Does anyone have any experience with Scott's eclipse series? I'm considering a 9',5wt. I usually fish with fiberglass but need something with a little more distance capability for a trip next fall. Any input would be appreciated.

I had a scott eclipse 8'-6" 5 wt (3 piece) for five years and loved the rod. I would say it is a medium fast action rod. I took it to New Zealand 4 years back and it handled the big browns and 'bows very well. Had it a been a 9' four piece I would have kept it. Hardware and finish are first rate, and this rod was replaced with the S3 series, which I now have.

The S3, IMHO, is a faster rod, and is not as sensitive in the tip as the eclipse. I like the S3 alot, but I found the eclipse had the advantage in shorter range caster and delviering more delicate presentations in my hands.

Coming from fiberglass rods, you will like the Eclipse alot.

Best of luck,

OUrabmen

Thanks rabmen, I was leery of the Eclipse because I've tried the S3 and found it a little stiff (especially since I'm used to glass). I think it was probably more rod than I needed at the time. I am a big fan of Scott rods though so I'll give the Eclipse a try. Thanks again,Jukejumper

JukeJumper,

SES is a medium-fast rod and is about in the middle of that range.

The 9' model is a hair softer than the 8'6" model. It is sensitive for close-in work and good for longer casts and has good feel when a fish is on.

I would not compare the SES to the S3 because the S3 is much stiffer.

All that said... you might want to try the "G". I had a day with the SES and the G and the G won me over. Your tastes may and probably will be different. The G is just a bit softer than the SES and coming from glass you may like that.

Both are great rods,

CG

Jukejumper, I would agree 100% with cycleguy. I have a 8'8" 5 wt Scott G that I really like. It is a sweeeeeet casting dry fly rod, with medium action, not unlike the fabulous wintson lt rods. The Scott G is a real pleasure to cast, with a nice easy stroke. The Eclipse is faster than the G, but no where near the S3.

The only problem I have when using my G 5wt is when the wind really picks up. I better cast than I with a good double haul can probabally fish the G when I cant, that's when I need a rod such as the Scott S3.

If you can cast a Scott G model you should, the eclipse and G are both great sticks.

Good luck,

Rabmen

Jukejumper,
I don't have much to add that hasn't been covered about the SES 5, but felt I had throw in my $0.02. After 7 years of ownership of a SES 905/3, I still consider it a keeper. It possesses a wonderful blend of power, smoothness, and touch that few of today's rods can match. It has a soft, flexibe tip that tapers into a powerful butt section. The butt section may be a little larger in diameter than some of the newer wundersticks, but the swing weight is low and the rod is very well balanced. Because of this action, my hookup ratio with dries is very good and popping tippets rare. I even landed a 15 lb carp with mine. Of course, the fit and finish is top notch.

Only when trying to buck high winds or throwing over 80 ft, will the Eclipse collapse, but that's when the S3 enters the picture.

If you love fiberglass, you should like the SES. I would match it with a SA Ultra4 DT5F.

John

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Jukejumper,
I fish lots of glass too (what happened to the fiberglassflyrodders site?). I had the SES 9'0" #5, 3pc. Couldn't wait to sell it and felt guilty doing so. Miserable rod. Hope whoever got it is a newbie or something and don't know enough to realize what a garbage rod the SES is. Want a rod with muscle but also a nice casting feel and some flex in the tip? Check out the T&T LPS series. I have both the 9' #5 and 9' #6 in 3pc. I'd highly recommend them. A less radical departure from slow action to consider; Winston WT, Sage VPS Lt. or Diamondback Classic.