Calling all rod whores!! This debate should suck Parker right in.... I had a chance to fish TRBO's personal rod on sunday, it was the sage 290, I've been wanting to get an older style IMX 1084c (pre-shimano) to pair up with my 7 year old bullet-proof IMX 1025c. That Sage has me thinking.... to me it felt like a slightly over-built IMX 1084c to me. Just a bit heavy and the blank seemed a little thicker, but I bet that rod will last a long, long time...... C/22...??

Oooo! That's me!

Yeah, I'd agree in that the 290 is a tad bit heavier than the 1084.

I kinda felt the 1084 was just a tad too light. It's a really good light drift fishing rod, but you can forget big fish or big water with the 1084. Just doesn't have the backbone.

I personally, want just a little more than one-use for a rod, so I felt the 290 was a little more versatile over the 1084.

Good luck pitching out the Pink Cone head on the Hoh with a 1084, or using it as your float rod to pitch out pink scones on the Duc. Not saying you can't do it, but it's kinda like hooking big kings on a 1141s. It's possible, but it's kinda hard on you and the fish....especially if you plan on doing any C&R fisheries.

Your not supposed to talk about the pink conehead Parker!

He said pink, not purple.

Just an FYI for you guy's who want to get a 290 or one of the simmilar blanks, the fly snobs at Sage decided to quit selling the blanks (AGAIN!) if you want one, better find a shop that has some left or one that is willing to order 50 of them for a special run.