Manufacturer: Sage Manufacturing

Product: 3880 CF Fly Reel

Retail Price: $280.00

Tester: Rick Mikesell

Rating: 4/5 - Super Light Weight And A Rock Solid Drag

Date Tested: 08/1/2011-08/15/11

Test Area: Urban South Platte River

What They Say:

Innovative carbon fiber spool for ultra lightweight performance.

With Sage’s exclusive Floating Tripod sealed carbon drag unit, one-revolution adjustment knob and elegant convex hub design, 3800CF series reels offer performance you simply can’t find anywhere else in this price range.

Features

• The 3800CF series features Sage’s unique SCS Floating Tripod drag design
• Innovative lightweight design
• Fully machined aluminum frame
• Innovative carbon fiber spool for ultra lightweight performance
• Single rotation drag knob
• Colors: Platinum, Blaze
• Ballistic cloth reel case

What We Say:

The most obvious feature of Sage's 3800 CF Series of reels is its very minimal weight, the carbon fiber spool allows for a reel that is, in most cases, a full ounce lighter than similarly sized competitors. It balances very nicely with today’s ultra light weight 3M matrix resin rods, (It is a perfect fit for my 9' 7wt St. Croix Bank Robber). While maintaining the benefit of minimal weight, the full machined cage packs a drag that is built for work, easily putting the brakes on bulldogging South Platte Carp, with a few more clicks of power to spare. The contrast of dark carbon fiber and high polish machined aluminum creates a very striking aesthetic for the reel, which, when paired with excellent performance, really rounds out the package. This reel is a steal at $280, and spare carbon spools are only $60! My only complaint is that the softer carbon fiber material is prone to cosmetic scratching, but it has not affected performance.

Last Minute Thoughts:

A super light weight, super high preformance, great looking fly reel at a great price!