If you need a general guide to identifying your older Sage rod that a look at this list…
Year Model Description
1980
GFL Stood for Graphite Fly Rod. Used alone and in conjunction with other model names for years. Not really considered a model name.
1982
RP Reserve Power for long Casts Graphite II
1982
LL Traditional Action 2-5 Weight (LL=Light line) Graphite II
1983
MA Medium Action Entry level unsanded grey rod with simple hardware
1985
RPL or Graphite III RPL Reserve Performance Light
1985
LL Graphite III LL
1986
RPLX Saltwater 8-12 Weight
1986
DS Discovery Series – Moderate Action Replaced the RP
1986
TH? Double Handed ?
1994
SP Generation IV Graphite with Durascrim
1995
SP+ Generation IV Graphite with Durascrim
1995
RPL+ Faster than the RPL. Would be considered moderately fast by todays standards
1997
VPS Replacement for the RPL Back to Gen III
1997
VPSL Replacement for the LL Gen III with lesser components
1997
SPL “Best of show” new rods*Gen III
1997
RPLxi Revised and improved saltwater*Gen III
1998
DS2 Lower Price point Graphite II or Graphite III Not even close to sure about the year
1999
XP Lighter narrower tapered Fast Action Gen IIIe
2002
SLT Medium Fast Action Gen IIIe
2002
TCR Ultra fast action for experianced Casters
2003
LE Entry Price Point Rod
2004
Xi2 New Saltwater rod was first with new generation 5 (G5) Technology
2005
TXL Near weightless for light lines G5
2005
Fli Entry Level Fast Action taper with maximum power transfer G5
2005
Launch Entry Level smoth progressive power curve and very high strength to weight ratio*G5
2006
VT2 Mid price point upgrade to long running VPS
2007
Z-Axis Ultimate Fast Action Rod coupled with trmendous feel (2 piece, 4 piece,
Spey and Switch
2008
BASS Finally released after years of development and even showed up on magazine covers with Snook, Baby Tarpon and Pike
2008
ZXL Medum action Cousin to the Z-Axis in weights 3-6
2009
TCX Replacement for TCR but fitting a wider range of castins styles (kryptonite green)
Current ONE Flagship “all-around” rod Fast Action
Current VXP Ultra high speed line and slender shaft begginer to experianced
Current Flight Great features and a great price
Current Vantage Medium Fast value rod
Current TXL-F Light Line Ultra lightweight
Current ZXL Easy and Relaxed like the classic action rods
Current Xi3 Salt Water Replacement for Xi2
Current 99 Nymph angler 9’9″ with unique taper to make open loops
Current BASS II Upgrraded for faster line speeds for big flies still good for Bass, Snook, or Tarpon, Pike and Musky
Current ESN Designed for european lirect line nymphing with multiple flies
