Scientific 120814 Fly Line Review
Our verdict
The Scientific 120814 fly line costs $67.67 and carries a 4.6-star rating across 166 reviews, a solid mark, though its demand signal sits at 0+ bought last month, well behind the Cortland 403055 at 100+ in the same WF5F weight class.
Check price on AmazonBest for
Anglers who already like braided multifilament fly lines and want a WF5F floating taper in an Amber/Willow color scheme, and who are comfortable buying from a smaller review pool than the category leaders.
Skip if
Skip this if you want proof of strong current demand. The 0+ bought last month figure lags well behind the Cortland 403055 and RIO 6-20751, both of which show active recent purchase volume in the same weight class.
- Material Natural
- Weight 2.72 ounces
- Length 13 Inches
- Line Weight WF5F
- Technique Braided Multifilament
- Size WF-5-F
- Priced 239% above the category median ($19.99 across 18 tracked models)
Our scorecard
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Owner rating4.6/5
4.6 average across 166 owner ratings
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Popularity1.1/5
166 owner reviews, fewer than most models here
The overall score is owner satisfaction weighted by how many reviews back it, so a high rating from few reviews counts for less. The bars below show where this model stands against the other fishing gear and tackle we track in this category on price, popularity and size. Context, not marks against it, and our read of the data, not a lab test.
Overview
A WF5F fly line lands in a crowded field, and the Scientific 120814 has to earn its $67.67 price tag against alternatives that undercut it by twenty dollars or more. Its 4.6-star average across 166 reviews is respectable and sits above the RIO 6-20751's 4.4 stars, though it trails the Cortland 403055's 4.7 stars across 242 reviews. For an angler picking between WF5F tapers, the rating gap between this line and the Cortland is small enough that price and color preference can reasonably tip the decision.
The spec sheet lists a braided multifilament construction in the WF-5-F taper, weighing 2.72 ounces and packaged as a single count in an Amber/Willow color. That construction differs from the Cortland's monofilament build, which is worth noting for anglers who have a preference between the two line types when spooling a reel for a day on the water.
The number that stands out is demand. Bought last month sits at 0+, compared to 100+ for the Cortland 403055 and 50+ for the RIO 6-20751. Rating quality is there, but recent purchase activity is the weakest part of this line's profile relative to the other WF5F options in this comparison, and that gap is worth weighing against the modest price difference before choosing between them.
Pros
- 4.6-star rating across 166 reviews shows a consistent track record
- WF-5-F weight forward floating taper suits general trout and warmwater work
- Braided multifilament construction differs from the monofilament competition
- Single count packaging keeps the per-unit price clear at $67.67
- Amber/Willow color option stands apart from the Peach and Lime Green alternatives
Cons
- Bought last month sits at 0+, the lowest demand signal among the four lines compared
- Priced close to the Cortland 403055 without matching its 100+ recent buyer volume
- Review count of 166 is smaller than the Rio Mainstream Trout's 438 and the RIO 6-20751's 216
- Rating of 4.6 stars trails the Cortland 403055's 4.7 stars
- At $67.67 it costs more than both RIO-branded WF4F and WF5F options at $49.99
Specifications
| Material | Natural |
|---|---|
| Weight | 2.72 ounces |
| Length | 13 Inches |
| Line Weight | WF5F |
| Technique | Braided Multifilament |
| Size | WF-5-F |
| Color | Amber/Willow |
| Pieces | 1.0 Count |
| Feature | 1 item |
Performance notes
A WF5F designation means weight forward, 5 weight, floating, which is a standard setup for general trout and bass fly fishing where turnover and easy casting matter more than sink rate. The 2.72 ounce weight and 13 inch spooled length are in line with how fly lines are typically packaged for shipping rather than a measure of total line length. The braided multifilament build is a different core technology than the monofilament core used in the Cortland 403055, and anglers who have a preference for how a line feels on the reel or handles coiling may weigh that difference. The Amber/Willow color combination gives visibility on the water without matching the brighter Lime Green or Fluorescent tones seen on lower priced tapers in the same weight class.
What buyers say
A 4.6-star average across 166 reviews indicates buyers are largely satisfied with this line, and that rating sits only a tenth of a point behind the Cortland 403055's 4.7 stars across 242 reviews. What stands out is the bought last month figure of 0+, which is the softest recent demand signal of the four fly lines in this comparison, versus 100+ for the Cortland and 50+ for the RIO 6-20751. The pattern suggests a product with a loyal but smaller base of buyers rather than one currently drawing new purchases at real volume, even though the star rating itself holds up well against the competition.
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Frequently asked questions
What weight and taper does the Scientific 120814 fly line use?
It is built as a WF-5-F line, meaning weight forward, 5 weight, floating. That taper is a common choice for general trout and bass fly fishing where easier casting and smooth line turnover on the water matter more than a specialized profile.
How does the Scientific 120814 compare in price to other WF5F lines?
At $67.67 it costs less than the Cortland 403055 at $69.95 but more than the RIO 6-20751 at $49.99, which is also a 5 weight line, so it sits in the middle of this WF5F comparison on price and just below the top-rated Cortland.
Is the 0+ bought last month figure a concern?
It is the lowest recent demand signal among the four lines in this comparison. The 4.6-star rating across 166 reviews still points to a satisfied buyer base, but recent purchase volume trails the Cortland 403055's 100+ and the RIO 6-20751's 50+ by a clear margin.