Most saltwater fly rods are built for pure power and ultimate strength. By adding 25% more strength-per-weight to the new R8 graphite, Sage increased both the fight and pulling power in this rod range, enabling faster landing and fish release times. More strength and fight were an obvious upgrade, yet few salt rods, especially in the heavier weights, achieve the importance of feel for fine and precise presentations. Shaping a taper that brought this increased touch into the equation took more time and, and after lots of development, and working directly with experienced saltwater guides, Sage rod designers found the right profile to deliver strength, presentation, and a more intuitive sweet spot to a class of rods that have long had a reputation as unwieldy, unforgiving, and difficult. With the SALT R8, gone are the days of sacrificing the feel and touch in your saltwater rod.