SAGE R8 CORE 390-4 FISHING RODFor delicate presentations of small flies to average-sized trout on light tippets, the 390-4 is the tool of choice. The length gives good casting distance and line control.R8 Core is focused on maximum versatility and applies new revolutionary R8 material technology through a forward-thinking lens of what we're seeing out on the water - where one rod needs to show even greater range. At its core, R8 Core traces a direct lineage to Sage's multi-application / fast action vision, one shaped by the fishing evolutions happening all around us-from habitats we stalk and waters we frequent, to the flies we fish and the diversity of species we now target.The advanced, leading-edge material behind R8 enables us to shape a rod with a stiffer, stronger backbone but a more sensitive tip and more connected feel. The secret is twofold. First, a proprietary aerospace composite with a greater hoop strength enables us to dimensionally grow taper diameter more quickly from the tip-while a nano-sintered resin application increases axial resilience and allows us to pack more fiber into the blank, resulting in that true two-way connection from hand to fly and back for greater feel, flow and control.FEATURESSlate primary thread wraps with graduated White and Grey trimFuji ceramic stripper guides with hard chromed snake guides and tip-topLaser etched line weight on slide bandBlack rod bag with new quick-tie cord lock for faster, easier, and cleaner storageAluminum rod tube with Sage medallion 3wt - 6wtPremium Flor grade snub-nose half-wells cork handleSustainable Ziricote wood insert with anodized aluminum up-locking reel seat 5wt - 9wtPremium Flor grade full-wells cork handle with cork/EVA fighting buttGunmetal anodized aluminum up-locking reel seatIntegrated hidden hook keeper in reel seaTECH SPECSDRY FLY: A fast action provides the capability to stay tight to the line and in control of the presentation, while the high line speed drives a tight loop that assists in laser accuracy in technical dry fly situations. With ability to handle dry fly lines with long heads, increasing loop control when carrying long lengths and making precise casts to rising fish, all while making it easier to turn over long leaders for technical feeders at range.NYMPHING: With a sensitive tip section to protect light tippets, a versatile balance between lifting power and delicacy provides perfect synergy for nymph fishing. A very effective tool for anglers that fish nymphs and indicators wading or out of a boat. With a combination of power and feel,R8 Core allows for intuitively better cast timing, easier line lifts and sharp, precise mends leading to faster reaction times when setting the hook.STREAMERS: A powerful butt section easily throws a wide range of streamers and accommodates a full lineup of sinking tip lines while also quickly pulling aggressive fish out of structure for increased landing success. The powerful butt section of the R8 CORE provides stability, connectedness, and power to rock and fire those one-shot casts.MENDING: With feel that extends to the smallest dry flies, R8 provides the touch to deliver efficient mends with intention and precision.SETTING: From subtle sips to streamer strikes, the amplified sensitivity of R8 enables fine nibble feel that triggers instant, instinctual reaction for trout sets or strip sets.FISH FIGHTING: With a fish on, R8's fusion of stronger backbone yet greater feel enables you to control your fish, even from tough structure, with touch and care.NEW AXIAL FIBER FORMULATION: Advanced nano-sintered resin application and a more resilient axial fiber allow us to re-profile the dimensional taper to get thicker quicker from tip to butt - resulting in better energy transfer and greater feel. Simply put - a better and more efficient "wiring" of energy.EFFORTLESS ENERGY TRANSFER: Elongated energy transfer shifts the sweet spot closer to the hand creating a more natural extension of your arm for greater range, quicker reactivity and less wasted effort.NEW CIRCUMFERENTIAL HOOP FIBER: Advanced hoop fibers hold blank in optimal cylindrical shape creating greater circumferential strength - continuously maintaining inherent taper profile while actively engaged or under tension.