First, let me just say I am a Sage fan. I have several, in different sizes and wt's and I love them all. I have never been able to "over-power any of them. Not that casting is all about power but when you really have to stick it, nothing does it better....IMHO.
Second, when I am not on bigger water, and I am only casting 30-50' or less I love these Orvis rod's! I can't believe how deadly accurate you can be and how delicate!
The reason I hated them at first was because I was used to stiffer, "fast"-er action sages. My casting has dramatically changed. when I first started fly fishing my tendency was to overpower the rod to make up for lack of rhythm and finese.
much like a golf swing, that changed when I learned to work with the rod (read as, come to COMPLETE and firm stop on back cast). Seriously, for me, when Sasquatch's dad watched me cast and told me what I was doing and how to fix it, it unlocked so much in my cast.
now to the rod, with that dramatic change to my cast I was able to cast these "slower", full action rods and I LOVE them!
so that being said, yes I asked this question to see if there was a cheaper way for me to get more of these rods (i.e. buy green mountains instead of the more expensive superfines). I will find out when my green mountain gets to my door soon. in the mean time I will keep my eyes peeled for more of them.
short rod -
the rod I have now (the one that started this whole thing) was sold to me as a rocky mtn. I was told by the former owner that the reel seat broke so he put the cap of another rod on the bottom. I measured the rod to 7'6". it has aluminum looking threads for the reel lock. unfortunately this rod was also one of my great reminders to why you never put a rod on the roof of your car, EVER. it fell off, along with the BBS III (made in england) that my good friend gave me. much to my dismay/joy I heard the rod when it fell and went back for it in time to save it from an oncoming car. unfortunately it suffered severe damage to the reel seat and the end reel cap was lost. The graphite broke in the reel seat but I don't know if it went up the handle because the rod has been casting fine since the accident last fall. I have since used wire ties to fix it and it goes everywhere with me in my truck.
I know that was long but all that to say that over the last few months I realized how much I love this rod and I figure at the prices they go for, a few more wouldn't hurt!
here's hoping I find an affordable CFO for one!
thanks for your help!
