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

I was always kind of cheap on fly rods. But I researched them to see if I would like them. My first good graphite was a GL3. I paid $210.00 for it over 30 years ago. I still have my GL3, but it's not the original one it's been replaced several times. I haven't broken it in over 20 years now. Probably because I haven't used it since then. Since my first rod I haven't 200 bucks or more for any rod I own. They aren't any of the top five. But they all catch fish and cast the line and flies fine.

I'm gonna just shut up now.
 
When I was younger having a rod that fit my casting style was important, but I've noticed as I've gotten older a few false casts and I can adjust to about any brand/model of rod adequately. I've been a counselor for the BSA Fly Fishing merit badge and kids bring all types and brands of rods and it has given me an idea of what's out there!

What I really appreciate in a 5 weight is light weight. I know for some weight doesn't matter but I like a light rod for all day fishing.
 
DimeBrite said:
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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don't know about fly lines - any recos?

Dime - I know you've got a pretty high horse yourself ... ever use either of these Scotts?
 
longputt said:
.. a few false casts and I can adjust to about any brand/model of rod adequately.
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that's what I've been doing for the last 25 years ... I adjusted to my Sage SP just fine (why do you think they call me Fast Action? it's not the rod action ... ) ... until I tried that Sage X ... and realized my SP casts like crap.

I do think I'm looking for med-fast action (presentation, short-med range finesse etc.) maybe the GS is the way to go over the Centric? Any know the action on the new Sage R8?
 
Just going to throw this out there - Scott still offers an unconditional warranty, Sage's warranty (and the post-facto changes they made to it) are well-documented on the thread that @Stonedfish started. I can't speak for the 5 wt, but I've enjoyed using my Scott G-series 8' 3 wt. since the early 2000's. My trout fishing is mostly on small streams here in NJ, where casting is more about placement than distance, and I don't have much to compare against, so take it with a grain of salt, but if the warranty is a consideration, I would recommend going with Scott.
 
Fast Action Freddie said:
don't know about fly lines - any recos?

Dime - I know you've got a pretty high horse yourself ... ever use either of these Scotts?
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I'm flattered. I see you in a Scott G or Radian, perhaps an old school NRX LP.
Your fly line is a Scientific Anglers Mastery MPX.
 
Fast Action Freddie said:
that's what I've been doing for the last 25 years ... I adjusted to my Sage SP just fine (why do you think they call me Fast Action? it's not the rod action ... ) ... until I tried that Sage X ... and realized my SP casts like crap.

I do think I'm looking for med-fast action (presentation, short-med range finesse etc.) maybe the GS is the way to go over the Centric? Any know the action on the new Sage R8?
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I've used a Sage XP for 20+ years and a few years back I bought Sage X for gifts for a few people and I thought the X was excellent. Other than some friends Orvis, Winstons and Echos with indicators I haven't cast many of the top end rods lately so I can't really help there, and indicators with nymphs can be misleading.
 
DimeBrite said:
I'm flattered. I see you in a Scott G or Radian, perhaps an old school NRX LP.
Your fly line is a Scientific Anglers Mastery MPX.
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Perfect. This is why I always say whenever you need help off your high horse you reach out to someone else who's on a high horse.

Scott G or Radian it is. I am currently (the lead high horse) in the Ebay auction for the Radian. I'm bringing this up here so that it is known here that if anyone else tries to get that Radian - I will destroy anyone (and my own life savings) before I let anyone else have that Radian.

In the meantime still interested to hear any Scott G vs. Centric (vs. R8) opinions out there (incl. what is known on the action of the R8) ... just in case that Radian doesn't come thru. So bonus points still available. And I would be buying local brick and mortar.
 
Fast Action Freddie said:
Perfect. This is why I always say whenever you need help off your high horse you reach out to someone else who's on a high horse.

Scott G or Radian it is. I am currently (the lead high horse) in the Ebay auction for the Radian. I'm bringing this up here so that it is known here that if anyone else tries to get that Radian - I will destroy anyone (and my own life savings) before I let anyone else have that Radian.

In the meantime still interested to hear any Scott G vs. Centric (vs. R8) opinions out there (incl. what is known on the action of the R8) ... just in case that Radian doesn't come thru. So bonus points still available. And I would be buying local brick and mortar.
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I love the Scott G series, at least the old originals, have never casted a newer or Centric, so not sure - but I trust Scott.

cheers
 
longputt said:
I've used a Sage XP for 20+ years and a few years back I bought Sage X for gifts for a few people and I thought the X was excellent. Other than some friends Orvis, Winstons and Echos with indicators I haven't cast many of the top end rods lately so I can't really help there, and indicators with nymphs can be misleading.
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How does one become your few people?

… I might be able to buy a discounted X but I would only be able to gift a section of the rod to my few people and the cloth bag to another and the tube to another. That would cover my few people.
 
Canuck from Kansas said:
I love the Scott G series, at least the old originals, have never casted a newer or Centric, so not sure - but I trust Scott.

cheers
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Scott G2 might be one of my favorite rods I ever owned. Had that like 15yrs ago and I still think about it and compare it to other trout rods I grab now.
 
It's always interesting to hear what characteristic people like in their favorite rod: long casts, fast line speed, soft loops, short casts, accuracy...one characteristic I find important is that with a little twitch I can put S's, or other types of slack, into my line to increase the length of drifts. I find it pretty rare when I dry fly fish that I throw a tight straight line it seems like there is always a little funny current that causes drag that has to be dealt with.
 
Old Man said:
I was always kind of cheap on fly rods. But I researched them to see if I would like them. My first good graphite was a GL3. I paid $210.00 for it over 30 years ago. I still have my GL3, but it's not the original one it's been replaced several times. I haven't broken it in over 20 years now. Probably because I haven't used it since then. Since my first rod I haven't 200 bucks or more for any rod I own. They aren't any of the top five. But they all catch fish and cast the line and flies fine.

I'm gonna just shut up now.
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I had a little different approach I bought expensive rods but in 50 years of trout fishing I've had 3 rods; a Fenwick glass (that I still have), a first generation Sage (that I still have) and a Sage XP. I know people who buy rods almost annually.

I have a few more for saltwater and steelhead but for trout just 3, I have no plans to retire my XP so it might be my last!
 
My new 5 wt Sage X casts ok (though really not much different than my TFO's), and I was even less impressed with the Sage last Monday when the reel fell off because the butt clamp detached...only a small glob of adhesive was holding it on.
 
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5 weight is always been a perplexing choice for me. I currently use a 490-4 Sage DS2 and a Sage 691-4XP for a lot of my trout fishing. I also have a 389-4 LL for certain waters and calm days on the Yakima, and a few others. These have been my rods for more than a decade and closer to two decades matter of fact.
The 5 weights I have used but never owned that stood out to me was the Sage SLT and Z axis, GLX and GL3 (very underrated rod MHO), Winston Biix, Radian, there have been a couple others but escape my memory at this moment. But I also have a couple I don’t care for. Sage X, Asquith (although the 7 weight is butter in this series). One of the worse rods (for me and of course MO) was the Sage VT2. Thing was a club. I never tried it but I know a couple who own and love the Sage Accel in 5wt. I would like to try that rod too. To many choices. Some say you can’t go wrong but with so many good choices what if you do go wrong? 😱
 
That Scott Radian 590 is a badass fly rod, you’ll enjoy it for sure.

As far as reels, look at an Abel TR 5/6 if you like click and pawl reels. I bought a 4/5 black one last year and it’s my favorite trout reel I’ve ever owned. Just perfect. Beautiful, sweet sounding, quality reel. If you like a drag reel you have a lot of nice performing options across all the brands and IMO it comes down to what you like to look at. A trout just isn’t a bonefish. Buy what you like, they are all nice.
 
mcswny said:
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.
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I have the centric 6 as well and just love it.
 
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