I would first go and cast the burkhimer and if you like them then sell the sage and buy the burkhimers. If you like your sages but dont like the build quality then find a custom rod builder and have them strip the handles and rebuild them to the quality you want, you will be able to chose the cork, the burlwood, and reel seat hardwear of your choice. You can make the build simple or as flashy as you want. If you like your method than rebuild is the way to go because burkhimer dose not have anything that fast in its line up.
It took me a while to make the switch. Whole different game. Happy I did but going from a super fast Sage X to Burkie takes some getting used to ( never mind the time finding the right line)
I went through a similar exercise a few years ago after purchasing a Sage 8140x. A killer fishing rod but the craftsmanship, cork and reel seat are all very sad for a rod of that caliber (and price). I also have an 8110x switch and the trim pieces separating the reel seat from the cork grip came loose after light use. I started to look elsewhere and bought a few used burkies to test out. To me they just didn't feel as light and lively as my Sages. Even the faster models like the 8115-4. After a season, I ended up unloading the Burkheimers, went back to Sage, and will just live with the build quality.
The new single hand rods coming out are very well done, so maybe they got the memo.
Casted every spey rod you can imagine while guiding up north and can say with confidence that burkenheimer classic 7/8 was my favourite. Sage (method, one) close second and Winston boron after that. Beulah has some beautiful Spey rods as well. Gloomis Asquith Impressed me too
I went through a bunch of different rods the first few years I was speycasting, from slow to fast. I can't imagine buying one now without casting it first.
I would switch. Why? Because Burkheimer rods are, frankly, better than mass produced rods. It's like the difference between a Ford and a Ferrari. Plus, Burkheimer was much better cork, cork that lasts a lifetime. I also like that they don't change their models every few years.
I'm biased, I'm on Kerry's pro staff and have used his rods as long as I can remember. But, I'm still fishing a couple 20 year old Burkie's and the cork is in great shape and nothing wrong with any components. I have yet to see Sage's cork handles fare well over time. Sure, they will work, but they become horribly pitted and I also have issues with their thread eventually peeling off on guides.
Both rods look beautiful out of the bag when brand new, but it's only my Burkies that still look awesome 20 years later.
Good luck with your choice. It's great to have these kinds of choices.
I have owned and own many sage rods and have to say their cork handles are excellent. My experience is much different from yours even with rods many years old. Best in the business for cork handles in my experience
Ford, dodge, Chevy , Toyota. Nissan. Ask 100 different people get 100 different answers. Everyone likes different things, drive differently, cast differently etc. Different strokes for different folks,
Each person can have different experiences, for sure.
One difference could be that I fish almost daily and daily use has essentially ruined most of the cork handles on Sage double handed rods. Their cork for single handed rods ages better in my experience, but for double handers I've seen too many with horribly ridged and cracked cork handles. On the other hand, my Burkheimer cork lasts the daily abuse over numerous years. I think the difference is the grade of cork. Burkheimer gets the best cork and his handles are not premade, which also ensures there are no bad pieces of cork hidden in an otherwise decent handle.
To each their own, but I would really disagree that Sage gets cork that is anywhere close to what Kerry is producing.
I love hearing all the opinions! I think there are some fantastic rod companies out there now a days!! I love Thomas and Thomas rods, but have casted a few others that I could easily fall in love with as well!!
I personally like having a variety and not just one company, but that’s just me!
I recently got to cast and fish the sage x series and sage igniter series. I have basically zero experience with sage up this point, and I can say that the Sage X is awesome!!
I'm a huge proponent for Burkheimer, my 7134-4 Vintage has been my favorite rod for a long time. Burkheimers are slower than Sage, but that doesn't mean they don't have power or tight loops. Also, in my opinion, Sage has never made a rod that has even come close to comparing to a Burkheimer's feel; otherwise, known as soul. Having a soul in a rod can legitimately take a ordinary day of fishing over the top; enjoying it is top priority to me. In the end, it's all about getting out and casting them if possible, because you never know what you are going to like. For example, I just acquired a Asquith 7130, a rod I didn't think I was gonna like, but I had the opportunity to cast it. Let me tell you, that rod is a winner, similar action to the Burkheimers but much lighter and much much quicker recovery, while still flexing; very unique IMO. Long story short, aside from build quality, make sure you will like the action too. Good luck and tight lines!
Im a Viper guy but I had a such a bad affair with my '05 GT dream, I purchased a brand new body shell to build one up but gave that up quickly after running the costs. Crazy how values of those things skyrocketed several years ago. Classic. 458 is a consumable but a beautiful screamer for sure. Sorry to highjack the thread lol.
I fished a different 7wt last year so my 7134 did not see the river. I had it out today and was grinning ear to ear. It is just a wonderful rod that is a pleasure to cast.
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