Built for flyfishers who regularly push the limits, the POWER R8 is Sage’s fastest fly rod ever — and the direct replacement for the legendary Igniter. It’s the perfect weapon for windy conditions like Tassie or NZ, and equally at home throwing a gotcha across a breezy flat when accuracy and line speed matter most. Finished with the very best in componentry and materials, this is a true top-tier, high-end rod built for those who want uncompromising performance and premium feel from tip to butt.
This rod is all about speed, control, and serious reserve power. Designed to thrive in brutal wind, punch big flies, and turn over heavy rigs, the POWER R8 was made for extreme conditions — think New Zealand weather, open flats, big rivers, and anywhere distance actually matters.
Thanks to Sage’s Revolution 8 (R8) Technology, the POWER R8 delivers ultra-fast recovery with a surprisingly refined feel. It cruises at high line speeds, lifts long casts with ease, and still gives you the feedback needed for technical fishing. Whether you’re sending bombs into a headwind, carrying heaps of line in the air, or driving oversized streamers and saltwater patterns, this rod has another gear when most fast rods tap out.
Finished in a striking Hot Rod Red blank with clean black, granite and burgundy trim, the POWER R8 looks every bit as sharp as it casts. Hardware is premium throughout, with Fuji K-Series tangle-free stripping guides, hard chrome snake guides, and a custom anodised reel seat with indexed slide band for easy alignment.
Freshwater models feature beautiful walnut inserts and refined cork grips, while the heavier weights are built salt-ready with anodised aluminium reel seats, hidden hook keepers, full-wells grips, and a fighting butt for extra leverage on tough fish. Every rod ships with a black rod bag and aluminium tube finished with Sage medallion.
In short — this is the tool for flyfishers chasing distance, accuracy, and authority in demanding conditions. If you loved the Igniter, you’ll feel right at home here… just faster.
Hand built in the USA on Bainbridge Island, each POWER R8 passes through dozens of skilled hands before it reaches yours — proper craftsmanship, backed by real on-water experience.
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Sage’s fastest fly rod ever
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Ultra-fast action with huge reserve power
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Built for wind, distance, heavy lines and big flies
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Exceptional loop control at high line speeds
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Premium components throughout
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Made in the USA
Choose Your POWER R8
Freshwater Power (590-4 & 690-4)
Built for technical freshwater anglers who still demand speed and authority. These models deliver tight loops, long leaders and pinpoint accuracy across rivers and open water. Ideal for trout, sight fishing, and covering water efficiently, they combine finesse with the unmistakable POWER R8 recovery. Finished with walnut reel seat inserts and refined cork for a premium freshwater feel.
Lakes & Big Rivers (690-4FB, 696-4FB, 790-4 & 7100-4)
Designed for bigger freshwater systems — and equally capable in light saltwater — this is your crossover category. Whether you’re throwing heavy streamers, indicator rigs, or larger flies into the wind, these rods generate effortless line speed and lifting power.
Salt & Serious Power (890-4 & 990-4)
Purpose-built for saltwater, tropical species, and hard conditions. These rods are engineered to launch big flies, lift long casts, and stay stable in serious wind. Featuring anodised aluminium reel seats, full-wells grips and fighting butts, they’re ready for flats, bluewater edges, and demanding jobs — where distance, control, and stopping power are non-negotiable.