Scott Fly Rod Company has introduced “Flex” and this may well be one of the biggest movers in terms of dealer uptake and orders made. Scott president Jim Bartschi says the company is pre-selling them as fast as the factory can make them. I test-fished a Flex during the week before I came to Orlando, and it’s easy to see why. It has fast, but not overly aggressive, action. Very clean, very honest, with great blank recovery that improves cast accuracy.
It’s a mid-pricepoint rod, retailing for $475 , from 3- to 8-weights (four pieces). That may well be the sweet spot in the market right now (as Orvis can attest, having rocked the Recon). It’s easy for us media types to recommend this rod, at this price, without blushing. And usually, a rod like this seems stripped down with lesser components, but I have to say that Flex doesn’t look at all like anyone skimped.
They call it a “working man’s” rod, and I can see that… and hundreds of guides throughout the country using these as client loaners. But I’m going to keep fishing the one I have, and probably pick up a couple more. Remember what Scott did with “Tidal” a couple years ago? I expect this to do bigger and better things.
It looks, feels, and casts like a Scott, and that’s good enough for 99.99 percent of the angler consumers out there.
