When looking for a fly fishing rod, Sage is on the top of the list as far brands to check out. They have a broad line-up of rods for different applications. We are going to look at Sage The X in this review, its pros and cons, where it sits in the line, some user reviews and our recommendation. We will also direct you to places to buy this rod if you find it is a good choice for your fly fishing needs.
Place In The Sage Line
Sage is known for quality rods with all of its offerings made in the United States.
Whether you are looking to upgrade to a premium rod or just looking for something to spend your stimulus check on, Sage offers up its top multi-application rod in The X. Aimed at someone looking for a refined rod that can make use of your skills, The X uses Sages KonneticHD, high-density graphite to resin mix to optimize the action and increase strength.
Sage X Rod Action
The X is a fast action rod with a softer tip aiming to give a balance between power and control.
Technical Details
Number of Sections: 4
Cover: Comes with black nylon hard tube case with individual liner pockets
Body
The body of The X is made from Sage’s KonneticHD. This is a high modulus lay-up that optimizes graphite to resin mix to create a high-density blank that is stronger while being lighter.
Handle
The lighter weight rods come with a snub-nose cork handle with half wells, while the heavier weights have full-wells with a composite fighting butt.
Rings
The X uses a Fuji ceramic stripper guide combined with hard chromed snake guides and tip.
Sizes in the Series
The X SPECIFICATIONS
| Model | Handle | Length | Line Weight | Tube | Weight |
| 1090-4 X | FWCCFB* | 9ft 0in | 10 | 30in | 3 15/16oz |
| 1190-4 X | FWCCFB* | 9ft 0in | 11 | 30in | 4 5/8oz |
| 376-4 X | SNHW† | 7ft 6in | 3 | 30in | 2 1/8oz |
| 390-4 X | SNHW† | 9ft 0in | 3 | 28 1/2in | 2 5/16oz |
| 4100-4 X | SNHW† | 10ft 0in | 4 | 32in | 2 7/8oz |
| 486-4 X | SNHW† | 8ft 6in | 4 | 30in | 2 3/8oz |
| 490-4 X | SNHW† | 9ft 0in | 4 | 30in | 2 7/16oz |
| 5101-4 X | FWCCFB* | 8ft 6in | 5 | 33in | 3 1/16oz |
| 586-4 X | SNHW† | 8ft 6in | 5 | 30in | 2 1/2oz |
| 590-4 X | SNHW† | 9ft 0in | 5 | 30in | 2 11/16oz |
| 591-4 X | FWCCFB* | 9ft 0in | 5 | 31 1/2in | 2 13/16oz |
| 597-4 X | FWCCFB* | 9ft 6in | 5 | 33in | 2 15/16oz |
| 6101-4 X | FWCCFB* | 10ft 0in | 6 | 30in | 3 5/16oz |
| 690-4 X | SNHW† | 9ft 0in | 6 | 30in | 2 13/16oz |
| 691-4 X | FWCCFB* | 9ft 0in | 6 | 31 1/2in | 2 15/16oz |
| 697-4 X | FWCCFB* | 9ft 6in | 6 | 33in | 3 1/8oz |
| 7100-4 X | FWCCFB* | 10ft 0in | 10 | 30in | 3 3/4oz |
| 790-4 X | FWCCFB* | 9ft 0in | 7 | 31 1/2in | 3 3/8oz |
| 796-4 X | FWCCFB* | 9ft 6in | 7 | 33in | 3 1/2oz |
| 8100-4 X | FWCCFB* | 10ft 0in | 8 | 32in | 3 7/8oz |
| 890-4 X | FWCCFB* | 9ft 0in | 8 | 31 1/2in | 3 7/16oz |
| 896-4 X | FWCCFB* | 9ft 6in | 8 | 33in | 3 5/8oz |
| 990-4 X | FWCCFB* | 9ft 0in | 9 | 30in | 3 11/16oz |
*FWCCFB – FULL-WELLS WITH CORK COMPOSITE FIGHTING BUTT
†SNHW – SNUB-NOSE, HALF WELLS
User Reviews
“My first thought when hearing about the X was this – how can it be better than the Sage ONE? I’ve been fishing a ONE since shortly after they were released, and the Sage X is absolutely a better rod. When I first picked up the X and cast it, I was surprised at how well it loaded at short distances and how much feel it had at fifteen to twenty feet. what really took me by surprise was how much power the X retained and how easily it cast at longer distances.
The rod has somewhat of a ‘second gear’ and generates a heck of a lot of line speed without a whole lot of effort from the caster. The Sage X feels incredibly light in the hand, but has loads of power and can easily throw a tight loop at 60 feet. The Sage X is a very, very accurate rod as well. I’m no competition caster by any stretch of the term, and I could put a fly in a bucket at 50 feet pretty easily. It tracks very well, and that translates to incredible accuracy. That being said, it had a lot of feels and touch at normal fishing distances as well. Overall, the Sage X was the best casting rod out of all of those we cast and was the most enjoyable to cast as well.”
Ryan, Flyfishsd.com
“The Z-Axis’ had a crisp, powerful action that was, at the same time, lively and responsive. And it was, and is, a distinct pleasure to cast. If you’re waxing poetic, you might say it was somewhat enchanting. Even novice casters would commonly pick up the Z-Axis and find an immediate appreciation of its smooth, efficient character.
In the X, Sage seems to have struck this same chord again, but perhaps even more impressively. Casting the X is evocative of all of the things I’ve loved for so many years about my Z-Axis, yet it manages to give me more in virtually every area of my fishing.
I always touted my Z-Axis for its versatility, but after a few months of fishing the X, it’s sad to say that the beloved rod is feeling a bit limited in comparison.
The X has proven to be the best fast-action dry fly rod I’ve fished in memory (it’s worth noting that this is typically a domain where fast-action rods disappoint). Its sensitive but lively tip allows me to deliver small dries with delicacy and protect the light tippets I fish them with.”
By Chad Shmukler, Hatchmag.com
When you get to rods of this level it will down to preference as many reviewers found it to be the best rod they have ever used while some found it functional but lacking in the special feel they hoped from such a premium rod.
The X is a high-performance rod that balances finesse with power. It is made in America and the build quality is very high like all Sage products. It feels light in the hand and ergonomic grips feel great. This combo will make for a comfortable day of casting.
Sage The X VS Pulse VS Foundation
In Sage’s freshwater multi-use lineup there are three rods. The X is the top of the line from Sage aimed at the experienced and discerning fly fisherman. This is a premium rod with a premium price tag.
Next down the line is the Pulse which is about half the price.
The entry-level Foundation rod rounds out the lineup offering great value at about a third of the price of The X.
Our Rating
Based on our experience, reviews and user feedback Sage’s The X is a high-end rod and the price tag reflects that. The fast action with a softer tip makes for a rod with good control and power to spare.
The light feel, comfortable grip, and durable construction make for a more refined rod than you will get with entry level offerings.
Its feel isn’t for everyone but it will perform very well for most types of fly fishing. They offer it in many weights and lengths so you can get exactly what you need.
Based on performance, technology, and value we rate The X a 4/5.
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Rating
