Sage SONIC Rod Review // 490-4, 590-4, and 690-4 

The Sonic is basically the One rod with a new paint job. This is in no way a jab at Mr. Rotter, as I appreciate and respect his expertise and opinions, but the review describes my Sage One 690 (nicknamed by me, my fly rifle) and my Sage One 490. Both excellent rods that set the bar for all of the fast recovering and accurate rods out there in the last 5-7 years. For those who didn’t get a One rod, here is your chance to get a One with a new paint job for a fair price. There may be some subtle differences, but the review really describes what the old One rods were doing when they first came out. Good job on the review Joe! The Sonics are nice looking rods and appear very capable for the applications you described.

*Love this rod **enjoyable.fishing** recommend Actually love okuma rods, for the price you pay and the product you receive you can't beat it. I bought 3 okuma rods in 6 month span.*

Your analysis was spot-on for the 490-4. I tested all of the sage rods at a sage event and although I didn't get a lot of feel from it, I was hitting all of my targets with ease. A lot of people walking by commented that it looked like I found my rod. I'm waiting for the 8wt to come in, currently on the text notification list from you.

Just ordered a Sage Sonic 6wt from Red's fly shop. Will be fishing the Bighorn river in October, can't wait to try it out!

I like that rod a lot. I’m casting to rising trout on still water 60’ +. Sage Sonic on the wish list! Thanks Joe.

I own the 9’ 6wt and it’s my go to rod for everything. It’s a rocket and will get my line out there when I need it to. It will also allow me fish dry flies and nymphs when a more delicate presentation is needed. It’s literally a “do everything” fly rod. This rod is not designed for in close, small water fishing, but will excel when you need 40’ or more. Considering a 4wt version of this fly rod for those smaller streams as the price compared with the performance and other fly rods is exceptional.

This will be the replacement of the pulse series? Looking forward to the spey versions when they arrive. Btw: that's sage jacket looks ace! Shame that its not available in norway :-(

Instead of up-lining the 5 wt with, in reality, a 6 wt line and fishing a 6 wt, why not fish a line that is an honest 5 wt (rio gold, I think) on a 4 wt Sonic? Reflections on that?

Great review Joe and when will you have these in stock?

Hey !! Great review...and thank you ! Going too Alaska to fish the Nak Nek this summer. Bringing my 5wt Radian and 4wt Zephrus for some of the smaller rivs and streams but need a 6 or 7wt for the bigger river and to chuck streamers. Based on your previous comparisons, what is your opinion on the Sonic vs X for this application ? The X is now on sale which makes it more attractive but not sure I'm getting much more than the Sonic for the price. Additionally...what would be your reel choice to give these rods the perfect balance ? thanks for your consideration...

Thanks for the first impressions! I do hopper-dropper for sea run trout of the beach - which rods would you recommend and would the Sonic 691 make the list?

real question is......when is Sage going to start selling jackets like that again.......

Here's an idea, don't up-line or use a "Heavy for weight" (isn't how heavy something is ACTUALLY its weight?) Get a 4 wt rod and fish a 5 wt line. Al-A-Ca-Zam! YOu have a 5 wt rod. The trout don't give a s#!t what your rod says, nor your wrist, nor the fly. Don't up-line, 'down-rod'. Slow your cast, get more accurate and have more fun.

I am considering the 476-4 for N Ga streams and 8” x 16” trout. Opinions plz?

Can that 4wt handle lake applications?

Any plans on this in a spey model?

How would this rod compare to my old 7wt sage bolt for streamers? Worth replacing the old stick?

I know this series has been out for a while now, but do you have any information regarding the 9'6" 5 weight Sonic?

I’m looking for a new 10’ 7wt single hand rod and it’s either the sonic or an IMX pro. Thoughts on which way I should go? It’s purpose will be a trout streamer rod and a steelhead rod. Thanks.

6wt or 7wt for streamer smallmouth fishing?

Oops! A 376-4!

Fast action is an understatement. Feels like a stick. Did not give me the fizz.

Your quick short aggresive stroke sucks !!! And your setup is sloppy !

im really considering the Sage sonic or the Scott Flex my primary casting distance is arouns 30 feet or under,Does 1 have that distance advantage