[Cowboy Tom]

I have a chance to get a DEAL on a Sage ONE, and could fin a use for any of the spey length sticks, but I'm wondering, are there any real standouts? I've read all the threads and it seems like every model has its fans but can't tell if there is a universal favorite (e.g. T&T 1307). The 1409 perhaps?

Also, can anyone describe the flex pattern? I know they are pretty fast recovering but wondering are they more uniform progressive like, say, a Meiser Highlander, modestly regressed like Beulah Platinum, or strongly regressed like Meiser MKS.

CT

 

[Matt16]

double post

 

[Matt16]

They don't load up like the Highlander, I can tell you that for sure. The One series does flex more throughout the rod though, just not as deeply as the Highlander.

 

[Chipgerrard]

Sage one

For me the standout is the 7116. I use this rod for medium sized rivers and can't believe the power and accuracy mixed with how light the rod is. I put a loop classic 7-9 on it and its a dream to fish.

7116. You won't be disappointed.

 

[danimal]

The 8126-4 is an amazing stic!! True 8wt, casts like a 7 wt. Totally impressed me.. So I ended up getting "ONE"

 

[Matt16]

The 8126-4 is an amazing stic!! True 8wt, casts like a 7 wt. Totally impressed me.. So I ended up getting "ONE"

To me the 8124 felt like a 7wt in hand, but more like an 8/9 in terms of power.

 

[kevbine]

The 7126 is an awesome all around stick with a 480 Scandi short and a 500 Skagit short.

 

[inland]

Have cast the 15' ONE side by each with the Highlander 15' 7-9 recently. The ONE is full flexing, progressive with a stiffer bottom third (but not STIFF). What sets the ONE apart, even though it bends easily it only bends so far then you find the power in the rod. The ONE WANTS to be flexed relatively deep. When you do, good things happen and they happen fast. The action is fast just not stiff. (15' METHOD has a similar bend curve but is faster and stiffer throughout, yet throws the same lines.) The ONE has OODLES of feel, letting you know everything going on from start to finish. Water anchored casts are exceptionally easy...you could almost say that it was designed into the taper. Temperamental is also a word I would describe the 15' with. Cast the rod like a fast action stick that is much stiffer than it is and you will smile. Big toothy grins. Treat it like a full flexing rod (and it does feel full flexing at first) with slow, plodding movements (you know- the kind you track with a sundial) and prepare to frown. So get a little giddyup to your step!

The 14' ONE flexes deeper than the 15'. Yet retains similar characteristics, just powered down. A lot powered down. Easier and less temperamental. 7/8 Nextcast heads are what my hands prefer. YMMV. You have a rod that feels in hand like a 13'r yet you get all the benefits of being 14'. This thing is a sweetheart. As long as my fishing distances are consistently 70'+ I wouldn't hesitate to use it on basin A runs. Or take it to places where fish over 10#'s are the norm. Let alone to tackle toads. What I am saying is the rod is suited for tons of fun regardless of what scaled critter latches on and interrupts your casting enjoyment. At one point in time the 9140 was the .3006 of spey casting on the west coast. For many reasons shorter rods and ever shorter (and heavier) heads supplanted it. This stick at least makes the 14' rod relevant to the debate again.

The descriptions about tracking and recovery are all true. If your casting is sound you will see the laser straight flight.

While my hands on experience is with the 14' and 15' models, hearsay also speaks (from those I trust completely, even with my life) the 8136 may be the jewel. Pick ONE and have fun...

 

[Cutthroat1954]

I really like the 7136-ONE. Nice rod, lots of feel and fast recovery. Haven't tried the bigger cousins, but they sound nice as well. I'm sure you will enjoy any of the ONE speys.

 

[Rustybee]

I've tried the 4116-4, 5116-4, 7116-4, 7126-4, 7136-4, 8126-4. Enjoyed casting all of them and there wasn't honestly a dog amongst them. Fast the tips recover, yet also how nicely they flex to the butt. Have a feeling that action and feel is consistent through this lineup based on what I've read here so far. Just pick one that best suits your purpose and let her rip.

 

[skeg]

I tried the 7116, and 5116 this weekend…7116 is mine, 5116 will be…both are incredible rods. the 7116 is a "hand cannon" as someone has wrote, I feel there's no boundaries with this rod, the 5116 is just "listens" and does anything with the right line - and "right" means w i d e grain tolerance…

…'am really curious to cast the 4116, too.

 

[rustyr]

I cast the 4116 at the M&Y Sage One day, and loved it. I couldn't find a "need" for it, so I got the 8126 instead. Super light in hand and easy casting. As others have said a quick recovery but fairly full flexing. I'm happy with mine.

 

[Cutthroat1954]

In addition to the 7136-ONE mentioned, I have the 4116 and 5116. Love them all. Bought the 4116 for light saltwater (searuns, pinks and small coho) and use the 5116 for coho and have also landed SW chums with it as well. After reading this thread, I may end up with another. They are all nice rods to use. ( Wish they made a 3-weight in the switch line of rods.)

 

[sneelhead]

I fish a 7116 it is a fast action absolute cannon and dream to fish. Loves airflo skagit switch in 450g and Scandi compact 420g




Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

[FKrow]

Light Trout = 4116 ONE
Medium Trout = 5126 & 6126
Heavier flies = 7126 & 8126
Larger water, longer distances = 7136 & 8136
Smaller waters = 5116 & 6116
Smaller waters and large heavy flies = 8116

Regards,
FK

 

[beau purvis]

I always try some rods at SANDY CLAVE. And,a couple years ago I tried all the ONE's. Liked the short ones the most and picked the ONE 5116 and the ONE 8116. Love them!
Last spring I tried the METHOD 8126. George Cook was going to use it in Alaska for Chinooks. So thought I would try it. I have said this before " At least in my hands"..."It cast's itself"! Effortless..smooth ...easy long casts..no need to dial it in!...first cast was dialed!!

 

[Neil W]

I have the 8126 and it's a great rod. Very light but loads if power and feel. Try an Airflo skagit 570 on it. Great combination!

 

[jbilotta]

I have the 7136, 9140 and 10150. I am very happy with all of them.
I used Vectors on all three.
480 sc and 510 sk on the 7136
510 sc and 625 sk flight on the 9140

Obviously it depends on where you fish, but if I only had one One, it would be a tough choice, but I would keep the 9140.

John

 

[Topher Browne]

http://www.sageflyfish.com/blog/10/2014/field-report-sage-one-8136-4-one-9140-4-one-10150-4/

 

[aviv117]

I own the 7126. It’s my most versatile rod...with each different head setup it becomes something specialized for that application. I do everything with it - big water, small water, scandi float to skagit dredge. If your looking for a rod that covers a wide range of situations, I’d go with the 7126.