My custom rod builder Don Burgess @ (DCR) & I went over my factory Sage CR 290F with a fine tooth comb a few years ago.

I don't want to put words in his mouth but I remember him saying something like this....

"Nice build, & it has the right amount of high end guides. But I don't think the graphite in this thing is super high modulus, like in a Loomis IMX/GLX or even a Rainshadow XST. Its nice & light looks to be built to get the job done & its built tough, its a lifetime rod if you don't bang it around too much or high stick it like a madman"

Old school Gen 3 RPL fly rod material graphite w/ a green dye job, looks like you were spot-on Don.

Love my 290 as an all-around 9 footer, but for hardcore drift fishing I'll take my XST 1085c every time.



c/22