Looking at these two rods. The Hi-S and C2 SP probably. Upgrading from my Daiwa Infinity X45's in 3.25TC. Need some more umph when casting longer distances and good for playing fish. Any feedback I'd be grateful.
In reply to Post #1
Personally you wont go wrong with either as both excellent but i think century make a better blank.
Personally you wont go wrong with either as both excellent but i think century make a better blank.
In reply to Post #1
From what I've seen on a few occasions and have heard a lot, free spirit blanks are excellent but their qc is hit and miss. I have seen a set of hi-s with a loose reel seat on 2 rods of a 3 rod set and a wonky 4th guide
If you want off the shelf, go with century
From what I've seen on a few occasions and have heard a lot, free spirit blanks are excellent but their qc is hit and miss. I have seen a set of hi-s with a loose reel seat on 2 rods of a 3 rod set and a wonky 4th guide
If you want off the shelf, go with century
Free spirit CTX 13ft SU is simply awesome. Get them secondhand for peanuts and have them customed. I've a two-rod setup with minima rings, red anodized collars in full jap wrap with a windowed alps seat. Look the nuts and cast 180 yards with 15lb line no leader and a 4oz lead all day long in the right hands.
In reply to Post #1
ive had the 12ft his ive for over 10 years mate ,ive owned diawia 3 .75 df for 2 days gave them back to the lad i bought them off the his ive is perfect for solid pva bag fishing /distance and forgiving under the tip ,and i use braid love mine.
ive had the 12ft his ive for over 10 years mate ,ive owned diawia 3 .75 df for 2 days gave them back to the lad i bought them off the his ive is perfect for solid pva bag fishing /distance and forgiving under the tip ,and i use braid love mine.
In reply to Post #2
If I went with century, which model should I go for?
If I went with century, which model should I go for?
In reply to Post #1
century all day
century all day
If you go freespirit do not go factory build,they are shocking.Get them made to your spec and by a decent rod builder,I would go to Kev Clayton
In reply to Post #6
Speak to johnson ross and they will advise you. Ive got the stealth graphenes but they are not distance rods. The c2d are excellent rods.
Speak to johnson ross and they will advise you. Ive got the stealth graphenes but they are not distance rods. The c2d are excellent rods.
In reply to Post #4
He dosent want ctx though.
He dosent want ctx though.
I've got 3x sets of free-spirits, HI-S 220, HI-S and some s-lite IVEs, (all 13ft) I also had some century FMAs not long ago.
The problem to watch out for with HI-S is that I think the blank is either pure carbon, or contains a lot more carbon - either way they're super super fragile. People do break a lot of them, usually through silly things by accidentally compressing the tip.
I honestly think HI-S's are amazing, they're so light and play fish so well, but they're very fragile...
The century rods have always been a bit more bling, but they are very nice - the FMAs I had were great.
Johnson Ross or the Tackle Box I think are worth speaking too, I've bought all of my rods from either shop and the guys there are super knowledgeable.
The problem to watch out for with HI-S is that I think the blank is either pure carbon, or contains a lot more carbon - either way they're super super fragile. People do break a lot of them, usually through silly things by accidentally compressing the tip.
I honestly think HI-S's are amazing, they're so light and play fish so well, but they're very fragile...
The century rods have always been a bit more bling, but they are very nice - the FMAs I had were great.
Johnson Ross or the Tackle Box I think are worth speaking too, I've bought all of my rods from either shop and the guys there are super knowledgeable.
Have you considered the Harrison range? Superior to both Century and Free Spirit IMO.....probably cheaper too, especially if you go down the custom route..
In reply to Post #12
Disagree with that but every one has there favourite rods. I would personally put harrison below both the hi s and century. Only had chimeras and a few torrix and didnt really get on with them, they just felt a bit dead in comparison. I personal think the chimera is a nicer rod than the torrix. Never owned an aviator but used my mates and didnt find that anything special either but like i say everyone is different.
Disagree with that but every one has there favourite rods. I would personally put harrison below both the hi s and century. Only had chimeras and a few torrix and didnt really get on with them, they just felt a bit dead in comparison. I personal think the chimera is a nicer rod than the torrix. Never owned an aviator but used my mates and didnt find that anything special either but like i say everyone is different.
Century 100% above Harrison, omg what a stiff blank is the Torrix, overrated imo.
Only thing I'm not a fan of at Century are the alps Reel seats , when I turn 50 I'm going to have a set Century Custom build with different reel holders.
Only thing I'm not a fan of at Century are the alps Reel seats , when I turn 50 I'm going to have a set Century Custom build with different reel holders.
In reply to Post #13
Well as they say, opinions are like @rseholes, we all have one!
In my 20 plus years of Carp fishing I have owned rods from all 3 manufacturers and personally Harrison rods are streets ahead......but like you said, we are all different!
Well as they say, opinions are like @rseholes, we all have one!
In my 20 plus years of Carp fishing I have owned rods from all 3 manufacturers and personally Harrison rods are streets ahead......but like you said, we are all different!
Mark Tunley is worth a call.
In reply to Post #14
Yes the alps are a bit of a marmite seat. Im still a bit unsure of them on my stealth graphenes but the blank which is the most important part of any rod is in a different league to anything else ive owned.
Yes the alps are a bit of a marmite seat. Im still a bit unsure of them on my stealth graphenes but the blank which is the most important part of any rod is in a different league to anything else ive owned.
In reply to Post #15
In reply to Post #9
When I say distance I'm not fishing 20 acre lakes or reservoirs. Max 12. Are the graphenes decent for this sort of fishing?
When I say distance I'm not fishing 20 acre lakes or reservoirs. Max 12. Are the graphenes decent for this sort of fishing?
In reply to Post #19
The higher 3.5 test curve graphene is more than up to the job of fishing a 12 acre lake.
The higher 3.5 test curve graphene is more than up to the job of fishing a 12 acre lake.
In reply to Post #20
I contacted Century and they suggested the Century Stealth Graphene SGR 3.75TC?
I contacted Century and they suggested the Century Stealth Graphene SGR 3.75TC?
In reply to Post #1
Owned em all go with Harrison. Best there is
Owned em all go with Harrison. Best there is
In reply to Post #22
And there lies the problem. I have also owned them all a few times over especially the hi s as had probably 5 sets of hi s the best being the 12'6 3.25 and i say go century, the best there is. He really needs to see for himself.
And there lies the problem. I have also owned them all a few times over especially the hi s as had probably 5 sets of hi s the best being the 12'6 3.25 and i say go century, the best there is. He really needs to see for himself.
In reply to Post #21
I would personally go with the 3.5 but they make the blanks so they will know best.
I would personally go with the 3.5 but they make the blanks so they will know best.
In reply to Post #23
Never felt the need to get anything other than Harrison.
Never felt the need to get anything other than Harrison.
In reply to Post #1
Hi-s all day. Still own most high end Rods on the market and love hi-s blanks.
1. Free Spirit Hi-s
2. Harrison
3. Century
Hi-s all day. Still own most high end Rods on the market and love hi-s blanks.
1. Free Spirit Hi-s
2. Harrison
3. Century
In reply to Post #1
Hi S I've ER all day long for me , I have Harrison's and also a set of Century's but the Ives take some beating imo
Hi S I've ER all day long for me , I have Harrison's and also a set of Century's but the Ives take some beating imo
Free-spirits customer service is shocking,they won't take any responsibility for broken tip sections and just say it must be user error.I also know someone who had 3 rods delivered and the eyes on the rods were in different positions again it was excuses from freespirit hence why I said go for a custom build if you do want their blank
In reply to Post #28
I'm another that's owned them all inc several sets of Hi'S and es/X's and never had a problem with any but if you buy in store like tackle box or Johnson Ross they set the rods out for inspection . Had stealth grapheme in 3.75tc but never rated them highly enough to keep them and thought they were to expensive for what they are.
I'm another that's owned them all inc several sets of Hi'S and es/X's and never had a problem with any but if you buy in store like tackle box or Johnson Ross they set the rods out for inspection . Had stealth grapheme in 3.75tc but never rated them highly enough to keep them and thought they were to expensive for what they are.
The standard hi-s is really hard to beat in my opinion, they're so light, have such a great action, amazing to play a fish on..
I don't see how you could really get much better to be honest,
I don't see how you could really get much better to be honest,
In reply to Post #29
I think 3.75 in what ever manufacturer you choose be it a graphene, hi s or harrison are all bloody horrible, its not a fishing rod when you get to test curves that high. You might as well use a zipplex beach caster. Also when your getting to over £500 per rod they are all to expensive for what they are.
I think 3.75 in what ever manufacturer you choose be it a graphene, hi s or harrison are all bloody horrible, its not a fishing rod when you get to test curves that high. You might as well use a zipplex beach caster. Also when your getting to over £500 per rod they are all to expensive for what they are.
In reply to Post #30
You cant really get much better its all personal preference. We could all argue till we are blue in the face about which is best but its all a load of ******** as its just our personal opinion. In reality there is no best rod., its what the end user thinks is best.
You cant really get much better its all personal preference. We could all argue till we are blue in the face about which is best but its all a load of ******** as its just our personal opinion. In reality there is no best rod., its what the end user thinks is best.
In reply to Post #14
Sounds like someone had a 3.25 torrix
Sounds like someone had a 3.25 torrix
In reply to Post #33
When I first joined this forum you weren't allowed anything else lol
When I first joined this forum you weren't allowed anything else lol
In reply to Post #33
2.75 not an tx-2 fan at all but even the tx-2 in 3.00 lb is less stiff then the 2.75 Torrix.
2.75 not an tx-2 fan at all but even the tx-2 in 3.00 lb is less stiff then the 2.75 Torrix.
The best thing you can really do, is take one of your existing rods down to somewhere like Johnson Ross or The Tackle Box, and just do a side by side comparison of your current rod, vs whatever you like in the shop.
In reply to Post #34
I fell for the hype, seemed like no one had a bad word to say about them, expensive mistake, stiff and lifeless, bloody things, should have got the 12.6 TE...oh well.
I fell for the hype, seemed like no one had a bad word to say about them, expensive mistake, stiff and lifeless, bloody things, should have got the 12.6 TE...oh well.
In reply to Post #37
I had the 12ft torrix te. Probably the worst rod ive ever owned.
I had the 12ft torrix te. Probably the worst rod ive ever owned.
Are Torrix really that bad? I've loved my other Harrison rods, and Torrix are a possible on my list for a set after Christmas, along with Free Spirits.
Century are not on the list though, even though I'm currently using them and have had another set previously.
Century are not on the list though, even though I'm currently using them and have had another set previously.
I have had numerous rods over the years from both Century and Harrison but never from Free Spirit so cannot comment on them. I really don't think you can go wrong with Century and I really loved my NGs and SPs. However, I would certainly not discount Harrison and they have been my preferred rod for many years now. The Aviators are simply a stunning rod especially in the 12ft 6 version - the perfect balance between distance and playability.
In reply to Post #39
The torrix is a great rod! Just not in 3.25. There is just something not right about that blank. I had the 3.5 and thought they were ace
The 12ft trebuchet is rubbish as well imo, whereas the 13ft is probably the best distance blank that I have ever used
The torrix is a great rod! Just not in 3.25. There is just something not right about that blank. I had the 3.5 and thought they were ace
The 12ft trebuchet is rubbish as well imo, whereas the 13ft is probably the best distance blank that I have ever used
It's the 3.25 I was considering 
perhaps I should up that to 3.5!
perhaps I should up that to 3.5!
In reply to Post #42
No just go for the 12ft6inch te model.
No just go for the 12ft6inch te model.
Aviator is the best range at Harrison now...12ft Flex model covers a lot of bases but if its distance you want then the 13ft Plus 3.5 is the one.
In reply to Post #42
Whatever you get, just don't get a 3.25 torrix!
Whatever you get, just don't get a 3.25 torrix!
In reply to Post #38
12.6 TE torrix is a superb rod used for 8 years. Great all rounder.
Been on free spirit 13ft hi sives last 3 seasons and love them. A lot of the lads on my 40 man syndicate have them, no qc issues i know of. Mine are spot on. I can cast further with the hi s ive than i could with the 13ft aviators that i used for a couple of season,
They also play fish nicely.
Never owned century. Abut they are quality rods.
12.6 TE torrix is a superb rod used for 8 years. Great all rounder.
Been on free spirit 13ft hi sives last 3 seasons and love them. A lot of the lads on my 40 man syndicate have them, no qc issues i know of. Mine are spot on. I can cast further with the hi s ive than i could with the 13ft aviators that i used for a couple of season,
They also play fish nicely.
Never owned century. Abut they are quality rods.
I've had Century rods from Armalite mk.l to mk.ll to 2.75lb SP's and NG's. They were all lovely rods. The SP's and NG's could both put leads out to well over 100 metres with ease, and the NG's weren't classed as a distance rod.
All very nice for playing fish on.
I've heard of a few people had problems with Free Spirits, rods that had a curve left to right, that had to go back for replacement.
The only Century rods I wasn't too sure about was my FMJ's. While I could cast with them, they just didn't feel comfortable.
All very nice for playing fish on.
I've heard of a few people had problems with Free Spirits, rods that had a curve left to right, that had to go back for replacement.
The only Century rods I wasn't too sure about was my FMJ's. While I could cast with them, they just didn't feel comfortable.
i see century posted recently stating they have updated the FBS ... the 10ft 2.75lb is very very nice
In reply to Post #47
Both awesome rods, and my current choice, I'm using NG 2.75 and 3.5 for long range 2-300 yds boat work with braid straight through, fantastic combination, the SP's with mono for casting as they are much stiffer, but still good players, not as forgiving as NG but get the job done without any problems. My 12'6 hi-s 3.5 sit in the middle, custom built by Chris Orme, lovely rods but not casting rods really, a bit soft for a 3.5.. Torrix, again built by Chris, sold em after 1 year, just didn't gel with them.. FS (Focal system) also I rate highly, slightly more forgiving than the SP, similar power though, classy rods.. All of mine are the previous generation, custom fuji nps / century stainless handles, the current Alps spec aren't my cuppa, fugly and clumsy, I wish Century would go back to proper handles..
Both awesome rods, and my current choice, I'm using NG 2.75 and 3.5 for long range 2-300 yds boat work with braid straight through, fantastic combination, the SP's with mono for casting as they are much stiffer, but still good players, not as forgiving as NG but get the job done without any problems. My 12'6 hi-s 3.5 sit in the middle, custom built by Chris Orme, lovely rods but not casting rods really, a bit soft for a 3.5.. Torrix, again built by Chris, sold em after 1 year, just didn't gel with them.. FS (Focal system) also I rate highly, slightly more forgiving than the SP, similar power though, classy rods.. All of mine are the previous generation, custom fuji nps / century stainless handles, the current Alps spec aren't my cuppa, fugly and clumsy, I wish Century would go back to proper handles..
In reply to Post #47
I had a pair of Century Cannons 13' 3lb years ago,beautiful rods distance casting effortlessly.
fella I got them from reckoned they were crap couldn't more than 75-80 yds with them, when I bought them he asked if I wanted the reels he had on them too, thinking they may have been decent I said I'd have a look, ,,,, cardinal 55,s , I kept quiet, bought the lot for the asking price, sold the 55,s to a collector, and stuck two of my Shimano lc,s on them, had them for a couple of seasons and someone made me an offer I couldn't refuse, he still has them and swears by them, they've been to france and holland and handled some 50lbs + fish with ease.
I always fancied a trio of ak47 twin tips but they are mostly out of my price range.
I had a pair of Century Cannons 13' 3lb years ago,beautiful rods distance casting effortlessly.
fella I got them from reckoned they were crap couldn't more than 75-80 yds with them, when I bought them he asked if I wanted the reels he had on them too, thinking they may have been decent I said I'd have a look, ,,,, cardinal 55,s , I kept quiet, bought the lot for the asking price, sold the 55,s to a collector, and stuck two of my Shimano lc,s on them, had them for a couple of seasons and someone made me an offer I couldn't refuse, he still has them and swears by them, they've been to france and holland and handled some 50lbs + fish with ease.
I always fancied a trio of ak47 twin tips but they are mostly out of my price range.
In reply to Post #50
There's a set of AK47 twin tips in what looks good condition finishing on eBay today. Currently at a decent price.
There's a set of AK47 twin tips in what looks good condition finishing on eBay today. Currently at a decent price.
Century are currently making me another 2.5 stealth graphene to match my other two rods. They had one 2.5 graphene bare blank in stock and asked me if i could drop one of my rods off at the factory so a rod builder could match the new one up exactly the same as the two I already have and it will be ready in two wks. Theres not many rod manufacturers would do that. Free spirit definitely wouldnt as ive asked before in the past and there customer service us terrible, you cant even get in touch with them.
I'm currently in the market for some high end 10ft rods, thinking about going century CQ, free spirit hi-s black edition or some custom Harrison aviators,
I'll be honest I really like my current free spirit rods but want to treat myself self to some hi end ones and tbh I am also very out off getting some HI-S black editions because the customer service is so bad, needed some help last year and they just wasn't interested I had to buy a whole new rod.
I'll be honest I've never had century and I was looking at getting some CQ 10ft 3.5tc but didn't want a broom stick does anyone have these and are they stiff?
I'll be honest I really like my current free spirit rods but want to treat myself self to some hi end ones and tbh I am also very out off getting some HI-S black editions because the customer service is so bad, needed some help last year and they just wasn't interested I had to buy a whole new rod.
I'll be honest I've never had century and I was looking at getting some CQ 10ft 3.5tc but didn't want a broom stick does anyone have these and are they stiff?
In reply to Post #53
Ive just started up carp fishing again after stopping a few years ago and my mate has the 10ft 3lb cq's and they are lovely rods and definitely not broom sticks, they bend right the way down when you have a half decent fish on. They are not much thicker than a pencil. He bought his off ebay and one of them had a much longer whipping on the rear leg of the butt eye so not sure if it had been repaired so he got in touch with century as well and they are building him another butt section to match the other two he has and are only charging him £100 for some reason which is stupidly cheap when the full rod normally costs £350 and the butt section must be the most expensive section. Im picking it up for him when my graphene is ready. There customer service is superb.
Ive just started up carp fishing again after stopping a few years ago and my mate has the 10ft 3lb cq's and they are lovely rods and definitely not broom sticks, they bend right the way down when you have a half decent fish on. They are not much thicker than a pencil. He bought his off ebay and one of them had a much longer whipping on the rear leg of the butt eye so not sure if it had been repaired so he got in touch with century as well and they are building him another butt section to match the other two he has and are only charging him £100 for some reason which is stupidly cheap when the full rod normally costs £350 and the butt section must be the most expensive section. Im picking it up for him when my graphene is ready. There customer service is superb.
In reply to Post #53
Century 10ft blanks are nice slim blanks ive had both 10ft CQ in 3lb and C2 in 3lb in the past both lovely blanks decent playing action they have now released the 10ft FBS model in both 3lb and 3.5lb again nice slim blank also look nice with the American tackle Tri Forged rod ringing
Century 10ft blanks are nice slim blanks ive had both 10ft CQ in 3lb and C2 in 3lb in the past both lovely blanks decent playing action they have now released the 10ft FBS model in both 3lb and 3.5lb again nice slim blank also look nice with the American tackle Tri Forged rod ringing
In reply to Post #55
Yeah I have seen that mate but I much prefer the alps reel seats on the CQ rods I'm looking at the 3.5lb myself just because I like to fish solid bags alot but just worried about them being really stiff
Yeah I have seen that mate but I much prefer the alps reel seats on the CQ rods I'm looking at the 3.5lb myself just because I like to fish solid bags alot but just worried about them being really stiff
I'm getting tempted by the AT Atrex, seems a lot of rod for the money. Any experiences?
In reply to Post #56
Must confess I don't like the alps reel seats, and prefer the sliding winch or DPS reel seats on my rods.
Must confess I don't like the alps reel seats, and prefer the sliding winch or DPS reel seats on my rods.
In reply to Post #58
Yeah I think the fuji carbon clone looks way better than the ALPS seats,
Yeah I think the fuji carbon clone looks way better than the ALPS seats,
In reply to Post #56
I have 4 of the CQs in 3.5lb
They are not stiff, they have a nice tip action which firms up around the middle/butt to provide power.
I've not done any casting with them, they are one of my sets of river rods...so all underhand casting to features.
Not sure if mine are the 9ft or 10ft, think they might be 9ft...they're 3 piece and I seem to recall each of the sections being of equal length.
Shame you're not closer to West Sussex or you could come try them out before parting with your cash
I have 4 of the CQs in 3.5lb
They are not stiff, they have a nice tip action which firms up around the middle/butt to provide power.
I've not done any casting with them, they are one of my sets of river rods...so all underhand casting to features.
Not sure if mine are the 9ft or 10ft, think they might be 9ft...they're 3 piece and I seem to recall each of the sections being of equal length.
Shame you're not closer to West Sussex or you could come try them out before parting with your cash
In reply to Post #46
wow torrix te ,s are not a all rounder why do people say that ? it is misleading they are fast tapered casting rod real pokers and garbage for playing fish on .Cheesed me off as i listened to advice and got a set which i sold within a week they are shocking for playing fish on .The standard torrix is closer to being a allrounder .Cant believe people are still claiming this as they are more at home for light sea fishing
wow torrix te ,s are not a all rounder why do people say that ? it is misleading they are fast tapered casting rod real pokers and garbage for playing fish on .Cheesed me off as i listened to advice and got a set which i sold within a week they are shocking for playing fish on .The standard torrix is closer to being a allrounder .Cant believe people are still claiming this as they are more at home for light sea fishing
In reply to Post #61
The 12ft 6inch torrix te is a much nicer rod to play fish on than the 12ft 3.25tc fact. Of course non are suited to fishing for doubles and the occasional twenty, a lot is relevent to the venue and fish size.
The 12ft 6inch torrix te is a much nicer rod to play fish on than the 12ft 3.25tc fact. Of course non are suited to fishing for doubles and the occasional twenty, a lot is relevent to the venue and fish size.
In reply to Post #62
Ive caught quite a few doubles on the 12ft 6 torrix te and found them fine even with braid.
Yes i wasnt planning on fishing for doubles but they were stockies that had just gone in the lake as back up to the original stock (whats left of them)
Ive caught quite a few doubles on the 12ft 6 torrix te and found them fine even with braid.
Yes i wasnt planning on fishing for doubles but they were stockies that had just gone in the lake as back up to the original stock (whats left of them)
In reply to Post #62
Is the 12'6 a totally different blank to the 12' as the 12' was one of the worst rods ive ever owned.
Is the 12'6 a totally different blank to the 12' as the 12' was one of the worst rods ive ever owned.
In reply to Post #64
Yes it is different most people hated the 12foot torrix te where as most like the 12ft 6 version, nicck buss once told me i was one of the few people that didn't actually like the 12ft 6 te as i sold mine quite quickly
Yes it is different most people hated the 12foot torrix te where as most like the 12ft 6 version, nicck buss once told me i was one of the few people that didn't actually like the 12ft 6 te as i sold mine quite quickly
In reply to Post #65
👍🏻
👍🏻
In reply to Post #60
Sounds nice then buddy, thank you for the really kind offer but unfortunately I'm a bit far to do that lol
Think I'm going to take the plunge and get myself a set of 3 x 10fts 3.5s in January, I really like them and even though I have used free spirit rods for the last couple years I use to love my old century rods so fancy going back to a set now
Sounds nice then buddy, thank you for the really kind offer but unfortunately I'm a bit far to do that lol
Think I'm going to take the plunge and get myself a set of 3 x 10fts 3.5s in January, I really like them and even though I have used free spirit rods for the last couple years I use to love my old century rods so fancy going back to a set now
In reply to Post #59
See I just find the Fuji seats cheap feeling and all seem to unscrew very easily, plus just prefer the looks of the ALPS aswell suppose it's personal preference ain't it
See I just find the Fuji seats cheap feeling and all seem to unscrew very easily, plus just prefer the looks of the ALPS aswell suppose it's personal preference ain't it
In reply to Post #68
The ALPS seats aren't as good on a rod.
I've seen a few rods snap at the top of the ALPS seat.
It may be the lack of flex.
The DPS reel seats I always found nicer to grip. I do check them regularly to naked sure they haven't unscrewed.
The ALPS seats aren't as good on a rod.
I've seen a few rods snap at the top of the ALPS seat.
It may be the lack of flex.
The DPS reel seats I always found nicer to grip. I do check them regularly to naked sure they haven't unscrewed.
In reply to Post #69
Im still yet to know anyone who has snapped a century rod due to an alps seat and theres 1000's of them out there. I asked century about it when I was at the factory and they havent had a single rod back due to it snapping from an alps seat. Not sure about other manufacturers though. Im still personally undecided about alps seat but there growing on me.
Im still yet to know anyone who has snapped a century rod due to an alps seat and theres 1000's of them out there. I asked century about it when I was at the factory and they havent had a single rod back due to it snapping from an alps seat. Not sure about other manufacturers though. Im still personally undecided about alps seat but there growing on me.
A belgian rod builder told me that if a rod snaps through an Alps reelseat this is because the reelseat has been badly glued, he uses 99% alps reelseats i am not a fan of them but he has never had a broken rod that he made due to the Alps seat
I dont know if this is right or not but if the reel seat was fitted properly and if the rod was a through action then would the alps reel seat be very similar to a plastic fuji reel seat it would just be a "dead spot" of the blank, the fuji seat may have a bit more flex but the seat covers around 6" of the blank so must affect rods action again i dont know but to snap a blank would it not need a shear point to flex against?
I would imagine the stiffer the butt section of the blank then the less this effect if any would be?
Again i dont know rod physics that well but people also say large two legged rings such as fuji k series on the tip section create a "dead section" on that part of the blank and they dont normally snap the blank would the reel seat not be the same?
I would imagine the stiffer the butt section of the blank then the less this effect if any would be?
Again i dont know rod physics that well but people also say large two legged rings such as fuji k series on the tip section create a "dead section" on that part of the blank and they dont normally snap the blank would the reel seat not be the same?
In reply to Post #72
I have alps seats on my 2.5 century graphenes and they are proper players rods and bend right through the alps seat down through the butt section and had no issues. Even the 1.75 mk3 armailtes use a metal alps reel seat and they bend mire than any rod. I very much doubt they would use alps seats if they thought the could cause the blank to break.
I have alps seats on my 2.5 century graphenes and they are proper players rods and bend right through the alps seat down through the butt section and had no issues. Even the 1.75 mk3 armailtes use a metal alps reel seat and they bend mire than any rod. I very much doubt they would use alps seats if they thought the could cause the blank to break.
In reply to Post #73
I haven't had a rod with an alps reel seat but i cant see how it would be different to a fuji plastic reel seat they both cover the same sort of area of the blank so if the blank was restricted in any way both type of seat must restrict it?
I haven't had a rod with an alps reel seat but i cant see how it would be different to a fuji plastic reel seat they both cover the same sort of area of the blank so if the blank was restricted in any way both type of seat must restrict it?
In reply to Post #74
I have no idea mate, just know i havent had any problems with any reel seat ive ever had on a rod.
I have no idea mate, just know i havent had any problems with any reel seat ive ever had on a rod.
In reply to Post #70
There was actually a thread about it 2 years ago, so its not just me commenting on them breaking.
I think it's down to the blank being unable to flex, and because a reel seat should be a close fit, creating a pressure or shear point.
There was also one manufacturer or builder who would not guarantee rods built with ALPS seats.
alps thread
There was actually a thread about it 2 years ago, so its not just me commenting on them breaking.
I think it's down to the blank being unable to flex, and because a reel seat should be a close fit, creating a pressure or shear point.
There was also one manufacturer or builder who would not guarantee rods built with ALPS seats.
alps thread
In reply to Post #76
Only one person on that thread had any issues and he snapped multiple rods so sounds like a load of ******** to me. You have well respected rod builders on that thread who have built 100's of rods with alps seats and also stacks of users on here with no issues what so ever. Theres also more pressure at the reel seat with a big fish on when the rod is under load and no breakages occur then either.
Only one person on that thread had any issues and he snapped multiple rods so sounds like a load of ******** to me. You have well respected rod builders on that thread who have built 100's of rods with alps seats and also stacks of users on here with no issues what so ever. Theres also more pressure at the reel seat with a big fish on when the rod is under load and no breakages occur then either.
In reply to Post #77
I have spoken to few rod builders about ALPs seats and they have said for a general purpose rod they are usually fine but however on long range / distance rods breakages have been known at the seat due to lack of flex in the seat
I have spoken to few rod builders about ALPs seats and they have said for a general purpose rod they are usually fine but however on long range / distance rods breakages have been known at the seat due to lack of flex in the seat
In reply to Post #77
One day you will learn
And do me personally a favour, whether asterisked or not, no need to swear
I have a local rod builder in my PAC region, and he hates the ALPS seats as well as he has had rods break at the top of the reel seat. He refuses to guarantee them as well.
I was a fairly proficient caster at long distance, and with a big cast I could feel the reel seat flexing as I cast. That cannot happen with an ALPS seat.
That sudden pressure is different from the gradual build up of a fish.
One day you will learn
And do me personally a favour, whether asterisked or not, no need to swear
I have a local rod builder in my PAC region, and he hates the ALPS seats as well as he has had rods break at the top of the reel seat. He refuses to guarantee them as well.
I was a fairly proficient caster at long distance, and with a big cast I could feel the reel seat flexing as I cast. That cannot happen with an ALPS seat.
That sudden pressure is different from the gradual build up of a fish.
In reply to Post #79
******** isnt swearing so not sure why it puts asterisks. Ive managed ok so far without ever breaking a rod just like everyone else on this thread other than you of course so I think i will be just fine but thanks for the concerns.
My century graphene spod rod also has an alps reel seat and thats as stiff as they get and can wack a 6oz spod miles and gets abused one cast after another also without any issues.
******** isnt swearing so not sure why it puts asterisks. Ive managed ok so far without ever breaking a rod just like everyone else on this thread other than you of course so I think i will be just fine but thanks for the concerns.
My century graphene spod rod also has an alps reel seat and thats as stiff as they get and can wack a 6oz spod miles and gets abused one cast after another also without any issues.
Had Alps seats on my distance rods and not once had an issue,I can't see Kev Clayton fitting the seats if he was having any issues with rods coming back
In reply to Post #81
👍🏻
👍🏻
In reply to Post #81
Braders,
I can quote from various rod builders and users worldwide about broken rods with ALPS seats as well as Terry Edmonds:
"BASS BARN
The one thing I'm seeing that is consistant is that on the conventional rods I'm seeing them break by the reel seat and the reel seats are aluminum. Could it be with a parabolic rod and the lack of flexibility in the reel seat that the reel seat is cutting into the blank when the rod is under full load."
Stripers online.
The fuji TVS has no metal, and would be another option for you. I've had problems with aluminum reel seats in the surf, on fly & spin,
When I was working with my mate Al, he was a member of rodbuilders.org and had the same sort of comments come up on their forum.
Braders,
I can quote from various rod builders and users worldwide about broken rods with ALPS seats as well as Terry Edmonds:
"BASS BARN
The one thing I'm seeing that is consistant is that on the conventional rods I'm seeing them break by the reel seat and the reel seats are aluminum. Could it be with a parabolic rod and the lack of flexibility in the reel seat that the reel seat is cutting into the blank when the rod is under full load."
Stripers online.
The fuji TVS has no metal, and would be another option for you. I've had problems with aluminum reel seats in the surf, on fly & spin,
When I was working with my mate Al, he was a member of rodbuilders.org and had the same sort of comments come up on their forum.
Lets just put this alps thing to bed because its getting boring 😴 you obviously think they break rods and 99% of everyone else who has them thinks there fine so we will leave it at that. I will continue to use my extremely parabolic rods with alp seats and continue to have no issues with breakages. Its xmas eve, pour yourself a drink and chill out.
In reply to Post #83
Alps do alot of different seats made from different materials maybe a certain type or certain material is causing the issues
Alps do alot of different seats made from different materials maybe a certain type or certain material is causing the issues
In reply to Post #84
Stuart,
There are numerous people saying that there are breakages with ALPS seats, NOT just me. It is on a couple of fishing forums in the USA and Australia.
You have fun with your rods, but I can guarantee that on any rods I get I will not have ALPS reel seats, because I know that there can get an issue.
It's not 'Xmas', it's Christmas.
Stuart,
There are numerous people saying that there are breakages with ALPS seats, NOT just me. It is on a couple of fishing forums in the USA and Australia.
You have fun with your rods, but I can guarantee that on any rods I get I will not have ALPS reel seats, because I know that there can get an issue.
It's not 'Xmas', it's Christmas.
In reply to Post #86
By your a bundle of laughs mind. I dont care what other people say on forums on the other side of the world and if i do break one i will buy another one to replace it but so far all my rods with alps seats have been without fault. Have a wonderful XMAS 🥂
By your a bundle of laughs mind. I dont care what other people say on forums on the other side of the world and if i do break one i will buy another one to replace it but so far all my rods with alps seats have been without fault. Have a wonderful XMAS 🥂
In reply to Post #87
And that's the correct attitude to have as many of those commenting have never owned the product just jumping on it . Some of my fly gear is eye wateringly expensive but some slag it of for whatever reason. Maybe they work or sell a rivals products who knows but frankly who cares.
And that's the correct attitude to have as many of those commenting have never owned the product just jumping on it . Some of my fly gear is eye wateringly expensive but some slag it of for whatever reason. Maybe they work or sell a rivals products who knows but frankly who cares.
In reply to Post #88
👍🏻 Some of those fly rods make top end carp rods look cheap. I would love to catch a big wild brownie from somewhere like the test, looks great fun just walking the bank with one rod looking for fish to cast to.
👍🏻 Some of those fly rods make top end carp rods look cheap. I would love to catch a big wild brownie from somewhere like the test, looks great fun just walking the bank with one rod looking for fish to cast to.
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