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 #14 24 Feb 2020 at 8.21pm | |  |   |
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In reply to Post #13
Unfortunately I have to say that the S class freespirits that I own have the worst quality cork handles of any rods I have owned in 30+ years of fishing. I think they must be built to a price and when margins are fine the cork quality seems to be what suffers. Incidentally I do find that as cork handles age the imperfections tend to show more or at least on the poor quality ones, I suppose the rain and sun takes its toll on the filler etc.
If I were to get any more freespirits I would definately get them custom built with better rings too.
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| | | noj | | Posts: 11459 | | | Social photographer... | |
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#13 24 Feb 2020 at 5.40pm | | | |
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In reply to Post #12
There are others that build on their blanks too though.
I’ve seen a set of three with the guides spaced out of alignment and a tip built twisted, would’ve thought an old school name wouldn’t let that out of the door.. it’s the nature of handmade stuff I suppose and goes to show a rod built one day to the next could have a ring pattern that’s crept out or cork from a different batch. Problem with that is some poor bloke buys a set of 3 left overs from various deliveries and they look ridiculous.
I’d buy custom fitted in a set from a builder and have contact myself if I wanted my pants pulled down for a fs blank, you’d have to be crackers to hand that sort of scratch over for an off the peg hit and hope build.
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#12 24 Feb 2020 at 4.33pm | | | |
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In reply to Post #11
All built by Roger Hurst and his harem as far as I know.
Will rebuild my Multiplies in full Flor grade one day, if I can't find a second set to do.
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| | | noj | | Posts: 11459 | | | Social photographer... | |
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#11 24 Feb 2020 at 4.27pm | | | |
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In reply to Post #10
Not sure if the S rods are built here or imported, but hi-s cork will depend entirely on what the builder uses. Could be one of a few builders with stock from different sources, I’ve seen the uk and import rods built terribly but plenty that are fine.
Big bucks if you want a 20”+ flor grade handle built up I imagine
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#10 24 Feb 2020 at 1.03pm | | | |
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In reply to Post #9
Thanks mate to be honest still not sure then with these rods be 2nd hand but never used no way of knowing if the cork is decent on the S range but looks ok on the picture
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#9 24 Feb 2020 at 12.24pm | | | |
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In reply to Post #8
Standard build will be standard cork and will vary a bit, if you want the good stuff you have to pay extra.
Flor grade ain't cheap!
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#8 24 Feb 2020 at 11.53am | | | |
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In reply to Post #6
Surely it will be the same grade cork on the HI'S and the S range dose anyone know
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#7 23 Feb 2020 at 10.01pm | | | |
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Theres different grades of cork. On my aviators, i had the top spec fitted
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In reply to Post #1
I’ve got full cork handles on all my hi s rods and can’t fault them on the quality, wouldn’t have any other finish on the handles on future rods.
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In reply to Post #4
Thanks for the replies lads and yes l know there's a lot of cork handles about these days but like anything some are better than others must admit l did think free spirit handles would be decent like the rods, had a few free spirit rods ES & Hi S but seen these XS with cork handle 1/2 price with cork handle hence the question.
Many thanks again
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In reply to Post #3
Sorry have to disagree I have two sets of free spirit rods with cork handles (ES & Hi’s) used every week no issues whatsoever over the last three years. I would say FS rods not the worst but probably not the best either.
Michael
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#3 22 Feb 2020 at 10.37pm | | | |
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I’ve got some bank creepers with cork handles. I think I have eight other rods with cork handles, Harrison, fox, wychwood and Korum. Sadly I have to say the free spirits have the worst quality cork, in terms of durability.
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In reply to Post #1
Not looked very far then chap, corks are used a lot these days
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Any thoughts on cork handles seen some free spirit rods on the bay new with cork handles which l haven’t had on a rod since early 80s.
Cheers
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