In fact, this is by far our favorite long-distance and big-water caster. But on bigger water where power and sending it matters, nothing beats the Sage X. It has so much power that it can be difficult to keep casts short, as can laying flies down gently on the top of the water. On medium to small water like the Upper Deschutes outside of Bend, it felt like too much rod for the job. What are the downsides of the Sage X? It’s just not a soft-touch rod. Despite this extreme accuracy, the rod manages to be forgiving-it wants to throw nice tight loops no matter how you cast, making it a great rod for all skill levels (although it’s difficult to imagine letting our kids loose with one of these given the price tag). Most importantly, the rod delivers incredible power and casting distance with virtually no wobble or side-to-side movement. This all-black design is sleek and extremely well-built with high-end finishes throughout. Legendary rod maker Sage recently replaced the One with the X at the top of its esteemed lineup. What we don’t: Can overpower smaller, slower water.
What we like: Incredibly powerful and accurate premium build quality. For more background on topics like action and weight, see our fly rod comparison table and buying advice below the picks.
And our picks cover a wide variety of fishing from small streams that require delicate presentations to big water where power and distance are key. Below we break down the best fly rods, from high-end specialty models to all-rounders and leading budget options. Rod manufacturers continue to innovate, incorporate new materials, and dramatically improve rods across the price spectrum. If you’re in the market for a new fly rod, there’s never been a better time.