How does the Sage sp 486-3pc (8'6" 4wt) compare to some of the better 4wts out there? i.e.) St.Croix IV. I might be able to pick a blank up for $58. I don't want to build it if it's not a great blank.

Dennis

It would certainly be good. As good as the St. Croix? Maybe and maybe not. I think you need to build the blank that suits you the best and not just the one that costs the most or is the best buy. A bargain is not a bargain if it's not what you want.

The Sage SP is a very high end blank. It's a medium fast action rod. The Sage XP is Sage's other high-end blank and is fast action. Just this year Sage discontinued the SP and released the new SLT line. I've never tested it but reviews say it's a bit faster than the SP but still slower than the XP.

The St. Croix IV is classified as a fast action rod. I haven't tried it but definitely it's not as pricey as the Sage. Difference might be the unconditional warranty Sage offers.

Hope that helps,
Preston

For $58. It has to be the best 4 wt for the money AND more !!! GO GET IT !!!

The Sage SP486-3 I recently purchased is my least favorite rod of the nine I own. Sage advertises this rod as having "hidden power". Well, it sure is hidden from me. I have tried this rod with different lines and it just seems to run out of gas early in the cast. I don"t find any thing fast about this rod. Another rod I have is the Powell LLT 793-3. I consider it to be a superior rod in every way. Could be just me and my casting style but I for one am not impressed with the Sage SP 486-3. Regards, Bill

Bill,
I agree the 486-3 SP is a rather slow rod and does not have the backbone for windy day casting. If one like a slow rod with action similar to a Winston, this is a bargian price.

I slected the 486 XP which is ideal for my casting sytle.

Regards,
Fred Krow

Yes, I can agree with you. That is a Great Rod, thow really hard-to-find! I testes one "against" SP 486-3, it is better in every way. Cosmethics, Casting accuracy, Power, Grip and HardWare, etc. But, for the $58.- still great to buy a Sage SP.-

On advice from this board I acquired a #4 8 feet length SCIV from St Croix. It is truly a remarkable blank and although you can't buy one retail for $58 it won't cost that much more and might just make you a much better rod!

As someone above said, it isn't a bargain if it isn't what you want. I'd spend the extra and take a chance on the St Croix. Very nice rod indeed!

Dennis,
The SCIV St. Croix blank is amongst one of the very favorites of many fly rod builders. Very crisp response and handling characteristics, loads nicely and casts with an incredible transfer of power. Warranty may be a consideration with Sage as Preston alludes to, but all things considered with value vs. performance and just haveing something you would like and works well, I doubt you'de be disappointed with the St. Croix blank. SCIV is our #1 selling higher end fly blank for good reason and with excellent consistency.


Rich
Richard's Rod & Reel

My suggestion:
Purchase the blank and build it up. $58.00 for a sage blank - you can't go wrong. After you build it up, test it out. If you like it, keep it. If you don't - sell it. If you price it relative to what they sold it for, or what they're still going for, you could sell it for enough to try out another blank.
Wes