We test cast the new Sage FOUNDATION
The new Sage FOUNDATION is the entry level to their rod range. I tested the 9ft 5 weight that is ideal for larger rivers and light stillwater work.
First off, after taking the rod out of the smart cordura tube I noticed the matt blank finish or as Sage call it - Stealth Black. This is the first time Sage have used this on a rod range and I like it. I don’t know if this is a tester to see if it goes down well with end users but I hope it does and would love to see this finish on the ESN range too, if anyone from Sage is reading!
The rod is made from Graphite IIIe technology and is built, as is all the other rods in the Sage line up, at the Bainbridge Island factory.
The snub nose handle is the same as the rest of the rod ranges and the cork is of great quality with very little by way of filler.
The up locking reel seat is a smart matt black colour and has a small Sage logo on it.
The bottom guides are ceramic and farther up the blank there are hard chrome snake guides.
Before I cast the rod I put it together and gave it the good old waggle test. A stiffer rod with fast recovery. That sounds like Sage’s calling card.
I test the rod with a 5wt RIO Gold on it. The main reason is that the rod can be bought as a kit and comes with a Gold so I guess they would have chosen a line they thought would work well with it.
I cast short and worked line out and the combination was pleasing to work with. Rolls and Speys came off the tip with ease too.
It’s a nice rod, well made and works well as an introduction to Sage rods or as a back-up too.
Here’s the funny thing, it just felt like what I associate with a Sage rod when it comes to action and the way it casts and feels in the hand. I suspect that it was what they have tried to do - make a rod that is representative of the brand but at a price that appeals to either a newcomer or someone wanting to try this well-known brand with an eye on cost.
The FOUNDATION range is available in line weights 4 to 8 and all rods are 9ft and is priced at £299 in the UK.
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