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12 Torrix 3.25 vs 12 Aviator Plus (54 posts / 8,980 views)
Belch Belch
MODERATORMOD
Posts: 4,660
Post #1 18 Apr 2022 13:11
0
In the market for a set of slightly pokier rods - historically have always fished with more through/parabolic action beasts on weedy estate lakes where big chucks aren't necessary and more recently have been using a bait boat where my current 3lb TC EVs are more than adequate (and also nice to cast 2.5oz leads up to 80yds) however they do have their limitations and struggle with all but the most compact of solid PVA bags which seems to be my current go-to presentation . . .

Have a pair of Torrix 2.25 as my barbel weapons of choice (these can handle heavy feeders but still have a great action) so assumed the Torrix 3.25 would be an obvious choice for carping however they've been about for well over a decade now so thought the Aviator Plus may be a better choice - ideally looking for good allrounder that can level line cast over 100yds (average caster), handle satsuma sized solid bags but also not feel like broomsticks on smaller waters . . .bear in my last experience of casting machines was a set of AK-47s that I could barely compress let alone enjoy!
The-Heff The-Heff
Posts: 3,404
Post #2 18 Apr 2022 13:21
0
I have a set of torrix, and a set of aviators, and still use both.i tend to keep the torrix for smaller waters and have the aviators for everything else.

I find the aviator has a bit more backbone than the torrix, without being too stiff. If i was chucking solid bags around, id go with the aviators, but the torrix will also do the job, but maybe not as well.

My torrix are over 15 years old so bare that in mind as they will have softened somewhat.
Belch Belch
MODERATORMOD
Posts: 4,660
Post #3 18 Apr 2022 13:48
0
In reply to Post #2
Thanks for feedback - realword casting distances with 3-4oz leads on either rod? (I'm not talking Terry Edmonds weight shifting hands up high style - I'm talking 'normal' / accurate carpers style!)
maplecream
Posts: 723
Post #4 18 Apr 2022 13:52
0
In reply to Post #1
My only advice is forget the 3.25 torrix, ive a pair and someone on here described them as a 'Plank of a blank' of which I'm in full agreement.
Goose Goose
Posts: 12,901
Post #5 18 Apr 2022 14:09
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In reply to Post #1
The 3.25tc torrix is a very different beast to your 2.25tc, loved my 2lb torrix and didn't like the 2.75tc or 3.25tc but love the 12.6 te model which seemed a much smoother casting blank. All very personal with rod actions and you can only really tell what there like by putting a reel on them and having a few chucks.
Belch Belch
MODERATORMOD
Posts: 4,660
Post #6 18 Apr 2022 15:12
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In reply to Post #5
. . .this is my concern - you can never trial the things properly and end up either living with them or moving them on and losing £. Wish more retailers would do trail days in a field where you can pick up and play . . .

I'm nervous that Torrix will be more akin to the Shimano TX2s I already own but just at a higher price point? To be honest these are an excellent product for the price point (used them beachcaster floater fishing just yesterday) but are a bit 'utility' for normal fishing

My gut is saying Aviator Plus as at least there's a decent used market if I end up hating them . . .?
The-Heff The-Heff
Posts: 3,404
Post #7 18 Apr 2022 17:04
0
In reply to Post #6
Are you buying from a builder or off the shelf? I would give kev clayton a call and have a chat with him if getting from a rod builder. Or maybe take a trip to a shop with decent stock and have a hold of the rods, although not ideal, its better than buying blind

Tiabenman
Posts: 63
Post #8 18 Apr 2022 17:32
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In reply to Post #6
Where are you based mate
Adamroybooth Adamroybooth
Posts: 1,043
Post #9 19 Apr 2022 07:31
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In reply to Post #1
Id go Aviator plus. Had some built last yr and they are now my go to, go anywhere. They Only get put away for Extreme range casting or boat work.
Adamroybooth Adamroybooth
Posts: 1,043
Post #10 19 Apr 2022 07:35
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In reply to Post #6
I see you are In Warwickshire - Bob the rod (rod builder based in Angling direct Birmingham) will have examples of those models there for you to have a look at etc etc - he has also been doing it full time for 30 odd years, mostly on Harrison, so will give you good advice.
Belch Belch
MODERATORMOD
Posts: 4,660
Post #11 19 Apr 2022 10:24
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In reply to Post #10
I've spoken with Bob and got a price - also Neil Warner but also looking at Lee Preston potentially. Might go back to Bob as I know he sometimes 'lends' rods out
jhhilton1983 jhhilton1983
Posts: 1,945
Post #12 19 Apr 2022 13:25
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In reply to Post #1
Id personally say go to a set of 12'6 Torrix TE's - they do all that you require and are a bit more friendly on the tip
SophieO
Posts: 32
Post #13 19 Apr 2022 15:09
0
For the last 8 years I've been having sets of Torrix made up for me every spring by Vic and it is only this year it was suggested I try the Aviators Plus. Used them on my last 4 outings with fish up to 38lb and have to say I do prefer them to the Torrix blank.

If you are local to Herts I don't mind meeting over the local field and bring a few sets with me for you to try.
Belch Belch
MODERATORMOD
Posts: 4,660
Post #14 19 Apr 2022 16:26
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In reply to Post #13
That's a kind offer - ! Last time I met random females in fields was circa 1989-92

Q - A new set every year? Do you blow them up easily. . .?
jamescain12
Posts: 87
Post #15 19 Apr 2022 18:16
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In reply to Post #13
You get new rods every year? 🤯
Orc_Slayer Orc_Slayer
Posts: 358
Post #16 19 Apr 2022 18:51
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In reply to Post #1
I've just got back into carp fishing and went back to Johnson Ross Tackle as I wanted a set made by Vic again. Afetr chatting with Anthony and trying a variety of blanks in the shop I went with the Torrix at 3.25lb. Anthony reckons that these will cater for 90% of my fishing in the UK and be more than suitable for overseas aswell. If Vic wasn't available (I think he's 72 now) I'd definitely go with Kev Clayton as apart from being a cracking rod builder, he's a bloody nice chap.
Goose Goose
Posts: 12,901
Post #17 19 Apr 2022 19:52
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In reply to Post #16
Strange then that most of them in Jr were using the 12ft 6inch torrix te's when I spoke to them last year.
Orc_Slayer Orc_Slayer
Posts: 358
Post #18 19 Apr 2022 20:03
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In reply to Post #17
Some of them are yes. You also have to factor in that I'm just getting back into it and Anthony knows most of the waters that I intend to fish and made suggestions on what would be more suitable for me. Opinions are like ********s, everyone has one. I trust Anthony after dealing with him on and off for around 25 years. The other thing to take into account is that carp anglers as in any hobby/sport will want the latest/best gear that they can afford, even if there is no real benefit (I include myself in that bracket at times as probably we all do if we are being honest). I specifically asked Anthony to recommend a rod that would last me for some while, that would cover most of my options. I retire in 3 years and intend to get another set of rods as a treat out of my lump sum. I may not neccessarily need them but it won't mean that I won't reward myself for doing 30 years in my job.
SophieO
Posts: 32
Post #19 20 Apr 2022 07:47
1
In reply to Post #14
Lol, think I'm a little past that now.

I don't drink or smoke so save that money for a treat. This year I've also replaced my Ci4 XTC with a lovely set of the new XTD MGS which I will also recommend and match the rod perfectly.
mere--man mere--man
Posts: 577
Post #20 20 Apr 2022 10:05
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In reply to Post #1
I'd go the aviator route personally. They will cope with a lot more than a 3.25 torrix will, they will also be noticeably different to your 3lb tc rods you use already whereas the torrix will be more along the same kind of wavelength.
The 3.25 torrix is a great alrounder, I've used Harrison blanks for years and if I haven't used it I would have built one, I think the aviator will offer you more for what your after. May also be worth looking at something like a century c2, very nice blanks also, if you can get to a shop at all that has some factory builds for you to have a look at I would also suggest that as a minimum.

Quiet surprised really that the likes of Harrison, century, free spirit etc do not give each of there reputable builders a blank in each tc, in each range to offer as test models. Not many people out there offer a try before you buy whereas if your getting a custom set of golf clubs, they have test clubs for more or less everything. Maybe something to consider if I ever decide to go full time with my rod building.
Carper1976
Posts: 306
Post #21 20 Apr 2022 16:57
0
In reply to Post #1
Having used both Torrix and Aviator Rods over the last 10 years I would highly recommend the Aviators. I felt under gunned with the 3.25 Torrix on some waters whereas the Aviators are a dream to cast whilst retaining good playing ability close in. Recently I replaced my 12ft Aviator. Plus rods with some new 12ft 6 Aviators built by Nick Buss. These are simply stunning and it is surprising the difference the extra length can make. They clearly cast further but I have seen no change in playing fish close in. In my opinion they are as close as you can get to the perfect fishing Rod. Maybe something to think about unless you are set on 12ft?
Belch Belch
MODERATORMOD
Posts: 4,660
Post #22 20 Apr 2022 18:20
0
In reply to Post #21
Veering towards Aviator Plus as per Ryans comments in that Torrix may not 'feel' that noticeably different from what I'm currently using - saying that lots loving Torrix TEs

Only prefer 12ft as that's how big my triple sleeve is and don't link using slings / tip tops for heavy carp rods and reels etc! No aversion to 12'6" if thats what peeps believe is a genuinely better solution
Gregc1980
Posts: 1,580
Post #23 20 Apr 2022 18:32
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In reply to Post #22
I have just got the 12ft aviator plus and love the with my tech mgs had free spirit xs ive before them and there miles better rod
noj
Posts: 11,459
Social photographer...
Social photographer... Post #24 20 Apr 2022 19:22
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In reply to Post #22
I haven't used an aviator or the plus. But if as you originally said, you like a more traditional action, the 12 or 13' ballista in 3.5 or 4lb could be worth having a cast with. Great for big loads
scozza
Posts: 18,421
Post #25 20 Apr 2022 19:58
0
In reply to Post #4
How dare you speak out about the must have rod at the time, I agree

I had some 3 1/4 test ones with 40mm ringing on, hated them, felt totally unbalanced, butt like a poker and tip like a wand. I then bought some with 50mm ringing on and to be fair they felt much better but still had that soft tip and stiff butt section feel to them. I then had some 12 foot torrix TEs as distance rods and out of the 3 I preferred these. Don't get me wrong Harrison make top quality rods but I will say, what I always say, go and try some of a friends or a rod builders before you buy, what suits one person may not another
maplecream
Posts: 723
Post #26 20 Apr 2022 20:47
0
In reply to Post #25
Wise words, mine are with 40m ringing as well, first 'mistake ' I've ever made regarding carp rods, but a v expensive one.
Brought them on the advice of others, and I know there are many who rave about them, but not me sadly 😢
bluebeat13
Posts: 2,168
Post #27 21 Apr 2022 06:17
0
The Aviator is the current flagship Harrison blank. The Torrix was decent in some test curves, but has been superseded by the Aviator in casting TC's. If shops are recommending the Torrix over the Aviator the cynic in me would suggest that they are trying to shift old blanks, I don't know why else you would want the older model.

I have the 12'6 Aviator Plus, built and recommended by Calvin Hancock based in Stoke. I can vouch for both rod and builder.
noj
Posts: 11,459
Social photographer...
Social photographer... Post #28 21 Apr 2022 08:41
1
In reply to Post #27
The older blanks are still made to order. There isn't containers full of Harrison blanks somewhere
Busted
Posts: 1,882
Post #29 21 Apr 2022 08:54
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In reply to Post #25
Harrison have done it since as well. The 12ft trebuchet light is an utterly toilet, almost uncompressible blank, yet the 13ft is really decent

The 13ft trebuchet spod rod is alsi total garbage whereas the 13ft aviator spod is probably the best spod blank i have ever used

Some very expensive mistakes!
jeffire jeffire
Posts: 4,442
Post #30 21 Apr 2022 09:14
0
In reply to Post #27
The torrix range is still a big seller for Harrison the same as ballista range is , all rods and blanks are made to order . No stocks of blanks are held by harrisons at all.
scozza
Posts: 18,421
Post #31 21 Apr 2022 11:56
0
In reply to Post #29
I had some, still have one that I saved as a 4th distance rod

To be fair, beautiful carbon blank but needs at least 31/2 - 4 oz to compress
Busted
Posts: 1,882
Post #32 21 Apr 2022 12:50
0
In reply to Post #31
I think they need a lot more skill and good technique than i possess

I can cast a pretty long way with the 13ft version but the 12ft i was basically 50yds short. The extra foot wont make that much difference. They feel like completely different rods
Goose Goose
Posts: 12,901
Post #33 21 Apr 2022 13:11
0
In reply to Post #32
Never liked the 12ft 3.25tc and yet the 12ft 6inch te is a buitifull rod to both cast and play fish.
maplecream
Posts: 723
Post #34 21 Apr 2022 13:31
0
In reply to Post #33
I agree, it's everything the 3.25 isn't.
mark100
Posts: 1,458
Post #35 21 Apr 2022 22:32
1
In reply to Post #34
My 12ft 3.25lb Torrix's are lovely, currently being rebuilt after 15 years of abuse. Surprised by all the negativity.
scozza
Posts: 18,421
Post #36 21 Apr 2022 22:39
0
In reply to Post #32
I can imagine that, the 13 footers are probably a lot better and more forgiving
Goose Goose
Posts: 12,901
Post #37 22 Apr 2022 00:02
2
In reply to Post #35
Yeah but we are all different and fish different venue and have different styles of fishing and I don't doubt many won't like my choice of rods or reels ect.
littleian littleian
Posts: 1,505
Post #38 22 Apr 2022 16:42
0
In reply to Post #37
Its taken me a while to get used to my torrix 12ft 6in t.e's as when I first started using them the tip felt soft and i suppose i was frightened to give it the full beans but having used them for a quite a while now they're an exceptional blank. Certainly not a broomstick with fish under the tip in fact I'd go so far to say they're quiet nice to play fish on but with bags of usable power in the butt. Had the aviator plus and didn't particularly like them but i also have a set of the aviator flexs for everything other than distance (what i use the t.es for) and they're a lovely rod that said if I had to part with any of them its the t.e's that i would keep as for me personally they will cover most bases without feeling too overgunned
biggsyhaulin biggsyhaulin
Posts: 1,667
Post #39 22 Apr 2022 16:56
0
In reply to Post #27
I've had both,currently got aviator 12.6 pluses ,very nice long or close,👍
Belch Belch
MODERATORMOD
Posts: 4,660
Post #40 26 Apr 2022 16:18
0
In reply to Post #1
Went for 12' Aviator Plus (JR black) - lets hope they perform as well as they look . . .just need to actually get out and fish now!
Belch Belch
MODERATORMOD
Posts: 4,660
Post #41 26 Apr 2023 16:25
0
In reply to Post #40
1yr on today and I've been using the Aviators sporadically on my syndicate and other waters and the truthful verdict is . . . .other than looking at them I hate the things!

Must be my 'average' casting technique but the window to compress and cast consistently at relative range with these rods is very narrow IMHO - I'd say only 1 out of at least 4-5 casts are fluid and to the range expected; the rest usually fall short. Even a typical carpers overhead 'thump' feels awkward with these . . .

Pretty disappointed - can cast as far and more consistently with my 12' Shimbongo TX2 3.25s - HELP!

Q - 12' Hi Sive ERs . . .?
chewbakka chewbakka
Posts: 443
Post #42 26 Apr 2023 18:04
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In reply to Post #41
Thanks for adding this belch very helpful, appreciate the honest assessment.
Baitman Baitman
Posts: 5,233
Post #43 26 Apr 2023 18:08
0
In reply to Post #41
If you are having issues with the casting technique and timing on the aviators then the hisIve ER will be even worse.
User error I'm afraid.

Stick to the shimbongos.
The-Heff The-Heff
Posts: 3,404
Post #44 26 Apr 2023 18:11
0
In reply to Post #41
I must say i agree. Accuracy is fine at medium range, but im not sure they id be be happy using them for consistant long range fishing.

I bought the 12ft plus as an upgrade for my 15 year old torrix 3.25. And they have replaced them nicely. And they do seem to have a little more backbone. But could also be due to the age of the torrix. But if i joined a water than needed a lot of distance work, id probably look for something else
Belch Belch
MODERATORMOD
Posts: 4,660
Post #45 27 Apr 2023 11:59
0
In reply to Post #44
That is my experience exactly Paul - mid range / playing fish / preening over them is all good . . .but I have other rods that are just as good if not better for that job

Bought these specifically as 'easier casting' range(ish) rods - maybe a stiffer / tippier rod is the solution - but what? A good friend who is a casting beast agrees with my synopsis on Aviators and is saying Daiwa / Century / Hi Sive (in that order) for range rods
Great-Blondini Great-Blondini
MODERATORMOD
Posts: 11,909
Post #46 28 Apr 2023 15:56
0
In reply to Post #33
I have the Torrix 12ft 3.25 and although they are very nice I am the same as you Glenn, the TE are a superb rod and easy to play fish under the tip for a decent casting rod, my 3.25's are in the loft and don't get used anymore TBH
Beyonce
Posts: 1,711
Post #47 28 Apr 2023 18:13
0
If you can cast further with a lower test curve rod then it suggests the technique isn't there to compress the Aviator Plus properly. The purpose of the Aviator Plus was to replace and cast further than the Torrix TE with minimal effort.
Busted
Posts: 1,882
Post #48 28 Apr 2023 19:37
0
In reply to Post #1
I like the torrix blank, except the 3.25 tc. It is an absolutely rubbish blank!

Aviators have a decent backbone, as does the 3.5 torrix but my advice is (if you want a harrison blank), don't go for the 3.25 torrix
Jslinn Jslinn
Posts: 2,403
Post #49 30 Apr 2023 12:38
0
In reply to Post #24
I have a pair of balisters in 3.5 tc and 13' the blank that are 25 years old use them for spod and marker rod along with distance work. Also have a set of Torrix 3.25 the balisters still perform brilliantly and out cast the Torrix all day long, which isn't a suprise. I've never understood the softening to blanks or at least I've not noticed it with the balisters.
Belch Belch
MODERATORMOD
Posts: 4,660
Post #50 1 May 2023 21:16
0
In reply to Post #47
A 12' TX2 in 3.25 is more like a 3.5 IMO (the TCs are under-rated) . . .I can compress the Aviator but its the flex overall that's weird for me making casting inconsistent - don't have casting issues with my 13' SLite SPM with either straight lead / marker / spomb and that's a beast of a rod in comparison
Leeroyjenkins Leeroyjenkins
Posts: 3,955
Post #51 5 May 2023 19:55
0
Glad I saw this post. I might finally get a decent set of rods built this year. I've always wanted a set of Torrix TE's, but I'm just a bit sceptical about them being a bit old tech and not comparing to the more modern blanks. Although I'm not sure this thread has helped
Hudson Hudson
Posts: 1,456
Post #52 11 May 2023 08:51
0
In reply to Post #51
I would say don't get pulled into “new tech” I don't know but I'd bet everything that hardly anything's changed in top end carbon fibre rods in the past 20 years.

I've had torrix te's and aviator plus'

There's not much in them. The aviators are slightly stiffer and slightly better casters. The torrix slightly better to play fish on. Both capable of very decent distances in the right hands.

If I was to buy again I'd go with torrix te's snd if I needed to cast further I'd go with soemthing heftier than both of them.
Goose Goose
Posts: 12,901
Post #53 11 May 2023 12:00
0
In reply to Post #52
Only real change has been the resins as far as I can see. The best carbon is subjective, same with resin, what makes a great blank is in the design creating the correct taper to work with the material being used within a price point. In all honesty I think there have been many great blanks spoilt by the fittings used to maximise profits.
ron83 ron83
Posts: 2,061
Post #54 12 May 2023 11:06
0
In reply to Post #53
Just had a set of Aviator plus 2's built and used for a week in France - absolutely love them.
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