Sage has a broad lineup of rods but how does their entry-level Foundation rod stack up?
In this Sage Foundation fly rod review we’re going to look at its best and worst qualities, how it stacks up against other rods in the Sage line and highlight user reviews as well as our own conclusions.
If the Sage Foundation turns out to be the right rod for you, we’ve supplied links to the best places to buy it online.
Place in Sage lineup
The Foundation line is Sage’s entry-level freshwater offering. While it is the least costly from Sage it is higher priced than the entry-level package from many companies. You can buy Sage Foundation rods on their own or as a complete kit.
Other general freshwater rods from Sage include Pulse and The X, plus specialty freshwater rods such as the Payload, Igniter, and Dart.
Like all of the Sage rods, it is made in the United States. Even though this is their least expensive rod, it is still handmade by the same craftspeople that make rods worth many times more.
Rod Action
The Foundation has a fast action at the tip. Unlike many fast action rods, it is very forgiving making it a good choice for new fly fishermen.
Technical Details
Number of Sections: 4
Cover: Comes with black nylon hard tube case with individual liner pockets
Body
The Foundation is made from Sage’s Graphite III3 technology which makes for a light but durable rod. The attributes of this material make for a rod that is light in the hand but still offers good power for longer casts. The next up rod, the Pulse uses the same material with you having to step up to The X to get Sage’s Konnetic HD material.
The blank is in matt black giving it a stealthy but high-quality look.
The action is fast but forgiving making it well suited to both new and experienced casters.
Handle
Sage uses a half well snub-nosed cork handle on the Foundation. The ergonomic shape is very comfortable and gives you a lot of control. The reel seat is anodized aluminum, keeping the cost down while still being functional.
Foundation rods from 6-9 weight are available with full wells and a fighting butt for use on bigger waters.
Rings
The stripper guides are ceramic for smooth line handling. The snake guide and tip-top are hardened chrome for corrosion resistance and durability.
Sizes in the Foundation Series
FOUNDATION SPECIFICATIONS
| Model | Handle | Length | Line Weight | Tube | Weight |
| 490-4 | SNHW† | 9ft 0in | 4 | 31in | 2 7/8oz |
| 590-4 | SNHW† | 9ft 0in | 5 | 31in | 3 1/16oz |
| 690-4 | SNHW† | 9ft 0in | 6 | 31in | 3 1/4oz |
| 691-4 | FWEFB* | 9ft 0in | 6 | 31in | 3 1/2oz |
| 7100-4 | FWEFB* | 10ft 0in | 7 | 34 1/2in | 4 oz |
| 790-4 | FWEFB* | 9ft 0in | 7 | 31in | 3 11/16oz |
| 890-4 | FWEFB* | 9ft 0in | 8 | 31in | 3 13/16oz |
| 990-4 | FWEFB* | 9ft 0in | 9 | 31in | 3 15/16oz |
*FWEFB – FULL-WELLS WITH EVA FIGHTING BUTT
†SNHW – SNUB-NOSE, HALF WELLS
User Reviews
I never found myself yearning for more power. The Foundation was more than up to the challenge of throwing a couple of extra feet when it was called upon. When roll-casting with nymph rigs it delivered consistent and accurate casts throughout my days on the water. While fishing for snook in Florida, I was impressed with the amount of backbone the FOUNDATION displayed during those tense moments when snook would make a run for the dock pilings. I was able to maneuver the hard fighting snook out of some potential headaches more than once and did so confidently.
-Ivan Orsic, Troutsflyfishing.com
The FOUNDATION’s biggest attribute? Value. If you’ve been struggling to crunch the numbers in order to determine what the optimum performance/purchase price ratio might be, this is a rod that will cut through the mathematical acrobatics. Components all make the grade, build and finish are above par for the price category.
-Robert Morselli, Midcurrent.com
From feedback from users, the Sage Foundation is a great multi-application rod for anyone from beginners to advanced fly fishermen and women. The action is fast but easy to control. The rod has a lot of reserve power to help with longer casts while still being accurate enough for precise placements.
The feedback from the rod allows for great control over your loop making for more consistent casts. The tip flex and feel translate powerful yet controlled line placement.
The rod is versatile, allowing you to run many setups. It can handle both floating and sinking lines, small dry flies and big streamers. This chameleon personality at a reasonable price will make it more affordable to have multiple setups rigged for different applications if you don’t want to be changing lines.
Foundation VS Pulse VS The X
In Sage’s freshwater multi-use lineup there are three rods. Starting with the Foundation you have their entry-level. It is a good performer at a very reasonable price.
Next comes the Pulse, which is made from the same Graphite III3 material but has an upgraded finish and hardware. This is about 30% more money but still very affordable.
Finally, if you want to take a major step up Sage has The X which is their premier freshwater multi-tasker. Made from KonneticHD this rod is about 3 times the cost of the Foundation.
Our Rating
For the combination of performance, versatility, and cost in this Sage Foundation fly rod review we give it a 4.5/5.
This rod looks good and handles even better. Mated up with a quality line you won’t have any excuses when it comes to your canting. If you can shoot line forty or fifty feet or place your fly where the fish are hanging out it isn’t the rod’s fault.
The lightweight and smooth action make it a delight to fish all day. It may lack the subtle feel of higher-end rods but not by much. And remember to get that extra performance whether it is sensitivity or power you will pay at least three times as much.
You can’t go wrong with rod whether you are new to fly fishing or a more experienced caster wanting to add to your quiver of rods.
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