Sage DART and IGNITER – Two Sweet Fly Rods for 2019
This time of year, when the summer begins to wind down into the pace of early Fall, we begin to take inventory of the past Summer season and start thinking about next summer. With that contemplation, comes new products…and two products we were very excited to check out were the Sage DART and the IGNITER family of fly rods (both made right here in the US of A). Our Sage sales rep EJ stopped in for a little demo of the 2019 goods and we have to say we were pretty impressed when we were able to cast these two new rods
Sage DART
The Sage DART fly rod family is leading the charge for Sage’s small water fly rod offerings. Built with KonneticHD Technology, the DART is a quick and accurate rod for those chasing wary trout in still and clear water, close quarters, or obstacle-ridden streamsides. Specifically designed to drive precise loops under the branches of a willow while still providing delicate presentations and delightful feedback to the angler. The KonneticHD materials combined with performance-friendly fast action gives fishermen the ultimate competitive advantage against highly selective trout.
We were a big fan of the Sage DART as the newest iteration of fast action small water fly rods. The DART is quick and accurate, yet with a great feel for those who like their rods to have soul. Paired with the Rio Trout LT fly line, the DART becomes a presentation machine tailored to those who make longer casts with small dries and nymph rigs. In contrast, we were also able to cast the DART with Rio’s new Creek fly line. The Creek fly line was built for shorter one-shot quick casts to pockets and pools. I personally preferred the LT fly line, but the Creek line is far better for those who like to fish everything from dries to nymphs to smaller streamers. Both lines are also great for roll casting and mending in tight quarters.
Built from 0 to 4 weight in 7′ 6″ configurations (with the exception of a 6′ 3 weight variation),all models are 3 pieces and come in at $700 retail. This will quickly become your favorite backpack, backcountry, and back water stick for smaller species of trout, bass, panfish, cichlids, or anything that demands light and delicate presentations.
Sage IGNITER
Since the discontinuing of the Sage METHOD series of fly rods, the question on our minds became “what will be the next generation of Sage’s ultra-fast action family of fly rods?” Enter, the IGNITER.
These new rod names really conjure images of transformer characters, but this family of rods is not for kids. The casting distance the IGNITER can throw with little effort is pretty outlandish. We were able to cast the 590-4 and 890-4, built with KonneticHD Technology.
Strong headwind? Fish at distance? Bulky rigs? Heavy sink-tips? The IGNITER is tuned to handle the most technical of conditions. Not a rod for the everyday angler, the IGNITER is equipped with a high line speed taper to carry large amounts of line at distance with wind cutting performance. Perfect for streamer fishing with heavy sink tips or covering big water when conditions turn south.
We are looking at this rod as another tool in the arsenal for permit, pike, bonefish, and tarpon. Watch our quick video below, shot in slow motion, you can see the quick recovery of Sage’s Konnetic HD tech. This rod is seriously fast!
