With the recent introduction of the G-Series, Scott can lay claim to having the longest-running continuous graphite fly rod series – even if it's the name only, because the G-Series is a completely different animal. While there are limits to its range in the wind, the Air 8’6” 3-wt generates spectacular casting loops from 10’ to over 60’, when called upon. The GS 843-4 requires a slow casting stroke and isn’t designed for line speed at distance, but it is tuned immaculately for the short to mid range. Paired with an SA Trout Taper, it offers superb loop control and surprising line speed out to about 50 or 55.’  It possesses more range than the Pure 8’6” 4-wt and more loop control than the Sage LL 486-4. We should have worn tuxedos for casting these three rods side-by-side. At 25 feet the Scott G Series is incredible. It will drill a hopper to the bank, with or without a dropper, and you’ll love how light it swings all day long (or all week, or all month). It casts effortlessly from zero to over 70’, maintaining the intuitive “connectedness” for which this series is known. It is a fine choice for anglers who fish spring creeks or beaver ponds with ultra clear water and cruising fish slurping midges. Winston bills this rod as a light-line presentation stick for wary trout – much in the same way the company’s vaunted IM6 and WT series have been described. This rod uses spigot ferrules, rather than the slipover ferrule design found on most rods including the Scott Radian. The Sage is slightly faster action than the Scott. In other cases, the process reveals that the rod we remember loving wasn’t actually all that good in the first place. Presentation Winston billed the AIR as a presentation rod, and that’s exactly what it is. The Pure has an old-fashioned nickel silver reel seat with a figured maple insert. The Pure 8’6” 4-wt casts with the slowest cadence. For guides, there is a hook keeper followed by a single SiC stripping guide, then hard chrome snake guides. The Winston Pure 6 ½’ 3-wt is the most specialized creeking tool in the group, reflecting 2 factors:  1)  rod length is often more important than line weight in making a rod feel light weight and cast well at short distances. Collectively, these three manufacturers have raised the bar for refinement in rods that can do much more than just cast. The Sage delivers considerably more line speed, but the Scott holds up a long loop beautifully and has superior touch for carefully placing slack line casts. The Scott offers more loop control and touch for dry fly presentations and technical nymphing fly line manipulation. Power must be applied smoothly, and carefully, otherwise expect tailing loops. In 2019 is our Saltwater AIR series – lightweight saltwater rods with Winston Boron III technology that are easy to cast. This is another gorgeous rod with superb craftsmanship. It generates more line speed than any other Pure model (a lot more! Spectacular with a long leader, this is one of the finest tailwater style dry fly rods on the planet, offering unsurpassed line control with tremendous touch and the signature “Winston feel” on full display. The Scott G Series 773-4 offers a small step up in casting range and line speed. Very nice feel with excellent accuracy at short distances. Characteristic of the Scott G Series, the GS 905-4 is the most progressive action rod in this group, finely tuned in the extreme. Read our model-by-model reviews. This rod is perhaps the best “all around short 3-weight” in this comparison. The Scott G Series rods feature an advance medium action with two innovations. If you are a fan of the original G or G2 I would highly recommend adding this rod to your quiver. How about a size 6 hopper, right up under a branch about three inches from the bank? I was tempted to give the G Series a perfect 20, but the Zephrus and Pure were slightly more accurate. Defining characteristics of the Pure series:  feathery feel, like blowing pixie dust from a straw, Best models:  Pure 8’ 4-wt, Pure 9’ 4-wt, Pure 9’ 5-wt. I recently had the opportunity to take the Scott G Series 905 with me on a trip to Wyoming, to fish with Jack Dennis for a few days. Unbeknownst to Winn, his father was already showing signs of being a paranoid sociopath, but he was shielded from this by his mother. But the G-Series gets the job done. The internal spigot ferrules add to a classic look and give me that one-piece feel that was found in the original G rods. This rod flexes into the mid section on every cast, loading deep for maximum leader turnover even at short distance. Paired with a Rio Gold, it offers unmatched line speed with the ability to turn over delicate dry fly leaders in the wind. [Sage Trout LL On the Water Video] This is a fine creek rod, but also a better “all around” dry fly rod for beaver bonds and small rivers that may allow for 30-40’ casts on occasion. Only the Zephrus and Pure were better at mid-distance. The Trout LL is truly world class. So, if you’re in to fishing small pristine waters, and jewel like wild fish, treat yourself to the ultimate fishing tools-F Series rods from Scott-High performance, handcrafted, and pure fun. The Scott GS 886-4 is a unique rod in our industry, designed for a singular but compelling purpose:  hopper-dropper fishing. If you are a fan of tossing dry flies and presenting them on a dime in any situation, then the New Scott G-Series Fly Rod is going to be that rod for you. Our detailed model-by-model comparison reveals the subtle differences between these industry leading trout rods. This rod is designed for fishing at relatively short distance for its length and line weight, however. First is the reinvented hollow internal ferrule to make the rod more flexible, stronger, and over 20% lighter. Unless you’re trying to mess up th… Performance at 25 feet: 19.5 points out of 20. If the G Series has an Achilles heel, it is not enough reserve butt power. On the one hand, I’m pretty happy to be on that mailing list, but on the other, it has not been an easy secret to keep. The G-Series will not disappoint at 40 feet. Performance at 40 feet: 19.4 points out of 20. The Nimbus delivers good accuracy and casting distance, falling behind only the class-leading Orvis H3F in both performance categories. Scott G Series 8’ 4” 4 weight The Scott G is probably the most technical 4 weight rod on the market. We didn’t miss a detail. I can hit the distance but my accuracy is not so good. SCOTT CENTRIC rods have arrived! …or, to most of us, the “Light Line.”  Reincarnations of beloved historical fly rods are risky. The legendary GS 884-4 is the most progressive (even flexing) rod in the group. Fortunately I had planned a trip with FlyLife through iconic trout water in Montana, Idaho and Wyoming and after a little begging I managed to have an 8’8” 4-weight for me to start the trip with. Not an inch of graphite is wasted. The rod sports a moderate action blank with a slim profile including fine grip and guide configurations to encourage improved sensitivity. Compared with the Scott GS 843-4, it casts tighter dry loops with higher line speed in the 35-50’ range. The two 8’6” rods in this group represent the extremes in action. [Scott G Series On the Water Video]. The PURE isn’t a “modern” version of those classic rods, which is a good thing. The Pure series hits the mark in two huge ways:  1)  the action lies somewhere between the WT (slow) and LT (medium) from Winston’s past. The Sage Trout LL 379-4 really comes to life with a Rio Gold WF3F line. It offers the most line speed, casting for distance with power and loop control. Performance at 60 feet:  7.9 points out of 10. The Pure 8’6” 4-wt casts with the slowest cadence. The perfect line:  SA Amplitude Smooth Trout in WF-4-F, Performance at 25 feet:  19.5 points out of 20. This rod is sweet. Its action is stouter than the other three rods and with a Rio Gold, which has substantial head mass, the LL 379-4 generates more line speed and tighter loops in the 30-50’ range. The feel was also superb, giving me confidence in the direction of my cast. During his childhood, Winn was very close to his father and the two would often go to the latter's workshop and build toys. Scott has been a leader in moderate action rods for more than 40 years. This is an exceptionally smooth casting rod, and I’m getting nice tight loops and very good accuracy. We also introduced the world to the hollow internal ferrule - the most sophisticated way to connect multi-piece fly rods in a smooth and seamless fashion. We found the SA Amplitude Smooth Trout to be the best match. The Sage Trout LL 486-4 is the fastest action rod in the group. Here we have two legendary long 3-weights, same in purpose but different in character. Choose this rod over the GS 843-3 for long leader dry fly fishing. Rod Designer Annette McLean put her best work on display in the Pure 904, 905 and others in the series. I’m making very accurate and delicate casts. Although each of these qualifies as a medium action 4-weight, they differ notably in character. Chloe’s Comments: When I first picked up the G-Series, I was a somewhat apprehensive. James’ Comments: Anglers who enjoy slower, softer action rods are going to fall in love with Scott’s new, buttery smooth G Series. Winston is in the game for the long haul, and you could not be disappointed in any Winston fly rod, from the lightest 3 wt to a hefty saltwater stick, they are superb fly rods. The Sage fishes best with a Rio Gold, whereas the Scott prefers an SA Trout Taper. Scott has redesigned the ferrule system making it 20% stronger. The Winston Air 8 ½’ 3-weight is supremely tuned to its line class. This rod feels more substantial than the GS 883-4, but not in a way that detracts from the fun factor. Fish it with an SA Trout Taper for unmatched results. At 25 feet the Scott G Series is incredible. The G Series is a very smooth and really fun to cast in close. We all have that one rod you plan trips around so you can use it when you are on the water. Winston Elliott Scott (born August 6, 1950) is a retired United States Navy Captain and former NASA astronaut.He served as a mission specialist on STS-72 in 1996 and STS-87 in 1997 logged a total of 24 days, 14 hours and 34 minutes in space, including three spacewalks totaling 19 hours and 26 minutes. We also call out signature models in each series. Similar to the other Trout LLs, it casts with unusual command and line speed with a relaxed casting stroke, especially over 30 feet. The Trout LL offers more command on longer casts. It is magnificent for casting tight loops with a dry fly and has plenty of command for dry dropper rigs. Defining characteristics:  light tips for a “magic wand” feel, progressive casting characteristics and surprisingly high line speed with an easy stroke, Best models:  GS 883-4, GS 844-4, GS 884-4 and GS 905-4. , practical advice, factory tours, interviews and instruction weight the Scott G Series still! 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