Hi Guys I'm looking to get a new set of rods but I'm stuck between FreeSpirit Hi-S, Century C2 or Harrison Torrix...
Any help/advice in this decision would great Thanks
Any help/advice in this decision would great Thanks
In reply to Post #1
Torrix for me
Torrix for me
In reply to Post #1
I own free spirit xs ive rod what i got 2 year ago but recantly got a torrix spod rod and love it and its got me wanting to buy some torrix rods now
I own free spirit xs ive rod what i got 2 year ago but recantly got a torrix spod rod and love it and its got me wanting to buy some torrix rods now
In reply to Post #1
Only one winner there. Harrisons
Only one winner there. Harrisons
Yep Harrison for everything 👍🏼
I've never had reason not to buy Harrison, self confessed fan 👍
In reply to Post #1
Free spirit Hi S for me
Can't comment on the C2s but I'm back on Century's at the moment. Quality rods
Had 3 x sets of Torrix
3 1/4tc with 40mm ringing, horrible for me, felt so unbalanced, butt like a poker and tip like a whip. Had a set with 50 mm ringing on, felt a bit more balanced. Had the 12 TEs, quite liked these, bit firmer throughout the blank for me
Had 4 x treb lights too, nice rods
You won't go wrong with any of the brands you mention. Perhaps look a bit deeper, rod action, what are you wanting etc.
As good as all round rods get, for me a 3 1/2 test HiS with 50mm ringing on takes some beating, with the 40s the blank is a little less forgiving, bit crisper feeling
Free spirit Hi S for me
Can't comment on the C2s but I'm back on Century's at the moment. Quality rods
Had 3 x sets of Torrix
3 1/4tc with 40mm ringing, horrible for me, felt so unbalanced, butt like a poker and tip like a whip. Had a set with 50 mm ringing on, felt a bit more balanced. Had the 12 TEs, quite liked these, bit firmer throughout the blank for me
Had 4 x treb lights too, nice rods
You won't go wrong with any of the brands you mention. Perhaps look a bit deeper, rod action, what are you wanting etc.
As good as all round rods get, for me a 3 1/2 test HiS with 50mm ringing on takes some beating, with the 40s the blank is a little less forgiving, bit crisper feeling
Never had Harrison's but had a session on a borrowed set. Very nice.
Had century rods through the MkI Armalites to the original NG's at 3.5 TC
Had a set of Hi S 3.5 TC 12.5's with 50mm ringing.
Sold them all except for the MK1 Armo, mainly for sentimental reasons.
But kept my Vertex 3.25's which still can take on the most modern rods for 95% of my fishing and are still my go to rods 👍
For the other 5% I'm looking for 1, 2, or 3 Vertex 3.75's 👍
Anyone ???????
So back to the OP's question the FreeSpirits aren't my favourites, (too unresponsive under the tip) probably err on the side of Century, but there are others out there worth considering. My faves are old and bold but spot on 👍
Had century rods through the MkI Armalites to the original NG's at 3.5 TC
Had a set of Hi S 3.5 TC 12.5's with 50mm ringing.
Sold them all except for the MK1 Armo, mainly for sentimental reasons.
But kept my Vertex 3.25's which still can take on the most modern rods for 95% of my fishing and are still my go to rods 👍
For the other 5% I'm looking for 1, 2, or 3 Vertex 3.75's 👍
Anyone ???????
So back to the OP's question the FreeSpirits aren't my favourites, (too unresponsive under the tip) probably err on the side of Century, but there are others out there worth considering. My faves are old and bold but spot on 👍
In reply to Post #1
My last 2 sets of rods have been Harrison torrix te and now I have cerberas used to have century ng havent looked back changed from torrix to cerbera as didn't need to cast to the horizon and in my opinion the best set of rods I've owned
My last 2 sets of rods have been Harrison torrix te and now I have cerberas used to have century ng havent looked back changed from torrix to cerbera as didn't need to cast to the horizon and in my opinion the best set of rods I've owned
Had both torrix and hi s and preferred the hi s. The hi s just felt a nicer blank and more responsive, it was also had a much nicer playing action. The torrix just felt a bit dead and stiffer. Never owned the c2 so cant comment on them.
If your the sort of person to keep your rods for a long time, I note your in Bucks, but for the sake of a day I'd arrange to visit Harrison and try different blanks, you may well be surprised. Rods are subjective, on a recent 'other' thread I saw Torrix TE's described as having a great playing action and someone who disagreed told they knew nothing (a joke), the joke being they have a great playing action, yes if you fish for big fish but for average....hmm.
I have 13' 3.25lb Torrix specifically as a 'modern' replacement for old Ballista 3.5lb ers. I cant remember the details, I've posted it on here 2 years or so ago, I was very surprised at view point v handling the blank myself.
I had hands on with the various bigger tc H rods, a experience I think is vital, I'm so glad I went 👍
I have 13' 3.25lb Torrix specifically as a 'modern' replacement for old Ballista 3.5lb ers. I cant remember the details, I've posted it on here 2 years or so ago, I was very surprised at view point v handling the blank myself.
I had hands on with the various bigger tc H rods, a experience I think is vital, I'm so glad I went 👍
In reply to Post #8
Cracking rods the Vertex Neil, really enjoyed mine while I had them mate
Cracking rods the Vertex Neil, really enjoyed mine while I had them mate
In reply to Post #7
Thats interesting, why was that do you think? The heavier guides balancing the rod out?
I prefer 40's, and was thinking of getting the aviator plus with 40's for a bigger water that i may fish.
Thats interesting, why was that do you think? The heavier guides balancing the rod out?
I prefer 40's, and was thinking of getting the aviator plus with 40's for a bigger water that i may fish.
In reply to Post #13
Yes mate, the ringing.
My advice, go and have a try of the rods you really want. Some may let you fit your reels. Ultimately borrow a mates or see a rod builder and see if you can borrow one and try it for a day
You can see the feedback here, rod action for me is a very personal thing, I hate the classic players rods myself, some people love them, each to their own 
Yes mate, the ringing.
My advice, go and have a try of the rods you really want. Some may let you fit your reels. Ultimately borrow a mates or see a rod builder and see if you can borrow one and try it for a day
You can see the feedback here, rod action for me is a very personal thing, I hate the classic players rods myself, some people love them, each to their own
No consensus as expected - don't think you'd go wrong with any of the rods mentioned or the manufacturers.
I use C2s and really like them - mine are customs though so may differ to the factories a fair bit. Mine are 2.75lb t/c and I cam get about 100 yards out of them, the action is decent and it's enjoyable to play most fish on. I also have old NGs which are nice rods.
I've have had a few freespirits over the years (CTX, XTS (?) And another that I don't recall the name of), didn't like any of the carp rods myself and moved them on quickly although I really like the 1.5lb t/c specialists I have now - specialist gold I believe, I think these are the equivalent of the e-class
I've never used a Harrison rod in anger although have various bits of their carbon as part of nets. Handled an accurix in a shop and that felt a lovely rod (felt fairly similar to the C2s when waggling it around to me).
I use C2s and really like them - mine are customs though so may differ to the factories a fair bit. Mine are 2.75lb t/c and I cam get about 100 yards out of them, the action is decent and it's enjoyable to play most fish on. I also have old NGs which are nice rods.
I've have had a few freespirits over the years (CTX, XTS (?) And another that I don't recall the name of), didn't like any of the carp rods myself and moved them on quickly although I really like the 1.5lb t/c specialists I have now - specialist gold I believe, I think these are the equivalent of the e-class
I've never used a Harrison rod in anger although have various bits of their carbon as part of nets. Handled an accurix in a shop and that felt a lovely rod (felt fairly similar to the C2s when waggling it around to me).
In reply to Post #1
Not that it's any great help as I haven't used the others but I think the Torrix TE 12' 6 are brilliant rods
Not that it's any great help as I haven't used the others but I think the Torrix TE 12' 6 are brilliant rods
In reply to Post #1
Again, I can't comment on the Harrisons but I have just got a set of S Lites and am impressed so far. Granted it was a big step up from previously owned rods.
Again, I can't comment on the Harrisons but I have just got a set of S Lites and am impressed so far. Granted it was a big step up from previously owned rods.
In reply to Post #10
Same here much prefer the Hi s over the Torrix,lighter and better action,Torrix always felt a bit unbalanced for me,use Acurix 2.75's on small waters.
Same here much prefer the Hi s over the Torrix,lighter and better action,Torrix always felt a bit unbalanced for me,use Acurix 2.75's on small waters.
In reply to Post #1
Love the Torrix...waiting for my second set to be built
Love the Torrix...waiting for my second set to be built
In reply to Post #1
Free Spirit Hi S for me. Still own most high end rods on the market since the early '90 , some factory some custom build.
Rods are a personal thing, so best have play with all of them !
Free Spirit Hi S for me. Still own most high end rods on the market since the early '90 , some factory some custom build.
Rods are a personal thing, so best have play with all of them !
In reply to Post #20
I would go custom built hi-s. Not had the Torrix but had some r1's and feel they're similar from what I'm told. Played a fish on a mates hi-s and was shocked how much nicer it was playing the fish under the tip so sold the r1's and brought hi-s. Never tried century rods. Did buy 2 11 century cq rods for small ponds and they felt really heavy, so sold them and brought some baby ballistas instead which feel much much nicer for small lakes.
I would go custom built hi-s. Not had the Torrix but had some r1's and feel they're similar from what I'm told. Played a fish on a mates hi-s and was shocked how much nicer it was playing the fish under the tip so sold the r1's and brought hi-s. Never tried century rods. Did buy 2 11 century cq rods for small ponds and they felt really heavy, so sold them and brought some baby ballistas instead which feel much much nicer for small lakes.
It really is a matter of choice, what one person likes, may not suit you. I am literally in the same position as you, I have been to a shop and bent a few rods, even put my reels on, I did like the 11ft 3.25 Torrix, didn't like anything from Free Spirit but I made an error, I picked up the Mk2 C2's in 10ft and absolutely loved the feel and action, they were marked as 3 and 3.5lb but I can assure you, they weren't anywhere near as stiff as the torrix, even though it was a foot longer.
I really need to feel a Baby Ballista now, but hard to come by....
I really need to feel a Baby Ballista now, but hard to come by....
I have loved all the Century rods I have had, preferred them over Harrisons.
Working in a tackle shop I always had the chance to have a play and feel and despite having the choice I always went Century.
Working in a tackle shop I always had the chance to have a play and feel and despite having the choice I always went Century.
All 3 manufacturers are excellent tbh.
In reply to Post #1
I was looking at the Torrix some years ago and had set aside the money for them. I just happened to go into Johnson Ross where they had a set of custom made Trebuchet Lites going for silly money. Well, to cut a long, dull story short, I bought the Trebuchets and boy am I impressed. By far the best rods I've ever had.
I've not any great experience of other supposed big casting rods; and I suppose this is all subjective as we all get used to what we're using over a period of time to one degree or another, but that aside, what a rod. Can cast really far, yet are supple enough to use in the edge. I enjoy playing fish on these rods.
Like I mentioned earlier about things being subjective: until you actually use a rod in a real world situation, getting your pal to hold the tip and you pulling hard to bend it, you can't get much of an idea from it other than 'cor, 3 3/4lb, that's a bloody broomstick, sod using that' though the reality can be something quite different.
If you can, give them all a go, hopefully you can find what's best for you and your fishing. Happy rod hunting.
I was looking at the Torrix some years ago and had set aside the money for them. I just happened to go into Johnson Ross where they had a set of custom made Trebuchet Lites going for silly money. Well, to cut a long, dull story short, I bought the Trebuchets and boy am I impressed. By far the best rods I've ever had.
I've not any great experience of other supposed big casting rods; and I suppose this is all subjective as we all get used to what we're using over a period of time to one degree or another, but that aside, what a rod. Can cast really far, yet are supple enough to use in the edge. I enjoy playing fish on these rods.
Like I mentioned earlier about things being subjective: until you actually use a rod in a real world situation, getting your pal to hold the tip and you pulling hard to bend it, you can't get much of an idea from it other than 'cor, 3 3/4lb, that's a bloody broomstick, sod using that' though the reality can be something quite different.
If you can, give them all a go, hopefully you can find what's best for you and your fishing. Happy rod hunting.
In reply to Post #1
My last set of rods were 13ft torrix te's and I didnt get on with them. I never felt confident that I wasn't going to crack off when giving them some welly. The tip feel wasnt to my liking.
Got rid of them and got C2's which feel so much better.
My last set of rods were 13ft torrix te's and I didnt get on with them. I never felt confident that I wasn't going to crack off when giving them some welly. The tip feel wasnt to my liking.
Got rid of them and got C2's which feel so much better.
In reply to Post #26
You'd be surprised how tough some line is. Spent a morning with Terry Edmonds and was casting 16lb Pro Clear straight through with 4oz lead. Was consistently hitting 140yrd plus and took ages till it finally went bang. Terry did say that 16lb goes at around 140yrds.
Obviously have no idea of how far you were casting/line diameter and not feeling confident, though I thought I'd throw that out there to give some perspective on things.
You'd be surprised how tough some line is. Spent a morning with Terry Edmonds and was casting 16lb Pro Clear straight through with 4oz lead. Was consistently hitting 140yrd plus and took ages till it finally went bang. Terry did say that 16lb goes at around 140yrds.
Obviously have no idea of how far you were casting/line diameter and not feeling confident, though I thought I'd throw that out there to give some perspective on things.
In reply to Post #27
Did that give you any idea what rods you need, you can practice casting but not playing fish.. Does Terry have a favourite?
Did that give you any idea what rods you need, you can practice casting but not playing fish.. Does Terry have a favourite?
In reply to Post #28
I need what I've got for the place I'm fishing which is what I took when I went to see Terry - Trebuchet Lites 12ft.
I went to see him as my casting was gash and the place I'm fishing has the fish holled up in one of their favourite spots at 180yds plus at certain times. I had poor technique and still is to some degree for the ranges in need to get to; It's all a work in progress. I'll fish at range and I'll fish in the edge with these rods. I play fish and not winch them in.
He never mentioned that he had a favourite mate. I didn't know the guy hurled a lead to 250yds
I need what I've got for the place I'm fishing which is what I took when I went to see Terry - Trebuchet Lites 12ft.
I went to see him as my casting was gash and the place I'm fishing has the fish holled up in one of their favourite spots at 180yds plus at certain times. I had poor technique and still is to some degree for the ranges in need to get to; It's all a work in progress. I'll fish at range and I'll fish in the edge with these rods. I play fish and not winch them in.
He never mentioned that he had a favourite mate. I didn't know the guy hurled a lead to 250yds
Have owned century Ngs liked them freespirit hi sives brush poles and torrixs best rodselling I've owned even got 175 for barbel and 3 different harrison float rods service is second to none
In reply to Post #30
Then you've probably had the 3.50lb, the Fs Hi 3.25 is far from a boomstick.
Then you've probably had the 3.50lb, the Fs Hi 3.25 is far from a boomstick.
In reply to Post #31
Does anyone know the longevity of the various options before they go soft and lose performance. I had the 12.5' 3.5lb Ballistas, but after 2 years of chucking out method feeders they definitely lost quite a bit. I replaced them with FMJ's and after having them a few years managed to pick up an unused second hand example and was surprised how much stiffness they had lost as well. I haven't bought any new rods for over 20 years so modern rods may last longer.
I am seriously considering replacing the FMJ's with something, but just don't have a clue about rods these days.
Does anyone know the longevity of the various options before they go soft and lose performance. I had the 12.5' 3.5lb Ballistas, but after 2 years of chucking out method feeders they definitely lost quite a bit. I replaced them with FMJ's and after having them a few years managed to pick up an unused second hand example and was surprised how much stiffness they had lost as well. I haven't bought any new rods for over 20 years so modern rods may last longer.
I am seriously considering replacing the FMJ's with something, but just don't have a clue about rods these days.
In reply to Post #32
Century rods are autoclaved which so im told makes them last longer, I've got some ADV-1 and use only 2 most of the time but the still feel the same to cast as my third which hardly get used at all .
Century rods are autoclaved which so im told makes them last longer, I've got some ADV-1 and use only 2 most of the time but the still feel the same to cast as my third which hardly get used at all .
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