Update for 2006 -

As predicted, for 2006, Scott has discontinued their Pwrply series of rods; known for the last several years as their "G series." This particular design was one of, if not the, longest lived rod series of the modern, graphite fly rod era - 30 years old in 2005. It is truly sad that many specialty companies (including Scott, R.L. Winston, and Thomas & Thomas) have finally succumb to the "gotta be all things to all people" mindset that has become the reigning paradigm of marketing and management theory.

As famed outdoor writer Thomas McGuane stated in his book The Longest Silence: "I have an eight-and-a-half foot Winston for a number-five line, a rod I've followed throughout its evolution of materials. This one is of IM6 graphite and in my view is the five-weight trout rod against which all others are measured, although the Scott of the same size is right in there. These are the best for the small freestone rivers of the kind that I often fish." (The Longest Silence, (2001) Vintage Books, p. 265)

The R.L. Winston IM6 is now known as their WT series (a series, like the Pwrply, which shows some of the exact, same signs of being on its way out as the Pwrply did two years ago). Although Winston claims no difference other than the name change between the IM6 and the WT series, many IM6 owners swear that the WT is a slightly 'faster' rod, model for model, than their IM6. And, this is precisely what has happened with the Scott G vs. their new G2 series of rods.

The G series has been replaced with the newer, G2. Purported marketed to the same niche, they are NOT the same rod. Yes, the cosmetics have changed. The G series was a gunmetal grey, with unsanded blank (something that Scott has marketed for many, many years as assuring superior integrity and strength - i.e., sanding risks compromise or breakage of the graphite fibers), and, in the last few years, nickel-silver reel seat hardware. Now the G2 comes in a slightly darker finish, still unsanded ("natural"), with "brownish" rather than "burgandy" wraps, and even 'measuring wraps' at 12" and 20" marks on the first section. The G2 no longer has the rod's serial number on each section as did the Pwrplys.

But, it's not just cosmetic changes that I'm talking about. The G2 is a slightly faster actioned rod than the Pwrply (G series). While it is still a "medium" action - especially when compared to other manufacturers' rods such as Sage - it is not as "soft," or "sensitive" as the original Pwrply was over its quarter-century lifespan. To be sure, the G2 is still flogged as protecting light tippets, perfect for 'delicate presentations,' etc.

But, Scott has done precisely what Winston did with the IM6 to WT (although, to be fair, Winston denies any change occurred) - they've sped up the action and now point to the attribute of the rod's ability to "generate the perfect combination of line speed and loop control;" catch terms that, reading between the lines, means that the action is now "faster." So far, I've confirmed this by talking to a fan of the old series who has fished the new G2 and personally giving the new version my own 'wiggle' test. I'd even go so far, though I can in no way state this as objective fact, that the "Pwrply graphite" may no longer be the mix in use - this suspicion stemming from not only the increased speed, but in a side-by-side 'wiggle test' of an older SVS rod (Scott's "low-end" rod that was made with 'Pwrply graphite') and the newer, V2-named version. Again, purportedly the same series with only a name change, the newer V2 was noticeably stiffer than the older SVS version in the same rod (9' 5 wt.).

Does that make the new G2 a "bad" rod compared to the Pwrply/G-series? No. It does make it a different rod, however.

Over the years, there were many incarnations of the Pwrply/G-series in terms of rod models. I personally own several that were not in the catalog at the end (including a 9' 8 wt. 4 piece (908/4), an 8' 4 wt. 4 piece (804/4), a 7 1/2' 2 wt. 2 piece (752), and an 8' 4" 6 wt. 5 piece (846/5). And, to be sure, the cosmetics have varied over the years. However, as a point of reference, here is what was listed in the 2005 Scott catalog as available, all for an MSRP of $595:

3 piece

G802/3 (8' 2 wt.)
G703/3 (7' 3 wt.)
G803/3 (8' 3 wt.)
G883/3 (8' 8" 3 wt. - perhaps one of the best 3 wts. ever)
G804/3 (8' 4 wt. - my favorite for all-around small-medium streams - as stated, I have the 4-piece version)
G884/3 (8' 8" 4 wt.)
G885/3 (8' 8" 5 wt.)

4 piece

G904/4 (9' 4 wt. - fantastic rod for streams such as the Metolius River, OR and Gallatin River, MT)
G905/5 (9' 5 wt. - great all around rod)
G906/4 (9' 6 wt.)

5 piece

G844/5 (8' 4" 4 wt.)
G845/5 (8' 4" 5 wt. - another favorite and probably the one McGuane referenced above, it has the power of a 5 wt. and the feel of a 4 wt.)

Noting that this move has upset a significant portion of long time, loyal "Scottheads," Scott has announced their "Classic/Concepts" series. As stated in their 2006 catalog: "We have customers tell us they'd give anything to get their hands on a favorite Scott rod that's no longer in production...These limited edition rods are available only for 2006. See your Scott dealer to reserve your Scott 2006 Classics."

One of these "Classic" rods is the G 706/3 (7' 6 wt. 3-piece). As they note: "Scott's founder, Harry Wilson first built this rod for Lee Wulff. It quickly became Lee's favorite rod and he used it to catch everything from trout to Atlantic salmon to permit!"

Virtually unknown is the fact that there are two Pwrply/G-series rods that are not included in Scott's latest catalogs since they are a special-run, "bass series." There are two rods in this series, the "Murray/Scott Bass Rods" - G907B (9' 7 wt.) and G908B (9' 8 wt.). Both are 2-piece rods. I have never seen either so I don't know how they compare to, say, my old Pwrply 908/4. Both list at $595. If you're interested, they are specially made for Murray's Fly Shop in Edinburg, VA and can be viewed at - http://onlinecatalog.murraysflyshop.com/

It's truly a shame to see this series of rods supplanted by the "faster is better" apostasy which has swept the ranks of rod manufacturers. While some may point to "flat" sales vs. "market share increases" or company survival in a market of changing consumer demand, these individuals simply don't grasp the point. Business cycles ebb and flow. But, well-made, "it ain't broke, so don't fix it," uniquely and appropriately designed products for specific purposes are a rare species that should be protected and preserved.

Scott has now discontinued the Pwrply/G-series. A couple of years ago, Thomas and Thomas made their Paradigm series a special order, 'allow 4-6 weeks for completion and delivery' item. Now, even R.L. Winston appears to be verging on the discontinuance of their WT.

Why do I specifically point out these three series? First, all three are graphite rods with progressive actions (progressive actions mean that the rod will load 'progressively,' or in stages, down the blank as more power is needed either for casting or fish playing). Second, with this progressive action, all three are "full-flexing," giving good 'feel,' protecting tippets, etc. And, in the end, all three are as close to a "traditional class" of trout rods as you can come in graphite. This is easily seen in their their descriptors:

Scott G series: [2002 catalog] For the last 27 years, the Scott G Series (PowR-Ply) has been a fly fishing cult item for technical trout experts. It's the mantle piece for "dry fly only" guys, hatch chasers, and people who insist on the spelling Compleat. The PowR-Ply's ability to protect the lightest tippets, and make the most technical of presentations is unparalleled. These hardcore fly fishermen who covet G series rods will surface every now and then, and refer to this series as being "velvety." That seems to work for us. They're simply "velvety."... [2004 catalog] Delicacy, Tippet Protection and Presentation These are the hallmarks of the G Series. Technical trout experts have chosen the G as their go-to rod for almost 30 years. If you need to protect the lightest tippets, make tricky mends in complex currents and fish teensy patterns that require osprey vision then take a serious look at the G Series. A timeless action with tradition to spare, G rods are a true pleasure to fish.

Thomas & Thomas Paradigm: [2006 online catalog] The action of these Paradigm rods reaches back to the poetry of flycasting. Spring creek afficianados have described them as having the ability to "paint the fly on the water." These are the rods for the discriminating flyfisher...the angler who delights in the art of presenting flies to wary trout on oft-times gossamer tippets.

A progressive taper with extreme tip sensitivity and full-flex action are the hallmarks of T&T's Paradigm Series fly rods. These rods are designed to load effortlessly while generating smooth, narrow loops in the full range of casting distances. Whether you are laying down a size 18 dry fly with a whisper or dead-drifting nymphs in deep currents, this fly rod will produce results...

R.L. Winston WT: [2003 catalog] This is the rod series that defines "Winston Action..." [2004, 2005, 2006 paper catalog and 2006 online catalog (all identical)] Most trout fishing situations involve casts of less than 60 feet, usually far shorter. And when you're working these shorter distances, the ability to make gentle, accurate presentations is the key to success. Many experienced anglers consider our WT rods to be the ultimate choice for such fishing. With progressive tapers, they work nicely at close distances yet can make longer casts when needed. Proven on trout waters worldwide, these medium-action rods are incredibly smooth, offer incomparable touch and feel, and the tips are soft enough to protect 6x and 7x tippets while playing large trout.

Do you see a similarity in the above write-ups by the respective companies? It seems that these represent a traditional class of rods that is being relegated to the dustbin of history by companies more focused on computer generated sales figures than those "technical trout experts," "Spring creek afficianados," and "experienced anglers" that made these one-time, specialty rod companies who they were.

The write-up below, written in 2004, still stands. I still recommend the Rio Classic and/or the Cortland 444 Classic (peach) for the Scott Pwrply/G series. I still feel that they are the best fishing tools for my style of fishing. You will find many on closeout and at closeout pricing. As stated below...I'd get one while you still can.

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I have used Scott PwrPly Rods for over a decade. I consider them the best fishing rods made for light tippets and sensitivity of action. I currently own a number of variations and would not want to have to get rid of any of them.

They are the best fishing tools for my style of fishing; but you do have to learn how to cast this particular action. These are not parking lot rods. They do not punch line out for just any tyro first learning to flyfish. But, with a little practice, once you do learn to cast these, you'll cast even better with other rod designs. Once you feel the fish into the cork, you'll ask why you're messing with other rods.

With that said, the moderate flex on these rods does not lend itself well to the heavier weights and, in recent years, Scott has stopped making them in anything heavier than a six. They will do light nymphing work reasonably well, but excel at the dry fly; especially when using 6X-8X tippet. I would recommend a Rio Classic line for this series, many of the newer fly line designs are too heavy for this design.

It's unfortunate that Scott seems to be phasing this series out. Over the last few years, the company has not only discontinued the heavier weight rods in this series, they have seriously cut back on the number of offerings in any given weight. Likewise, they are becoming progressively harder to find either in stock at your local specialty dealer or in mail order catalogs such as Cabela's. Scott is no longer pushing them and the local shops are more interested in the quick score with other rod designs that tyros can cast easily - not knowing that how a rod plays a fish is just as important as how it casts a line, maybe even more important. I'd get one while you still can.

Recommended: Yes