SCOTT MULTI-MODULUS
Gordon Lowe test drives a premium saltwater fly rod.
It sometimes seems the majority of rod designers are blinkered to all but the goal of producing the fastest, most powerful casting tools available. One of the associated problems with making a rod ‘faster’ is that it also makes it stiffer. Hence, many of the new mass-produced, ‘fast’ rods on the market have the performance and personality of a lightweight broomstick.
The popular practice of ‘over-lining’ is one way to soften down the action of these rods, but it defeats the whole purpose they were built for—fast, tight loops. Another solution is to use different modulus graphite in the separate blank sections. By using a high modulus in the tip section you get faster recovery, which, in turn helps create those tight loops. Lower modulus graphite towards the butt will absorb shock better and, if done properly, results in a more ‘progressive’ taper.
For the past few months I have had the opportunity to fish with a multi-modulus 10-weight S3s from the Scott Fly Rod company. The first thing I noticed when I slipped the rod from its alloy tube was the internal ferrules that Scott use in their premium rods. Their reasoning: ‘fitted’ ferrules give a smoother transfer of load and casting energy down the blank as opposed to the more common ‘sleeve-over’ ferrules. When cast with a matching line-weight the rod started to load immediately with a short line, yet, as I applied more power, it loaded progressively further into the blank without ever folding.
Casting to snags, I also found the rod to be particularly accurate, an attribute than can be put down to the shorter 8’8” length (also available in 9’), and a pleasure to cast even with the bulky 6/0 flies I use for cod! Out at sea chasing tuna, and loaded with an intermediate line, the S3s capably belted out quick, long casts side-by-side with the best of the super-fast broomsticks. When it came down to thugging it out with a big fish the rod also had plenty of grunt down low to lever up stubborn, sounding tuna.
In summary, the S3s is a remarkably refined casting rod as well as being a very powerful fish-fighting tool. Top that off with hard chrome snake guides, SiC strippers, neatly fitting reel-seat and a personal touch to cosmetic details and you have a rod that is a quality investment.