Just out of interest:
What rods from 15 to 20 years ago or more would you still consider using against the new stuff available?
What rods from 15 to 20 years ago or more would you still consider using against the new stuff available?
In reply to Post #1
Armalites
Armalites
In reply to Post #1
Still use my MK1 Armalites there now my pike rods I've had these well over 25 year's, my carp rods are NGs which I've had for 16 year's (I got them for my 40th) my mate gets new rods every couple of years but the NGs do everything I want so not even considered changing them and were rebuilt around 3 years ago. Well I say everything I've got some cheap 10fters that live in the car most of the time for really short sessions, all my century rods are 3.5tc
Still use my MK1 Armalites there now my pike rods I've had these well over 25 year's, my carp rods are NGs which I've had for 16 year's (I got them for my 40th) my mate gets new rods every couple of years but the NGs do everything I want so not even considered changing them and were rebuilt around 3 years ago. Well I say everything I've got some cheap 10fters that live in the car most of the time for really short sessions, all my century rods are 3.5tc
In reply to Post #1
Still use my DAIWA AMORPHOUS AKN12H 2.75lb for distance fishing
they in the right hands can cast 200 yards ( measured NOT ME LOL) 140 to 160 is about my limit and have a super playing action I see no point in ever changing them
but I also use Century NG`s 2.75lb as I love the playing action of a quality rod
Still use my DAIWA AMORPHOUS AKN12H 2.75lb for distance fishing
they in the right hands can cast 200 yards ( measured NOT ME LOL) 140 to 160 is about my limit and have a super playing action I see no point in ever changing them
but I also use Century NG`s 2.75lb as I love the playing action of a quality rod
In reply to Post #1
My son uses mk1 Armalites,loves them,he recently got another mk1 3lb tc,made for him brand new,built by Bob Morris..
I'm looking for some 'lifetime rod's ',see me out kind of mindset..
Looking at various ideas,
My son uses mk1 Armalites,loves them,he recently got another mk1 3lb tc,made for him brand new,built by Bob Morris..
I'm looking for some 'lifetime rod's ',see me out kind of mindset..
Looking at various ideas,
In reply to Post #1
Any rod built on a harrison blank.
Any rod built on a harrison blank.
In reply to Post #6
I like those accurix rods,yes indeed..!!
Set of those in 3lb,see my out til I'm an old man...!!
I like those accurix rods,yes indeed..!!
Set of those in 3lb,see my out til I'm an old man...!!
Armalites for me too. I have a set I've owned for somewhere in the region of 20 years which still get used today.
Armalite MK1's and ESP Vertex Distance 👍
The Vertex's are still my usual rod of choice.
The Vertex's are still my usual rod of choice.
In reply to Post #1
Most of them
Rod design peaked then for me, modern rods are to geared towards casting recovery, low girth and light weight, sacrificing resilience and elasticity
Most of them
Rod design peaked then for me, modern rods are to geared towards casting recovery, low girth and light weight, sacrificing resilience and elasticity
1.Armalite MK1
2.Daiwa Akn 12 SU or 12H
3.most old Daiwa rods like Power Mesh, AWC or WKN
2.Daiwa Akn 12 SU or 12H
3.most old Daiwa rods like Power Mesh, AWC or WKN
In reply to Post #1
Any North Western Rods
I still use a 11ft 1 3/4Tc North Western Barbel Rod regularly on the Ribble.
Any North Western Rods
I still use a 11ft 1 3/4Tc North Western Barbel Rod regularly on the Ribble.
In reply to Post #1
My "new" rods are Century NCS's bought secondhand about 10 years ago. I use my '93 2.75 Ballista's a lot of the time and a fibreglass MK4 from the '70's occasionally.
My "new" rods are Century NCS's bought secondhand about 10 years ago. I use my '93 2.75 Ballista's a lot of the time and a fibreglass MK4 from the '70's occasionally.
Sportex Carbon Kevlars 12ft 2.25lb test never owned a lighter set of rods. Proper players Rods. 
AKN 12H 2.75.
Fantastic rods, enough power but forgiving also, haven't found any rods that I enjoy as much as I did those. Long gone sadly.
Fantastic rods, enough power but forgiving also, haven't found any rods that I enjoy as much as I did those. Long gone sadly.
Esp vertex, still use the 12ft 3lb and 12ft 9in 3.25lb cannot find any rods to match them, even now.
In reply to Post #14
Agree I had those rods and they played the fish for you. Well almost, certainly never bumped fish off.
Agree I had those rods and they played the fish for you. Well almost, certainly never bumped fish off.
In reply to Post #1
Had my Mk1 Armalites built in 1987, and a full strip down/rebuild by the same rod builder in 2017. Still using them, in fact, did 24 hours with them this week. And only 2lb test curve.
Had my Mk1 Armalites built in 1987, and a full strip down/rebuild by the same rod builder in 2017. Still using them, in fact, did 24 hours with them this week. And only 2lb test curve.
Kev Baines Sportex Carbon Kevlar 12' 3lbtc. Built in 97 stripped and rebuilt a few times over the years still use them now, he only made 9 of them, fabulous rods.
Northwestern Kevlites originally 12' 2.25tc. Cut down to 11' 2lbtc. By Kev. Cracking floater and small water rods. Will never part with either set.
Northwestern Kevlites originally 12' 2.25tc. Cut down to 11' 2lbtc. By Kev. Cracking floater and small water rods. Will never part with either set.
In reply to Post #19
How is it possible to reduce a rod from 12ft to 11ft and decrease the tc?
How is it possible to reduce a rod from 12ft to 11ft and decrease the tc?
In reply to Post #20
Ive no idea. I bought the rods of a chap years ago. He stated that they had been altered in that way and I had no reason to suspect otherwise as they had clearly been rebuilt by Kev. Be interesting to know though as the question of how it can be done did pop into my head a few times over the years.
Ive no idea. I bought the rods of a chap years ago. He stated that they had been altered in that way and I had no reason to suspect otherwise as they had clearly been rebuilt by Kev. Be interesting to know though as the question of how it can be done did pop into my head a few times over the years.
In reply to Post #20
By shortening the rod from the butt....?
By shortening the rod from the butt....?
In reply to Post #1
Still have a pair of whisker kevlar 11ft 2lb rods, more like 30 years old I guess... Still a delight to play fish on but they don't see the light of day very often
Still have a pair of whisker kevlar 11ft 2lb rods, more like 30 years old I guess... Still a delight to play fish on but they don't see the light of day very often
I have 3 Daiwa amorphous 12ft 2.5lb rods that I bought new and still use that are 25 years old.
Love them and would never sell them
Love them and would never sell them
Its not a carp rod but my favourite rod of all time is the shimmy antares specialist rod.
In reply to Post #1
Shimano Diaflash rods
Shimano Diaflash rods
Post in wrong topic...
In reply to Post #1
switched to some mk1 powermesh in 11ft 2.25lb love them.
they are alittle scabby so i too have been thinking where can i source something "new" like these
switched to some mk1 powermesh in 11ft 2.25lb love them.
they are alittle scabby so i too have been thinking where can i source something "new" like these
In reply to Post #27
Coleman Xtreme
Coleman Xtreme
In reply to Post #27
What's the playing action like on those
What's the playing action like on those
In reply to Post #28
I have the same mk1 powermesh in 11ft 2.25. Fantastic small water rods.
Mine are a little scabby too but that's how I like them 😜
I have the same mk1 powermesh in 11ft 2.25. Fantastic small water rods.
Mine are a little scabby too but that's how I like them 😜
In reply to Post #31
i recall seeing that some branding did a "Stepped up" was that just a faster action for better casting without it being a broom handle
i recall seeing that some branding did a "Stepped up" was that just a faster action for better casting without it being a broom handle
In reply to Post #1
Still use my 20yrs+ Greys Powerplay that have recently been treated to some new cork handles by Bob at Fosters . . .brilliant propa through action rods for both floater fishing and stalking . . .unless they break I've no intention of ever 'upgrading' . . .
Still use my 20yrs+ Greys Powerplay that have recently been treated to some new cork handles by Bob at Fosters . . .brilliant propa through action rods for both floater fishing and stalking . . .unless they break I've no intention of ever 'upgrading' . . .
In reply to Post #1
I've got the original Infinity MT, love the blanks but the fittings are 🤮
I've got the original Infinity MT, love the blanks but the fittings are 🤮
In reply to Post #1
12' 2lb TC Tri-casts built by Bob Morris in 1989
11' 1 1/4lb Fibatube built by Bob in 1997
Either will land any carp that I will hook in the U.K. Whether I can cast to them is another matter!
12' 2lb TC Tri-casts built by Bob Morris in 1989
11' 1 1/4lb Fibatube built by Bob in 1997
Either will land any carp that I will hook in the U.K. Whether I can cast to them is another matter!
In reply to Post #1
Dictator Z's
Dictator Z's
In reply to Post #1
Harrison Ballista 3.5lb 12'6" ER. I was still using these rods until 18 months ago, had them re rung, still have them. Still thinking about a new set in lower TC...hmm.
Greys FX4, probably nearing 15 years ago, don't think I could compress them now, good rod for distance work, I did sell these, should have kept them but hey ho!
Harrison Ballista 3.5lb 12'6" ER. I was still using these rods until 18 months ago, had them re rung, still have them. Still thinking about a new set in lower TC...hmm.
Greys FX4, probably nearing 15 years ago, don't think I could compress them now, good rod for distance work, I did sell these, should have kept them but hey ho!
I've got three 11' 2.25lb Tricasts. Going to be the grandsons first rods soon
Still got a pair of 1981 Simpson's KM1s - 11ft 2 1/4 with conospin reel fittings. They still see the light of day as an occasional 4th rod. Still a pleasure to fish with.
Not as old as other but still regularly use my Mk1 ESP Hearns in 2.9 and 3.25 which i bought when they were released in 2000, i just love the playing action in them whether it be a carp or tench.
Ive just bough some Freespirit E class gold's as i plan to fish a bigger water this winter.
Ive just bough some Freespirit E class gold's as i plan to fish a bigger water this winter.
In reply to Post #35
12' 2lb TC Tri-casts built by Bob Morris in 1989
Funnily enough, I have recently been stripping down a pair of Tri-Cast 12' 2lb Ultralight blanks, ready for re-building, that I bought from Bob Morris in 1984, shortly after he opened his shop in South Darenth. Lovely light weight blanks, proper players rods, if somewhat lacking a bit of backbone, compared to today's broomstick offerings.
Also have some 12' 2.5lb Harrison Ballistas, which I have had for 25+ years, which will follow me to the grave - beautiful fish playing rods.
My go to rods are Free Spirit ES though, had them nearly 20 years (so almost bordering on old skool now in some ways) - just the right balance between fish playing & essential casting requirements.
And not forgetting a pair of Bruce Ashby built, Conoflex 11' 2lb carbon rods from about 1980, with conospin handles & green Fugi rings, again lovely fish players with Cardinals 55's clamped to them - I love to use them just for the looks I get from all the youths of today
12' 2lb TC Tri-casts built by Bob Morris in 1989
Funnily enough, I have recently been stripping down a pair of Tri-Cast 12' 2lb Ultralight blanks, ready for re-building, that I bought from Bob Morris in 1984, shortly after he opened his shop in South Darenth. Lovely light weight blanks, proper players rods, if somewhat lacking a bit of backbone, compared to today's broomstick offerings.
Also have some 12' 2.5lb Harrison Ballistas, which I have had for 25+ years, which will follow me to the grave - beautiful fish playing rods.
My go to rods are Free Spirit ES though, had them nearly 20 years (so almost bordering on old skool now in some ways) - just the right balance between fish playing & essential casting requirements.
And not forgetting a pair of Bruce Ashby built, Conoflex 11' 2lb carbon rods from about 1980, with conospin handles & green Fugi rings, again lovely fish players with Cardinals 55's clamped to them - I love to use them just for the looks I get from all the youths of today
In reply to Post #1
I still use my old KM1's - 'would never part with them.
I still use my old KM1's - 'would never part with them.
In reply to Post #1
Have to say my late 80's 2.5lb Tricasts are lovely rods but have softened up a lot. used to be proper casting rods back in the day.
Still use my ballistas from mid 1990's. mate uses his NW's alot still, although mainly on the river.
Have to say my late 80's 2.5lb Tricasts are lovely rods but have softened up a lot. used to be proper casting rods back in the day.
Still use my ballistas from mid 1990's. mate uses his NW's alot still, although mainly on the river.
Been using a 3pc 9' sealey split cane and a pin. Needs rebuilding badly but still going, you know you've hooked a fish because the heavy tip becomes like a bloody lead weight tied to wet spaghetti 
I love carping with what many would call 'light' rod; 1.5lb-2.25lb test.
One of the most delightful rods that I still use on the right venue, is built on an eleven foot 1.75lb test Sportex blank built for me by Going Bros back in 1982. The rod weighs less than six ounces and even when matched with a tiny fixed spool reel the overall weight is only just over a pound. You can image the feel of a decent sized carp on such delicate tackle. They were rebuilt by Bob Jones of Savay fame in 1990, and I adore playing fish on them. Unfortunately, so too does the missus, which means that when we fish together she commandeers them.
One of the most delightful rods that I still use on the right venue, is built on an eleven foot 1.75lb test Sportex blank built for me by Going Bros back in 1982. The rod weighs less than six ounces and even when matched with a tiny fixed spool reel the overall weight is only just over a pound. You can image the feel of a decent sized carp on such delicate tackle. They were rebuilt by Bob Jones of Savay fame in 1990, and I adore playing fish on them. Unfortunately, so too does the missus, which means that when we fish together she commandeers them.
In reply to Post #1
leslies of luton original insight rods, 2 3/4 test can pit a lead out of sight if needed yet plays a fish beautifully, made on a ruby red harrison blank.
leslies of luton original insight rods, 2 3/4 test can pit a lead out of sight if needed yet plays a fish beautifully, made on a ruby red harrison blank.
In reply to Post #18
I have some of Kevs 1.5 lb Sportex CKS 11 footers, 2 purchased in 98 and 2 more purchased later.
He rebuilt them in 2017 with K series silver guides.
A true classic, would never sell them.
I have some of Kevs 1.5 lb Sportex CKS 11 footers, 2 purchased in 98 and 2 more purchased later.
He rebuilt them in 2017 with K series silver guides.
A true classic, would never sell them.
In reply to Post #1
i might be tempts to get a anti wrap tip ring on mind and perhaps get the rings rewhipped and lined up better
likely quite costly..
i might be tempts to get a anti wrap tip ring on mind and perhaps get the rings rewhipped and lined up better
likely quite costly..
In reply to Post #48
on a related matter I am considering selling some Bruce Ashby invaders, not having the required posts as yet I cant offer here, so where do folk think is the best place to put them up for fans of the yesteryear?
on a related matter I am considering selling some Bruce Ashby invaders, not having the required posts as yet I cant offer here, so where do folk think is the best place to put them up for fans of the yesteryear?
In reply to Post #30
Black Max 2.5tc were amazing. B&W green dragons, pokey as hell but could launch em, back in the day when we were using 1.5 leads.
Sportex kevlars, Mk1 armalites and even the more budget focused Sundridge Kortina, fantastic back in the day. Aiken glass, dominators, lovely.....proper childhood memories
Black Max 2.5tc were amazing. B&W green dragons, pokey as hell but could launch em, back in the day when we were using 1.5 leads.
Sportex kevlars, Mk1 armalites and even the more budget focused Sundridge Kortina, fantastic back in the day. Aiken glass, dominators, lovely.....proper childhood memories
In reply to Post #51
I thought black max were bloody terrible rods! Much preferred my old whiskers
I thought black max were bloody terrible rods! Much preferred my old whiskers
In reply to Post #50
thanks Gerry. much appreciated.
thanks Gerry. much appreciated.
In reply to Post #54
Set of original infinity LD on tackle trader.
Set of original infinity LD on tackle trader.
In reply to Post #54
I have six Infinity X, 3 x 2.75 and 3 x 3.5, the first three still in very regular use some 23 years after buying them. Would love a set of the rarer 2.25 but they are scarce.
I have six Infinity X, 3 x 2.75 and 3 x 3.5, the first three still in very regular use some 23 years after buying them. Would love a set of the rarer 2.25 but they are scarce.
In reply to Post #41
That's the shop, on the corner opposite the pub.
I used to love going there and chatting to Bob, Mickey, and Bob's Dad John (who everyone thought was miserable but was always really nice to me and my friends when we were kids).
I had the next model of Tri-casts. They were tested and advertised by Jim Gibbinson, and were the range after the Ultralights and before the Legends. Like you say, built with green Fuji's.
Bob was (and I assume still is) such a nice bloke but even as a teenager I could see that he was a terrible businessman. He used to let me and a mate keep our homemade bait in his freezers for free so that we didn't have to pay for shop bought boilies
That's the shop, on the corner opposite the pub.
I used to love going there and chatting to Bob, Mickey, and Bob's Dad John (who everyone thought was miserable but was always really nice to me and my friends when we were kids).
I had the next model of Tri-casts. They were tested and advertised by Jim Gibbinson, and were the range after the Ultralights and before the Legends. Like you say, built with green Fuji's.
Bob was (and I assume still is) such a nice bloke but even as a teenager I could see that he was a terrible businessman. He used to let me and a mate keep our homemade bait in his freezers for free so that we didn't have to pay for shop bought boilies
In reply to Post #58
Yep, Bob was (is) a lovely guy, and a truly top class angler too. Up there with Jim Gibbinson in my book as one of the best Kent anglers of all time.
I actually bought those Tri-Cast rods as blanks as a 14 year old (was the only way I could afford them) and I remember him being so helpful with time & advice on building them. They were actually the 2nd set of rods I built, had some glass North Western AC7's the year before, but I wanted carbon as they were so much thinner (think I got them from Bob too) – shows how much carp fishing has changed, how many 13 year olds would contemplate building their first set of carp rods now?!
And you're right, I don't think business acumen was his strong point – I know there was a lot of thieving going on in the shop in the 90's when he left his Dad in charge (who would have been about 80 at the time) – pretty disgusting really. And the growth of The Tackle Box didn't help his trade either I suspect.
I can actually remember when he used to sell out of his garage in Longmarsh View before he got the shop (opposite where the very first Tackle Box was).
Yep, Bob was (is) a lovely guy, and a truly top class angler too. Up there with Jim Gibbinson in my book as one of the best Kent anglers of all time.
I actually bought those Tri-Cast rods as blanks as a 14 year old (was the only way I could afford them) and I remember him being so helpful with time & advice on building them. They were actually the 2nd set of rods I built, had some glass North Western AC7's the year before, but I wanted carbon as they were so much thinner (think I got them from Bob too) – shows how much carp fishing has changed, how many 13 year olds would contemplate building their first set of carp rods now?!
And you're right, I don't think business acumen was his strong point – I know there was a lot of thieving going on in the shop in the 90's when he left his Dad in charge (who would have been about 80 at the time) – pretty disgusting really. And the growth of The Tackle Box didn't help his trade either I suspect.
I can actually remember when he used to sell out of his garage in Longmarsh View before he got the shop (opposite where the very first Tackle Box was).
In reply to Post #58
tri cast carbon kevlars "snakes in the grass"? i have a set.
tri cast carbon kevlars "snakes in the grass"? i have a set.
In reply to Post #60
In reply to Post #1
North Western 11ft Sealey 2.25tc carbon with Fuji guides
Had a set circa 1990 would still do the nowadays 👍
North Western 11ft Sealey 2.25tc carbon with Fuji guides
Had a set circa 1990 would still do the nowadays 👍
Can anyone recall the product numbers for the old Sportex carbons? i.e. the Maddocks range. I think the original Maddock was a 3302 or something like that!
In reply to Post #63
Roger Hurst would know; seeing as he was Jack Simpson's rod builder at that time.
Roger Hurst would know; seeing as he was Jack Simpson's rod builder at that time.
In reply to Post #59
Bob made all my first and early carbons, only ever spoke on the phone, but what great advice he gave.
Strange coincidence that I also had AC7s as my last glass rods, brought in kit form and made myself.
Still got 2 stepped up avons I made up myself too, as a 18year old.
Bob made all my first and early carbons, only ever spoke on the phone, but what great advice he gave.
Strange coincidence that I also had AC7s as my last glass rods, brought in kit form and made myself.
Still got 2 stepped up avons I made up myself too, as a 18year old.
In reply to Post #65
Still have 3 Diawa whisker tournament wtc , late 80's early 90's .... Were so thin back then and are still now. Occasionally use one floater fishing
Still have 3 Diawa whisker tournament wtc , late 80's early 90's .... Were so thin back then and are still now. Occasionally use one floater fishing
I dont really class 15-20 years as "yesteryear" ... still relatively modern in terms of rods imo .... I still use my Shimano X-Carp 11ft 1-3/4lb rods that i bought in 1989 (since rebuilt) and im pretty sure i still have a Sealey 1.5lb 11ft carp rod somewhere that is even older .. has green fuji rings
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