Sage has always impressed in all the right spaces and they nailed it again with the Sage Pulse and The Sage Foundation fly fishing rods. The company has been serving the fly fishing fraternity with modern and top-class fly fishing rigs for a while now. So, it should be nowhere breaking news that their fishing rods are running the show in the fly fishing rods’ niche.
Fishing rods may be the center stage of every serious fly fishing activity, but choosing the model that works best for you is no child’s play. We are lucky to be part of a team that, through days upon days of deliberate testing and research, is acquainted with the basics of each of the two rigs from Sage. Ahead, we’d like to help you avoid any confusion between the Sage Pulse and the Foundation, and enable you make your choice from a point of information.
The Sage Pulse and The Sage Foundation Comparison
To begin with, let’s take a closer look at each of the models, shall we?
The Sage Pulse Fishing Rod: Reviews
The Sage Pulse can only be a better version of its predecessor, the older Sage Response fly fishing rod. Hyped by its maker as a rod “designed to be your workhorse rod”, it is certainly a workhorse in every sense of the word, for both freshwater and saltwater angling. A far cry from the substandard mid-priced rods Sage has always produced. The 7-foot and 6-inches-long fishing stick is your best bet if you are scared of size but are in for fast action. Perfect for the old hand, intermediate, and newbie anglers alike.
Appearance and Overall Build
As with most other Sage rods, the blank of the Pulse fishing stick sports a cool neon green color that eases visibility in poorly lit environs. Also, the wraps are dark green whereas the trim is black. The single locking reel seat is a product of anodized aluminum painted in gloss black color and fitted with a rosewood insert. Saltwater rods come with aluminum inserts. On top of that, the Fuji ceramic stripper guides are efficient in sucking up some of the energy from the stiff butt and have the line under control.
The unit feels as robust as it looks, and will stand up to all the rigors of big water angling. The makers have added a bit of flex to it to prevent the frustration of losing fish. Not just that, the snub-nose, half-wells cork handle is secure, ergonomic, and designed for comfort and fatigue-free casting. We were impressed by how the handle is pretty easy on your wrist even with wet hands or a heavy catch.
Action
The Pulse was created for fast action. Fast action fly fishing rods are known for their power and strength, and ability to pull off longer and more precise casts. The rods ought to be stiff and strong enough to stand up to larger fighting fish such as large trout, salon, and steelheads, and harsh weather. And the Pulse fishing stick is a prime example of that. Even more, the tip is soft and provides for more sensitivity, making it possible to connect with your fly and feel even the subtlest of bites.
How thoughtful of Sage to feature its proprietary Graphite IIIe Technology? You can’t fail to notice a significant boost in power, strength, and sensitivity making it practical for larger and weighted flies. It is an all-around fly stick that is ideal for medium-fast to fast action and works well for other techniques as well, such as dry fly fishing and shallow nymphing.
Price
A brand new Pulse will set you back close to a reasonable $450. It may not be the cheapest there is but quality products in the market seldom are. The superior quality and unquestionable delivery justify every penny you pay. After all, don’t they say that you spend your money where you spend your time?
Drawbacks
One downside is that, compared to other superior rigs in its class; the 16-ounce weight is a little on the high. Even so, you will hardly notice the difference. It is still comfortable in your hands even when you’re out on the water all day.
Another area that needs work is the rod’s accuracy during short casts. The Pulse offers optimum accuracy during mid-distance and long-range casts and tends to cut down on the accuracy during short casts.
Pros
- The action is superb
- Comes in diverse sizes (3wt – 8 wt.)
- Includes a storage case
- Covered by a lifetime warranty.
Cons
- Slightly heavy
- Low accuracy during short casts
The Sage Foundation: Reviews
Like its earlier brother, this top-of-the-line fly-fishing rod did not disappoint in our tests and passed with flying colors. The Sage Foundation manages to meet and far exceed its audience’s expectations with sturdy construction, fast-action, smooth-casting, and high versatility. It is a 9-foot handcrafted fishing rig.
Appearance and Overall Build
First and best of all, the materials the company used are industrial grade, and the solid nylon rod tube coupled with the rugged build are all for a highly durable rig.
And if you are a fan of bright pops of color, let not the low-key, stealth-black-colored blank of the fishing stick deceive you. The Foundation rod makes up in power, strength, and feel, where it lacks in colorful looks. Moreover, we are yet to meet a fly fisherman who does not find delight in the comfort and convenience of the snub-nose cork handle. The ergonomic handle is as comfortable as it is secure and will give you an upper hand when struggling with a larger catch. That is not all. It was clever of the manufacturer to include a fighting butt grip on the rear grip to give you a secure and superb balance and control when battling big fish. Also, it is easier to make more precise casts.
Other features we mentioned in the Sage Pulse variant that live on in this model include a shiny black anodized aluminum locking reel seat and the Fuji ceramic stripper guides.
Action
The fast action rod manages to keep up with the other fishing road in matters of power, strength, and high-performance courtesy of the incorporated Graphite IIIe Technology. And no matter how big or heavy a fly is, the robust core always seems ready to take more.
Casting doesn’t get smoother than this! The Foundation would have been a serious contender in casting competitions if there were any. And as it is with the Pulse, the foundation comes in 8 weight varieties all made of four pieces. On top of that, it weighs in decently at around 8Oz making it a cakewalk to cast and lift.
It is versatile too and will deliver unwaveringly whether you are dry fly fishing a hatch at sunrise or nymphing through hot summer afternoons.
Price
If you cannot live with a very high budget, and most people cannot, the Sage Foundation should be a frontier for you. The $350 price tag will easily fit the budget of any serious fly fisherman out there, so no one is left behind.
Drawbacks
Like other fast action fly rods, it is easy to cast flies to crazy long distances and exactly where you want them. However, for close quarters and small streams, it is more difficult to cast with the Foundation fishing road. Moreover, the added power in the rod may pose a challenge if you are new to the fly fishing game, or if you intend to use very light flies that break off easily. The best part; learning to use this thing couldn’t be easier.
Pros
- The action is superb
- Comes in various sizes (4wt – 8 wt.)
- Includes a storage case
- Covered by a lifetime warranty.
Cons
- Unfriendly to beginners
- Low accuracy during short casts
Similarities Between the Sage Pulse and The Sage Foundation Comparison
Save for the color and length, the two models bare a close resemblance. Some of the features that cut across both variants include the increased power. Your old fly rod is not powerful at all. These two reliable fly fishing rods from, Sage are. Both are fast action fly fishing rods with a strong graphite backbone that can withstand rough use and take a beating, and strengthened by Graphite IIIe Technology. Other components that you will find in both the Sage Pulse and Foundation include ceramic stripper guides, chrome snake guides and tip top, and aluminum up-locking reel seat. The snub-nose, half-wells cork handle is also common between them and makes for comfortable and secure handling.
Better yet, the company expresses immense confidence in their products and stands by each of their fishing rods with a lifetime warranty.
Differences
There is no much difference between the Sage Pulse and Foundation. The company features most of its technology and features across both of the two varieties. Even so, multiple aspects set the two models apart. Let’s talk about some of the distinguishing features of the Pulse and Foundation fishing sticks.
Color
The Pulse features a neon green blank whereas the Foundation sports a glossy black blank.
Construction
The pulse tends to offer a little more flex than the Foundation. The result is longer casts and reduced chances of losing fish by keeping the tension on the line while the fish battles to get away and prevent the fish from spitting off the hook. The Foundation is also slightly lighter than the Pulse. On top of that, the Foundation is equipped with a fighting butt grip on the rear grip to give you a firm grip during vigorous activity. Meanwhile, the Pulse lacks this feature.
Price
While the Pulse may force you to part with upwards of $450, the foundation is about a hundred bucks cheaper.
Bottom Line
Sage has built its reputation over time and has become a household name in the fly fishing world. And their fly fishing rigs deserve a special place in your cart and everyday fishing life.
The company struck a real note with the two fishing rods, the Sage Pulse and the Foundation. For Sage, simplicity is the surest way to go. The manufacturer is a genius at keeping the rods basic and avoiding sophisticated tech that the average Joe may not need
Of course, the best way to tell apart the two fishing sticks would be to get out and cast them and identify the one that feels nicest in your palms. But if you are looking for increased distance in your casts, super smooth casting and you intend to hunt larger species of fish, then we would root for the Sage Foundation. If high performance and sheer power are anything to go by, then the Sage Pulse fly fishing stick should not miss a spot in your arsenal.
