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Author Topic: Sage Factory  (Read 4102 times)

Stratocaster

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Sage Factory
« on: June 30, 2008, 09:59:58 PM »

Took the day off today to take the family down south for some shopping and a visit to the Sage Factory on Bainbridge Island.  I broke the tip of my 2106 last year and needed to replace it.  Rather than trouble a local shop for warranty issues, I decided make the drive and ferry ride over.  We all know the quality that Sage puts into their rods but what I didn't know is how good the quality of their staff is.  Not only did they replace the top section no questions asked, but they gave my wife, daughter and I a private tour of the whole operation from start to finish (they do give tours every tuesday and thursday by appt. but when they found out I was from Canada, they went out of their way to give us one).  I was like a kid in a candy store.  Every single rod that Sage sells is made in their factory.  The only work that they sometimes contract out is the winding of the thread on the guides.  I saw the production from when they cut the sheets of graphite all the way to the final step of attaching the butt sections to each rod.  Quality control is done many times during the whole process.  If you have an old sage rod that you are worried about breaking, rest assured they keep every single pattern and mold for all the rods they have ever made and you will have no trouble in getting a replacement for it.  The warranty area had many RPX's and other discontinued rods and blanks ready to be shipped out.  They even have a pond in the back that is stocked with pan sized bass so that they can test their new products.  If you have a few rods that need warranty work, It may be worthwhile to make that trip down south and pay them a visit.
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Fish Assassin

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Re: Sage Factory
« Reply #1 on: July 01, 2008, 12:02:06 AM »

How far is Bainbridge Island from Seattle ?
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Stratocaster

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Re: Sage Factory
« Reply #2 on: July 01, 2008, 10:41:20 AM »

You can get to Bainbridge Island by taking the Ferry from Edmonds which is about 15 minutes north of Seattle.  The ferry ride takes only 30 minutes and from there it is a short 15 minute drive to the factory.  It is a nice trip similar to going to one of the gulf islands.  Alternatively you can take a ferry from Downtown Seattle but you wil have to deal with downtown traffic.
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Sam Salmon

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Re: Sage Factory
« Reply #3 on: July 01, 2008, 06:39:31 PM »

Great post Doug-Thanks!
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FlyFishin Magician

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Re: Sage Factory
« Reply #4 on: July 01, 2008, 10:50:18 PM »

Cool!  Thanks Doug.  I've got a Sage RPL+ I've been using for years and a couple of the cork rings have come loose at the handle.  Was considering sending it in - but the rod still works fine.  Might have to consider brining it down and booking a tour!  Btw - how's the family?  I haven't been out much since the little girl arrived - but I did do a trip to the interior a month ago.  Great time!  We should touch base...
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Stratocaster

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Re: Sage Factory
« Reply #5 on: July 01, 2008, 11:52:28 PM »

The family is great!  Haven't been out fishing since last year!  The only thing I've done is some crabbing!  We should get together soon.

Since the RPL's are not in production, its best to phone ahead to see what they have on hand otherwise you will need to leave it there so that they have some time to take care of your warranty claim and then mail it back to you.  I phoned ahead and they had two tips for my 2106 gear rod so I was able to take care of it right there.  Regardless, it is still worthwhile to go even if you don't have any rods to fix.  I learned alot about how rods are made and was quite surprised at the attention to detail that was qut into every rod.  Sage rods are truly hand made. 
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Slamdunk

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Re: Sage Factory
« Reply #6 on: July 02, 2008, 07:23:50 PM »

I went to the Sage site and discovered this...a computerized casting analyzer! Hook it up to your rod.

http://www.sageflyfish.com/casting.php

http://www.sageflyfish.com/Casting+Analyzer/General+Info/
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yamadrifter

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Re: Sage Factory
« Reply #7 on: July 03, 2008, 01:51:56 PM »

I own several older GSH blanks. I just picked up a 2106LLB. Anyone know where I can find the factory specs. for this blank and other GSH blanks? ???
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