Scott fly rods are well known for their superior craftsmanship, high standard, and great performance. The Scott Radian was a hugely popular rod, so we couldn’t wait to find out how the Scott Flex compares.
This rod has flown under the radar and not generated much hype, but that doesn’t mean that it’s not a sturdy fly rod that will serve you well. So we thought we’d explore exactly what the Scott Flex has to offer!
Designed to be ‘fast with feel,’ the Scott Flex is a mid-priced, medium-fast fly rod. But does it deserve a place among your fishing gear? Read on to discover the answer in our detailed Scott Flex fly rod review, copyright 2019!
Scott Flex Specs:
| Line Weight: 3 – 8 | Length: 7 – 10ft |
| Action: Medium Fast | Handle: Half-Wells / Full Wells |
| Rod Weight: – | Rod Tube: Condura Rod Tube |
| Color: High Gloss Grey | Sections: 4 |
| Warranty: Lifetime Warranty ($35 Handling Fee) | Country Of Manufacture: USA |
Overall Score
Key Features
- SiC Stripping Guides
- X-Core Blank
- Cordura Rod Tube
- Custom Machined Aluminum Bracket and Carbon Fiber Insert
- Scott Lifetime Warranty
Introducing the Scott Flex Fly Rod
The Scott Flex series rods was introduced in 2017 to fill that gap between affordable, beginner fly rods and the high-end, expensive rods that only enthusiastic anglers with plenty of spare cash can afford.
Costing around $475, it is a mid-priced fly rod that could be your main rod. It comes in 16 different models, ranging from light 3 weights right up to 8 weight rods capable of catching big fish.
The Flex series is a medium-action rod that has been designed to have plenty of power without losing out on the sensitivity. With the Scott Flex, you can achieve those tight loops every angler dreams of, so you can get your fly exactly where you want it.
Let’s dig in deeper into the features and benefits of the Scott Flex fly fishing rods!
Scott Flex Fly Rod: Benefits and Features
If the Scott Flex has piqued your interest, here’s what you need to know to decide if it’s the right fly rod for you!
Weight
The Scott Flex is a pretty lightweight fly rod with a reasonable swing weight. The lightest rod weighs just 2.4 oz, with the 10 foot 8 weight rod coming in at 3.9 oz. It feels light in hand so you can fish all day without any discomfort.
However, it definitely isn’t the lightest rod on the market. If this is a priority for you, we would recommend heading to your nearest fly fishing shop, so you can pick up the Scott Flex, test it out, and see how it feels for yourself.
Build Quality
Scott fly rods are well known for being made to a high standard, making them some of the best quality rods around. All their products are manufactured in Montrose, Colorado, so you know it’s a reliable, US-made product.
The Scott Flex is no different when it comes to the construction and finish. Whereas some fly fishing brands tend to cut corners on their cheaper and mid-range rods, this can’t be said for this model. The finish on every detail is perfect, from the tight, neat wraps to the nice reel seat. Scott isn’t afraid to spend money on their affordable rods, so you’ll get a durable, long-lasting rod. Other rod manufacturers should take note from Scott – this is how you make a mid-range rod, without skimping on the components.
The Scott Flex is a graphite gray rod with a double uplocking anodized aluminum reel seat. The wraps are a darker gray that complements the lighter shade nicely, making this rod look cool and modern out on the water. Like many Scott products, tt has that unsanded finish which looks unique and increases the durability.
The half wells handle is an unusual shape and won’t suit all anglers, especially if you have smaller hands. Some users have reported that this isn’t the most comfortable handle, but that will depend on personal preference. The only minor complaint we would have is that the guides aren’t made from titanium like on the Scott Radian. Otherwise, there’s not a single thing we could fault when it comes to the build quality of the Flex fly rods.
Action
The Scott Flex is a medium action rod, although some anglers have commented that it feels slow compared to some other, snappier rods. This fly rod combines plenty of feel thanks to a soft tip with the power in the butt section to get your fly out further. This clever combination allows the Scott Flex to handle bigger flies and longer distances than the A4 could handle.
The Flex doesn’t have the brute force of the Radian, so it’s not one for super long distances. However, it will get your fly out to around 60 feet, if necessary. The action is softer than the Radian, with higher sensitivity. Which of these two fly rods you’ll prefer depends on what you’re looking for – power and strength for long-distance casting, or improved performance in the mid-range.
The Flex does best in that mid-range, around 30-45 feet, where you get impressive accuracy, a faster line speed, and all the sensitivity you need to feel the line loading.
Versatility
The Scott Flex is a reasonably versatile rod. Admittedly, it’s not the best rod for very close distance, as you lose some precision. The Flex’s performance will wow you at 45 feet, where you can easily achieve tight loops and land your fly exactly where you were aiming. At close or long range, you don’t get the same incredible accuracy, but it still performs fairly.
The Flex packs more power than the earlier A4, so it can handle those big flies and split shot weighted rigs. But if we had our pick of models to take out on a windy, stormy day, it probably wouldn’t be the Scott Flex. You need a sturdier rod to stand up to those strong winds, and the Scott Flex doesn’t quite stand up to the test.
Both beginners and experienced fly anglers will enjoy fishing with this rod. It’s a joy to cast – you don’t need to be a master at casting to get a good result with this rod. But it’s precise and powerful enough for pro anglers to take out and have a lot of fun with it, too.
Warranty
Scott offers a very generous, unlimited lifetime warranty on their graphite and fiberglass fly rods. However, this warranty does only cover the original owner, so if you buy yours secondhand, you won’t be covered, unfortunately.
If you’re looking at buying a Scott rod and want full protection for your rod, make sure you buy from an authorized Scott dealer. It’s also essential that you register your rod within 30 days from buying for your warranty to be valid and cover you for life.
If you’re interested in Scott’s line up of rods, find more options here on our reviews of all Scott fly rods.
Scott Flex Review (From Locals)
Now you’ve heard what we’ve got to say about the Scott Flex fly rod in our in-depth review. But every angler has a different perspective and experience, so we did a search to find out what other fly fishers thought of this model. Here’s what we found:
Melvynsegal is a fan of the Flex: “I fish the 906 Flex, which I fish for smallmouth, pike, and trout out West. Best all-round fly rod I own. Lovely medium-fast action, so smooth and accurate. As has been stated, it’s a great streamer rod, and handles sinking lines up to 300 grains. It will also fish with finesse up close.”
Coolhand was also impressed by this rod: “The 906 Flex is a great, mid-priced, USA made fly rod, along with the Sage Pulse, it represents one of the best values in the business.”
Scott Flex Fly Rod Pros & Cons
Don’t have time to read the entire review? We’ve summed up the whole article in a few short pros and cons you need to know about the Scott Flex
Pros
- Impressive accuracy at 45 feet
- Superb build quality
- Excellent rod for trout fly fishing
- Simple to cast
- Reasonable price
Cons
- Slower line speed
- Not suited to long-distance casting
- Less accurate for short-range casts
FAQ
Is Scott Flex worth the money?
That depends on how much you value the features that the Scott Flex offers. It is a high-end mountain bike with features such as a full-suspension frame, hydraulic disc brakes, and 27-speed Shimano drivetrain. If those features are important to you and you are willing to pay for them, then the Scott Flex could be worth the money.
Where is Scott Flex made?
The Scott Flex is made in Taiwan.
Is Scott Flex good for beginners?
Although the Scott Flex is a high-end mountain bike, it could still be a good option for beginners. It offers features such as a full-suspension frame, hydraulic disc brakes, and 27-speed Shimano drivetrain, which can provide added confidence and control for inexperienced riders. It is important to note, however, that the Scott Flex is still a more advanced bike and may not be the best choice for a true beginner.
Final Words
So there you have it! The Scott Flex is a reasonable contender in the mid-price range with an impressive performance at 45 feet. As this is the distance that the majority of anglers fish, it makes a reliable, accurate fly rod for most anglers.
The medium-fast action allows for both remarkable precision, plenty of power, and all the feel you need, but the performance at long-distance is a bit disappointing. You might struggle to get your fly out far enough if you’re fly fishing on big water or in very windy conditions.
However, if you’re looking for a durable fly rod that will last you years and serve you well for trout fishing, the Scott Flex ticks most of the boxes! With the generous lifetime warranty, you know you’ll be covered for any faults, and the impeccable Scott craftsmanship makes this an attractive and sturdy rod, worthy of hundreds of fishing trips.
So what are you waiting for? Get yourself to your nearest fly shop or check it out on Amazon for the latest deals and put it in your cart! Don’t miss our other fly fishing gear and product reviews, plus loads of helpful guides and tutorials at Fly Fisher Pro!
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