Sage Spey R8 8126/8130/8136 Rod Reviews

[@cutt3569]

Hey Jon...Thanks for the informative video! Heading to the Kanektok this summer to swing for Kings...really leaning toward the 8126 vs. 8130 after your review...any thoughts? thanks!

[@speylesson6761]

Yeah buddy! I’d get the 8126. It’s got a touch more horsepower and backbone that will aid you in casting big flies and defeating kings quicker. You won’t be disappointed! Put the 625 Max Power on it and hold on cause it’s gonna rip!

[@Leavenotraceexpeditions]

What is great about you is wealth of info and willingness to share. You experiment and based on your field work you say what you believe is great. Thank you for that. It is so difficult to find anything on Internet based on experience. Many spay rod companies put jus basic info on web page. They make great rods but you have to struggle to tune it up. What you do for Sage is incredible. I just wish you are not fully affiliated to create content for other spey rod manufacturers. 😞

[@speylesson6761]

Thank you! I do agree that it is often hard to find good info out there. I enjoy doing these, and if it helps folks sort out what their needs and wants are, then I am stoked to do it!

[@bobbyboucher148]

been waiting for this one!

[@speylesson6761]

Right on! Hope this helps.

[@bobbyboucher148]

@@speylesson6761 oh yea gonna pick up an 8126 before this winter season

[@robmanton2586]

Thanks for the review of the 8130. I'm annoyed at Sage's website that recommended a Max Power for the 8130 instead of the Max Launch, while you suggest the 20' head is too short for the rod!

[@speylesson6761]

All good! Hey I hear you. But there will be some who fish the Power. It's just too short for me and I hope I made that clear. Some prefer much shorter lines than me. It may be that it fits their casting style or height. The ultra short head trend has hurt more Spey casters than helped them, in my opinion. A 13' rod is at the top end for a 20' head. The only time I would consider it is if I had 12.5 or longer sink tip attached. Otherwise, it's a recipe for a blown anchor.

[@ByronGrant-b5s]

Any suggestions for a reel to pair with the 8136 besides the sage Spey?

[@allkite]

Great Vid, thanks! Quick question, which 12.5 sink tips are you using ? noticing on the rio site they don't have any unless im missing something ?

[@speylesson6761]

Thank you! On the 8126 I had 12.5' of T-14. Search MOW tips on RIO they should be there.

[@megaconda07]

8 126 or the 7 126 for fall and winter steelhead and salmon. I've got a 6 for summer. I fish in Washington. Usually around skykomish or the Skagit. But I also make trips to the Olympic peninsula. Any advice is much appreciated

[@Joesmith-p2h]

Hey Jon, thanks for the reviews. How does the 8126 R8 compare to the Igniter 7126? The Igniter is my main winter steelhead rod and I like its fast action and no nonsense power. It's more like a 7.5 than a 7 to me. I'm debating between the 8126 R8 and the 8130 R8. I think you have me sold on the 8126 R8, but I'd like to know how it compares to the 7126 Igniter action wise, which I know you have experience with as well. Thanks!

[@speylesson6761]

Hey Joe, sorry for late response! The 8126 is very Igniterish. Yes the 7126 Igniter is definitely a 7 plus. The 8126 R8 is an 8 plus, thus the 625 Max Power that is absolutely incredible on it. The 8130 is pretty "bendy" in comparison. Go with your instincts, get the 8126 you won't be disappointed!

[@Joesmith-p2h]

@@speylesson6761 Thanks Jon, I appreciate your response. The 8126 R8 is on my radar now. My 7126 Igniter lights up with a Rio Max Power 525 grain 20 footer and it also absolutely launches the original Rio Gamechanger 525 grain F/H/I/S3 head at 23' long. Amazing that the 8126 R8 lights up with a 625 grain head. It must be an absolute monster.

[@paulconklin]

"This is what you want!!" LOL

[@speylesson6761]

haha, what can I say!