While I don't have a 15ft Sage, I do have a 14ft X and indeed it's a cracking rod. Thing is you should get an end of the line deal on an X in the region of £750 brand spanker as against full RRP for the R8.
X's are very easy to use, generally very responsive to the owner. Also dare I say it you might still get a deal on an Igniter too, at less than RRP,again way cheaper than the newer R8.
Money does talk to me and its not at all that the R8 is a crap rod, I hear its very very good, but if your not exactly bothered about the latest thing and have rather shallower pockets, it makes sense to take advantage on what are still absolutely excellent rods at cheaper prices. I got my One switch in a similar fashion, when the One was phased out for the newer Method range. Last year I bought an X and an Igniter at considerably less than RRP and I really enjoy both rods tremendously.
Just a few thoughts to open your options.
Pedro.

 

Thank you Rennie.
This will probably be the last long rod that I buy so dont mind spending a bit on it as long as it suits my needs.
Which do you prefer between the X and the Igniter?

 

Thank you Rennie.
This will probably be the last long rod that I buy

If only I had a quid for every time I've said that!
Uncle Harry

 

Well stewarts999, they are different rods, my X is a 14ft 9/10 and my Igniter is a 7 weight switch.
The X is easier action, fast recovery though! and in no way slow or wobbly. I just bought a 9/10 Rio Scandi Launch head to suit and off it went casting like a good un!.
The Igniter however was a little awkward to line up and needs a bit of thought in lining it and indeed using it.
However once I got it sorted, wow, hells teeth does it go and it's so easy to cast. It will however take a little thought in lining it up and I can see if you fish long and hard it'll be easy to loose ones mojo with it as you tire!
The X however has a wider grain weight of functionality and is easy to line up and more forgiving.
I came to Sage rods Via Guideline and Hardy primarily and they are a little different.
I did however speak to Jim Fearn who's a Rio/Sage rep. and he informed me Sage rods are designed round and with Rio lines and as such compliment each other pretty damn good!.
I love the Igniter, it suits my natural rhythm ,I purposefully bought the X for a different approach with a floating line and small flee and as such I'm very happy with the both of them.
I could honestly see it being a hard call between the pair of them as far as 15fters go though, then throw in the R8 and its quite some conundrum, but glad to say a fine one to be in!
Pedro.

 

Shame you didn't post this a couple of weeks ago as I've just sold my two 15' Sage Methods on eBay! Ive been using Sage double handers for nearly 30 years and the Method's were superb rods. I had them for over ten years. The only reason I have changed them is becasue I have moved to R8s. Not the 15' but the 6 pc 14 which is really a light AFTM 10 rather than a true AFTM 9 - as I hope to do more fishing in three day slots which from Hampshire means you have to fly. I have cast the 15' AFTM 10 R8. It doesn't appear to do anything the Method couldn't. On that basis I'd be more than happy to approach the Tay or Spey with it with absolute confidence it would meet my needs. However, as, with respect, I don't know what your needs are or techncial level is, it is difficult to know if that would be true for you.

While I have single handed Sage X's (which I love) I have never cast the 15' X. So I can't help you there.

Good luck wiht whatever you choose Sage or otherwise.

Regards

NHP

 

Have a look at my review on Just One Week.

Although my primary aim was to test and review the much cheaper Vision Hero, the 15’ Sage X - The Emperor - was the star of the show. I loved it.

I know nothing of your physique, casting style or skill, but subject to that caveat I recommend the X without reservation.

 

Thank you for this.
The X sounds like it would be great cor me.

 

Shame you didn't post this a couple of weeks ago as I've just sold my two 15' Sage Methods on eBay! Ive been using Sage double handers for nearly 30 years and the Method's were superb rods. I had them for over ten years. The only reason I have changed them is becasue I have moved to R8s. Not the 15' but the 6 pc 14 which is really a light AFTM 10 rather than a true AFTM 9 - as I hope to do more fishing in three day slots which from Hampshire means you have to fly. I have cast the 15' AFTM 10 R8. It doesn't appear to do anything the Method couldn't. On that basis I'd be more than happy to approach the Tay or Spey with it with absolute confidence it would meet my needs. However, as, with respect, I don't know what your needs are or techncial level is, it is difficult to know if that would be true for you.

While I have single handed Sage X's (which I love) I have never cast the 15' X. So I can't help you there.

Good luck wiht whatever you choose Sage or otherwise.

Regards

NHP

Thank you Nigel.
I may also consider the 14 footers as I am not sure that a 15ft rod is required anymore.