We’ve been big fans of the last-generation Sage 3000 series reels for years. Our loaner gear gets worked really hard, and in particular we’ve always said that “South Andros is where reels go to die”. At Andros South, our old 3000 series reels have held up incredibly well. Through hundreds of angler days, constant exposure to saltwater and salty air, and a maintenance program that could be described as ‘moderate’, we’ve literally never had a problem with our 3000 series reels. That’s saying a lot. Really – reels break here.
This year Sage released their replacement for the 3000 Series – they’re now called the 6000 Series.
To be honest, we were really worried that they were messing with a good thing. After a season of use with the 6080– the reel in the series best suited for bonefishing, we can report real good things. Sage has managed to make a few improvements to the reels, but most importantly, they didn’t fix what wasn’t broken.
Here are 3 things to like about the 6000 series.
- They didn’t change the bombproof drag. They’ve maintained the drag from the 3000 series. It’s smooth, it’s strong, and we haven’t been able to break one yet. Simple as that.
- They’re really light. Saltwater rods are getting lighter and lighter, and a heavy reel can really screw up the balance of these rods. These reels balance well with light saltwater rods, and a week of fishing on the flats is one situation where we think light is good.
- It’s easy to change the retrieve. One improvement made in the 6000 series is the easy ability to swap the retrieve, without tools. Unscrew the drag housing, pop out the clutch bearing, flip it around, put it back in, screw the drag housing back on. Easy-breezy!
Any thoughts on the Sage 4210. I am looking for a light weight reel for a sage one 8126 and this seems about the right weight for the rod.
Sage are pushing the boat out on lightweight rods but their newer expensive reels seem much to heavy to my taste
Hi Neil,
I’ve looked at the 4210 in a trade show both and it looked great – but I haven’t fished one yet. Sorry!
No problem Andrew and I appreciate you taking the time to reply
Hi Neil,
I had a 4210 and thought it was a pretty good reel for the money. Landed a few steelhead and some Chrome chum with it, and it performed well, and that it was good value for the money. I found it balanced a 12 ft. 510 gr. Pieroway Metal Detector really well.
I also have a 4280 from sage, and fished it hard for pink salmon this year. I had a problem with the drag slipping and loosening throughout the first day’s fishing ( first day ever on the reel). Sent it back to Sage, and they repaired it, but I wasn’t happy how they handled the repair and charges.
I’m, not sure if the problems I had on the 4280 are isolated to that reel, or if the problem is endemic to the line of reels, but aside from that one reel, I thought they were very good reels for the money.
Thanks Russ. I think it may be a case of you get what you pay for. I have a Nautilus NV 10/11 which I use on my main switch rod. It also balances the 8126 very well. Just wish they were cheaper to buy. I may need to raid the piggy bank!
I have been using the 4210 reels for a while with only one complaint: spool removal. After finally getting someone at Sage who knew the problem, I got some new Orings gratis. Bingo! Problem solved. These reels have made multiple trips on bones, Atlantics, Midwest steelhead and one trip to the Naknak without a another glitch. They hold plenty of backing, the drag is smooth on start up and is strong enough to be effective, it’s light and the price is right. In short, if you want the best or price is no concern, look elsewhere. But if you need a very good reel at very good price, consider the the 4210.