Specifications
• Models: 2100-4 ESN, 3100-4 ESN, 4100-4 ESN, 5100-4 ESN
• Sections: Four
• Length: 10'
• Konnetic Technology construction
• Fuji ceramic stripping guides
• Handle: High grade cork, custom tapered
shaped half-wells
• Reel Seat: Cocobolo insert, Dark Nickel
colored aluminum
• Action: Medium
• Price: $699
September 28, 2011 (San Francisco,
CA): The origins of European nymphing might be up for debate—some
say the Czech Republic, others Poland, some believe it has roots in
Spain or France—but one thing is certain: regardless of where it
began, the future of this innovative technique lies in the
revolutionary design of the
Sage ESN Fly Rod Series. The Sage ESN, short for
European Style Nymphing, is meticulously engineered for outstanding
sensitivity in turbulent runs and currents, where weighted nymph rigs
are king and subtle strike detection is the name of the game.
It's all in the tip: If a trout
so much as breathes on your fly, the Sage ESN Fly Rod will detect and
transmit that vibration with unprecedented clarity. This heightened
sensitivity in the rod tip is what sets the Sage ESN Fly Rod apart
from the competition, harnessing the power of Sage's Konnetic
Technology for unparalleled performance.
In traditional indicator
nymphing, the connection between angler and fly is interrupted by
slack and missed visual cues. Simply put, strikes aren't detected and
fish are lost. European nymphing supersedes the need for a strike
indicator by relying on the subtle sensation of a fish on the take,
and the Sage ESN Fly Rod's remarkably responsive tip grants the
angler an acute read of the subsurface that other rods just can't
provide.
Sage ESN Fly Rods immediately relay every minute animation
from tip to butt, providing comprehensive control of the action and
relaying the most subtle strikes. This emphasis on “feeling the
fish” has contributed to the zen-like following of European
nymphing fanatics across the globe, all of whom will welcome the
highly specialized design of the Sage ESN Series.
Read the full press release on the
Sage ESN Fly Rod...
Hoover in the catch: The
Sage ESN Fly Rod is optimized for pressured water and wily trout,
providing you with a purpose-built instrument for one of the most
effective fly fishing techniques around. It's not uncommon for
competitors in European nymphing tournaments to bring in twenty fish
an hour, leaving no time for missed opportunities and spit hooks. The
Sage ESN is made for this level of fast paced action where every
strike matters, transmitting subtle takes up the rod length for
powerful hooks sets on the back end. At ten feet in length, Sage ESN
Fly Rods are ideal for point-blank pocket water or more distant
riffles, extending your touch to every square-inch of the water. If
you love directing taut nymph rigs through slots and picking the
pockets for trout, if you refuse call it a day until you've tied into
every last fish, then the Sage ESN will be king of your quiver.
Konnetic™ Technology = More Fish:
Marking Sage's long-awaited entry into the world of European
nymphing, the Sage ESN Series represents years of engineering made
possible by groundbreaking new manufacturing process: Konnetic
Technology. Konnetic Technology is the breakthrough that opened the
door for ultra-lightweight, extremely efficient rods like the Sage
ESN Series. Pioneered in Sage ONE Fly Rods, Konnetic Technology is
perhaps best highlighted in the extremely fine, yet powerful, taper
of the Sage ESN Series. The Sage ESN Fly Rod also
features a compound taper mandral that allows for standout power in
the butt section while maintaining the superior sensitivity of the
narrow tip.
The Lineup: The Sage ESN Series
truly covers the spectrum of European nymphing. The
Sage 2100-4 ESN
and
3100-4 ESN are great for shallow runs and cunning fish. These are
the ideal ESN Fly Rods for Spanish and French nymphing. The
Sage 4100-4 ESN and
5100-4 ESN excel in deeper pools and pockets with
faster, choppier water. These would be the perfect ESN Fly Rods for
the Czech or Polish nymph enthusiast.
Sage ESN Fly
Rods – Pro Review by Leland's Jon Ng
What's the word...
Sage has finally addressed the world of
European nymphing with their new ESN Fly Rod Series, and what an
entrance they've made. We had a chance fish some Czech nymphs with
the Sage 4100-4 ESN, and although we didn't fair quite as well as
some of the famed tournament nymphers, we still had a successful day
and a lot of fun.
Features...
Instead of rambling on about the
technicalities of Konnetic Technology, let's leave it at this: a
narrower, more efficient taper means the Sage ESN telegraphs the
slightest strikes down the rod length so you can set the hook.
Action...
The Sage ESN Fly Rod is a medium action
and a compound taper mandral construction. Translation: with enough
flex in the tip for a nuanced read of the underwater action and
enough power in the butt for sturdy hook sets, the Sage ESN is the
best of both worlds. Not to mention the lightweight design makes a
day of high-sticking a breeze on your arm and a blast in the water.
Fit and Finish...
Sage doesn't miss a beat when they
stamp their name on a new line of rods, and the ESN Series is no
exception. The forest green shaft and gold trim wraps give the blank
a great finish, similar in color to the famed Sage Z-Axis. The
cocobolo reel seat is a personal favorite, and the choice to use
aluminum instead of nickel silver improves performance without
compromising the great look. Also, the Fuji ceramic stripping guides
are a great touch and the mark of any quality rod.
Run Down...
Pros: In keeping with Sage's commitment
to crafting the best tools for specific applications, the Sage ESN is
true to it's name: an ultra-sensitive tip paired with a powerful butt
for maximum success with European nymphing.
Cons: Although European nymphing is
quickly amassing a following on this side of the pond, some might not
have room in their quiver yet for this specific application. But for
those who are in the know when it comes to contact nymphing, the Sage
ESN is just what the doctor ordered.
Bottom Line: Sage has once again
delivered on their promise to build the best possible rods for one of
the most fun techniques around. The Sage ESN Series marks a welcomed
entry into the world of European nymphing with the best best
materials assembled by innovative minds.