The Sage Foundation uses Sage’s older Graphite IIIe composite materials — that keeps costs down while still providing good performance in a versatile trout rod. The Foundation design takes advantage of the characteristics of those older materials, offering a little slower action than you’ll find in the Method (built with Konnetic composites). That translates to Read more ›
The Sage Method makes efficient use of Sage’s proprietary materials to create the fastest trout rods in this class. While I’m not someone who easily throws 75 feet of line on a regular basis, the Method let me do just that. The fast-action design proved capable of out-casting any rod my team tested, even when Read more ›
The Winston Nimbus represents a slight change in direction for the R.L. Winston Rod Co. The Montana-based rod maker has long focused using boron-based composites in its performance rods (the icon brand also still hand-makes classic split-bamboo rods). But the boron materials are more expensive than pure carbon fiber components, so by building a new Read more ›
The Orvis Helios 3F earned just the second-best performance in casting distance in this class — that fact alone kept the H3F from earning a perfect score. Instead, our Best in Class winner takes home a score of 99 out of 100 points. The Orvis H3F focuses its design on precision casting, allowing more mid-flex Read more ›
The Mizuno Wave Horizon is a new addition to the Mizuno lineup featuring excellent support for over pronation while maintaining a cushioned ride.
The Nike Zoom Vomero 12 is a responsive everyday trainer offering a cushioned ride designed for the neutral runner.
On Wrist Use The slim design of the TomTom Touch Cardio sits flush on the wrist and has an adjustable fastener to keep it secured in a comfortable position of the wearer’s choosing. Two sizes are available to purchase, small and large. While it’s a narrow band, we found that the solid strap could use Read more ›
Stiffness-to-Weight/Power Transfer The Specialized S-Works 6 is among the stiffest shoes we tested. It is also light at 222 grams for a size 42 (7.3 ounces 10.5 U.S. size). Specialized’s proprietary Body Geometry sole and foot bed is engineered to increase wattage and power output. There is a noticeable feeling of power transfer. The FACT Read more ›
Comfort The Oboz Sawtooth stood out as being a very comfortable hiking boot after hiking all day. One of the factors that makes it more comfortable than most of the other boots tested is a slightly wider toe box. Having that extra space for toes to splay out makes a big difference in comfort when Read more ›
The Cheeky Limitless 375 provided great performance and outstanding toughness during testing. The Limitless features the largest diameter arbor in the class, meaning fast, efficient line retrieval. But the Cheeky is 33 percent heavier than the Sage Spectrum, and those extra ounces add up after a long day of casting. Weight & Balance The machined Read more ›
The Orvis Hydros SL II reel – sized to handle 3- through 5-weight lines – was compact and lightweight enough to fit comfortable on modern lightweight 5-weight rods, yet with an arbor size big enough for efficient line retrieval and control. While pursuing fish in the spring creeks around Washington’s desert potholes region, and along the Read more ›
The Redington i.D. reel offers anglers a unique opportunity to customize their reel to match their personality, and because the decals can be removed, the look of the i.D. can be changed at any time. But the new custom look is just a part of the value of the new i.D. This reel performed well Read more ›