Scott G SERIES 8’4” #4 $845.00
George’s Comments:
I really expected to see this new G Series 4-weight challenge the best rods. It is a very smooth rod to cast and was excellent at short and mid-distances, but at the longest distance the Radian, Helios 3F, and Avantt were much better. But this is a fairly soft rod, and didn’t have the butt power to handle the long distance quite as well as the more powerful rods. The swing weight was fairly light, but not quite as good as either the Hardy rods or the Orvis rods.
This is a very pleasant rod to cast, with a medium fast action. The Radian is both stiffer and faster in action. If you are a Scott fan and want a rod for fishing at short to medium distances, you’ll likely prefer this rod over the Radian.
The blank is finished in natural graphite gray in the Scott tradition, with the blank sanded only lightly so that the tape marks remain. Scott claims that this gives their rods better strength and we cannot argue with this as we see very few Scott rods broken.
This rod uses spigot ferrules, rather than the slipover ferrule design found on most rods including the Scott Radian. Scott feels that this gives the rod a smoother one-piece type action, and I agree as this is a very smooth casting rod that gives me a lot of feel at short to mid distances.
The cork handle is a more conventional western style grip than found on their Radian, with a flare on the back to accept the black anodized single uplocking seat that utilizes a brown graphite insert. The ring seems to lock up well. For guides, there is a hook keeper followed by a single SiC stripping guide, then hard chrome snake guides. The wraps are brown with some amber trim. The epoxy coatings are excellent as is the overall craftsmanship, which we have come to expect from Scott.
The perfect line: SA Amplitude Smooth Trout in WF-4-F
George’s casting notes:
Performance at 25 feet: 19.5 points out of 20
Very nice feel with excellent accuracy at short distances. Better than the Radian and Helios 3F in close.
Performance at 40 feet: 19.5 points out of 20
This is an exceptionally smooth casting rod, and I’m getting nice tight loops and very good accuracy. Only the Zephrus and Pure were better at mid-distance.
Performance at 60 feet: 8.5 points out of 10
Now the lack of butt power hurts, and I cannot throw the tighter loops or get the same kind of accuracy I was getting with the Radian, the Helios 3F or the T&T Avantt.
James’ Comments:
Anglers who enjoy slower, softer action rods are going to fall in love with Scott’s new, buttery smooth G Series. Like the original G2 rods, Scott stays true to the original G tradition, focusing on rods that ooze feel rather than rods that can cast the entire fly line. The result is wonderful dry fly rod that loads well in close and is accurate out to 45 feet. Unlike many of the stiffer modern day 4-weights, the G Series rods do not require up-lining by a half line size. We found the SA Amplitude Smooth Trout to be the best match.
If the G Series has an Achilles heel, it is not enough reserve butt power. This affects the G Series’ capability to handle windy days, hook setting, and keeping that big brown away from that nasty stick pile once she’s hooked.
1st impressions: This is the only spigot ferrule rod in the test, giving this rod its buttery smooth, one-piece feel.The Amplitude Smooth Trout line is perfect for this softer, slower rod. Amazing feel! One of the few rods I could feel moving through the cork handle while I was casting. Excellent craftsmanship.
Performance at 25 feet: 19.5 points out of 20
Amazing touch in close, this rod is easy to load and you can feel the blank flex through the cork grip. This added sense of feel gives me extra confidence in making delicate presentations. I was tempted to give the G Series a perfect 20, but the Zephrus and Pure were slightly more accurate.
Performance at 40 feet: 19.4 points out of 20
Super smooth, with an excellent blend of feel and power. I can compare this rod to a glass of my favorite 12-year-old Scotch.
Performance at 60 feet: 7.9 points out of 10
Finally the slower, softer action is catching up with the G Series. Power must be applied smoothly, and carefully, otherwise expect tailing loops. I can hit the distance but my accuracy is not so good.
Logan’s Comments:
The new Scott G Series is a nice improvement for an iconic rod. For in close presentations, not much, if anything, can beat it. The internal spigot ferrules add to a classic look and give me that one-piece feel that was found in the original G rods. Scott has redesigned the ferrule system making it 20% stronger. If you are a fan of the original G or G2 I would highly recommend adding this rod to your quiver. “Nothing but a G thang baby” – this rod makes me want it like…..crazy!!!
Logan’s Casting Notes: 48 out of 50
Performance at 25 feet: 20 out of 20
At 25 feet the Scott G Series is incredible. I’m making very accurate and delicate casts. I scored the G series a perfect 20 out of 20, matching the Winston Pure.
Performance at 40 feet: 19.5 out of 20
After casting the G Series at 25 feet, I was surprised that it (and the Pure) was almost as good at our mid-distance target.
Performance at 60 feet: 8.5 out of 10
The G Series was still very good at 60 feet. Its lack of guts compared to the Helios 3F and Zephrus were expected since this is a relatively soft rod.
Francis’ Comments:
The newer G Series feels like a classic 4 weight, and was another top pick for me. The G Series with its “moderate” action requires a slightly slower casting stroke, but to me, it feels just right for a 4wt. This is another gorgeous rod with superb craftsmanship.
Performance at 25 feet: 19.5/20
This rod is sweet. The G Series is a very smooth and really fun to cast in close. Accurate, with loads of feel and touch.
Performance at 40 feet: 19.5/20
The G Series felt really nice at 40 feet. It’s on the heavier side as far as swing weight goes but in the hand, it doesn’t feel at all burdensome or clunky. The rod is very accurate and responsive at this mid distance.
Performance at 60 feet: 8.5/10
The G Series, like the Winston Pure, lacked a little bit of punch compared to the stiffer rods at long distance. When I slowed my stroke down, and got my timing right, I could hit 60 feet easily and with pretty good accuracy. I preferred the Infinity fly line to the Trout at this distance.
Chloe’s Comments:
When I first picked up the G-Series, I was a somewhat apprehensive. I expected it to handle like its counterpart, the Radian, but was pleasantly surprised when I found it to be much more responsive than the Radian. It has all the good looks, but more finesse than the Radian, which makes for a great 4-weight rod.
Performance at 25 feet: 19 out of 20
In close, this rod cast very well. It felt smooth and comfortable to cast, and I was getting very nice presentations, with superb accuracy.
Performance at 40 feet: 18 out of 20
The G-Series will not disappoint at 40 feet. It is a solid rod at this distance, and making good presentations with the smallest dries.
Performance at 60 Feet: 8.5 out of 10
Reaching out to 60 feet with a softer rod isn’t easy. But the G-Series gets the job done. While it does not have the power that the H3F or Zephrus has, it still is more than capable of making long, accurate casts.