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Sage Graphite question
Post 18 Aug 2016, 20:15 • #1 
Sport
Joined: 12/06/15
Posts: 59
Location: US-AZ
Yep - I know, it's graphite but I figured someone on here would know the answer - so here goes.

I've got an early Sage Graphite - no markings on it other than the scripting that appears in the image. It doesn't really fit into any of the model descriptions I've read. Any ideas?

Jason

Image


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Post 18 Aug 2016, 20:23 • #2 
Glass Fanatic
Joined: 09/18/09
Posts: 5561
Location: Relocated to the Drought Stricken West.
I can't tell you the years, but it pre-dates most of the Sage rods with model numbers and I believe it is a mid 80's rod. "Graphite" is the model. They are very nice rods and can usually be picked up at bargain prices. These days they a relative bargain compared with the FF806. A bit faster, but they are a really nice taper. One of those early graphite rods that bridges the gap from fiberglass to graphite.

It definitely feels like graphite, but you can still feel it load.


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Post 18 Aug 2016, 20:42 • #3 
Glass Fanatic
Joined: 09/29/06
Posts: 4413
Location: Willamette Valley, Oregon
Nice find. Yep, what Carl said is right on. It is a good one.


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Post 18 Aug 2016, 21:46 • #4 
Guide
Joined: 06/08/16
Posts: 327
Location: US-MI
There should be a serial number, very hard to see because the numbers are small and written in black ink. You have to really look hard to see it. But maybe this predates even the serial numbered rods? Is that gray graphite or brown? Hard to tell in the photo.


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Post 19 Aug 2016, 20:45 • #5 
Master Guide
Joined: 01/26/13
Posts: 483
Location: US-PA
If I am correct, you have a first generation Sage rod. If so, keep it. I believe the RP series came immediately after. I could be wrong.


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Post 19 Aug 2016, 21:22 • #6 
Sport
Joined: 12/06/15
Posts: 59
Location: US-AZ
Thanks for the info, gents. It's a grey/charcoal blank. I've been over it with a microscope and I can't seem to find a serial number anywhere so i'm guessing it's one of the first gen's. It's funny, I still can't seem to find any info on these first gen pre-GFL "Graphite's". Interesting rod for sure but i've got more than I need at the moment.

Thanks again,

Jason


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Post 20 Aug 2016, 02:45 • #7 
Guide
Joined: 11/11/13
Posts: 129
Location: Sweden
I disagree. I don't believe it predates the early series (GFL, RP etc), if I remember correctly it's a later rod. I'll see if I can back this up. //Mike


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Post 20 Aug 2016, 03:01 • #8 
Guide
Joined: 11/11/13
Posts: 129
Location: Sweden
Ok. I checked my notes, and I have this model recorded as a Sage MA (medium action), it was an entry level model with less expensive hardwear and an unsanded blank. Kind of a predecessor to the Sage DS. If I'm correct it was introduced in 1983, after the GFL, RP and 1:st LL series in the line-up. This was just before Sage went to Gen III graphite.
//Mike


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Post 20 Aug 2016, 09:41 • #9 
Glass Fanatic
Joined: 02/10/07
Posts: 1632
Location: The Netherlands
Sage LL started as a Graphite II rod in 1982. In 1985 Sage changed to Graphite III, together with the new RPL series.

Both premium models stayed quite long on sale. Much longer (10-12 years) than current models.


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Post 20 Aug 2016, 12:36 • #10 
Glass Fanatic
Joined: 06/24/11
Posts: 1144
Location: Belgium
It looks like the MA series.


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Post 20 Aug 2016, 20:40 • #11 
Glass Fanatic
Joined: 09/18/09
Posts: 5561
Location: Relocated to the Drought Stricken West.
So was "MA" used in the catalogs and marketing literature? There is no "MA" written on the rods and I've always seen them listed as "Sage Graphite". The other rods that were listed, LL, GFL, RP always were silk screened with those letters. Was it too expensive to silkscreen MA? ;)


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Sage Graphite question
Post 21 Aug 2016, 02:45 • #12 
Guide
Joined: 11/11/13
Posts: 129
Location: Sweden
Yes, the MA-series were marketed. But I have to revise what I said, I'm not sure I got the years right. I also have a note on the MA-series as launched 1988. Upon doing a search for it I found MA-series rods that were both silk screened on the blank and marked on the tube cap.
I don't have (all) the Sage catalogues, I have compiled notes that are probably tarnished by internet lore. It's probable that the grey color is a source of mixed up information.

For clarity: I have nothing that contradicts Carl's assessment of it being an earlier rod than the GFL line.


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Post 21 Aug 2016, 12:43 • #13 
Guide
Joined: 06/08/16
Posts: 327
Location: US-MI
FWIW, my Winslow 680 GFL and my Sage 580 GFL (Winslow Mfg Co) rods both have the sanded brown shafts with identical hardware, wrap colors, and wrap placement. I don't think any Sage rod predates the Winslow's.ImageImage


Last edited by The Purist on 21 Aug 2016, 15:18, edited 1 time in total.

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Post 21 Aug 2016, 13:36 • #14 
Glass Fanatic
Joined: 09/18/09
Posts: 5561
Location: Relocated to the Drought Stricken West.
I found the following post on a different forum that seems to have the history mapped out. Probably best left for a non-fiberglass forum ;-)

http://www.theflyfishingforum.com/forum ... post390849
http://www.theflyfishingforum.com/forum ... post397947

The whole thread is worth a read. It does appear that these are MA rods, but it is interesting that MA is no silkscreend on these rods. I have a similar rod. It's a nice caster, but it's a bit disappointing but not surprising that it is a lower grade rod.

Carl


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Post 31 Jul 2019, 18:50 • #15 
Glass Fanatic
Joined: 02/19/08
Posts: 1218
Location: Branson, Missouri
MA stands for Medium Action.
But that rod pictured is a Youth model, GEN I graphite.
100 % positive.


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Post 26 Mar 2021, 09:29 • #16 
Glass Fanatic
Joined: 02/19/08
Posts: 1218
Location: Branson, Missouri
I was looking for a serial number on this Winslow graphite - it really is a nice 7wt
Labeled as a 10wt - it can cast anything over a 7wt ;)


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Post 26 Mar 2021, 15:31 • #17 
Master Guide
Joined: 01/04/18
Posts: 397
Location: Belair Maryland/Swanton Maryland
Hey Jason ,
I know exactly what rod you’ve got .
That’s a Sage “Youth” rod
I have one exactly like yours

saw that rod on the big auction site last week.
They are very cool full flexing with that lil bit of reserve crispness/power that those older Sages Possess..
I believe your youth rod was made with graphite II to help the rod load easier for a beginner caster.
I have a 7’9” Youth rod in 6wt that is on a different scrim than my 8ft
The 7’9” rod was First introduced in the 1991 catalog
I believe the 8 ft rods came later like 93 and went to 1997

I believe it to Made on
Graphite I
It has blue wraps instead of black but same reel seat and grip.





I love the Unsanded style they did on the 8ft
My 7’9” in like semi sanded.
If you like old school Orvis Unsanded rods you’re gonna trip out on the Sage.
A lil more performance hidden inside Vs the Orvis’
I’m going to be rebuilding mine to something a lil more custom just because I dig them so much ..

My wife hates that I like $age Rods. Lol
Great score , I think you like it , if not just Pm me I’ll give it a loving home.
Cheers
Ottobahn


Last edited by ottobahn on 26 Mar 2021, 15:50, edited 1 time in total.

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Post 26 Mar 2021, 16:32 • #18 
Glass Fanatic
Joined: 02/19/08
Posts: 1218
Location: Branson, Missouri
Ottobahn - excellent stuff you have there! great rods under the radar
Those 8ft'ers are the most like a glass rod of all early graphite Sage rods. IMHO.

That Youth outfit included the rod and :

,

Sage Rod Timeline - Was called History of Rods Tshirt


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Post 26 Mar 2021, 16:41 • #19 
Master Guide
Joined: 01/04/18
Posts: 397
Location: Belair Maryland/Swanton Maryland
Brian
They do fly under the radar a bit compared to the more famous labeled RP , RPL ,etc

My 7’9” sees a lot of action throughout the season as it’s my car rod.
It will throw Dries,Wets,Streamers And is a great all round multi species rod to fish with.

Brian is so on point ,the youth rods are the most “glass-like” action of all the sage graphite rods I’ve ever cast .
Closest branded Sage rod in action to the youth‘s would be the MA (medium action) rods and the DS (original “discovery series“ ) Rods




Here are some shots from the 91 catalog showing the combo with the reel Brian just posted $125 for the complete outfit in 1991 was a heck of a deal for such a sweet rod.




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Post 28 Mar 2021, 07:34 • #20 
Piscator
Joined: 08/10/05
Posts: 19078
Location: downtown Bulverde, Texas
Sage was still selling glass rods from their catalogs through 1990. Same with Winston through 2000.
The fly pro shops didn't carry them, but would order them for you.


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Post 28 Mar 2021, 09:52 • #21 
Guide
Joined: 02/08/13
Posts: 156
Location: Nomadic
And a good JW Young reel in the Youth Outfit to boot.


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