im in the same boat as the OP trying to decide on the sage or the jae
noexpert what made you switch to the sage setup over the jae
i no you had a nice rig in the jae
A few things... weight was #1, 20 pounds of rifle on your back about an hour into a hike can get to be a bit much. The Sage took off a few pounds which is nice. Instant adjustable LOP via the CTR stock since changing spacers isn't always a viable option when changing shooting positions. On board storage via the Vltor Mil-Spec extension tube with storage space. Just remove the stock (no tools required) and unscrew the water-tight cap on the end. Standard rails at 12, 3, 6 and 9 o'clock; 3, 6 and 9 o'clock rails are removable. Barrel tensioner built into the hand guard, works similar to the JAE tensioner but presses down on the barrel instead of pulling the front band down (standard item).
Additional things I considered between the Sage Mod 1 and the Troy... Military issue item, this means it had to pass some tests somewhere along the line (nice to have that thought). Retains the original iron sights (huge factor). Weighs less (huge factor). Works with an LRB M25 receiver with minimal fitting (the battle rail needs the scope mount side hole that the M25 doesn't have, huge factor). Cost, cheapest similar Troy to the Mod 1 is $20 more (and the Mod 1 came with a Troy modular VFG). Cheapest comparable Troy to the Mod 0 is $190 more (not overly important but something I looked at). Grip compatibility, minor fitting to get a Magpul MIAD large back strap on the Sage, looked like there would be a gap on the Troy (I could be wrong on that).
Some things I don't like about the Sage... I have to take 8 screws out of the stock and loosen one to remove the action. So far this has been the only downside but is minor since I don't feel compelled to take my rifle apart a lot. I'd say it's less of a nuisance than trying to get the lug slides into my receiver while trying to hold it all then slide it into the JAE which inevitably I'd drop one and have to start all over.
My best advice, think about what you plan to use the rifle for. If this is going to be a medium or heavy barreled bench rifle by all means go with the JAE or Troy. Personally I'd take the JAE since the accuracy it provided was amazing. If you plan to run a standard or medium contour barrel and take the rifle further than from the trunk to the bench I'd say go with a Sage Mod 1.
Don't take this as JAE hate, I loved my JAE setup, until I had to carry my rifle for any length of time.
