I’m trying to decide on a new 4 piece 9’ 4wt and am having trouble deciding between the Scott A4 and the Sage Response. I realize that they’re slightly different actions, the Sage being a bit faster but besides that I’m having a tough time. Can anyone sway me eaither way? I havent bought a new rod in 20 years…so the manufacturers may not be what I remember. If anyone has either rod…which reel did you choose that nicely balances the set up? I’m looking at the Lamson Guru (made in America being a big part of that decision). Thanks for the help, Mike
I’m sure you’ve heard this before but worth saying again; cast them both before deciding! If possible, side by side! Either would be a good stick. What do you fish now? If you have an older Premium rod, you probably want really be satisfied with a mid-range or budget priced rod. Cork quality on your older rods is most likely far superior to what you will find on the new rods you proposed!
aa
I fish mostly for trout these days. I have a Scott G series 2WT (8’8"). A GLoomis GLX 9’ 6 WT, and a Sage RPLX 9’ 9WT. I think I may just sell the 6 and 9 wt rods and use a 4WT with an occaisional outing with the 2WT if the wind is dead. I cant really try them, other than shake them while standing in Basspro (The Sage …no idea where to get another Scott around here). My rods are 20 plus years old, and I figure the newer mid priced rods are probably more advanced graphite than what I have now…things have really changed!
The GLX 6wt is still a great streamer rod. I have a GLX 8 wt that is still one of my favorites after building it 15 years ago and acquiring several newer high end rods since then. Won’t Bass Pros let you test cast the rods? I have not found a fly shop that would not let me test cast their rods in the parking lot or a nearby lawn.
Ted
They may let me in the parking lot…we’d have to drive to be on grass. This time of year, casting in a parking lot with a line different than what I’d fish with I’m not sure that would tell me a whole lot. I’m leaning toward the Sage but the Scott is pretty tempting.
Mike,
Both Sage and Scott make very good fly rods, both have been around a long time and both have good warranties, and to top it off they sell them for about the same price. I am a bit prejudiced towards Sage, as that is all I fish with except one bamboo rod. But, I have some friends who love their Scott fly rods.
You can’t go wrong with either rod, so go with your instincts and buy the one you want. Then go out and go fishing. Let us know which one you picked.
Larry —sagefisher—
You’re asking folks here to make a rod decision for you? Only you can do that.
Thanks Larry, have you been able to try out a Sage Response? I felt one in the store and it felt like a really nice rod. I do like Sage, but I like Scott too…both are great rods. I’m looking forward to hearing from people who have made the decision I’m facing, and hear what they have to say about their choice.
Mike,
I have not tried the Response model. Sorry.
Larry —sagefisher—
I have cast the A4 804-4 and thought it was an excellent rod. I’ve only held the response. I felt the Scott won on appearance.
I haven’t cast either rod specifically, but I have had rods from both brands. I’m not sure if it’s still this way, but it used to be that Scott’s was a slightly better warranty. It used to be that Scott was one of the few brands that still had an unconditional warranty, meaning, literally, that it didn’t matter what caused the damage to the rod. Sage and others changed their warranties a while ago to limit or exclude coverage from most non-fishing circumstances. As defensible as that may be, it still would leave one manufacturer’s warranty covering a little more than the others.
One thing I can comment on from firsthand experience is your choice of reel, and that’s a fantastic choice.
considering the rods you have, the Scoot action would be more in tune with them. the Sage would be a bit faster and stiffer than the scott.
I cast the A4 and the Response 6 wts at the Denver fly fishing show. I wouldn’t say I cast them side by side, though. As has been pointed out, the main difference is that the Response is a faster, stiffer rod. The A4 has a somewhat more moderate, relaxed casting stroke. I liked them both. The Response actually felt a bit “klunky” to me while casting–a little heavy and not as smooth. But that’s mostly compared to the Sage One that I had cast just before rather than to the A4.
I don’t see much difference. The Sage warranty says,“This warranty does not cover fire, theft, missing rod sections, intentional breakage, modification or customization of the finished rod, or damage during the assembly of a blank into a finished rod.” The Scott warranty says, “The warranty does not cover loss or theft, loss or damage caused by transportation such as airlines, UPS, FedEx, US Mail, intentional damage, or damage from neglect.” Both seem to cover slamming it in the car door, stepping on it, falling on it, and all the various other mayhem that we might typically inflict.
Hmmmm, at this point I might be leaning toward the Scott now. Decisions, decisions!
Don’t let me turn you off on the Response. It struck me as a really nice rod at that price point. It’s just the difference between the fast and more moderate action. And I was casting 6 wts rather than 4s, so the difference may be more pronounced.
No that’s alright…I was torn between but leaning toward the Sage because it’s easier to obtain for me. I do have a Sage, and a Scott and like them both for their different qualities. We really need some decent fly shops up here so I can see both side by side, and even cast them. I may have to take a ride to another state to do so. There’s a sporting show here end of March but not sure if they will have those rods there…and I’d like to be fishing with it well before then. Di you find the Scott to be semi fast? My 2 wt G series is very slow, I believe the A4 is a faster action.
I haven’t cast the G, but yes, I would say the A4 is medium-fast.
I have fished a Scott G series and definitely classify it as a true medium action rod. I was on a trip out west and the guide let me use his G 4wt for fishing tricos; great rod for that. I own a Scott ASA, the original in the A series. I have also fished the A3, and will say the A series are med/fast rods and are great all around rods. I use mine for fishing tricos, midges, nymphs or streamers. its a workhorse. I have a Scott S4 which has an action close to the Sage 1, which is a fast action. Now this rod is more specialized, bombing out big casts, heavy nymphing and big streamer fishing.
Figure out what you want to use the rod for and what the main objective Is and buy the rod that best fits that use.