, it feels like it would be more suited to the lighter side of line ratings.
As described, however, it easily deals with heavier payloads. Besides, Sage has taken out the need for any guesswork as this rod performs exquisitely when paired with line weights in the middle of the recommended range. I have found this to be consistently accurate.
This Sage Spey R8 14ft rod is not only tremendously versatile with the different line systems it casts but also in the line weights it can cast. This is incredibly useful for when lighter or heavier lines will better suit certain fishing conditions, or for individual casting preferences.
The finish on the Spey R8 range is sublime, as we have come to expect. The blanks boast a suitably classy and luxurious Ale colour with black and gold trim wraps. A traditional deep walnut insert graces the reel seat and the cork handles are to the usual high standard. These rods look as good as they perform, which is as good as it gets.
JIM FEARN