Leland on the Sage Vantage 690-2 Fly Rod
Have you ever tried to cast a large Stonefly or
Grasshopper imitation on a four or five weight fly rod? Sometimes you need a
just a little more power for casting bigger bugs in wind, or turning over an
indicator with a couple of weighted nymphs on the end. The
Sage Vantage 690-2 Fly
Rod is hand crafted with 6 weight power exactly for these occasions. Or maybe you like stripping streamers across
the bottom of your favorite pool, or alternating your fishing time (and fly
rod) between trout streams and smallmouth bass rivers. The Sage
Vantage 690 is more than up to these tasks. I’m a six weight guy ‘cause I hate
being under-gunned when conditions get tough or casting distances get
longer, and maybe you are too. If that’s the case, you can’t go wrong with Sage
quality at the very affordable price of the Sage Vantage Series fly rods. Now
it’s your choice from week to week. Trout or smallies?
Leland on Specifications
The new Sage Vantage Series Fly Rods take advantage of
recent technological advances from Sage to bring you a great casting fly rod at
a moderate price. A beautiful Mocha Brown blank with matching wraps is
complimented by durable hard chromed snake guides, hard alloy stripping guides
and a quality reverse half-wells cork grip. The Titanium color anodized
aluminum uplocking reel seat sports an attractive walnut diamond-wood
insert.
The 2–piece Sage Vantage 690-2,
at 9’ in length for a #6 line, weighs in at a mere 3 5/16 ounces, and comes complete
with a 57 1/2” protective, compartmented Light Brown Cordura Rod Tube with an
embroidered Sage and Vantage Logo and an Original Owner Lifetime Warranty. With the Sage Vantage Fly Rod, no
need to wait, go fish.
Specifications:
- Line Size: 6
- Rod Length: 9'
- Sections: 2
- Weight: 3 5/16 oz.
- Handle: Reversed half-wells
- Reel Seat: Titanium anodized aluminum uplocking w/ Walnut Diamond-Wood insert
- Action: Medium-fast
- Rod Tube Length: 57 1/2”
Leland on the Sage Vantage Fly Rods
Saving money on a fly rod has never been easier. Sage, as the world’s foremost manufacturer
of premium fly rods, has the know-how to build a fly rod that’s high on
performance, but won’t set you back a lot of cash.
The new
Sage Vantage Fly Rods
are the result of recent technological advances that now allow the
creation of rods that are lighter, stronger, more responsive, more
energy efficient, and
easier to cast, even when compared to models from just a couple of
years ago. Through
their research and experience with their incredibly successful
G5 Graphite
Placement Technology, Sage has rewritten the performance standards across the
board for all categories of single and double handed fly rods.
The Vantage Rods are lighter and slimmer than
their predecessors and their moderate fast actions make them a perfect choice
for beginners and experienced casters alike. Whether dry fly or nymph fishing
on your favorite trout stream, or casting larger flies to powerful saltwater
gamefish, the Sage Vantage provides a sensitive line feel during the casting
stroke that will make you a better caster. These are also great looking fly rods, with
durable finishes, quality hardware and, of course, the Sage Original Owner
Lifetime Warranty. Available in 16 models, 2 or 4 pieces in line weights from 3
to 9, and reasonably priced at only $225 to $255, there’s a Sage Vantage to fit
your style of fishing and budget. Take it from us, when the River calls you
need to be there, and there’s no better companion than a Sage Fly Rod.
Leland on Sage
We at Leland have been selling Sage Fly Rods since our shop first opened its
doors in 1985. Without a doubt, if you polled experienced fly anglers
across the country, and the world, and asked “Who is the premier fly
rod manufacture on the planet?” , the answer you would receive most
often would be “Sage”. The popularity of Sage Fly Rods is no accident.
Fly anglers tend to be picky folks and they usually expect a lot from
their equipment. If they’re not satisfied, they have no problem
selecting a different piece of gear that will work better for them.
It’s not the glossy ads or the fancy names, people buy Sage Fly Rods
because they PERFORM. Innovation, quality, durability, and great
customer service go into every Sage Fly Rod and continue after you
purchase one. Regardless of your experience level, your casting style,
or your budget, Sage builds a rod that will be your trusted fishing
companion for years to come. Sage has ten separate fly rod series,
encompassing the spectrum of fishing applications, from small trout
streams to blue water big game.
Leland is proud to be the
largest volume Sage Fly Rod dealer in the world. And we’ve achieved
that status, like Sage, through hard work and exemplary customer
service. We stock and sell every single fly rod model that Sage
manufactures. Please call us if you need assistance in selecting the
right rod for you.
Sage was founded in 1979 by Don Green, an
experienced rod blank builder and one of the architects of the modern
fishing rod, as owner of the Grizzly Fiberglass Company, which later
partnered with Fenwick. It was originally called Winslow Manufacturing
(after the city of Winslow on Bainbridge Island, Washington) but within
a year had changed its name to Sage. Emphasizing high quality fly rods
sold only through specialty stores, Sage rode the crest of the
fly-fishing boom in the post “A River Runs Through It” years. Today,
although there is no industry repository for exact numbers, Sage is
probably the world’s largest producer of premium fly rods and employs
over 130 workers in their manufacturing facility. The proximity of
Bainbridge to the Boeing Aircraft manufacturing plants near Seattle and
Toray Composites in Tacoma provides access for Sage to a wealth of
knowledge from the aerospace industry, the primary end users of
graphite fiber.
From the outset, the company's goal has been
to create rods that generate high line speeds. As thousands of Sage
owners will attest, the design of their rods enables the fisherman to
have extraordinary line control. Casting a Sage fly rod means placing
your fly where you want it, not where you hope it goes.
Sage
has been as committed to performance and innovation as any fly rod
manufacturer in the world. Their dedication to research and development
has produced some of the finest fly fishing rods ever conceived. Models
like the XP and RPLX helped put Sage in a class reserved for only the
best manufacturers.
In 1994 Sage brought in Jerry Siem to take
over rod development and design. Siem, a Minnesota native, has been
responsible for the development of the SLT and Xi2 Sage rod series.
These fly rods quickly found themselves on rivers, streams, and flats
all over the world. They are characterized as exceptional casting rods
that allow both the novice and the expert to enjoy them tremendously.
With the advent of the TCR in 2003, then Xi2 in 2004, the Z-Axis
in 2007, the TCX in 2008, and now, the amazing new Xi3 Big Game Saltwater Rods, Jerry and Sage
have raised the standard for fly rod performance.
Sage on their Vantage Series Fly Rods
Our new Vantage Series rods make learning to cast
easier. Built with knowledge gained through the development of our G5
Technology, Vantage rods give beginning casters a high level of “line feel,”
creating a quicker, more instinctive understanding of when to apply power.
Lighter and slimmer than their predecessors, these
rods are made here on Bainbridge Island and feature a smooth new medium-fast
action for maximum forgiveness and effortless loading. Add great value pricing
and getting started is now easier than ever before.
Vantage Series rods are available separately or as
part of a complete, perfectly balanced outfit, with Sage reel (1800 Series for
Flight, 1600 Series for Vantage), RIO® floating line, backing, leader and
protective rod/reel case.
Sage on Sage
At Sage, every piece of angling equipment we make is designed
tested and hand built with one goal in mind: Maximum fishability. It's
a term we came up with a few years back to describe the kind of
performance that helps you cast better, fish more effectively and have
more fun. In short, every Sage rod, reel and line is specifically
designed to help you make the most of your precious time on the water.
The
people who make up Team Sage are some of the finest anglers in the
world. Their expertise, wisdom and experience are an important part of
our design process, and their contributions to the fishability of our
products are immeasurable. But more than that, these are great people
to fish and work with, and we're proud to call each of them friends.
Some
say Sage rods are legendary for their magical properties, their
propensity for placing flies just above the ripple. We don't know about
magic, but we do know that every Sage rod is made by hand and we make
rods for anglers of every stripe.
When you purchase something
with the Sage name on it, you get a lot more than just a great product.
You get access to the finest customer service in the industry,
including our famously fast turnaround on warranty repairs, real
person-to-person phone support on the Sage Techline and a worldwide
network of the best dealers in the business. Whether you're just
getting started or you're a seasoned pro, we're here to help.
If
you're new to the sport of fly fishing, you've probably discovered
there's a lot to learn. From reading holding water and understanding
fish habitat, to learning your fly patterns and how to rig your
equipment - there are a million details to consider.
So if you get
frustrated, remember the infinite details that cause frustration to the
beginner are the same details that offer the veteran fly fisher
continual challenges and endless excitement. No matter how many years
you've been fly fishing, there is always more to learn. So start simply
and be patient, because there's a whole new underwater world that you
can have a good time getting to know and traveling to discover.
"Every
part of this earth is sacred. Every single pine needle, every shore,
every mist in the dark woods, every clearing, every humming insect is
holy in the memory and experience of our race. You are part of the
earth and the earth is part of you."- Chief Seattle
How we
relate to our environment has a direct effect on the state of the
planet. By getting out in the woods, wading a mountain stream and
admiring the vibrant colors of a rainbow trout as you carefully release
it, you become close to nature and develop a bond you strive to nurture
and protect.
Please help Sage in the effort to preserve and
enhance our natural resources by practicing catch-and-release fishing
and encouraging other anglers to do so. Your children and theirs will
thank you for it.
Sage is a proud sponsor of The Federation of Fly Fishers, Trout Unlimited, the Haig-Brown Institute and California Trout.
Sage
continues to seek performance advantages through new materials and
designs, marketing its products through a network of specialty dealers.
Yet more than ever, Sage remains focused on one goal, which is best
summarized by its statement of purpose: We are passionate about our
business of creating fly fishing products that continually exceed the
fly angler's expectations. Wherever in the world your fly fishing takes
you, it is safe to say that Sage has the products to enhance your fly
fishing experience.
Sage on the Sage Story
It all began almost 30 years ago on a little island
nestled in the shadow of the Olympic Mountains...
Founded in 1980 by
legendary rod designer Don Green, Sage was created with one idea in mind - to
build the world's finest performance fly rods. Using world-class materials and
years of experience gained while working with Fenwick and Grizzly rod companies,
Don revolutionized the fly fishing world.
When Sage started business on
Bainbridge Island it was first known as Winslow Rod Company, and although the
name quickly changed to Sage, the location on Bainbridge Island is still the
same even today. Originally it had six employees and about 1,500 square feet of
manufacturing space. Today it has grown to 175 employees working in a 30,000
square foot space. The following story sheds light on Sage throughout the past
21 years:
Two important threads run through the Sage story. The first is
the importance of fly rod design, the second is the importance of controlled
distribution.
As for fly rod design, years of fly fishing experience had
taught Don that fly rods should never run out of "power." While there might be
fishing scenarios where the full power and flex of a fly rod were not utilized
by the angler, the best designs were those that always held power in reserve.
Hence the name Reserve Power was given to the new style of fly rod Don developed
for extra long casts or for windy conditions. The name was abbreviated to the
RP. This was the first major series of fly rods that Sage released in 1982 and
they quickly became the most talked about fly rods in the world.
The
design of Sage was set. Next came the distribution. When Sage began, Bruce
Kirschner (formerly of K2 Skis) joined Don as a partner in the company, bringing
with him years of specialty retailing experience. Together they set out to
create a dealer network of specialty stores where anglers could always receive
solid, professional help, advice and assistance. The philosophy was simple:
specialty products for specialty retailers.
From the early 80s on, Sage
began its two-pronged development of its core fly rod business. From the initial
success of the RP and the Graphite II generation, Don quickly moved to the next
generation with Graphite III RPL fly rods. By 1985 the RPLs were the high
performance standard of fly anglers everywhere. Recognizing that some anglers
preferred the more moderate action of traditional fly rods, Don designed the LL
Series of fly rods in 2-5-weight rods for the lightline angler.
In 1986
Sage brought to the marketplace the first series of fly rods built specifically
for the special challenges of the saltwater angler-the legendary RPLX fly rods.
Built for line weights 8-12, these rods almost instantly became the standard of
modern saltwater angling experience. Finally, working with some of the finest
two-handed fly casters in the world, Sage introduced a complete line of spey and
European-style double handed rods, a series that rounded out Sage's family of
fly rods. Now, anglers around the world could find a performance fly rod for
whatever their needs might be.
Throughout the 80s, Sage's business grew
steadily as specialty dealers everywhere started paying heed to these
performance enhancements. The brand was continually sold throughout the world
with distribution in Japan, Canada, France, England, Italy, Germany and
Scandinavia. Everywhere the pattern was duplicated-specialty products for
specialty dealers, and by the end of the decade, Sage had secured its position
as the number one fly rod company in the world.
During the early 90s,
Sage continued its steady growth with the RPL, RPLX, LL, TH and DS Series. The
US dealer network had grown to about 450 dealers and Sage was also being sold in
about 30 export countries.
Then a River Ran Through It!
In 1994, the
movie happened to coincide with Sage's first new fly rod to be introduced in
nearly a decade. It was called the SP. At the confluence of these two events was
the largest growth spurt ever witnessed by the fly fishing industry. Sales and
all categories jumped as thousands of people flocked to the sport. While Sage's
designs and rod families surged on ahead, none did so more dramatically than the
new SP. Built from Graphite IV and using a new scrim material called Durascrim,
the SPs broke all records for the new product introduction.
By 1994, Don
and Bruce had been building the company for the better part of 15 years. Don, at
age 60 and four decades into the rod manufacturing business, decided it was time
to take more of a backseat with the company. Accordingly, Sage was sold to the
Joshua Green Corporation of Seattle. Bruce Kirschner agreed to stay on as
President and Don became Vice President of research and development. Jerry Siem
was then brought on board as the new resident rod designer.
Today Sage
continues to seek performance advantages through new materials and designs,
marketing its products through a network of specialty dealers.
In 1997,
the new SPL Series was brought to market and won the coveted "Best of Show
award" at the industry trade show in Denver. In the same Year, Sage's RPLX rods
were redesigned as the RPLXi. Then in 1999, Sage introduced the lighter weight
and narrower tapered fast action XP - again to worldwide acclaim. In 2000 Sage's
3000 Series Drag Reels, proprietary Performance Taper Fly Line and RPLXi 5-piece
travel rods all made their way to market. In 2003, Sage proudly introduced the
entirely new medium-fast action SLT series of rods. That same year, we also
introduced the ultra high-performance TCR Series rods, featuring an ultra-fast
action for skilled casters.
In 2004, Sage again revolutionized the
industry with the introduction of the Xi2 Series saltwater rods. Created by the
"Sage Dream Team" members Steve Greist, Jerry Siem, Don Green and Kerry Winkler,
the Xi2 was the first rod built featuring our new Generation 5 (G5) Technology.
This technology was developed by the team over a three-year period in an effort
to create a completely new type of rod from scratch, with the idea that every
inch of a fly rod has different performance needs based on the different task
that it must accomplish. A brand-new way of constructing rod blanks, G5
Technology was designed to increase the amount of "line feel" by reducing the
swing weight of the rod.
In 2005, after an astounding response to G5
technology the previous year, we introduced three new rod series that utilized
the new technology. The near-weightless TXL Series rods were an instant hit with
the growing light-line crowd and were popularized by their ability to maximize
the experience of dry fly anglers around the world.
This same year Sage
introduced two entry-level rods, the Fli and Launch Series. The Launch rods
offered a smooth, progressive power curve and extremely high strength-to-weight
ratio, all while offering incredible sensitivity so you could feel the line load
for improved casting. The FLi Series rods featured a fast-action taper with
maximum power transfer and efficiency-resulting in more intuitive casting when
it counted. Between the two mentioned entry-level rods, we were focusing a
significant amount of energy on novice anglers, and really giving them more
options than ever before in terms of rod choice.
All the while, Sage was
holding steady with a very solid offering of reels to compliment the extensive
line of rods available. In 2005 we introduced the 3600D Drag reel, which
featured the same buttery-smooth performance that had come to be expected from
our 3000D Series reels. These were known for their abundance of stopping power
in landing big game fish and the capacity to hold even the largest of the newly
popular RIO Skagit Spey lines. The 2500 Series large-arbor reels offered a
lighter-weight reel with a smooth, reliable drag for maintenance-free operation
in all conditions.
The following year welcomed the medium-fast action
VT2 series that remained at the mid-price-point in the Sage line and offered an
upgraded replacement for the long running VPS. Although this was a small product
introduction year, the energy at Sage during this time was mounting in
preparation for the largest and most exciting product introduction in Sage
history which would take place in the fall of 2007. When the time finally
arrived, the new Z-Axis Series was a hit across the board. The ultimate in
fast-action rods, it became an instant favorite for anglers of all types, known
for its fast action coupled with a tremendous amount of line feel. A broad
family in terms of configurations, the Z-Axis Series included 2 and 4 piece
models as well as 7 spey rods and 4 switch rods (which were the first of their
kind in the Sage line).
When the 2008 product season finally arrived we
were still riding the high of the Z-Axis and were proud to be able to bring a
couple of new niche series of rods into the fly fishing market. The BASS Series,
after several years of development, was finally released to the public and the
medium action cousin to the Z-Axis, the ZXL, was released in weights 3-6. With
the extensive Z-Axis Series covering a huge amount of product territory we were
able to dedicate more energy and effort to the growing demands of niche
fisheries. These rods, despite their focused design and marketing, proved to
exceed most peoples expectations and suddenly BASS rods were showing up on
magazine covers next to Snook, Baby Tarpon and Pike; not exactly their initial
intention, but who was going to complain?
Outside of the product arena,
2008 was also a year where Sage and it’s sister companies, RIO and Redington,
joined a growing alliance against the proposed Pebble Mine in the Bristol Bay
Region of Alaska. In an unprecedented effort, the three mentioned companies
joined forces and marketed a rod/reel/line combination that equated to a
significant donation to TU Alaska and a film documenting the cause called ‘Red
Gold.’
Like many years before, the 2009 season at Sage is filled with
exciting new product additions in Z-Axis, BASS and ZXL, but in a departure from
the past, if the 2009 season is defined by any specific product, it will
undoubtedly be the extensive new selection of unique Sage reels. A total of six
new reel series, which includes a total of 19 models, helps to round out the
vast selection of quality products that anglers have always counted on from
Sage. After several years in development the new reel line is filled with
options on price, color, and material, but one thing remains constant between
all models, the quality.
On the rod front, the new ultra-fast action TCX
was designed to answer the call of anglers seeking cutting-edge technology and
the finest components. Like their predecessor, the TCR, these rods are not
designed for all anglers but unlike the TCR, they are designed to fit a wider
range of casting styles and preferences. Within the Sage line these new
kryptonite green rods, while still considered a niche series of rods, are just
another option for the discerning angler looking for the latest and greatest
tool for their fly fishing arsenal.
In conclusion, from our earliest days
as a small rod blank manufacturer to the comparatively large 175 employee
company that we are today, Sage has continued to seek performance advantages
through new materials and designs, marketing its products through a network of
specialty dealers. Today, more than ever before, Sage remains focused on one
goal, which is best summarized by its statement of purpose: We are passionate
about our business of creating fly fishing products that continually exceed the
fly angler's expectations. Wherever in the world your fly fishing takes you, it
is safe to say that Sage has the products to enhance your fly fishing
experience.
Whether you own a brown GFL blank from 1980 or a kryptonite
green TCX hot off the manufacturing floor, I am sure you will agree that our
mission has remained focused and true all these years.
