SCOTT G2

[S.Trutta]

Just wanted to know what everyone thinks of these newly designed rods. I had my eye on the older "G" series rods, wanting the 8ft 4wt and have been saving to try and buy them. I see nowthey have replaced them with the G2 and wanted to know what people thought. The thing that has me worried is the "un-finished" blanks. Is this the same type thing that the orvis clearwater rods had where the wraps on the outside were sticking out and not sanded down? I hated that on those rods, thought it made them look really cheap, and really dont know if i can justify spending $595 for a rod with that kind of a finish. I also see they dont have an 8ft 4wt, but i might be able to get away with the 8'4 4wt. The other rod i may opt for instead is the Winston WT 8ft 4wt Tom Morgan Favorite which i have fished before and is beautiful. Any advice and comments on the new rods would be greatly appreciated.

Rich

[James Buice]

I'm a Winston fan, but the G2 is quickly becoming my new favorite trout rod. It's soft like the Winston rods but has the backbone to throw bigger junk and cast a bit farther if needed.

As for the unfinished blanks, the blanks are not sanded, so the graphite wraps are pronounced, but it looks 200% better than the Orivs Clearwater. The Scott blanks are not sanded, but they are coated, which means the blanks maintain a nice finish with some really cool looking wraps. There are 12" and 20" wraps on the rod so those 'how long was he' questions can be answered with some amount of relative truth. I'd not worry about the unsanded blank; check them out in person, they're really cool looking.

The 8'4" is a sweet rod. I've cast the TMF (this is purely opinion on my part) and it's a very, very soft rod. The G2, while having a very soft tip, can handle small stream work and medium sized rivers like the Chattooga very well.

Best thing I can tell you to do is cast both rods and make your decision.

James

[S.Trutta]

I agree , Im gonna have to see these new G2's in person and cast them before I'll be able to decide. My dad has that wintson tmf and ive fished it alot and love it. That is as soft as I would want to go because im sure ill spend half my time fishing nymphs with that rod. The scott has a little more backbone?....that might be a good thing. One question that I was unclear on....Is there a coating over the wraps, or do you feel them raised up when you run your fingers over them? Thats really cool about the 12 and 20 inch wraps!!!

Rich

[spinboy]

Somebody buy this poor school teacher one, and I'll be glad to give you a full synopsis.


Seriously.... 7'6" 3-4 wt

[S.Trutta]

Haha, wish I had the money to do that. This is my first semester graduated from college so needless to say I am having to save big time to afford a rod this pricey. Fly Fishing is really my only hobby, and i do it as much as i can year round, so I believe in purchasing the best equipment I can possibly afford. Its still gonna be a little while for the rod....that $300+ I just dropped on my new Orvis Tailwater Xt's waders broke the bank!!

Rich

[spinboy]

A bit of irony methinks....You are Rich but not rich.

[habersham mongol]

Build your own it is much cheaper, and you can make a better rod!

[S.Trutta]

If I had the time to do it I would. I have jumped head first into an extremely busy career in pharma sales, and on the weekends Id rather be on the river than in my basement. Maybe when things slow down and I get a chance ill build some rods, another bamboo or two would be nice!!!


Rich

[Jackster]

I cast the 5 weight at a local shop. Both the shop owner and I agreed... what's the point?
The rod seemed rather un-remarkable in action and the looks were alright but I wouldn't swap any rods I own for a G2.
That said, I REALLY wanted the G2 to knock my socks off! I love Scott rods... the little 6'10" 3 weight 'G' I use will go to the grave with me!

As to why Scott decided to mess with the success of the 'G'? They probably know that those who like them already own them. This gives them something new to hawk.

[GonetoSeed]

The rod seemed rather un-remarkable in action

I too dropped by the local shop to see what the G2 is all about. As an example of rod choice being so personal, I found this "un-remarkable action" a plus. imo, its nice to see companies like Scott and Lamiglass (Appalachian Traveler Series) building rods that combine the neat things about the new high-modulus fibers and better resins for lighter blank weight, faster dampening/recovery speed (crispness) with a moderate to moderate/fast action (taper). For me this is the best of both worlds for the size of streams and the fly rigs (eg, drys with droppers) often fished around here. As the new "fast" materials came on the scene and manufacturing techniques improved, the manufacturers used them the get their inherenet properties into "fast" action rods. This made it possible to build (and market) light weight, powerful rods that are casting rockets. I understand their marketing motivations, but it's nice now to have some more taper options that focus on ease of loading, up-close accuracy, etc as a way to match up with more angler casting styles.

Hopefully Scott will add the G2 to their blank program. This would allow builders to fix one part of the looks issue. I was not overly impressed with standard grips & wraps. As far as the spiral look, imo, this "natural finish" is just a gimmick to cover up the fact that it costs less to manufacturer if you don't sand. No performance pick up at all. imo, it's all about taper.

btw, the G2 probably doesn't represent much of an upgrade (if at all for some anglers) from the G series. But for anyone who still fishes an old Orvis Superfine Far & Fine or Brookie, the G2 may just be what they are looking for. imo.

[S.Trutta]

After all this feedback I'm really starting to drift towards the classic Winston WT. I will definetely need to take a look at them in person and throw some line with them, but it seems like in general they are getting a slightly negative feedback...not something you want to hear when your about to drop $595 on a rod. As I said, i have fished the Winston WT 8ft 4wt TMF extensively and love that rod. I think it is the most classy looking graphite rod on the market, with an "older school" action that actually lets you feel the rod. I have definetely been getting on the bandwagon of the faster sticks lately, one of the main reasons why i picked up the new TFO TiCrX a few months back. I am a somewhat of an advanced caster who really benefits from a rod that can create some insane line speed and tighter loops, but unless its an extreme circumstance like fish the Hex hatch in michigan or sulphurs on the beaverkill it really isnt necessary. Like most of us in georgia, i spend most of my time throwing either a double nymph rig or dry and dropper on small to medium streams where i dont need to throw 90 feet of line. The softer Winston might be the way to go.....ill let you guys know when i cast some at the flyshop.

Rich

[Jackster]

After all this feedback I'm really starting to drift towards the classic Winston WT.
Rich

While at the shop, cast, don't just wiggle, the Winston BIIx! Start out short and work your way out to casting a good distance with it. You might be suprised.
This coming from a long-time IM-6 TMF owner, user and lover!

[DAWGFISH]

Howdy everyone!

I figured I would offer my dos pesos on a rod series that is my personal favorite, but doesn't seem to get the hype that a lot of the other rods do regarding the new generation fast action/easy casting stroke rods. If have never had a chance to cast the Thomas & Thomas Helix series, please do so! They are awesome rods. I own lots of rods ( I have the sickness bad), including Winston WTs, LTs, LTXs, Boron IIE, Scott Gs, Fs, eclipses, etc, and about every other brand of rod you can name, and IMHO, the Helix rivals any of them. They generate great line speed, but have a very relaxed casting stroke more reminescant of medium action rods. Tippet protection is awesome, but at the same time they have strong butt sections. They are great casting and fish fighting rods. They are one of the best rods I've found when it comes to having both finesse and power. In my opinion, they are better than the IIE in this regard. If you are familiear with T & T rod actions the Helix is the perfect blend of the Paradigms finesse, smoothness, accuracy, and tippet protection with the Vector's power and line shooting ability. These are probably the best all around rods I have ever used for trout fishing. I'm not knocking the others, I'm just saying folks need to try these rods out, becasue they are on par or better than any rod out there and they do not get the hype of the other rods. Fit and finish is awesome also. These are simply awesome rods. Try 'em out!

[James Buice]

Just so you fellas know, we're going to have the new G2s at the Atlanta Fly Fishing Show for test drives.

[chuckwagon]

I own a few T&T rods and have had nothing but crap service from the company. I know the rods are great. I really do feel they are superior to alot of others. But If i need a tip or section fixed and it takes 6 months with no call backs I am at outs with ya. It happened twice within a 2 yr period and I swore then I would do all I could to tell averyone how sorry the service was. Its personell was extremely rude as well.

All I am saying is to think about the company as a whole before buying the rods. If you pay big bucks for an instrument as these you will need customer service before its over. When you need it you should get it, not an attitude. Good ridence T$T!!

Trey
CW

[James Buice]

Trey,
Contact T&T and speak with Trevor. Tell him about your experience and explain your problem(s).

Do you know who you spoke with at T&T? As a dealer, this is quite upsetting to hear of your troubles with the company and I'd like to help if I can.

James

[chuckwagon]

James, I will check my records and see if I have the name. I thought I kept them because if the problem. It has been 2 yrs so It may be long gone.

Hence my rod choice has been Scott and they are a blast to cast!!

I'll come see ya sometime.

Trey

[DAWGFISH]

CW,

I'm sorry to here about that. I have to say that I have not had the same experience. Far from it. I have only had to repair one T&T rod, but they were helpful, courteous, and I had the rod back in three weeks, which is well within par with the Sage, Scott, and St. Croix service departments I have also dealt with. Also I have had questions before about certain rods and actions, and Tom Dorsey (one of the owners) himself e-mailed me back. T&T also sends me free hats, magnetic rod holders, stickers, etc. I continue to get these things even though I haven't bought a T&T rod within the past year. I have found them to be a first rate company to deal with in everyway. James is right, contact T&T and let them know about your experience. Let me know how this turns out if you don't mind.

Steve