Sage Spey R8 Introduction with George Cook

I’m here with NW Sage Rep George Cook to introduce the new Sage Spey R8 series. We talk about the vast line-up of offerings from Switch to Spey, the different actions within the series, and I cast the 9130, one of two 9wts available in the R8 family.

[@dsddavesmith]

Good stuff; thanks dudes !

[@speylesson6761]

Thanks Dave!!

[@gerardostheimer43]

I've heard nothing but positive comments regarding the R8 spey rods, and I favor a more medium medium-fast action myself. What are the grain windows for skagit and scandi for the 9130? The 700 grain launch clear hucks, but is that overlining the 9130 a bit? Given the deep bend that JH is generating with his Single Spey, I presume that one could go lighter for skagit . . . even down to 625 as a function of personal preference . . .

[@speylesson6761]

I haven’t tried it but all the 13 ft rods in the series bend a bit and have big grain windows. Are you thinking 625 in a Skagit or something longer?

[@gerardostheimer43]

@@speylesson6761 Thanks for the reply. Saw your review of the R8 7 weights, too. Nice to see the Rogue looking so good. I like short rods with RIO's 20 ft tips, too. But I mostly use them for Shad on the Potomac now. For the R8 13' footers sounds like 525 for 7 weight, 575 for 8 and 625/650 for the 9 would be my cup of tea. I spent a lot of Covid staying in Phoenix and chasing steelhead on the Rogue. I always wanted a 12'6" 5 weight. I am going to need an R8 mortgage.

[@paulconklin]

Great sticks.

[@speylesson6761]

Do you have a favorite Paul?

[@paulconklin]

@@speylesson6761 7126 for our Great Lakes fish.

[@speylesson6761]

That 7126 is a sweet one

[@CPROsalmo]

Have the 9-130, 140 and 150. Love them. Play Atlantic salmon great too

[@colinchisholm300]

What a load of crap these two are talking. I've got an R8 it's a good rod.