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Cotswolds pace compacts (81 posts / 13,536 views)
fishybarney fishybarney
Posts: 1,289
Post #1 20 Mar 2020 09:58
0
Looking to upgrade from my scope 10ft 3lb rods to a slightly beefier rod, to allow for bag work and have a bit more back bone for weedy waters and when I go to France.

Has anyone used these yet are they a good investment. I was tempted by the xtractors but I'm happy to pay the difference if the Cotswolds are significantly better.

TIA
bristol bristol
Posts: 2,288
Post #2 20 Mar 2020 10:36
0
In reply to Post #1
Im also tempted with a set of these for a small water i fish. I dont think the blank is of as high a quality as the Scopes but the finish of the rods does look very good for the money. Yet to see one in the flesh though.
Cazfish Cazfish
Posts: 1,200
Post #3 20 Mar 2020 10:41
0
In reply to Post #2
What do you base the assumption that the Cotswold version has an inferior blank to the scope??? Surely not on cost alone . We all know you don't always get what you pay for from big tackle suppliers , these days .
Goldeneye Goldeneye
Posts: 1,252
Post #4 20 Mar 2020 10:42
0
In reply to Post #1
The CF-X rods from the tackle box get good reviews if you are open to other options...
Goldeneye Goldeneye
Posts: 1,252
Post #5 20 Mar 2020 10:42
0
In reply to Post #1
The CF-X rods from the tackle box get good reviews if you are open to other options...
bmthman bmthman
Posts: 978
Post #6 20 Mar 2020 12:21
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In reply to Post #3
I am sure any blank used by Cotswold Rods would be light years ahead of any Chinese trash that Nash import.
noj
Posts: 11,459
Social photographer...
Social photographer... Post #7 20 Mar 2020 13:19
0
In reply to Post #6
I'm sure Tom would never put out substandard products
But they are imported the same as scopes, just at a fairer price point and with a more popular build (ie long handles) than other cheap alternatives
ciprinus ciprinus
Posts: 412
Post #8 20 Mar 2020 13:39
0
They look very nice, but how is the action on them?
Hutchyfan
Posts: 143
Post #9 20 Mar 2020 14:14
1
I have a set of the first pace rods Tom offered,.... full duplon 12 foot 3lb. Really nice rods.
Bivvybug Bivvybug
Posts: 2,458
Post #10 20 Mar 2020 15:26
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In reply to Post #9
Do people really believe that the scope is of high quality
Hutchyfan
Posts: 143
Post #11 20 Mar 2020 15:36
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I like the concept of the scope range however I think they are overpriced for the quality.
ciprinus ciprinus
Posts: 412
Post #12 20 Mar 2020 15:38
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In reply to Post #10
Must say that up to now, the scopes are doing very well, time will tell, only have them four years.
use them all the time, also own armalites, fbs, c2, hexagraphes, hardy's,...witch stay home now.
pro_carper pro_carper
Posts: 752
Post #13 20 Mar 2020 19:00
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In reply to Post #12
I use a set and there good iv bin chucking solid bags no problem and they look the part also
Bivvybug Bivvybug
Posts: 2,458
Post #14 20 Mar 2020 19:10
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In reply to Post #11
Well said £99 would be a better price for scopes
Goose Goose
Posts: 12,901
Post #15 21 Mar 2020 09:17
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In reply to Post #14
So what is poor quality about the scopes that makes them worth less than the cotswold compacts.
Fortysteve Fortysteve
Posts: 734
Post #16 21 Mar 2020 09:40
0
In reply to Post #15
That's what I was thinking!🤔
I've had scopes since the mk2 blanks were introduced, definitely nothing wrong with the build quality.
braders1978 braders1978
Posts: 18,195
Post #17 21 Mar 2020 10:05
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In reply to Post #15
They say Nash on them
jeffire jeffire
Posts: 4,442
Post #18 21 Mar 2020 10:44
0
For the best part all the blanks coming from the far east are actually quality, its the fittings that let them down , the scopes i re ringed for a mate did,nt look or feel too bad , The only reason i would,nt build on these blanks is if anything does go wrong its difficult to get any spares ,exchanges from the suppliers .
Goose Goose
Posts: 12,901
Post #19 21 Mar 2020 12:01
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In reply to Post #17
So by your reckoning hypertheticaly if a company use the same blank as the scope but have the outer decorative carbon weave left off which makes it cheaper to produce, then uses a cheaper seaguide pattern and non fuji ie cheaper reel seat even if said company was one of the first in UK to promote the minima guides but put their name on instead of nash its somehow a better product?
braders1978 braders1978
Posts: 18,195
Post #20 21 Mar 2020 12:05
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In reply to Post #19
Yes because it's not got Nash written on it which devalues any item
Bivvybug Bivvybug
Posts: 2,458
Post #21 21 Mar 2020 12:39
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In reply to Post #20
Because it's got the word Nash on them the problem is to expensive like the rest of there gear the sonik xtractor is value for money £60 and nash gear is aimed at younger people what with black ops gear to match the call of duty game out at the time good business move must say but when you been carping for forty years your not taken in
Cazfish Cazfish
Posts: 1,200
Post #22 21 Mar 2020 14:13
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In reply to Post #19
Not necessarily a better product but definitely a cheaper product 👍
Goose Goose
Posts: 12,901
Post #23 21 Mar 2020 17:20
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In reply to Post #22
Which is reflected in the cheaper build spec.
fishybarney fishybarney
Posts: 1,289
Post #24 21 Mar 2020 17:39
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In reply to Post #1
So can anyone say whether the Cotswolds blank is any better/same/worse than the scopes. I've been happy with my scopes but as stated fancy something a bit beefer. But the scopes do suffer with some flaking and new ones are markedly more expensive.
And though I like the xtractors the short handle puts me off.
Jw1993
Posts: 201
Post #25 21 Mar 2020 21:42
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In reply to Post #1
Hi bud,

I had a set of 10ft 3.5's full corks for 3 1/2 years but had to get rid of them due to the carbon wearing away, one rod was so bad that when I pulled then butt section out when taking the rod out the bag etc the section would come straight out and leave the butt section...

I purchased the Cotswold compacts 2/3 weeks ago and have used them once. They are a bit more tippy than the scopes I think, however I am now using heavier leads than before so it could be that. The build quality is very good and they go well with my emblem z's. They feel very solid built and look fantastic also.

Let me know if you have any other questions.

Thanks

Jack
Jw1993
Posts: 201
Post #26 21 Mar 2020 21:43
0
In reply to Post #24
See below
Bivvybug Bivvybug
Posts: 2,458
Post #27 22 Mar 2020 10:28
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In reply to Post #25
I have heard loads of stories about scopes three mates had problems also with landing net all poor quality
kizzi
Posts: 2,526
Post #28 22 Mar 2020 10:39
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Do Cotswold only do 10' 3.5lb tc?

Someone posted about 3lb tc rods but I can only see 3.5lbs on their website.

Do they pack down to the same size as Scope 10' rods?
Goose Goose
Posts: 12,901
Post #29 22 Mar 2020 10:43
0
In reply to Post #27
All mk1"s? Fact is you can find story's sagging off most products on the net if you look, scopes have also been a huge seller and the majority of owners like them.
Jw1993
Posts: 201
Post #30 23 Mar 2020 19:55
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In reply to Post #28
Only 3.5's currently, yes same size.
Mistabite
Posts: 1,245
Post #31 5 Aug 2020 19:40
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Looks like Cotswold Rods have a new 10ft 3lb version being released soon.

What are the 3.5lb versions like and what type of rod sleeves are people using?
gregbarlow85
Posts: 119
Post #32 12 Aug 2020 09:34
0
Has anyone used these? I was considering just getting one but reading between the lines they aren't built by cotswold so they are probably identical to some of the cheaper brands and imported directly from China.
Bivvybug Bivvybug
Posts: 2,458
Post #33 12 Aug 2020 11:19
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In reply to Post #32
Thanks for letting us know I was looking at them thought Cotswold made them if not there the same as all the others I won't bother
Mistabite
Posts: 1,245
Post #34 12 Aug 2020 13:50
0
Just got my 3lb pace compacts this morning. They come from China as per the info on the box I received, I think only custom builds will be built here.

That doesn't bother me, they feel much better than my sonik xtractor and I have seen scopes before, they don't seem the same as either.

Nice action and very well built, whippings and handle etc all spot on. Will get to try them out on the weekend.

Gone for a fox r series 3 rod 12ft 3 piece rod bag - apparently this fits the fox xplorer rods so hopefully will be ok with the pace compacts, will find out when it arrives.

The box I received says it originally contained 10 rods from China, I was sent the same looking box with my xtractors so I suspect built in the same factory but with a custom spec for cotswold - the rods couldn't be more different!

Going to let my dad use the sonik xtractors now
fishybarney fishybarney
Posts: 1,289
Post #35 12 Aug 2020 16:48
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In reply to Post #32
I've had mine for a few months now. Absolutely love them, I had scopes before I find these far superior, build quality is very high and I'm now using these pretty much exclusively and can happily fish to 100 yards with them.
Darkieallard
Posts: 4,935
Post #36 13 Aug 2020 01:09
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In reply to Post #34
How much are the pace compacts?
Mistabite
Posts: 1,245
Post #37 13 Aug 2020 12:55
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In reply to Post #36
They start from £125 for full duplon, can have the 3.5lb version in cork or full shrink for a bit more but only offering 3lb in duplon I think... Unless you go for custom build
Lb1983
Posts: 177
Post #38 13 Aug 2020 16:49
0
Liking the look of these, would my 5000t's be to big though
bushman bushman
Posts: 889
Post #39 31 Aug 2020 12:26
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In reply to Post #37
Do the pace compacts have the same length butt as Scopes do? Also how powerful are they in the 3.5lb? Not as stiff as a 3.5lb SU scope I hope?
Mistabite
Posts: 1,245
Post #40 31 Aug 2020 16:27
0
In reply to Post #39
My pace compact 3lb have a 25" handle and it is 22" to the stem of my reels.... can't help with info on the 3.5s
bristol bristol
Posts: 2,288
Post #41 26 Mar 2021 11:41
0
In reply to Post #40
Now that these have been out for a while how are people finding them? Im tempted with a set for a new water where I will largely be fishing overnight sessions
Instructor Instructor
Posts: 68
Post #42 26 Mar 2021 12:13
0
In reply to Post #41
Ive been using a set for piking all winter. coped well with big deads, pack away nice, lob em in the boot, which really is a bonus. no more putting the front seat down. lovely to play fish on, a little tippy but i really like that. look smart as well. big from me.
littleian littleian
Posts: 1,505
Post #43 26 Mar 2021 12:50
0
In reply to Post #42
I was a massive advocate of the pace compacts until recently. A while back we had snow and i was using my 10ft 3.5s. I wiped the blanks like i always do before packing away but there was obviously residual water still present, once home and once warmed up i thought id better dry them off so i extended them and you can imagine my horror when i discovered the blank finish had bloomed and was all rough to the touch, this was no more than 2 hours later. I reasoned it was moisture in the retractable section causing the issue and as there is no drainage hole in the buttcap i can see this becoming a problem. I emailed cotswold rods to tell them there is an issue and to spoke to a chap called Rob who to be quiet honest couldn't have been less helpful if he'd tried, essentially i was to blame for packing them away wet. I sold them honestly in the end and drilled a small 1mm hole in the butt cap for the new owner to help drainage as per every other retractable rod on the market. As to their performance, they were genuinely great little rods just don't go near anything wet with them 😂
littleian littleian
Posts: 1,505
Post #44 30 Mar 2021 16:35
0
In reply to Post #43
Just a quick heads up if anyones still interested in the pace compact type rods, google ultimate byonic carp rods as they are look pretty much identical and are on offer for nearly a third of the price
Bivvybug Bivvybug
Posts: 2,458
Post #45 30 Mar 2021 20:06
0
In reply to Post #44
Fish deal are selling them £53 they look the same as the pace two tc 3llb a 3.5 good heads up mate
bristol bristol
Posts: 2,288
Post #46 9 Apr 2021 08:27
0
In reply to Post #44
Great heads up - to my relatively untrained eye they look identical aside from the graphics above the reel seat!
carpstar40 carpstar40
Posts: 3,706
Post #47 9 Apr 2021 10:31
0
In reply to Post #44
Save googling LINK
Bivvybug Bivvybug
Posts: 2,458
Post #48 9 Apr 2021 10:55
0
In reply to Post #47
Does anyone know ? I see these rods are 24t carbon is that the same as the pace or any other makes of retractable rod or is it a very cheap carbon hence £53 for eg Aqua atom rods what is the carbon on these
captainqpr captainqpr
Posts: 2,695
Post #49 9 Apr 2021 15:20
0
I have a set of these and snapped the tip section of one playing a rather large catfish last year in France. Rang Cotswold and they said they would arrange a replacement foc. Very good i thought . 3 months later i was still chasing them up about this having been told it had been dispatched. Indeed it had , direct from the factory in China where they're made. The reason it took so long became apparent . I know the vast majority of tackle is mass produced in Chinese factories but the insinuation with these is that they are built here in the UK which they are cleary not. That aside they do a job if one of the considerations is the compact aspect of them. They're truly awfull casting but then i suppose thats the nature of the beast. Like i said they do a job but i wouldn't buy another set of these retractable thing.
littleian littleian
Posts: 1,505
Post #50 9 Apr 2021 17:53
0
In reply to Post #49
Well after my dealings with cotswold rods i decided i would buy a pair of the ultimate versions on a whim. Took 8 days to arrive from the Netherlands with free postage which i thought was excellent. I can confirm they appear identical in every way, i have measured the diameters in several areas against my old pace compacts and again they are identical. The only difference is the graphics and there is no line clip........ Or hole iin the butt cap so the old nut drill has been busy already haha!
littleian littleian
Posts: 1,505
Post #51 9 Apr 2021 17:59
0
In reply to Post #50
I forgot to say, the graphics are reasonably easy to remove if your bothered by that sort of thing (which sadly i am lol!) with a little care, they are a pretty soft screen print and half hour with a Stanley blade and some nano polish has completely removed any trace of them.
Bivvybug Bivvybug
Posts: 2,458
Post #52 9 Apr 2021 18:51
0
In reply to Post #51
So you would say they are the same as pace also what size butt rings are on the new ones
captainqpr captainqpr
Posts: 2,695
Post #53 9 Apr 2021 18:58
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In reply to Post #52
50mm Seaguides on mine. And yeah I would say they are exactly the same rod.
Bivvybug Bivvybug
Posts: 2,458
Post #54 9 Apr 2021 19:09
0
In reply to Post #53
You got 10ft 3.5tc or 3llb
captainqpr captainqpr
Posts: 2,695
Post #55 9 Apr 2021 19:18
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In reply to Post #54
3.5's . Reasonably ok for playing tho.
captainqpr captainqpr
Posts: 2,695
Post #56 9 Apr 2021 19:36
0
FFS just had a look on Cotswold website , they've gone up in price a bit since I got mine. Lots of references to "we build them" , absolute ******** , they come straight from China , my replacement got stuck in customs for weeks , it arrived direct from the factory in China , swerved Wiltshire completely it would appear. They're 40 mm guides btw not 50's.
pro_carper pro_carper
Posts: 752
Post #57 9 Apr 2021 20:33
0
In reply to Post #56
I rate my set I have
Bit pissed off after seeing them for 50 quid for the exact same rods!
littleian littleian
Posts: 1,505
Post #58 9 Apr 2021 21:56
0
In reply to Post #57
To be absolutely fair they're only £50 because they have 40% off
noj
Posts: 11,459
Social photographer...
Social photographer... Post #59 10 Apr 2021 08:49
0
I've never seen it said or suggested these are made in the uk. They build on them to custom spec but at a cost.
These were probably also not an off the peg catalogue item until Tom had them made up. He's been using that front cork for years and once it was one of the few variants of ‘scope' rods on the market it's been copied.
Just look at the prices.. The pace is similar/the same ‘spec' raw materials as the dwarfs etc. With a flat unwoven finish. The scope, aqua and whatever Tom's top end version is called is woven and a higher ‘spec' blank with whatever those companies dress them up as.
Until you see made by Harrison/century/daiwa *uk etc. These ALL come from the Far East
In fact, if a rod is below about £300 these days you can as near as guarantee it's not made here
bigclanger bigclanger
Posts: 2,941
Post #60 10 Apr 2021 10:33
0
In reply to Post #58
Even without the 40% off they Cotswold jobbies are nearly double the price !!
AJM123 AJM123
Posts: 558
Post #61 10 Apr 2021 13:12
0
In reply to Post #59
Very true about the majority of rods being made over in the Far East.
Even the "Great British" Hardy fly rods are built over in South Korea.
To be fair they are still quality though, i couldn't fault the one i had.
Probably down to good quality control.
poms
Posts: 791
Post #62 10 Apr 2021 20:38
0
In reply to Post #56
To be fair, the 'custom' versions are built by Tom, I watched him do a couple of sets while I picked mine up and, theres no mention the standard rods are made in the UK.

I dont believe those Dutch supplied rods are the same either. £54, shipped from Holland, I doubt theyd be making any money, what with Import duty and delivery costs. Much more likely, there a cheaper copy bit like the Dwarf vs the Scope.

Pretty easy to get a rod made in the far east to 'look' like something else, doesnt mean its the same or even half as good. You pays your money, take ya choice.

Im very happy with my Compacts. Used them hard this winter, lobbing BIG deadbaits and theyve done the job well. Im happy with them, as some of you may be with these Dutch versions.
littleian littleian
Posts: 1,505
Post #63 10 Apr 2021 21:19
0
In reply to Post #62
Poms i own both and they are identical mate and not just visually. I do quiet a bit of rod building myself so I'm reasonably well versed in all the technicalities of rod design. The blank wall thickness, diameter, finish, feel and test curves are identical. The handle components are identical even down to the little olive green thread detailing and butt cap. The only thing that is different is the graphics and the lack of line clip.
bigclanger bigclanger
Posts: 2,941
Post #64 11 Apr 2021 07:46
0
In reply to Post #62
In reality these rods are costing about £10 to produce in China
Goose Goose
Posts: 12,901
Post #65 11 Apr 2021 08:08
0
In reply to Post #64
And they have the technology to scan any blank and reproduce it in large volumes if they want.
bigclanger bigclanger
Posts: 2,941
Post #66 11 Apr 2021 08:14
0
In reply to Post #65
You only need to look on Ali Baba !! They were selling the older version of the Nash sleep system for £89
jeffire jeffire
Posts: 4,442
Post #67 11 Apr 2021 09:35
0
In reply to Post #65
No need to scan the blank of the 2 rods mentioned, they are all made in the same factory.But yes you are right they can replicate anything.
kizzi
Posts: 2,526
Post #68 11 Apr 2021 10:57
0
In reply to Post #64
This is an old article but still relevant https://www.sexyloops.com/sparton/graphiterods.shtml
jeffire jeffire
Posts: 4,442
Post #69 11 Apr 2021 13:25
0
In reply to Post #64
Thats correct
noj
Posts: 11,459
Social photographer...
Social photographer... Post #70 11 Apr 2021 13:35
0
In reply to Post #66
Is that not how retail works? Everything is cheaper wholesale but unless you want 1000 fishing rods or bedchairs you deal with the bloke who took a punt to make a profit/had the capital to do it.
Free spirit have been made abroad for donkeys years and some of them are nudging £400!!
jeffire jeffire
Posts: 4,442
Post #71 11 Apr 2021 14:06
0
In reply to Post #70
exactly , same in all retail, its called business
Goose Goose
Posts: 12,901
Post #72 11 Apr 2021 18:38
0
In reply to Post #68
Met Steve a few years ago and had a long chat about blanks, remember him saying at the time that there wasn't a carp rod on the market with ten quids worth of carbon and resin in it.
kizzi
Posts: 2,526
Post #73 11 Apr 2021 21:35
0
In reply to Post #72
Sounds about right. I never met Steve but I get the impression that he knew what he was talking about and didn't mince his words. Need a few more like him
AndyClark AndyClark
Posts: 5,815
Post #74 17 Aug 2026 19:36
0
digging up an old thread, what holdalls are you using for these rods, ive just t
got 3 ultimate bionic and everyone saying theyre the same rods..I was looking at the carplife 3 rod 10ft retractable holdall.
Jezpaul Jezpaul
Posts: 15
Post #75 18 Aug 2026 01:11
2
In reply to Post #74
Have a look at the AD advanta 3 rod 10ft retractable holdall. I've got one for my soniks it's spot on pockets for sticks landing net etc. Nice heavy duty material and well put together. Doesn't break the bank about 55 quid.
MiniWelsh MiniWelsh
Posts: 2,383
Post #76 18 Aug 2026 08:11
0
In reply to Post #74
I have 2 sets of these rods (really like them) and am using the Cult rod holdall and they fit perfectly
kells kells
Posts: 6,017
Post #77 18 Aug 2026 11:09
1
In reply to Post #76
Second that.. I don't use the Cotswold pace compacts. These Cult tackle holdalls are brilliant. Reasonably priced aswell. I even think Cotswold rods were selling these at one point. Might still do.😀
MyLovelyHorse MyLovelyHorse
Posts: 4
Post #78 18 Aug 2026 17:50
0
In reply to Post #77
I used the 9 foot Cult holdall for my 3 piece 9 foot stalking rods and it’s been great. The only real alternative was the Century one at 3 times the price I paid for the Cult one.
Fara Fara
Posts: 2,113
Post #79 18 Aug 2026 19:32
0
Another vote for the Cult Tackle holdall. I bought one for my Nephew to fit his 10ft retractables in.
Spod Spod
Posts: 13,415
Post #80 19 Aug 2026 09:56
0
As all my luggage just has to match, (as far as possible!) I use the Korda Dark Kamo 3 rod sleeve and that fits my Chiltern Custom Compacts perfectly with SS3000 reels. 👍
andy2461 andy2461
Posts: 1,402
Post #81 21 Aug 2026 20:15
0
In reply to Post #9
I have a set of the first 12ft pace sets he side. Full cork
Absolute stunners
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