Hi everyone
I've been looking to leave the rod pod at home for those quick sessions and start using banksticks and buzzbars
want to start taking less stuff and be more mobile
What banksticks and buzzbars are you guys using ?
I've read good things about (summit tackle) but they are very expensive compared to many others
Are theyy worth the investement ? or what other brands you guys recommend ?
Thank you all
I've been looking to leave the rod pod at home for those quick sessions and start using banksticks and buzzbars
want to start taking less stuff and be more mobile
What banksticks and buzzbars are you guys using ?
I've read good things about (summit tackle) but they are very expensive compared to many others
Are theyy worth the investement ? or what other brands you guys recommend ?
Thank you all
In reply to Post #1
Cygnet bars and sticks. Had mine for years now. Light weight strong and cheap.
Cygnet bars and sticks. Had mine for years now. Light weight strong and cheap.
I've used jag stuff for years, a few different variations, and always sung it's praises.
But It got expensive when I needed some longer sticks so I bought some cheap leeda bankstick and some sonic buzz bars (after I broke my jag ones, don't ask) and I've come to the conclusion that the cheap stuff literally does exactly the same thing and looks just as good.
I really don't think you can buy bad bankstick and buzz bars anymore. Just buy literally whatever you like the look of IMO.
But It got expensive when I needed some longer sticks so I bought some cheap leeda bankstick and some sonic buzz bars (after I broke my jag ones, don't ask) and I've come to the conclusion that the cheap stuff literally does exactly the same thing and looks just as good.
I really don't think you can buy bad bankstick and buzz bars anymore. Just buy literally whatever you like the look of IMO.
In reply to Post #2
thank you, ill have a look at those 
What size do you use mate ? front and rear ? or are you using the adjustable ones ?
need to fit my big pit reels but I dont like folding the handles really
thank you, ill have a look at those
What size do you use mate ? front and rear ? or are you using the adjustable ones ?
need to fit my big pit reels but I dont like folding the handles really
In reply to Post #3
jag is even more expensive completely out of my league
thank you
jag is even more expensive completely out of my league
thank you
In reply to Post #5
Do yourself a favour look at the range of Wychwood Slims 2 or 3-Rod Buzzer Bars.
Lightweight, Well made, and added benefit of a front thread for indicator chains.
Impressed me enough to buy a pair a couple of years ago.
Do yourself a favour look at the range of Wychwood Slims 2 or 3-Rod Buzzer Bars.
Lightweight, Well made, and added benefit of a front thread for indicator chains.
Impressed me enough to buy a pair a couple of years ago.
In reply to Post #6
thank you, those are really cheap in comparison to summit
what size do you have ? front and rear same size?
I've got big pit reels and I dont like to fold the handles really but also dont want a massive gap in between the rods
thanks again
thank you, those are really cheap in comparison to summit
what size do you have ? front and rear same size?
I've got big pit reels and I dont like to fold the handles really
but also dont want a massive gap in between the rods thanks again
In reply to Post #7
A chap posted a link to some cheap ebay ones on here recently, think they were £8 p pair for 2 rod busbars. Think it was on a thread called something like "share the bargains", only a few days ago. Have a look at them mate, they also do cheap bank sticks and 3 rod busbars.
A chap posted a link to some cheap ebay ones on here recently, think they were £8 p pair for 2 rod busbars. Think it was on a thread called something like "share the bargains", only a few days ago. Have a look at them mate, they also do cheap bank sticks and 3 rod busbars.
In reply to Post #7
I only use 2 rods currently, Like you, I don't do folded handles, and prefer a small gap between rods.
So my choice for my big pit ESP Onyx reels, and Terry Hearns without the need for folded handles are ....
FRONT BUZZ BAR - 3 rod / 7.75" ( odd choice I know, but the spread was right for my preferred 2 rod set up )
REAR BUZZ BAR - 2 rod / 6.75"
Hope that helps.
I only use 2 rods currently, Like you, I don't do folded handles, and prefer a small gap between rods.
So my choice for my big pit ESP Onyx reels, and Terry Hearns without the need for folded handles are ....
FRONT BUZZ BAR - 3 rod / 7.75" ( odd choice I know, but the spread was right for my preferred 2 rod set up )
REAR BUZZ BAR - 2 rod / 6.75"
Hope that helps.
In reply to Post #8
Here they are, 8" front and 6" rear. £8, pay any more and you're being mugged.
See post #113 in the bargains thread for details.
Here they are, 8" front and 6" rear. £8, pay any more and you're being mugged.
See post #113 in the bargains thread for details.
In reply to Post #4
Wasnt sure.. I've had the bars a while. So looked it up there the Snug bars. 6.5 inch for the front and a 6 for the back. Gives me just enough flare on the tips and I my Emblems are close enough together so they don't look like they've had a fall out with one another..
Its important dont you no.. 
Wasnt sure.. I've had the bars a while. So looked it up there the Snug bars. 6.5 inch for the front and a 6 for the back. Gives me just enough flare on the tips and I my Emblems are close enough together so they don't look like they've had a fall out with one another..
Its important dont you no..
https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/293261971680
ended up buying these ones today
for 20 Pounds two buzz bars, two banksticks, two stabilizers and 2 rod rests
Can't thank enought all the people here
Will give some feedback after I use them a few times!
Thanks again
ended up buying these ones today
for 20 Pounds two buzz bars, two banksticks, two stabilizers and 2 rod rests
Can't thank enought all the people here
Will give some feedback after I use them a few times!
Thanks again
In reply to Post #12
@ Posts 10 & 12.
Be interested in your opinions of your purchase. Their gear does look good (for ally), so please come back to tell us your first (and 2nd etc) thoughts!
@ Posts 10 & 12.
Be interested in your opinions of your purchase. Their gear does look good (for ally), so please come back to tell us your first (and 2nd etc) thoughts!
Has anyone tried the cheaper carbon gear from Ebay? Bison etc??
In reply to Post #13
I have added a new thread in the tackle section.
http://www.carpforum.co.uk/Shared/Messages.asp?TopicID=432605
I have added a new thread in the tackle section.
http://www.carpforum.co.uk/Shared/Messages.asp?TopicID=432605
In reply to Post #15
Thanks for this.
Thanks for this.
I know you've purchased your set up but I like the versatility of the JRC X Lite stuff gives options between pod/fantail pod if you wish single sticks and buzzbars or goalpost setup and sticks you can leave the pod base out if its easy to get sticks in just a wide range of options.
The pod base comes as two longer sticks and adapters although you can use shorter sticks and buy the adapters separately, this is what I did I went with 18 inch sticks and adapters works out a bit more but more versatile in my opinion the X lite buzz bars I have in 8.5 and 9.5 but these can be used as single stick or goal posts set up then I bought the banksticks in 9 and 12 inch.
So I can lengthen shorten the pod base and have a choice between the 12 and 18 inch sticks for height.
THIS GIVES AN IDEA
I got all my bits for around 110 notes but can be done cheaper.
The pod base comes as two longer sticks and adapters although you can use shorter sticks and buy the adapters separately, this is what I did I went with 18 inch sticks and adapters works out a bit more but more versatile in my opinion the X lite buzz bars I have in 8.5 and 9.5 but these can be used as single stick or goal posts set up then I bought the banksticks in 9 and 12 inch.
So I can lengthen shorten the pod base and have a choice between the 12 and 18 inch sticks for height.
THIS GIVES AN IDEA
I got all my bits for around 110 notes but can be done cheaper.
Two types of sticks that I would personally avoid is made by Cygnet and JRC from my own experience about 3 years ago. They may have improved the design by now.
I bought a set of 6 Cygnet Sniper bank sticks, in just 2 sessions, 3 of them broke. The part that has the screw thread for an alarm etc just came away from the stick itself. All they are held on with is a bit of glue and paint. All you have to do is hold it vertical, and let the inner slide down into the outer and the end pops off or just pull on it and it comes away.
So, I took them back to the shop to exchange under warranty and found I was not the only one who had this issue.
I settled for a set of 6 JRC X Lite. Once again within a couple of sessions, two of them broke. Once again it was the part at the top with the screw thread. Only this time, they snapped off. The ends are screwed on, but the side wall of the stick is about 1mm thick, once that has had a screw thread tapped on, the side wall is only about 0.5mm thick. Any sideways force will snap the ends off. One of them broke as I was pushing it into the ground and the other snapped off when I was using it with my bars used as a goalpost system. Just because the banksticks where not pushed into the ground parallel, the force being offset on an angle just snapped the top off.
With the JRC ones though, I removed the broken off part of bankstick inside the head and just retapped the stick and screwed the head back on again and I'm just aware now of not putting any sideways movement when I push them into the ground.
One good thing about the JRC X Lite sticks is, they fit the Sonik Varder pod perfectly if you need longer or shorter sticks for it.
I also bought a couple of Cygnet bars at the same time as the Cygnet sticks. So far, one of them has become twisted, ie the threads for screwing alarms on have come out of alignment, mainly the centre one. But, I sort that out by placing it on a flat surface and reposition everything. And the other bar, has turned a golden bronzy colour instead of black!!!!
I bought a set of 6 Cygnet Sniper bank sticks, in just 2 sessions, 3 of them broke. The part that has the screw thread for an alarm etc just came away from the stick itself. All they are held on with is a bit of glue and paint. All you have to do is hold it vertical, and let the inner slide down into the outer and the end pops off or just pull on it and it comes away.
So, I took them back to the shop to exchange under warranty and found I was not the only one who had this issue.
I settled for a set of 6 JRC X Lite. Once again within a couple of sessions, two of them broke. Once again it was the part at the top with the screw thread. Only this time, they snapped off. The ends are screwed on, but the side wall of the stick is about 1mm thick, once that has had a screw thread tapped on, the side wall is only about 0.5mm thick. Any sideways force will snap the ends off. One of them broke as I was pushing it into the ground and the other snapped off when I was using it with my bars used as a goalpost system. Just because the banksticks where not pushed into the ground parallel, the force being offset on an angle just snapped the top off.
With the JRC ones though, I removed the broken off part of bankstick inside the head and just retapped the stick and screwed the head back on again and I'm just aware now of not putting any sideways movement when I push them into the ground.
One good thing about the JRC X Lite sticks is, they fit the Sonik Varder pod perfectly if you need longer or shorter sticks for it.
I also bought a couple of Cygnet bars at the same time as the Cygnet sticks. So far, one of them has become twisted, ie the threads for screwing alarms on have come out of alignment, mainly the centre one. But, I sort that out by placing it on a flat surface and reposition everything. And the other bar, has turned a golden bronzy colour instead of black!!!!
In reply to Post #14
Worth keeping an eye on Century's website, I picked up 2 sets of carbon + stainless Century Neville Buzz Bars for £25 a set (front and rear!), I got both 2 and 3 rod sets.
Worth keeping an eye on Century's website, I picked up 2 sets of carbon + stainless Century Neville Buzz Bars for £25 a set (front and rear!), I got both 2 and 3 rod sets.
In reply to Post #17
I've got the Chris Brown parallel bars and buzzbars and banksticks similar idea / set up but will never break.
I've got the Chris Brown parallel bars and buzzbars and banksticks similar idea / set up but will never break.
In reply to Post #12
Hope they last longer than my banksticks did!
There's aluminium, and then there's aluminium..
https://www.cbproducts.co.uk/rod-rest-systems-2/
Hope they last longer than my banksticks did!
There's aluminium, and then there's aluminium..
https://www.cbproducts.co.uk/rod-rest-systems-2/
In reply to Post #20
Not wrong. I'm still using Chris brown sticks and bars that are 20'ish years old. Everything works as It did when new. Can't grumble at that can you and they don't cost the earth
Not wrong. I'm still using Chris brown sticks and bars that are 20'ish years old. Everything works as It did when new. Can't grumble at that can you and they don't cost the earth
I bought some stainless bars and and sticks from this firm. Seem well made and great value.
In reply to Post #23
Their stainless bars are very solid but weigh a tonne.
The 8" stainless is 200g and the aluminium version is 72g
Their stainless bars are very solid but weigh a tonne.
The 8" stainless is 200g and the aluminium version is 72g
In reply to Post #19
Mate have you got a link to where you can buy off their site? I've been using the Century Nevill stuff since it came out and want to add a couple of bits but can't see where you can purchase on their site.
Cheers
Mate have you got a link to where you can buy off their site? I've been using the Century Nevill stuff since it came out and want to add a couple of bits but can't see where you can purchase on their site.
Cheers
In reply to Post #25
They don't make the Century Neville stuff anymore. They were selling off all the old stock and there were some mega discounts on there. Looks like only the stainless stabilisers left, still cheap if you are looking at them.
Just Google Century Neville Shop
They don't make the Century Neville stuff anymore. They were selling off all the old stock and there were some mega discounts on there. Looks like only the stainless stabilisers left, still cheap if you are looking at them.
Just Google Century Neville Shop
In reply to Post #26
Yeah stopped making it years ago unfortunately. I was steering clear of the black anodised version but thought if it's as cheap as that I might have been tempted. Cheers for the shop link though appreciated
Yeah stopped making it years ago unfortunately. I was steering clear of the black anodised version but thought if it's as cheap as that I might have been tempted. Cheers for the shop link though appreciated
In reply to Post #13
https://ibb.co/t4GHQyf
https://ibb.co/LRk6pYL
This links are the pictures, not sure how to post them so you might have to copy and paste the link
after a few sessions I can only say good things about them , for the price 20£ they do the job.
One thing they dont have is the flat part to prevent movement like many other brands have, but saying this so far I had no trouble whith movement at all!
Conclusion: so far they have been worth the price! But I've used them only on soft ground, will update again around summer time
https://ibb.co/t4GHQyf
https://ibb.co/LRk6pYL
This links are the pictures, not sure how to post them so you might have to copy and paste the link
after a few sessions I can only say good things about them , for the price 20£ they do the job.
One thing they dont have is the flat part to prevent movement like many other brands have, but saying this so far I had no trouble whith movement at all!
Conclusion: so far they have been worth the price! But I've used them only on soft ground, will update again around summer time
In reply to Post #28
In reply to Post #22
I got a bit confused on his site saying he won't use stainless as it's too soft but then uses aluminium...
I got a bit confused on his site saying he won't use stainless as it's too soft but then uses aluminium...
Finally got to use my 3 rod set up and christened my brilliant, lightweight goalpost bars.
In reply to Post #31
ill buy a 3 rod setup also soon,for the price cant go wrong really
ill buy a 3 rod setup also soon,for the price cant go wrong really
In reply to Post #1
Chris Brown bars and sticks. I've also got Steve Neville stainless but the extra weight isn't worth the improvement in aesthetics. Both are fantastic though. However, the Chris Brown stuff is more adaptive.
Chris Brown bars and sticks. I've also got Steve Neville stainless but the extra weight isn't worth the improvement in aesthetics. Both are fantastic though. However, the Chris Brown stuff is more adaptive.
Solar Banksticks for me.
I have my original Solar Stainless sticks as well as a set of P1 Stainless as well.
Come to that somewhere I still have original fixed Stainless buzzer bars somewhere.
I think I got them back in the 1990's.
Solars Johnson Ross link is here
I have my original Solar Stainless sticks as well as a set of P1 Stainless as well.
Come to that somewhere I still have original fixed Stainless buzzer bars somewhere.
I think I got them back in the 1990's.
Solars Johnson Ross link is here
In reply to Post #29
Cam,..in the top.right hand corner of your nice picture,is a bivvy sat on a platform,across the other side of your lake..
What is the ladder on the platform for..?
Is it for a boat ?
Cheers
Cam,..in the top.right hand corner of your nice picture,is a bivvy sat on a platform,across the other side of your lake..
What is the ladder on the platform for..?
Is it for a boat ?
Cheers
In reply to Post #35
It's not my picture Adam, I just added it for Marco.
Didn't even notice that tbh .
I guess it would be for easier entry into a boat? I have no idea
It's not my picture Adam, I just added it for Marco.
Didn't even notice that tbh
.I guess it would be for easier entry into a boat? I have no idea
In reply to Post #34
Used solar for years, predominantly a world wide pod since they came out
Last year I was walking a long way to where I was fishing and carrying my gear, also only fishing two rods so I decided to buy a two rod set up for cheap. I bought some cheap 2 rod buzz bars from EBay, major mistake, the threads were knackered on one, both came with the black coating damaged too
Bit the bullet and bought some black matrix ones with some small red hangers, tidy bit of kit. Also bought a couple of JRC alarms, not bad for the money
My advice is buy from a shop and see what you are getting otherwise be prepared to send things back, I didn't, the crap off eBay is in the shed
Used solar for years, predominantly a world wide pod since they came out
Last year I was walking a long way to where I was fishing and carrying my gear, also only fishing two rods so I decided to buy a two rod set up for cheap. I bought some cheap 2 rod buzz bars from EBay, major mistake, the threads were knackered on one, both came with the black coating damaged too
Bit the bullet and bought some black matrix ones with some small red hangers, tidy bit of kit. Also bought a couple of JRC alarms, not bad for the money
My advice is buy from a shop and see what you are getting otherwise be prepared to send things back, I didn't, the crap off eBay is in the shed
In reply to Post #36
Ahh,I see Cam..
Your most probably right,it for a boat I guess..(I dont miss much mate, especially small shiny stuff on banksides)...
Ahh,I see Cam..
Your most probably right,it for a boat I guess..(I dont miss much mate, especially small shiny stuff on banksides)...
In reply to Post #38
Question is then..
Is it permanently there or did the angler take it himself.
Sort of goes against your type of fishing if they did!
Question is then..
Is it permanently there or did the angler take it himself.
Sort of goes against your type of fishing if they did!
In reply to Post #37
Love my Solar stuff,its 33 yrs old ,two plus one set up from Exeter Angling,sold to me by Hiram,great lad..it'll see me out ,its as good as the day I bought it..,
Love my Solar stuff,its 33 yrs old ,two plus one set up from Exeter Angling,sold to me by Hiram,great lad..it'll see me out ,its as good as the day I bought it..,
In reply to Post #39
Yeah Cam,minimalist, ha ha,not sure I could fit that in my rucksack,can see it now though,new Jag porta ladda,in 316,to aid high angle photographic shots..
Bet it would sell as well..
Yeah Cam,minimalist, ha ha,not sure I could fit that in my rucksack,can see it now though,new Jag porta ladda,in 316,to aid high angle photographic shots..
Bet it would sell as well..
In reply to Post #38
I think there may be a lower floating platform?
I think there may be a lower floating platform?
In reply to Post #35
A lot of people in that lake use the waders to place the rigs by hand because its a really shallow lake.
They walk all along that far margin on the picture to place the rigs,
I guess that they use the ladder to help them get into the water from the platform no need for boats on that lake lol
A lot of people in that lake use the waders to place the rigs by hand because its a really shallow lake.
They walk all along that far margin on the picture to place the rigs,
I guess that they use the ladder to help them get into the water from the platform
no need for boats on that lake lol
In reply to Post #2
Also use cygnet. Solid, lightweight, cheap and does the job.
If I was to change anything it would just be that the old cygnet stuff I have is mostly painted black rather than anodised, consequently the black paint has chipped (only really where the thumbscrews of my tripod tighten onto the bank stick uprights). I've also lost one thumbscrew.
The only features I'd look for then going forwards would be a hard anodised finish and lossless thumbscrews. The cygnet 20/20 CV range has both features for half the price of something like JAG.
Also use cygnet. Solid, lightweight, cheap and does the job.
If I was to change anything it would just be that the old cygnet stuff I have is mostly painted black rather than anodised, consequently the black paint has chipped (only really where the thumbscrews of my tripod tighten onto the bank stick uprights). I've also lost one thumbscrew.
The only features I'd look for then going forwards would be a hard anodised finish and lossless thumbscrews. The cygnet 20/20 CV range has both features for half the price of something like JAG.
In reply to Post #1
Fair to say the choice is rather wide. I use Matrix super slinky sticks, bars, you name it - it's all Matrix. Nothing fancy, just very well made and functional. Not a JAG fan, great gear, but I think they've gone too far with the styling - making some of their stuff look more like toys than tools.
Fair to say the choice is rather wide. I use Matrix super slinky sticks, bars, you name it - it's all Matrix. Nothing fancy, just very well made and functional. Not a JAG fan, great gear, but I think they've gone too far with the styling - making some of their stuff look more like toys than tools.
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