I'm currently in the process of ordering some rods. I was going for the 12ft torrix te (although that may change).
I'm a little stick on reel seats and handle choice.
I want to be totally "blacked out" (it seems to be a phase I'm going through!) with a hint of luxury but not LOOK AT ME bling.
I have previously had Alps Waveform in Gloss black along with Titanium Torzite Rings on a previous set of rods I was given under a sponsorship, they were built to be "bling" but they were not my cup of tea and got replaced swiftly with an off the self set of Freespirt rods.
I'm trying to build a bit stealthy this time around, no colour anywhere. Ring wise ive decided on Vortex Air in black (thin, no ceramic to fall out or crack, minimalistic) but I'm stuck on reel sea and handle.
Reel seat do I go Alps Centra Lock in matte black, Alps Centra Lock Window in Matte Black, Alps Waveform in Matte Black or something else entirely? (Remember, I want that touch of luxury, that something where someone looks twice, but it's not jumping out from across the bank!
Handle wise if always wanted full duplon bit I don't think it will go with the stealthy look, so was thinking full Shrink Tube but again I'm not sure it will work? And to be honest, I can't remember what any of my rods had previously! (I can't check as everything got stolen!
What would you go for?
Also, has anyone hot or had the Torrix TE in 12ft?
I'm a little stick on reel seats and handle choice.
I want to be totally "blacked out" (it seems to be a phase I'm going through!) with a hint of luxury but not LOOK AT ME bling.
I have previously had Alps Waveform in Gloss black along with Titanium Torzite Rings on a previous set of rods I was given under a sponsorship, they were built to be "bling" but they were not my cup of tea and got replaced swiftly with an off the self set of Freespirt rods.
I'm trying to build a bit stealthy this time around, no colour anywhere. Ring wise ive decided on Vortex Air in black (thin, no ceramic to fall out or crack, minimalistic) but I'm stuck on reel sea and handle.
Reel seat do I go Alps Centra Lock in matte black, Alps Centra Lock Window in Matte Black, Alps Waveform in Matte Black or something else entirely? (Remember, I want that touch of luxury, that something where someone looks twice, but it's not jumping out from across the bank!
Handle wise if always wanted full duplon bit I don't think it will go with the stealthy look, so was thinking full Shrink Tube but again I'm not sure it will work? And to be honest, I can't remember what any of my rods had previously! (I can't check as everything got stolen!
What would you go for?
Also, has anyone hot or had the Torrix TE in 12ft?
In reply to Post #1
Have a look at the 12' 6" Torrid TE. A much better blank than the 12' in my opinion.
Have a look at the 12' 6" Torrid TE. A much better blank than the 12' in my opinion.
In reply to Post #2
Agree the 12ft6inch torrix te is a much nicer blank, if going for those guides and the stealth black look these are from the same manufacturer and would look good with black full shrink and may an internal flare at base and black delrin collars and butt cap.
Agree the 12ft6inch torrix te is a much nicer blank, if going for those guides and the stealth black look these are from the same manufacturer and would look good with black full shrink and may an internal flare at base and black delrin collars and butt cap.
Iv just had some hi' s I've built basically to your spec . Apart from the eyes. I had the kigan zr's out on . I went with American tackle carbon seats with black collars . Pretty happy with how they turned out
In reply to Post #3
Should have said they are 1k carbon with grafite coated stainless hoods.
Should have said they are 1k carbon with grafite coated stainless hoods.
In reply to Post #4
Kigan zr, not seen those but see they do the 3d in black. Did you go advanced pattern or double leg?
Kigan zr, not seen those but see they do the 3d in black. Did you go advanced pattern or double leg?
In reply to Post #1
For me the stealth look would be something similar like the Monkey Climber rods Cotswold Rods did some years ago.
The rings are fine, but ALPS real seats are a no go for me. Fuji DPS-black are durable and timeless classics. Saves you a few quid in the end.
For me the stealth look would be something similar like the Monkey Climber rods Cotswold Rods did some years ago.
The rings are fine, but ALPS real seats are a no go for me. Fuji DPS-black are durable and timeless classics. Saves you a few quid in the end.
I've just had a set of blacked out rods built by John Hennessy at the tackle box, i went for all black standard sea guide reel seats. They look phenomenal.
Unfortunately I don't know how to post photos
Unfortunately I don't know how to post photos
In reply to Post #2
To be fair the builder said the same thing! Ive had 13ft rods in the past no issues, my only concern is fishing smaller waters ill look a right t**t with 12.6 rods! Is there eeally that much of a difference between the 2? Or is there another blank i should be looking at all together?
On another note, a 12.6ft rod, will i be neeing a 13ft rod bag or can i get away with my 12ft bag!
Chucked a right spanner in the works!
To be fair the builder said the same thing! Ive had 13ft rods in the past no issues, my only concern is fishing smaller waters ill look a right t**t with 12.6 rods! Is there eeally that much of a difference between the 2? Or is there another blank i should be looking at all together?
On another note, a 12.6ft rod, will i be neeing a 13ft rod bag or can i get away with my 12ft bag!
Chucked a right spanner in the works!
In reply to Post #9
Don't worry about what people think of your appearance. It's 2022 and it's only a hobby, to be enjoyed not endured
Don't worry about what people think of your appearance. It's 2022 and it's only a hobby, to be enjoyed not endured
You can't remember what handles were on your old rods 
You don't know if the 2 materials for rod handles that come in black will suit a black build?
You were sponsored to the level of getting high spec custom built rods that you didn't like but will consider £1000+ worth of rods on recommendation from some forumites who could easily be full of ****. Hard to believe, but there are people who dream up lies to impress others or be accepted on here
You don't know if the 2 materials for rod handles that come in black will suit a black build?
You were sponsored to the level of getting high spec custom built rods that you didn't like but will consider £1000+ worth of rods on recommendation from some forumites who could easily be full of ****. Hard to believe, but there are people who dream up lies to impress others or be accepted on here
In reply to Post #11
Im talking about the design of the handles not material. There seams to be so many to choose from, so many different options of the same material, Vic Gibson offers 6 different designs of Japanese shrink tube alone. Now while i can catch a fish or two i habe no idea what "style" of handle ive ever had. To me a handle has either been, cork, duplon, or normal, ive never looked at a rod and thought "oh thats got a full japanese shrink wrap with a duplon flair and a abriviated collar" hence why im asking. Feel free to send me a message and ill give you my name, go look me up if your that interested its all in the net who my sponsors were (ill make my oassport avalable for you aswell so you onow its me as you probably would want that along with DNA evidence) Oh and as for asking for advice on here, ive had a good few messages and phitos from some very helpfull people, unlike yourself who clearly has a mission in life to be a propper jobsworth.
Im talking about the design of the handles not material. There seams to be so many to choose from, so many different options of the same material, Vic Gibson offers 6 different designs of Japanese shrink tube alone. Now while i can catch a fish or two i habe no idea what "style" of handle ive ever had. To me a handle has either been, cork, duplon, or normal, ive never looked at a rod and thought "oh thats got a full japanese shrink wrap with a duplon flair and a abriviated collar" hence why im asking. Feel free to send me a message and ill give you my name, go look me up if your that interested its all in the net who my sponsors were (ill make my oassport avalable for you aswell so you onow its me as you probably would want that along with DNA evidence) Oh and as for asking for advice on here, ive had a good few messages and phitos from some very helpfull people, unlike yourself who clearly has a mission in life to be a propper jobsworth.
In reply to Post #10
I just want to get it right for me! Dont want to be thinking "should of got this or should of got that!
I just want to get it right for me! Dont want to be thinking "should of got this or should of got that!
Just spoke to the rod builder to change to the 12ft6 and ended up changing the blank to the Aviator! To make thingds easier im going up to see him and we are going ti put a rod together to see what i want!
Thanks for all the input and messages everyone!
Thanks for all the input and messages everyone!
In reply to Post #14
amazing blank that
amazing blank that
In reply to Post #15
Again not used it or even seen it! Just going off recommendation
Again not used it or even seen it! Just going off recommendation
In reply to Post #12
Don't try being clever, as a thick **** it doesn't suit you.
Don't try being clever, as a thick **** it doesn't suit you.
In reply to Post #17
Bit much over some fishing rods?
John, good idea to go and see the rod builder. I have a set of Aviators, they are nice rods.
Bit much over some fishing rods?
John, good idea to go and see the rod builder. I have a set of Aviators, they are nice rods.
In reply to Post #16
The 12ft 6 Aviator is the one imo,I had the 13's but for some reason I just prefer the 12ft 6.I have had my last two sets of rods made by Kev Clayton and would 100% use him whenever I need a new rod
The 12ft 6 Aviator is the one imo,I had the 13's but for some reason I just prefer the 12ft 6.I have had my last two sets of rods made by Kev Clayton and would 100% use him whenever I need a new rod
Rods are a very individual thing, both in how they feel and how they look. As far as feel I've had aviators and was under whelmed by them after all the hype in the year of release and actually preferred the torrix 12ft6inch te. The backed out look isn't for me either although I own hearns which are mostly black. If looking for the perfect alrounder I've never found one and gave up waisting time and money looking, ended up with three sets of rods and reels and very happy with them. Good luck to the original poster.
In reply to Post #19
Yep, these are the model I have. Built by Calvin Hancock.
Yep, these are the model I have. Built by Calvin Hancock.
Looks like its the Aviator then! Ill post some pics up once they are done!
Thanks for all the input everyone!
Thanks for all the input everyone!
In reply to Post #22
I've got a set of Johnson Ross Aviators in the Black 'stealth' edition and they've got matt black Alps CAH centra lock reel seats - to be honest I don't like them that much and prefer the feel of Fuji reel seats however they do look bling without being too bling . . .currently having them pimped slightly by Bob the Rod at Fosters (my OCD means I cannot fish without neville ball clips)
I've got a set of Johnson Ross Aviators in the Black 'stealth' edition and they've got matt black Alps CAH centra lock reel seats - to be honest I don't like them that much and prefer the feel of Fuji reel seats however they do look bling without being too bling . . .currently having them pimped slightly by Bob the Rod at Fosters (my OCD means I cannot fish without neville ball clips)
In reply to Post #23
Check your pm!
Check your pm!
In reply to Post #7
Certainly nothing wrong with Fuji reel seats.
They are durable and come at a fair price.
Although my personal preference is for the Fuji DNPS over the DPS.
Certainly nothing wrong with Fuji reel seats.
They are durable and come at a fair price.
Although my personal preference is for the Fuji DNPS over the DPS.
Probably be back in fashion soon like a lot of stuff from the 90's but I like a minamilist look and all my new rods have been made with what my old rods had, Fuji DNPS with abreviated duplon butt section. Not very expensive, not very trendy (as far as I'm aware) but I like it. I like the tapers on that reel seat, not bulky and square like a lot of the stuff nowadays, but each to their own 
I'm also a fan of the DNPS reel seat. Alps seats are for those guys with full sleeve tattoos and £600 reels 
In reply to Post #17
Bit over the top don't you think?
Whatever YOU might think, all the guy is doing is asking for advice.
Bit over the top don't you think?
Whatever YOU might think, all the guy is doing is asking for advice.
In reply to Post #27
Ha ha ha the more i look at other rod builds the more im seeing other options! We will see, so long as im out of this bloody hospital by friday ill be at the rod builder Sunday!
Ha ha ha the more i look at other rod builds the more im seeing other options! We will see, so long as im out of this bloody hospital by friday ill be at the rod builder Sunday!
In reply to Post #28
Water iff a ducks back, all he had to do was ping me a pm and he could if had quick google!
People like him are why many people dont come onto forumsm shame really
Water iff a ducks back, all he had to do was ping me a pm and he could if had quick google!
People like him are why many people dont come onto forumsm shame really
Yes to be fair that was uncalled for. My ratio of being helpful to being a **** is improving...
I still don't know how a person can forget what handles their rods had though?
I still don't know how a person can forget what handles their rods had though?
In reply to Post #31
Noj
I know exactly what they were. The real seats where Alps Waveform. The actual "handle" was Shrink wrap.
What I DON'T KNOW is the STYLE of shrink wrap. Have you seen how many options there are of abbreviated shrink wrap? There is this flair, that flair and every older flair in between, then there is the tiny little bit just above the top of the reel seat, there are about 6 choices to make there. That is the point I was making, if you look at an off the shelf rod it either has no choice of handle, or full shrink wrap; full duplon, full cork or abbreviated versions of the fore mentioned. Custom builds is a mind field.
If I could upload photo id show you exactly what I mean, add to that each rod builder calls each style something completely different, unless you physically see the rods or purchase it in person you're stuck, unless you don't care, so with mind I'm going choose in person on Sunday.
If your spending upwards of £1500 on 3 rods possibly less then maybe another 500 or more on a spod and marker and landing net you want it to be right dont you?
Noj
I know exactly what they were. The real seats where Alps Waveform. The actual "handle" was Shrink wrap.
What I DON'T KNOW is the STYLE of shrink wrap. Have you seen how many options there are of abbreviated shrink wrap? There is this flair, that flair and every older flair in between, then there is the tiny little bit just above the top of the reel seat, there are about 6 choices to make there. That is the point I was making, if you look at an off the shelf rod it either has no choice of handle, or full shrink wrap; full duplon, full cork or abbreviated versions of the fore mentioned. Custom builds is a mind field.
If I could upload photo id show you exactly what I mean, add to that each rod builder calls each style something completely different, unless you physically see the rods or purchase it in person you're stuck, unless you don't care, so with mind I'm going choose in person on Sunday.
If your spending upwards of £1500 on 3 rods possibly less then maybe another 500 or more on a spod and marker and landing net you want it to be right dont you?
In reply to Post #32
Why the big secret about who you are and who sponsored you? Your name is in your profile, and you are right, its easy enough to find out who made your rods.
May be worth mentioning who your rod builder is as theres a few strokers out there turning out some ****.
Why the big secret about who you are and who sponsored you? Your name is in your profile, and you are right, its easy enough to find out who made your rods.
May be worth mentioning who your rod builder is as theres a few strokers out there turning out some ****.
In reply to Post #32
There are actually only so many ways to build a rod due to the materials available.
Some builders will go out of their way to hand make components but generally speaking you'll end up with a variation of something your specific builder will have made before.
Online images are deceiving too, nothing better than handling them yourself, even more so when choosing a high end blank. Which was one of my original points, we don't all like the same thing, like you preferring factory fs rods to whatever you were given to use.
There are actually only so many ways to build a rod due to the materials available.
Some builders will go out of their way to hand make components but generally speaking you'll end up with a variation of something your specific builder will have made before.
Online images are deceiving too, nothing better than handling them yourself, even more so when choosing a high end blank. Which was one of my original points, we don't all like the same thing, like you preferring factory fs rods to whatever you were given to use.
In reply to Post #33
Agree on the number of two bob rod builders around.
Just do a search of Harrison rods on eBay the last year or so. There are some absolute monstrosities built on new Harrison blanks by garden shed rod builders. They have to try and charge top money because, assuming genuine, the blanks would not have been cheap. But 50mm rings on 10 foot rods, nasty bling whipping and weird seat and handle choices abound for 3-400 a rod
Agree on the number of two bob rod builders around.
Just do a search of Harrison rods on eBay the last year or so. There are some absolute monstrosities built on new Harrison blanks by garden shed rod builders. They have to try and charge top money because, assuming genuine, the blanks would not have been cheap. But 50mm rings on 10 foot rods, nasty bling whipping and weird seat and handle choices abound for 3-400 a rod
In reply to Post #22
I had a set of 12ft 6 Aviators made for me at the beginning of the year by Nick Buss. I am so pleased with them and a big improvement on the 12ft version. If you get a good rod builder such as Nick, Orme etc they will spend the time working with you to get exactly what you want. I have had several rods custom made and always draw a diagram for the rod builder to work from and they can then discuss this with you.
I had a set of 12ft 6 Aviators made for me at the beginning of the year by Nick Buss. I am so pleased with them and a big improvement on the 12ft version. If you get a good rod builder such as Nick, Orme etc they will spend the time working with you to get exactly what you want. I have had several rods custom made and always draw a diagram for the rod builder to work from and they can then discuss this with you.
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