Sage XP modern Counterpart

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chrome/22

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We all know the Sage XP punches above its weight in most rod lengths and weights. It was THE fast action fly rod of its day. I'm an unapologetic lover of the Sage XP and get a bit nostalgic looking back. Fast with feel is my motto

As of 2025, if you had to compare it to a current rod of any manufacturer across all price points what would it be?

Inquiring minds want to know
 
The Radian reminded me of the XP. This was the 691 model in that case. There was the Redington CPS which was labeled the poor mans XP. The One and X were totally different at least in the 6 weights and up. MHO. With regards to newer rods I don’t know. Fly shops don’t have the casting demo days like they use to do. BBQ lunch and listen to a couple reps and some casting demos then a couple hours playing with some new rods. These type of events never really came back after covid. It’s all good for me. I’ll be happy with my xp’s far in to the future. And I have said this before….Some of today’s new lines make some of the older rods really cast nicely and perform better.
 
I have a Sage XP 690-4 and I also have an Orvis Helios 3 690-4. I think the Helios feels similar to the Sage.
 
Was fishing the 590 this morning with a floater nice light & quick

Then switched to the 697 with a WF intermediate, what a beast compared to the 5 weight
 
I haven’t bought a new rod, other than a Steffen glass in 10+ years so I can’t comment on new/recent.
I love my XP690-4 a lot more now after having replaced the original cork with a modified fulls wells. Pretty much my only complaint about my Sage trout rods was the size of the grip. I’ll be using my XP-6 for reds and False Albacore in Oct/Nov.
I’d be all over @mark wlker XP’s 4 if I didn’t have to sink additional time & $ into it.
 
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