After 8 years, the widely coveted flagship of Scott's freshwater lineup, the Radian, has a successor. Its replacement, Scott's new Centric, is the product of 18 months of development and is built on all new tapers, a bevy of new technologies and new components.
Scott is one of the few rod makers in today's highly competitive rod market that is generally content to rest on its laurels. And that's a good thing, as Scott historically brings new rods to market when technology and design advancements demand it, rather than simply aiming to offer anglers a shiny new thing to draw their attention away from existing offerings.
The Radian's hallmark was its "fast meets feel" design, and it appears Scott has carried that build philosophy over to the Centric. According to a release by Scott, the new Centric rods take that mantra "to the next level" and "are the most efficient rods Scott has ever created. High line speed and flat, stable loops are easily generated at any distance with minimal effort from the caster. Anglers of any skill level will notice these rods feel very light in the hand, are insanely accurate, and are simply a joy to fish at any distance. Ease of roll casts and mends are next level. The ability to control loop shape and line speed at any distance give anglers wide-ranging versatility."
The heart of the new Centric is something Scott is calling "cabon-link" technology. The rods are built in Montrose, Colorado using new custom rolling equipment which, according to the rod maker, allows for incredibly precise control of fiber placement and density. Once combined with a proprietary new resin system, Scott says the result is an incredibly dense carbon matrix that allows them to build an "exponentially lighter, more efficient rod that reduces casting fatigue and effort, while improving accuracy and versatility performance."
“Whenever you can increase the efficiency of a fly rod through new materials, design concepts, process, or some combination of those, it’s a huge opportunity. A more efficient rod gives you greater control of line speed and loop shape with less effort. That means your fishing is more enjoyable and successful,” said Jim Bartschi, Scott Fly Rods president and rod designer.
As noted, the Centric rods also include a bevy of new, high-end componentry, including Flor grade cork, new titanium stripping guides with "super slick" zirconia inserts, new low-glare Snake Brand Universal snake guides, and a new fully-milled reel seat featuring speed threads, easy grip knurling, self-indexing hoods, micarta inserts, a special Delrin lock washer, and type 3 flat black hard coat.
The new Centric single-hand freshwater lineup ranges from weights 4 through 7 with lengths from 8.5' to 10'. Retail price is $895. Available exclusively from a Scott dealer near you.
Though the Centric is replacing Scott's single-handed Radian lineup, its well-loved two-handed Radian rods will remain in production.
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