The best ALL-AROUND freshwater 5wt? Scott or Sage?

Fast Action Freddie

Fast Action Freddie

Smolt
I've been using the same two Sage 5wts since the 1990s. Since one of them broke and since trying a friend's Sage X (which was far superior for casting/presentation), I am in serious need for a serious upgrade for a rod that can do all freshwater things reasonably well - streams, rivers, lakes, small dries up to medium+ streamers & nymphing, from delicate presentation to punching through the wind. I am partial to dry flies and do value a rod that casts accurate with good line control, good fly placement & presentation. I was surprised at how much more effortless this was with the X (vs. my old RPL and SP).

For this all-around focus with good dry fly presentation (and is still functional in the wind and at distance) - would you recommend picking up a discounted X or:

new Sage R8 CORE 590-4?
Scott G-Series GS 905/4 ?
Scott Centric C905/4 ?

Since it's an all-around rod that will be most of what I use for the next couple-few decades, I'm ok with the cost of any of these (i.e. I wouldn't get the X just because it's discounted or other rod only because it's cheaper - only if it's better). Two bonus points if you recommend a reel to pair with your rod recommendation.

Which it the better all-around multi-purpose between the Scotts? I assume the single-handed Radian is no more? which is most similar to that?

Thanks! FAF
 
Fast Action Freddie said:
I've been using the same two Sage 5wts since the 1990s. Since one of them broke and since trying a friend's Sage X (which was far superior for casting/presentation), I am in serious need for a serious upgrade for a rod that can do all freshwater things reasonably well - streams, rivers, lakes, small dries up to medium+ streamers & nymphing, from delicate presentation to punching through the wind. I am partial to dry flies and do value a rod that casts accurate with good line control, good fly placement & presentation. I was surprised at how much more effortless this was with the X (vs. my old RPL and SP).

For this all-around focus with good dry fly presentation (and is still functional in the wind and at distance) - would you recommend picking up a discounted X or:

new Sage R8 CORE 590-4?
Scott G-Series GS 905/4 ?
Scott Centric C905/4 ?

Since it's an all-around rod that will be most of what I use for the next couple-few decades, I'm ok with the cost of any of these (i.e. I wouldn't get the X just because it's discounted or other rod only because it's cheaper - only if it's better). Two bonus points if you recommend a reel to pair with your rod recommendation.

Which it the better all-around multi-purpose between the Scotts? I assume the single-handed Radian is no more? which is most similar to that?

Thanks! FAF
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The only one I can actually speak to is the Centric, but not in a 5wt. I have the 6wt and it is FANTASTIC.
It can do everything I need with a 6wt. Accurately cast dries while still throwing pretty big streamers on a heavy line. I love it and can only imagine the 5wt is just as good. I do have a Radian 5wt and that thing is amazing as well, hence my guess that the Centric 5wt is phenomenal.

You're obviously going to get all the comments about casting first, why buy a $$$ rod when you could buy a Classic Trout. But you do you!

Can't speak to the Sages.
 
I can't speak to the Centric 590 specifically, but I do own a Centric 5100, and I love it. The are still some discontinued Radians floating around, and if you find one, grab it. The Centric doesn't seem like much of a departure from my Radians. The bulk of my rods are Burkheimers, and the Scotts mix into my quiver nicely.
For a reel, I would check out the 150th anniversary Hardy Lightweights, specifically the Princess. I have my 40+ year old Princess on my 5100. My first Hardy that I purchased new.
 
I was going to answer this thread, but it was to rich for me. All he wants to hear about is a Sage or a Scott on how well they cast, because he's either a lousey caster of just has the bucks to burn on an expensive rod. A good caster can take just about any rod and make it work for him/her self.
 
Great post, surfnfish. There are certainly lots of good/very good rods out there.
 
Old Man said:
I was going to answer this thread, but it was to rich for me. All he wants to hear about is a Sage or a Scott on how well they cast, because he's either a lousey caster of just has the bucks to burn on an expensive rod. A good caster can take just about any rod and make it work for him/her self.
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Or maybe all of the above. Since when did you become grumpy?

Even if I purchase one of these $$ rods, I'll bet 98% of those on here who have been fishing for 30+ years have spent more than me on rods - especially given I built my first 5wt from a 2nds-imperfect blank and my second was a used demo rod (sold under the table not by the manufacturer). I sat on my butt through the whole pandemic and didn't spend money - I deserve this!

I'll take any recos.
 
O' Clarkii Stomias said:
I can't speak to the Centric 590 specifically, but I do own a Centric 5100, and I love it. The are still some discontinued Radians floating around, and if you find one, grab it. The Centric doesn't seem like much of a departure from my Radians. The bulk of my rods are Burkheimers, and the Scotts mix into my quiver nicely.
For a reel, I would check out the 150th anniversary Hardy Lightweights, specifically the Princess. I have my 40+ year old Princess on my 5100. My first Hardy that I purchased new.
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thank you! -- you get the 2 bonus points. any one feel free to PM me if you find a discontinued Radian for sale. (I'm anti-hotspotting)
 
SurfnFish said:
www.yellowstoneangler.com

2020 5 Weight Shootout

2020 Five Weight Shootout by the Yellowstone Angler. Two categories: Power and Presentation. Find the best five weight rods here.
www.yellowstoneangler.com
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too bad no Centric - wonder how it would stack up against the others for presentation.

why are these guys so high on G. Loomis NRX+ and Douglas Sky? any comparisons people here can make between these and the Scotts.
 
nothing beats going into a shop and wagging some rods...pre internet days, used to buy from The Fly Shop in Redding, swing by during road trips, they would encourage casting rods on the lawn next to the shop, could tell right away which rods worked best for personal style...Jeff at The Flyfisher Place in Sisters offers the same on the side street where he is located.
As to flyrods...spend a $1000, spend $200...get the right fly where it belongs and their is zero difference in fish catching...
 
@Fast Action Freddie my response is ultimately trivial - go to a shop and cast em
And see what you think. The rods you mentioned are great rods but not sure which you may like better as that’s a personal choice.

I cast the R8’s a few weeks back and despite not being a fan of any of the recent sages, that rod was impressive and very nice to cast.

But you haven’t mentioned Nrx’s or the H3s (if you want to stay high end). The echo trout is a really good rod too

The good thing is you’re considering the whole price range of fly rods so you can have fun finding something that works for you. Enjoy!
 
I've bought most of my rods from the classified on the previous name-that-shall-not-be-spoken WA flyfishing website.... check around for used ....
 
:LOL: :LOL: , I love these types of threads...Like Evan, I always take those "shootouts" with a grain of salt. That said, I do like how in the above shootout, they really did try to eliminate as many variables as possible. That (that) said, sometimes rods take a specific line to really come alive. Also, it should be noted that if you ARE going to go into a fly shop, don't just "waggle" the rod as that isn't going to tell you shit about how it actually casts (it may tell you about its recovery speed, if you 'waggle' it right, but that's about it) Get out and actually cast it if you can. The type of customer that we would always laugh at (during my time actually working in a fly shop--not in front of them) were the ones who would come in, acting like they knew what they were after (maybe they did actually know), then proceed to waggle the fly rod back and forth while exclaiming, "I really like the action on this one".....instant loss of credibility (there are several other actions that elicit the same response that I really don't have the time to get into). Sorry, but someone had to say it. Personally, I've never touched the rods you're specifically asking about, but I cast the entire H3 lineup and they are truly amazing rods. I've also cast and fished a buddy's Sage X which was equally amazing. But man, his Mod was the cats meow for trout fishing (if I didn't like my Steffen glass so much, I'd have one of those for trout). Ultimately, it's going to boil down to what your own personal preferences are (I should hope so anyway). Well, there's my grain of salt...good luck!
 
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Ford
Chevy

Just not Dodge....

😆
 
Haven't seen a Sage R8 yet, but last summer I was looking for a 6 wt. I cast the Scott Centric and G-Series. The Centric is decidedly a fast action rod; the G-Series more of a medium-fast. I chose the G-Series because I don't care for rods that are stiff as a fireplace poker. I didn't try the 5 wts. You should definitely try out the rods you're considering before laying down money that is well beyond pocket change.
 
Fast Action Freddie said:
Or maybe all of the above. Since when did you become grumpy?

Even if I purchase one of these $$ rods, I'll bet 98% of those on here who have been fishing for 30+ years have spent more than me on rods - especially given I built my first 5wt from a 2nds-imperfect blank and my second was a used demo rod (sold under the table not by the manufacturer). I sat on my butt through the whole pandemic and didn't spend money - I deserve this!

I'll take any recos.
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I'm not grumpy. I went fishing with a buddy of mine and I ended up using one of his Sage rods at that time. This was over 25 years ago. It was one of the top of the line at the time. I was used to my GLoomis GL 3. Same weight rod a 5wt. I just didn't like how it casted. And swore off Sage rods for good. I found out the Sage rods don't cast all by their lonesome. You need somebody close to help guide the rod to cast where you want it to go.

I just felt that you need help off your high horse.
 
What 5 weight fly lines will you be casting with your new rod? Bring them with you to your test casting sessions.

PS - Ebay has a Scott Radian 5wt 9'0" up for auction now.
 
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