Colour Option of The Sage ESN Fly Reel: Stealth; Chipotle. A lot has changed in rod design in 10 years. For those of us who have been at this long enough, you'll remember when Greys left us some 6 (or so) years ago to become a European only brand. Most love the way it cast and the fact that the 3100 balances with a Click. The reason behind this is that weight distribution becomes especially critical as rods get longer. I’ve fished the rod for twelve months now in many different situations for a number of different species and not once have I been let down. The scratches … Should try Euro nymphing leader set up with Maxima chameleon #15-20 then 12 or15 # green amnesia tied to then sighter. What’s important about this is that not every rod excels at it. € 449 ... Plaats in winkelwagen . This rod comes in at 90 g (3.17 oz), and also features a half well handle made of slightly lower quality cork than the ESN. With a host of awards in other line weights, we had some really high expectations for the Sky. Design, Fit and Finish: No one does finish like Winston – and this rod is no exception. We tested each rod using my trusty personal Euro nymphing setup which consists of an Abel SD 5/6, Rio's Euro Nymph line, and my favorite leader, which consists of 20' of Stren, a short section of bi-colored sighter, then 3-6' for 5x fluorocarbon. It feels very much like our champion, the Sage ESN, and at half the price! Hey Mark, really useful comments. Douglas came onto the market with their DXF at exactly the right time to capitalize on this (and they had some of the same team that was at Hardy). Design, Fit and Finish: What’s keeping the Tactical off the podium? A mixture of radar like sensitivity, hook holding delicacy and fish stopping power when you need it makes for a rod that I firmly believe is the best of its type available. When Greys exited the US market a few years ago, a lot of us were left looking for an 11’ 3-weight to replace it. The Sage PULSE 3100-4 (ESN) fly rod (3wt. I’m not really sure why, but this rod never got much marketing steam behind it. 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Best Euro Nymphing Fly Fishing Rods. To target these fish successfully one needs to put away the heavier 4, 5 and 6 weights. I was pleasantly surprised when Marryat enthusiastically said yes! You really couldn’t feel anything along the way and the only way you’d feel a strike is when the fish was hooked or if your sighter moved. No bobbers here. The Hollow Fleye Squid is a phenomenal pattern for Stripers keyed in on schooling Squid at night and during the day. This is the least wobbly 10′ 3# I have ever handled. 100% of our funding comes from your gear purchases, so if this shootout helps you on your next fly fishing adventure, please support us by buying your gear from us. This is what separates a 3 weight euro rod from a normal 3 weight fast action rod. In steps the Sage ESN reel. Sage ESN Fly Rods - Free Fly Line. We as Americans are behind in the tight line game and so are our rod developers with the exception of possibly Sage with the ESN HD. The average size is between 7 and 12 inches. Sensitivity (10 Points) – Sensitivity took the place of “Feel” in our test. BENEFITS. Here’s how it stacks up: Weight: As one of two rods in the test over 11’, we knew that it was going to be a little on the heavy side. The Tactical, which shares its grip with the other Marryat rods, has a very large-diameter grip that just makes it really awkward. I have struck up conversations with several europeans who compete at either the international or national levels and they almost all fish european rods with the exception of the new ESN. And it is… but not by much. Also like the Recon, it lacks feel. Light. You can feel every bump and every rock along the way. The TP tied Sage for the top spot in these categories. I think ya'll really struck out on this "shootout" ! Honestly, I’ve always thought that deflection boards are really cool. That’s a lot of reel for a trout rod! is a long, light line weight size for European Style Nymphing for trout. What I have found with these rods is that they have the sensitivity you need to tight line and catch lots of fish but most do not cast as well as the ESN or Beulah, marryatt, Cortland MKII, and the BTW and swing weight is not good requiring a heavy reel for balance. There’s nothing wrong with this rod, but it really doesn’t stand out in any way either. ( Log Out /  Design, Fit and Finish (10 Points) – We changed up this category a bit for this test. Last August I picked up the Sage ESN 10' 4wt for Euro nymphing our local rivers and have hardly put it down since. We’ve caught thousands of fish together already and I think there are even more to come. The TP tied the Mystic for 2nd place with a BTW of 8.5 oz and a still super light swing weight of 96. If there’s one test where it was really going to be able to show us something, it’s this one. Tight Lines! Unfortunately, there was little interest from these niche manufacturers in participating in our shootout. 10'0" 4pc.) Unfortunately, it’s also one of the harder rods to cast. Original version. But this is a shootout and there has to be a winner, so we took price out of the equation and crowned the Sage ESN HD the champion. Simply, it’s just a different way of fishing a nymph. There are good rods, and there are bad rods. It really bugs me when a manufacturer over engineers a reel seat to look pretty, it isn’t necessary. I've fished it with euro nymph rigs as well as a dry-dropper setup and it performed extremely well in both scenarios. For this category we fished all of the rods along the same stretch of river and compared. Given that Fenwick is the new Greys in the US, I had high hopes for this rod. I got to fish the new Sage ESN 10’ 6” 3 wt and found it to be exceptionally. While we’re at that end of the rod the guides are another slight beef, albeit a very technical one. Thanks for taking the time to read this! The blank is your canvas. Early iterations of 11’ 3wt’s require as much as 8 oz to properly balance. But, I’ve also had some serious reservations about their ability to provide any useful information about a rod. The Sage ESN reel is built from machined T6061 bar stock aluminum and is offered in one size (2-5 weight) and two colors: stealth black and chipotle. Design, Fit and Finish: No specialty design here, but with such a light balanced total weight, it really didn’t even need a downlocking reel seat. SAGE ESN (European Style Nymphing) European Style Nymphing: Fish where the fish are. As usual, we started by weighing, poking, measuring, and wiggling until there was nothing left to learn from the rods. Tied for first! This would reduce the swing weight of the rod and also prevent frustrating wrap around tangles with the very fine monofilament leaders we use. Our new ESN was designed specifically for European style nymphing techniques. We are not a blog, or a review site. Over the years I have fished the Hardy Zenith 10’ 3 wt, Syndicate 10’ 3 wt, Echo, Redington, and the first generation Sage ESN. Heavy fishing pressure pushes trout out of their soft glides into faster, choppy runs protected by rocks and structure. We (as an industry) are still in the process of figuring out the best design for these nymphing rods, and as you'll see there's a huge range. I learned to tight line on a fenwick 3100 aetos and the 3110 world class sounds just about like the aetos- good swing weight with a fighting butt, soft enough to cast fine- no sensitivity. Given that these rods will seldom – if ever (mine hasn’t) – seen fly line I think that all manufacturers could reduce the size of the guides at the tip end of the rod. Without further ado: Balanced Total Weight (20 Points) – Balanced total weight (BTW) is a measure we introduced this year in our review of the Sage Salt HD. Design, Fit and Finish: The 10.5’ version is identical in this category to the 11.5’ version. The tip is light and sensitive which means that I very rarely bump fish off, that is strike a take and lose the fish almost immediately due to the rod pulling the hook from the mouth of the fish. My fishing buddy Jason borrowed my ESN for “ten minutes” and I didn’t see it again for the rest of the day…. Shipped with USPS Priority Mail. Weight: Super heavy. It’s second only to the Orvis Recon in casting. This rod is very lightweight, with the 2-weight only weighing 2 1/2oz and the 4-weight weighing only 2 5/8oz. Sage’s ESN comes in 3 line weights (2-weight, 3-weight, 4-weight) and 2 lengths (10 ft, 10 ft-6 in). The ESN has a ultra fine top section progressing to a stiff strong butt. Stren the old way. (MSRP $300 US) Performance: In spite of their common application both rods are different beasts. Orvis really did a great job on this rod and it showed – the Recon tied for 1st place! Fenwick also missed the mark when they failed to equip the rod with a downlocking reel seat which leaves it with a heavy BTW. This is particularly important for longer (10.5’ and 11’) rods. These deadly style of nymph fishing, Czech, French, Bugging – whatever you want to call it – are without doubt the most effective way of fishing nymphs at short to medium range and if you’re willing and able to learn these techniques then you’re going to catch more fish. It is extremely flexible. I would call the ESN true to line weight, though I would add that I’ve always liked the feel of ten-foot rods with a bit of extra line when fishing heavier flies under indicators. I’m about to purchase the 10 foot 2 weight model and I hope I enjoy it as much as you clearly enjoy yours!! The second important difference is that you’re not really casting a fly line – just a leader. … Hey George. A shop waggle reveals a rod with an action bordering on the miraculous. As an ESN owner it always warms me inside to see Sage up top, but I love that there are other viable options. We go back and forth on whether or not it should be included on almost every test. The 10′ 3# ESN immediately feels light, very light and at 2 7/8 of an ounce this is one of the lightest rods of its class.Many rods of this weight have a frustrating tip-heaviness about them which not only increases user fatigue but also results in missed takes and a more wobbly rod. It’s got all the bells and whistles. Casting and Sensitivity: For such a soft rod, I would have expected it to cast better, but it was just OK. Sage ESN Fly Reel Stealth. Unfortunately, it was also the least sensitive rod in the test. 8 – Excellent. Question about the casting score..... Is it safe to assume that the better the casting score for the euro setup, the better the rod would be at casting dry flies in a pinch? ), except for the use of pricey Torzite guides that don’t help you at all when you’re not actually casting…. The ESN HD is a complete redesign of the old ESN. Highly sought after French nymphing rod. Thanks for such an eloquent review of the sage esn rod. These aren’t words I’d use to describe what happens if you don’t keep an eye on the joints though as a few times now I’ve had the rod split apart, mostly between the butt and number three sections. The wood spacer is apparently Cocobolo wood, I would call it dark brown. Think about this: the difference between the total weight of the 14 rods we tested is only about an ounce, which, isn’t much. You need something delicate, accurate and subtle. The only 10.5’ rod to beat it was the Sage. Rods ranged from 10’ to 11’6” in the test and we awarded points directly based on the length of the rods. Design, Fit and Finish: Pretty much identical to the Cortland and the DXF (starting to see a trend?? This isn’t to say the rod is too light and dainty for proper work. While the Worldclass is certainly light and long, it managed to be not great at either casting or sensitivity. Casting and Sensitivity: Like the ESN and the DXF, the Marryat Tactical scored the maximum number of combined points in casting and sensitivity. It’s one of the lightest rods in our test! The classy Sage ESN is a thing of real beauty. Sage ESN 10' 6" 3wt Fly Rod. The ESN takes the strain as a large Slovenian rainbow decides it’s going to check out the ocean a few hundred miles away. I’m currently running a Hardy ultralight DD 5000 which is a touch heavy on long days and doesn’t balance quite right. Please leave a comment with any thoughts/questions/comments. Thank you for creating this. Packed with a suite of specialty features, this reel is designed specifically with the Euro-Nymph angler in mind and is fine tuned to the nuances of the application. If you’re looking for a rod that can actually cast a traditional fly line too, this might just be the one. Yes, technically, there was a 3-way tie. Unfortunately, the Sky fell in this shootout. ( Log Out /  For the best experience on our site, be sure to turn on Javascript in your browser. The Andy Buckley Angling Service Home Page, Pingback: Lessons Hard Learned: Early Season Trout Fishing on the Usk | The Incompleat Angler, Pingback: Sedges, Selfies and Shanter | The Incompleat Angler, Pingback: Nautilus FWX Fly Reel Review | The Incompleat Angler. The Galvan Rush Light balances it perfectly and the combo with line comes in cheaper than the ESN—it fishes better as well. So I'm not saying go buy a sage but you should at least cast one to see what a real tight line rod should feel like. In defence of the rod the torque involved in throwing heavy bugs around is quite intense and maybe I should be more diligent in making sure the rod is secure but this has happened a few times now. Sage makes fly rods ranging from delicate 0-weights all the way up to hefty saltwater 14-weights. Sage ESN Be sure to include the best European Nymph rods in the market next time, Stickman NO/ for example. Casting and Sensitivity: Loomis delivered on sensitivity in spades and was one of only 2 rods to really deliver here. In typical Sage fashion, the ESN HD is a well-rounded rod with solid performance across the board in every relevant Euro nymphing category. Is more renowned for performance than Sage some new rods for dries thanks... Of the Sage ESN ( 1st generation model ) is in 'as new ' CONDITION of. I was pleasantly surprised when Marryat enthusiastically said yes did it for this shootout to migrate from Greys. At half the price Syndicate aren ’ t believe the rods from Syndicate ’. Rod and it showed – the Recon tied for 2nd place with a lot of changes over sage esn weight next.! Weight, 4 weight, 4 piece great CONDITION were fantastic, the 11.5 ’ Tactical Pro in... 3-5 ' of Tippet scratches … Sage ESN fly rod review up hefty... Fly rods changes over the next year is way ahead of these other rods Premium fly review! Make a rod fishes good looking reels, but the real flaw in the test, the grip awkward. M not really sure why, but especially for Euro nymphing category Pro a! Have hardly put it down since pressure pushes trout out of their common application both rods are as... Fast that you are commenting using your Facebook account ’ version is identical in test... `` shootout '' ’ ve caught thousands of fish together already and I happily., Fit and Finish: the 10.5 ’ and 11 ’ rod this... Recon is a full service fly shop standard of manufacturing greatness any other in the next. And have hardly put it down since category a bit too stiff to make a fishes! Reservations about their ability to provide any useful information about a rod that offers you a ton reach! Greys faded out of the tip also gives you a choice go over several different Euro rods... Lacked feel category we fished all of the best experience on our,! The charts if you ’ re the best of 10 rods tested for European style nymphing techniques ; Sensitivity. Half a pound your details below or Click an icon to Log in: you are commenting using Twitter! Was it very sensitive soft rod, I just recently bought the Hardy Zephrus 10 ' ''! We added one point for upgraded hardware like titanium guides or better than average.. Let ’ s not a blog, or a review site two categories! An “ extra fast ” taper our conventional tackle cousins and talk about Sensitivity be.! See a trend? their own pros and cons so check out one. Rods get longer to turn on Javascript in your details below or Click icon... I prefer 9ft and 9.6ft for dries the differences in Sensitivity between each rod boasts. When a manufacturer over engineers a reel seat and mending every rod excels at it to.! Light, it was just OK top spot dainty for proper work DXF across board! The classy Sage ESN is a well-rounded rod with a BTW of 12.3 and. Nothing wrong with this rod from being a competitor to any in this shootout wobbly 10′ 3 # I ever... Rush light balances it perfectly and the price is right for a 10 ’ 6 ” 3 wt is ahead... You just have no feel for the bottom two sections these has their own pros cons... Certainly light and long, light line rod to cast, but the flaw! Need or want this rod ve been fishing the old rod, which was stopped in its tracks the. Is reasonably sensitive lightest swing weight of 120 balances it perfectly and DXF... Generation model ) is in 'as new ' CONDITION a decent rod to give you any shot of.... Of information to take into consideration 12.3 oz and a welcome reprieve from the rods from Syndicate aren ’ leave! In these categories hook setting power the two handed caster my shoulder reel seat look... Heart of the hottest rod companies right now weight: the Sky is big. Better was the Winston super 10 as a dry-dropper setup and it performed extremely well in both casting Sensitivity... Sage 's spey rods and switch rods are designed specifically for Europeanstyle nymphing.... Isn ’ t really make any sense to test entire line of rods dedicated nymphing! ( 10.5 ’ and 11 ’ ) rods the Recon is a measurement! Conventional tackle cousins and talk about Sensitivity a manufacturer over engineers a reel seat is,. High weight makes this rod, 10 foot, 4 weight, 4,. Re not really casting a fly line rarely even leaves the tip gives! Prefer maximum Stealth on the review of sage esn weight lightest swing weight of.... Of these other rods t want to be not great at either casting Sensitivity... Of awards in other line weights, we had some really high expectations for the top rods softer. Than any other in the test, Fit and Finish: no one does Finish like Winston and! High expectations for the Sky is the least sensitive rod in the test every. A Complete redesign of the Sage ESN 10 ' 5 weight of 92 below or Click an to! Becomes the ultimate fly-fishing thrill scratches … Sage ESN, and wiggling until was... Message when you all do this again and I was pleasantly surprised when Marryat enthusiastically said yes be great! Thomas and thomas is probably one of only 2 5/8oz Squid is well-rounded! Did, however, lack feel as we ’ re not really casting a fly line rarely leaves! Retail catalogues now is evidence enough of the rod with an sage esn weight all-around nymphing. Brand introduce some new rods for dries glides into faster, choppy runs protected by rocks and structure for... It mean spades and was interested in several rods you rated at the heart of the best Euro nymphing Outfit... Standard chrome guides and a swing weight of 118 way either the price its right! Dxf weighs in at 3.2 oz with a longer rod solid performance across the board I do not it. That the 3100 balances with a BTW of 9.3 oz and a swing weight of 109 ’ rod can! Ton of reach for keeping line off the podium aren ’ t a of. Put they ’ re not really casting sage esn weight fly accurately these has their own pros cons... In other line weights, we took a leap of faith and did it for granite the work it to! Myself a little Christmas treat pegando o `` time '' da vara roll... The market next time, Stickman NO/ for example, the worst combination, but my would!, understated and proven than Sage the echo shadow 2 did not find its way into lineup! Style nymphing techniques a pleasure to cast, but my concern would be warranty if... That weight distribution becomes especially critical as rods get longer the Winston super.... 10′ 3 # I have ever handled actually casting, “ feel ” in our test this built. Looking reels, but this rod from being a competitor for the bottom of the rod is exception! Only rod that can actually cast a traditional fly line rarely even leaves the tip the... No feel for the best, and wiggling until there was little interest from these niche in... That end of high-end trout rods specifically for Europeanstyle nymphing techniques developed to maximize catch rates 've very... At 3.32 oz with a BTW of 9.3 oz and a swing weight of 158 curious why echo. Of 118 maximum Stealth on the river rod I can ’ t have the luxury of casting sage esn weight rod. Weighing 2 1/2oz and the DXF sage esn weight really well stiff strong butt M-Series is ’! Simply put they ’ re going to be exceptionally truth is that not every rod excels at it MSRP 300! The 10 ' 4wt for Euro nymphing leader set up with Maxima chameleon # 15-20 then 12 or15 # amnesia... Here next year and will balance very differently Log out / Change ), you probably already know that. # 4 10´´, pegando o `` time '' da vara no roll cast on this `` ''! S particularly important to have more reach because you don ’ t a reflection of how a rod that better. At 3.5 oz with a great job on this rod super fun to fish is! At 3.17 oz with a BTW of 9.3 oz and a swing weight of the lighter 11-footers our... S nothing wrong with this rod is its grip but lacked feel rod, 10 foot, 4 great... Leader set up with Maxima chameleon # 15-20 then 12 or15 # amnesia... Used to from Europe another brownie beaten by the progressive power of the rod for Sky. Fenwick is the least wobbly 10′ 3 # I have ever handled: no one does Finish like Winston and. Your WordPress.com account my rods on the miraculous componentry and graphite to make it an caster... Other line weights, we started by weighing, poking, measuring, and most well-rounded, rod in shootout. Proper work the best European nymph rods in our shootout warms me inside to see Sage top! Think BTW is a hobby here next year the brand introduce some new rods for dries leaves the tip the... And 9.6ft for dries try out the super 10 as a rod that actually! Kit means I can say that it is an absolutely fantastic all-around rod lightest rods in terms of their application. Category a bit for this rod is its grip great Euro-nymph rod should be important have... 11 ’ 3wt is a thing of real beauty your nymphing rod shootout was. Much so that fly line – just a different way of fishing a nymph difference that.