New Sage TCX Switch Rod Review

Sage TCX Switch Rods…the ultimate “do it all” performance fly rod is now available.

April 4, 2011 (San Francisco, CA): What do you get when you combine the world’s best casting fly rod technology with the fastest growing style of fly rod? You get a Sage TCX Switch fly rod: amazing performance and a pocket full of fishing options.

The Right Stuff: Sage fly rods are known around the world as the benchmark of quality and performance. Within their stable of fly rods lives the fabled Sage TCX Series. This series was built to provide the ultimate in casting performance and efficiency. Leveraging Sage’s Generation 5 technology, the craftsmen at Sage were able to make a fly rod that was not only lighter and more resilient than competing rods, but also brings a smile to any skilled caster’s face. Now this same technology is available from Sage in four very useful switch models.

Defining a Switch Rod: As the name suggests, a switch rod is really two rods in one. It can be cast overhead, like a single hand fly rod for increased distance. An angler can also switch technique and use it as a compact Spey rod, employing two hand casts when back-cast room is limited. Once the fly is on the water, the rod’s increased length allows for amazing line control, resulting in better drifts and more fish.


The Line Up: Originally, Switch fly rod models catered primarily to steelhead anglers. However, Sage saw the opportunity to offer Switch rod functionality to trout anglers as well. Offering four 11’9” rod models ranging from a lively five weight to a powerful eight weight, Sage’s TCX Switch series has any angler covered from trout to steelhead and even striped bass

The Build: Like their popular single hand cousins, the Sage TCX Switch rods deliver the goods. Only top-grade cork is used for grip material, ensuring years of velvety smooth contact with your new rod. Low-profile, saltwater-safe, double-uplocking anodized reel seats ensure a solid reel to rod bond. G5, high-modulus graphite makes for a lightweight and efficient rod. All stripping guides and snakes are hard-chromed and ready for years of use. Finally Sage’s TCX Switch fly rods are finished with the iconic “Kryptonite” green color for some subtle “bling.” Store your new TCX in a matching powder-coated green aluminum rod tube for safe keeping until your next fishing adventure.

Need a Reel? At Leland we highly recommend the Sage 6000 Series Fly Reels. These fully-machined, anodized, large-arbor fly reels employ a fully-sealed drag system. These attributes combined offer up one of the best fly reels on the market. Note: When purchasing a fly reel for a Switch fly rod, be sure to choose a fly reel with a line rating at least one to two sizes above your Switch rod’s line rating. See chart below.

What about lines? Two hand and Switch rods are growing in popularity. Fly line options for Switch rods are more plentiful than ever and potentially confusing. At Leland, we’ve made it easy. Just review the line chart below to correctly dial in your new TCX Switch fly rod for optimal casting and fishing performance.

Leland Favorite: We’ve cast all the models in Sage’s TCX series. Our favorite is the Sage TCX 7119-4. This seven weight excels when fishing for steelhead and large trout. Heavy flies and sink tips are no problem. Still, this model is light enough to enjoy doing battle with smaller steelhead and medium-sized trout.

Bottom Line: Amazing fly rod performance, lots of casting and rigging options and on-stream fishing function.

Other Resources:
Sage TCX Switch Rod Video Review
Sage TCX Switch Rod Review
Sage TCX Switch Rods
Sage TCX Spey Rods
Sage TCX Fly Rods
Sage Fly Rods