The only think I'll say about the Sage right now is that they are something special. Unlike anything I've cast before. I'll be getting one for a full review as soon as I can arrange it. That said ...
One of the nice things about a show like this is that you can meet a living legend
A surprise on the hardware side is the new Boron rods from ... get this ... Wright McGill
These rods retail for under $350 and take my word for it, they look like twice that. And they cast VERY well. I really couldn't believe a rod with this fast an action was as refined, controllable and castable as it turned out to be. This is a category killer for certain. I've requested a sample of their 12'6" switch rod for review.
TL Johnson is there with some very solid offerings. Of course they have glass - and the 7' 4wt is a magnificent utility player. Jim Stuard is currently photographing and reviewing the rod for Fly Fish Ohio - pics to follow when I return (yes, its like torture isn't it?) That said, TLJ showed a very fast, very light, very amazing 8wt saltwater rod.
I actually cast a full 8wt line all the way to the backing and the line snapped tight - there was more momentum! FWIW, I can't cast that well. It made me look like I know what I'm doing
Seriously, if you are in the market for a bonefish/redfish/striper rod you need to cast one of these. Its the lightest saltwater rod I've handled. I think it edged out this new player ...
Orvis unveiled the Helios ZG. This is a new mandrel, new taper, new everything upgrade of the two year old Zero Gravity that I just reviewed at FFO. Yes, its a very, very nice rod. No, they aren't paying me to say that.
Thomas and Thomas are continuing the line-up of five glass rods. I'll cast them tomorrow along with the Scott glass and the Scott bass rods.
More to come.
Joe C.