In this Sage Response Fly Rod Review, we will share who should buy this rod, where you can use it, and its key features and benefits.
Sage Response Series Fly Rods are hand-built comparatively fast compared to Accel, which is moderate in action. The higher line speed of Sage Response can help you in longer casts and tight loops, providing great lift, a lot of reserve power, versatility, and the ability to easily cast in windy conditions. These qualities make Sage Response easily usable for experienced anglers.
Sage Response Review
When it comes to Sage, they provide the most comfortable grip in their rods. Sage Response comes with half wells grip on freshwater line weights ranging from 3wt-6wt. Rods of 7wt or more come with full wells grip, which provides a smooth hold and grip on water.
If you use Sage Accel or Foundation, you will find it difficult to hit on your target in water precisely. Sage Response provides much higher accuracy and precision than other rods in Sage’s series.
The Tippet of Sage Response is durable and is protected with a rubber covering. Tippet helps to throw the line in various directions with ease. It also helps to lure in the fish.
Note: Scott Response is not available on Amazon. Hence we have shared similar products in price and quality.
Specifications
- Rod Length: 9 ft
- Action: Fast
- Pieces: 4
| Model | Line Weight | Rod Weight |
|---|---|---|
| 490-4 | 4 wt | 3 ⅛ oz |
| 790-4 | 7 wt | 3 ⅔ oz |
| 890-4 | 8 wt | 4 oz |
| 990-4 | 9 wt | 4 oz |
| 1090-4 | 10 wt | 4 ¼ oz |
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- Affordable
- Good line speed
- Great performance in windy conditions
- Lifetime Warranty
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- No alignment dots
- Not good for short distance casting
- Does not provide a suitable grip for small-handed anglers
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Pros
- Affordable
- Good line speed
- Great performance in windy conditions
- Lifetime Warranty
Cons
- No alignment dots
- Not good for short-distance casting
- Does not provide a suitable grip for small-handed anglers
Key Features & their Performance
Here, we will explore various aspects, such as the weight, build quality, action, etc., of the Sage Response fly rod.
Weight, Line, and Length
When you lift a Sage Response, you will find it a bit heavy compared to other rods in the lightweight category if you are a beginner. But the extra weight of the rod causes no downward effect on the performance of Sage Response in water.
If you plan to fish in freshwater, you will find Sage Response with weight ranging from 2 15/16oz-3 5/16oz much more efficiently. In Saltwater, you can have optimum efficiency with Sage Response, with weight ranging from 4oz-4.25oz.
One can observe that the line of Sage Response is solid and hard to break, and when it is cast, especially at long distances, the first thing to be noticed is the smooth and efficient flow of the line. Even in windy conditions, I observed the line providing a smooth action without disturbance.
Smooth Casting, Fast Action Rod
When you focus on the rod structure, you will find the rod is heavy at the bottom and light at the upper section. This variation made perfect sense when I used the rod to throw the line at the target.
When I move the rod in a particular direction, all the energy gets transferred from the bottom to the upper section of the rod, which helps in better casting.
You will find it relatively easy to cast between 20ft-50ft without much effort. Sage Response does not offer the best accuracy and precision but is considered among the top 5 in the lightweight category.
Build Quality
At the rod’s lower section, you get a rosewood insert with an aluminum reel seat, which provides a classic look to the rod and easily attracts the fish. Above the lower section, you will notice Half Wells grip with line weight ranging from 3wt-6wt. And Full Wells grip if your rod has a line weight of 7 and above.
This is a considerable variation that helps to provide a firm grip on all of the line weights. As you move further up, you will notice similarities in the Sage Response construction with other rods of Sage’s series. Tight brown thread wraps with black and gold tips are provided on this rod.
This thread helps in better wrapping. You will notice that the rod has no alignment dots, which can cause some time loss when you assemble the rod, but this is not a significant issue that would affect your performance on the water.
The rod’s midsection is provided with a ceramic stripper guide that I admire as it provides consistent flow to the line. Overall, the rod is durable as it is constructed with graphite and provides a good line flow.
Warranty
Regarding warranty, Sage has proved to be the best provider for the warranty. If you buy a Sage Response, you get a lifetime warranty, which includes replacement and repairs for the rod, blank, and reel. But this does not mean one can use Sage Response without caution.
Sage does not provide any replacement or repairs to the attachments of the rod or with the blank. Also, in case of any natural incident such as fire, theft, missing rod section, or intentional breaking, any changes made to the rod cause damage. Sage does not take any responsibility for such acts.
Note: Scott flex is not available on Amazon. Hence we have shared similar products in price and quality.
Products Similar to Sage Response Fly Rod at Less Price and Better Quality
| Product | Rating | Price | Review |
| Sage Pulse | 5/5 | CHECK PRICE | Read |
| Orvis Recon | 4.5/5 | CHECK PRICE | Read |
| Hardy Shadow | 4/5 | CHECK PRICE | Read |
| Sage Foundation | 3.5/5 | CHECK PRICE | Read |
Conclusion:
This rod has many great features and quality, but I would not recommend beginner fishing with Sage Response as it is a bit heavy for a beginner.
Sage Response offers greater accuracy and precision than other Sage rods. High wind won’t stop you from fishing or luring your fish. It has got a smooth and powerful line that won’t break. Made from graphite llle technology, this rod is durable and will not disappoint you on water.
