Sage Pulse Fly Rod Review

Background on the New Sage Pulse

Sage built the new Pulse series fly rods with their proven Graphite IIIe Technology. The Graphite IIIe is touted to be strong, light and to deliver a connected feel though the casting stroke. The Pulse series was designed as an all-round "workhorse" lineup. Previously, the Sage XP family was a popular premium series built upon graphite IIIe.

Back when the XP came out, I thought it was the best. Later, when the Z Axis replaced it with Generation 5 graphite, I thought it was even better. More recently, when the One arrived with Konnetic technology, I was stoked. As you can probably tell, I’m a Sage fan. That said, I am always willing to try any rod. I cast and fish every rod I can get my hands on.

This past season, the Winston Nexus became our number one selling rod at a similar price point to the new Pulse. I decided the Nexus and the Pulse would be perfect for a side by side comparison.

Sage Pulse versus the Winston Nexus Fly Rod

According to chart specs, both rods (in their respective 5 weight models) weigh the same. The most notable difference when assessing the two rods are the blank colors and grip shapes. The Winston Nexus is jet black with a cigar grip and burled wood real seat. The Sage Pulse is colored "Lichen" green with a half wells grip and a rosewood reel seat. Personally, I prefer the grip on the Sage.

Sage Pulse Performance Review

One of the things I really like about the Nexus is that it is notably fast while maintaining a good feel. It flexes nicely at the tip, but it powers quickly after that. It also recovers quickly. That’s the mark of a premium rod. I immediately noticed that the Pulse bends a little deeper with the same load. On the cast however, the Pulse also recovers nicely and tracks well. The results in terms of casting prowess are about the same.

Both rods perform well at short, middle and longer distance. The Winston is a little faster, so power casters will probably like it best. The Pulse is fast enough to push distance if needed and very comfortable at standard casting ranges. Both are great rods and I’m proud that we can offer you the choice.

To pick one, you are going to need to cast them both and then balance their feel with your tastes regarding their differing colors and builds. Do I like the Pulse? Absolutely.

Is the Pulse Worth the Price Tag?

So how does the Pulse stack up against its big brother, the One? The Konetic technology featured in the Sage One does translate into a slight increase in accuracy and blank recovery. As the top of the line rod, the One is clearly the ultra-premium all-rounder Sage fly rod. 

So why would you choose the Pulse? Well, for starters, you can own a Pulse for $450, so you’ll hold on to $400. You will find that the Pulse is a premium fly rod worthy of any caster. Many casters will actually prefer the action of the Pulse to the One. If someone had given me the Pulse instead of an XP back in the day, I would likely have called it my favorite fly rod. 

It will do just about everything you can ask an all-round "workhorse" rod to do.

Sage Pulse versus the Sage One

If you are in the market for a premium Sage rod at a price that’s more comfortable than the $850 you’ll need to lay out for a Sage One, you should definitely consider the Pulse.