I see free spirit have a new entry level rod out anyone know anything about them
In reply to Post #1
Supposedly out tomorrow called the helical, weird name mind. New top end hi q coming out as well to sit above hi s. God knows how much that will be! Hopefully they will stick some decent rings on them instead of those **** s lite rings.
Supposedly out tomorrow called the helical, weird name mind. New top end hi q coming out as well to sit above hi s. God knows how much that will be! Hopefully they will stick some decent rings on them instead of those **** s lite rings.
In reply to Post #2
£750 ish, never had a problem with S lite guides and own many rods with them
£750 ish, never had a problem with S lite guides and own many rods with them
In reply to Post #3
Wow 750, even more than i thought. Is that what they start at as well? Had two inserts pop out and a cracked one, went custom after that and all built with kigan 3d's ever since with no issues.
Wow 750, even more than i thought. Is that what they start at as well? Had two inserts pop out and a cracked one, went custom after that and all built with kigan 3d's ever since with no issues.
In reply to Post #4
What when people are struggling to put food on the table and paying energy bills £750 for a fishing rod are they for real I think they lost the plot
What when people are struggling to put food on the table and paying energy bills £750 for a fishing rod are they for real I think they lost the plot
In reply to Post #5
Bet they will still sell **** loads. Theres still people with more money than sense out there. Its just plummeted the second hand price of set of hi s so there will be some bargains about.
Bet they will still sell **** loads. Theres still people with more money than sense out there. Its just plummeted the second hand price of set of hi s so there will be some bargains about.
In reply to Post #5
But there are also people raking money in .Always money to be made out of a crisis.
But there are also people raking money in .Always money to be made out of a crisis.
Those 13ft 3.5lb TC SU look like an update to the CTX. Might be having 4 of those for range work.
These are going to be their top of the range rods. Free Spirit rods have always been expensive. I don't understand how people get outraged that a top of the range rod from an expensive rod manufacturer is....expensive.
There is plenty of great quality tackle available at prices lower (relative to income) than there ever was in the past.
There will always be a market for top end gear priced beyond most but affordable to some. To think you should be able to afford every item of tackle that comes to market is daft.
There is plenty of great quality tackle available at prices lower (relative to income) than there ever was in the past.
There will always be a market for top end gear priced beyond most but affordable to some. To think you should be able to afford every item of tackle that comes to market is daft.
In reply to Post #9
So you don't think £750 for a fishing rod is expensive just because someone says that they are doesn't mean they can't afford it don't confuse common sense with how rich you are I was in business for nearly 50 yrs so I know how it works
So you don't think £750 for a fishing rod is expensive just because someone says that they are doesn't mean they can't afford it don't confuse common sense with how rich you are I was in business for nearly 50 yrs so I know how it works
In reply to Post #10
It doesn't matter what I think, that's the point. All that matters is whether or not there is a market for them and whether that market buys them.
Does a grasp of basic consumer economics fall under common sense?
It doesn't matter what I think, that's the point. All that matters is whether or not there is a market for them and whether that market buys them.
Does a grasp of basic consumer economics fall under common sense?
In reply to Post #10
I have to agree 750 is a lot of money for a rod , especially when you could have custom from Harrison , century etc for a lot less.
Free spirit are in fashion amongst the masses.
I have to agree 750 is a lot of money for a rod , especially when you could have custom from Harrison , century etc for a lot less.
Free spirit are in fashion amongst the masses.
I would not pay £750 for a carp rod and certainly not from this company
In reply to Post #13
I would if it it cast my rods / made my T / tucked me into my bag with an optional happy ending . . .
I would if it it cast my rods / made my T / tucked me into my bag with an optional happy ending . . .
In reply to Post #13
I dont see why people rave about the hi-end Freespirit rods, a mate of mine knows Simeon very well so he can get good deals off him and bought four new Hi's off him.
Some years back now when he hadn't long had them we went to France probably 3rd trip for my mate with them, he cast the first two out on smallish bags probably around 4/5oz at a guess only 80/90 yards at best and both rods fracture below the reel seat and the butts came clean away, no biggie for him as a phone call and two more were on the way before we finished our week in France but he had four in the rodbag and we were allowed four rods at the venue so he had to fish the week with two rods whilst I had my old cheap bangers "original DF longbows" that fished in the same manor all week.
Top end rods partly spoiled his trip really, bottom end bangers for me and fished how I intended.
I dont see why people rave about the hi-end Freespirit rods, a mate of mine knows Simeon very well so he can get good deals off him and bought four new Hi's off him.
Some years back now when he hadn't long had them we went to France probably 3rd trip for my mate with them, he cast the first two out on smallish bags probably around 4/5oz at a guess only 80/90 yards at best and both rods fracture below the reel seat and the butts came clean away, no biggie for him as a phone call and two more were on the way before we finished our week in France but he had four in the rodbag and we were allowed four rods at the venue so he had to fish the week with two rods whilst I had my old cheap bangers "original DF longbows" that fished in the same manor all week.
Top end rods partly spoiled his trip really, bottom end bangers for me and fished how I intended.
In reply to Post #11
Totally agree. Since the pandemic we've seen a switch in consumer behaviour around outdoor sports as their popularity increased.
Golf and Fishing have benefitted hugely from a financial stand point.
With a bigger pool of customers all price point opportunities have increased naturally.
We are seeing examples of this within this thread. Some are outraged, some not, some own several sets from the brand in question.
Totally agree. Since the pandemic we've seen a switch in consumer behaviour around outdoor sports as their popularity increased.
Golf and Fishing have benefitted hugely from a financial stand point.
With a bigger pool of customers all price point opportunities have increased naturally.
We are seeing examples of this within this thread. Some are outraged, some not, some own several sets from the brand in question.
In reply to Post #14
Thai mail order is cheaper,you just run the risk whether they bring their own rod too
Thai mail order is cheaper,you just run the risk whether they bring their own rod too
In reply to Post #16
The increase was to do with lockdowns so people could isolate themselves and still do an activity everyone and there dog had a paddle board and kayak it was a absolute nightmare fishing the rivers
Last summer hardly any same as fishing golf camping gear now lockdowns are thankfully over a lot have packed up the campsites where full I camped at a lot last summer there back to normal
I know 3 people who bought caravans all sold
Still doesn't justify £750 for a rod just a rip off tbh
The increase was to do with lockdowns so people could isolate themselves and still do an activity everyone and there dog had a paddle board and kayak it was a absolute nightmare fishing the rivers
Last summer hardly any same as fishing golf camping gear now lockdowns are thankfully over a lot have packed up the campsites where full I camped at a lot last summer there back to normal
I know 3 people who bought caravans all sold
Still doesn't justify £750 for a rod just a rip off tbh
In reply to Post #18
It's not a rip off and my £750 is just an estimate from a dealer, nobody will be forcing anyone to buy them. Top end sal****er fly rods are around a grand a pop .plenty of people I know have owned Hi'S rods for over a decade and still love them.
It's not a rip off and my £750 is just an estimate from a dealer, nobody will be forcing anyone to buy them. Top end sal****er fly rods are around a grand a pop .plenty of people I know have owned Hi'S rods for over a decade and still love them.
Nothing is a "rip off" unless you are forced to buy it .... thankfully we all have plenty of choice when it comes to fishing
In reply to Post #19
A fly rod doesn't sit on bankware 99% of its life
A fly rod doesn't sit on bankware 99% of its life
Which rods are these which are £750?
I was looking at the Helicals in Johnson Ross yesterday, they're entry level - but very nice.
I was looking at the Helicals in Johnson Ross yesterday, they're entry level - but very nice.
In reply to Post #22
I think they're called Hi Q
I think they're called Hi Q
In reply to Post #21
What difference does that make, could argue if that matters why did you buy Harrison aviators, it's all personal choice. I've never been into cars but plenty of million plus cars out there that spend most of there life in a heated garage.
What difference does that make, could argue if that matters why did you buy Harrison aviators, it's all personal choice. I've never been into cars but plenty of million plus cars out there that spend most of there life in a heated garage.
In reply to Post #24
My Aviators didn't cost £750,will be better built than freespirit rods and can still hit the distances I need easily .I will also get far better customer service from Kev Clayton than you get from Freespirit should I ever have any issues
My Aviators didn't cost £750,will be better built than freespirit rods and can still hit the distances I need easily
.I will also get far better customer service from Kev Clayton than you get from Freespirit should I ever have any issues
In reply to Post #18
Whilst I agree a reduction in freedom caused an unprecedented boom in both fishing and golf, even if we factor that the majority didn't remain engaged, both sports have seen net growth as a consequence - which is the point I was making around a bigger pool of customers to consume each price point within the market.
Whilst I agree a reduction in freedom caused an unprecedented boom in both fishing and golf, even if we factor that the majority didn't remain engaged, both sports have seen net growth as a consequence - which is the point I was making around a bigger pool of customers to consume each price point within the market.
In reply to Post #19
I don't know anything about fly fishing I don't suppose you need three rods and a spod rod
is it just a single rod I take it the fly rod company have got great customer service
I spoke to a bloke who paid a lot of money for a 13ft river rod and centre pin that's all he' uses so he said he can justify buying them
I don't know anything about fly fishing I don't suppose you need three rods and a spod rod
is it just a single rod I take it the fly rod company have got great customer service
I spoke to a bloke who paid a lot of money for a 13ft river rod and centre pin that's all he' uses so he said he can justify buying them
In reply to Post #25
I Agree good choice your rods are they 10ft 3.25 Harrison rods by mark tunley would be the same experience don't think you can beat Harrison
I Agree good choice your rods are they 10ft 3.25 Harrison rods by mark tunley would be the same experience don't think you can beat Harrison
In reply to Post #27
You don't need three rods to carp fish, or a pod, bank sticks, spod rod, bite alarms, bivvy, bed hair ect, ect .in fact you could argue stalking with one rod is more productive. Fly anglers like carp anglers vary, some may fish for one species on still water while other have several rods for different species and locations. As for Harrison aviators they are a range of rods like the torrix range some good some truly awfull and I owned aviator flex which were nice , 12ft plus couldn't get rid quick enough.
You don't need three rods to carp fish, or a pod, bank sticks, spod rod, bite alarms, bivvy, bed hair ect, ect .in fact you could argue stalking with one rod is more productive. Fly anglers like carp anglers vary, some may fish for one species on still water while other have several rods for different species and locations. As for Harrison aviators they are a range of rods like the torrix range some good some truly awfull and I owned aviator flex which were nice , 12ft plus couldn't get rid quick enough.
In reply to Post #25
keV builds on free spirit blanks as well so no they won't if you go custom build.
keV builds on free spirit blanks as well so no they won't if you go custom build.
In reply to Post #30
I know Kev builds on Freespirit too,a factory built £750 Freespirit rod or custom build is a no brainer imo.I can't keep saying it enough but their customer service is probably the worst in the whole of the fishing industry
I know Kev builds on Freespirit too,a factory built £750 Freespirit rod or custom build is a no brainer imo.I can't keep saying it enough but their customer service is probably the worst in the whole of the fishing industry
In reply to Post #31
I've owned and still own their rods and never needed to use customer service, always buy through Johnson Ross or tackle box. The rod I will be selling are Johnson Ross build and are superb but I'm no longer fish waters that require distance rods but I have just bought Hi'S barbells as I love the blanks.
I've owned and still own their rods and never needed to use customer service, always buy through Johnson Ross or tackle box. The rod I will be selling are Johnson Ross build and are superb but I'm no longer fish waters that require distance rods but I have just bought Hi'S barbells as I love the blanks.
In reply to Post #32
Quick Change of subject What's your opinion on the cadence barbel rods
Quick Change of subject What's your opinion on the cadence barbel rods
In reply to Post #33
There supposed to be very good, i just think they look a bit crap.
There supposed to be very good, i just think they look a bit crap.
In reply to Post #34
Agree - they're 'Des Taylor' brown . . .Torrix in 1.75-2.25 make a good barbel rod!
Agree - they're 'Des Taylor' brown . . .Torrix in 1.75-2.25 make a good barbel rod!
In reply to Post #35
Had 2lb TC torrix custom built by snaggs many years ago and still rate them but for big river/flood water the 13ft Hi'S heavy water are the best I've found. Thanks to member doin a brew for advice on these.
Had 2lb TC torrix custom built by snaggs many years ago and still rate them but for big river/flood water the 13ft Hi'S heavy water are the best I've found. Thanks to member doin a brew for advice on these.
In reply to Post #33
i bought the 1.5, not used in anger yet, but felt ok. i feel that the finish could be better for the money, i.e the bottom handle section looks pony.
i bought the 1.5, not used in anger yet, but felt ok. i feel that the finish could be better for the money, i.e the bottom handle section looks pony.
In reply to Post #36
Have a pair of Custom 2.25 Torrix barbel rods and they're arguably my fav rods period - really versatile and great 'all rounders' . . .fancy some Hi S Heavy water but dont do enough Trent bashing to justify so using Korum 13' 2.75 Big Waters which are amazing value for the £
Have a pair of Custom 2.25 Torrix barbel rods and they're arguably my fav rods period - really versatile and great 'all rounders' . . .fancy some Hi S Heavy water but dont do enough Trent bashing to justify so using Korum 13' 2.75 Big Waters which are amazing value for the £
In reply to Post #38
I've got 1.75tc and 2.25 TC now but would love to catch a barbel on the fly .
I've got 1.75tc and 2.25 TC now but would love to catch a barbel on the fly .
In reply to Post #39
Didnt know they were catchable on a fly . . .interesting!
Didnt know they were catchable on a fly . . .interesting!
In reply to Post #39
I've only ever managed one on Roling Meat , was well chuffed.
I've only ever managed one on Roling Meat , was well chuffed.
In reply to Post #40
As bottom feeders they are catchable on a nymph fished on a sinking line.
As bottom feeders they are catchable on a nymph fished on a sinking line.
In reply to Post #39
If you try it use substantial gear, to land one quickly without causing too much stress.
I had one years ago, about 5lbs. I was trout fishing on the Swale near Catterick, wading up the tail of a pool I saw the barbel so thought why not try for one. I tied on a black bug and had a take first cast. It was landed no problem on a 3lb point, but stood holding it for ages to recover. It swam off strongly, but kept my eye on the dowstream shallows in case it bellied up.
If you try it use substantial gear, to land one quickly without causing too much stress.
I had one years ago, about 5lbs. I was trout fishing on the Swale near Catterick, wading up the tail of a pool I saw the barbel so thought why not try for one. I tied on a black bug and had a take first cast. It was landed no problem on a 3lb point, but stood holding it for ages to recover. It swam off strongly, but kept my eye on the dowstream shallows in case it bellied up.
In reply to Post #43
I've caught hundreds of barbel over the years so would be using my bass setup with minimum leader of 16lb flourocarbon. I've only ever ever met one fly angler that has caught barbel on the fly.
I've caught hundreds of barbel over the years so would be using my bass setup with minimum leader of 16lb flourocarbon. I've only ever ever met one fly angler that has caught barbel on the fly.
In reply to Post #1
looks like launched today. £85-110 depending on model. Nice price point, will be interesting to know what rod action is like.
looks like launched today. £85-110 depending on model. Nice price point, will be interesting to know what rod action is like.
In reply to Post #45
Had a waggle and bend of the lightest 10ft helical at the show which i know doesn't mean an awful lot but it felt very nice to be honest, not sloppy and a nice bit of backbone further down the butt. They also look a lot nicer in the flesh than the online pics, theres a sort of unground finish on the blanks a bit like the old ballistas that you can't see in the pictures.
Had a waggle and bend of the lightest 10ft helical at the show which i know doesn't mean an awful lot but it felt very nice to be honest, not sloppy and a nice bit of backbone further down the butt. They also look a lot nicer in the flesh than the online pics, theres a sort of unground finish on the blanks a bit like the old ballistas that you can't see in the pictures.
Had a look at the Helical Saturday in Bankside Tackle as you say blanks look ok but the reel seat and ring set look cheap as chips.
Hi, any infos about these hi Q Rods?
Can't find anything online
Thanks
Michael
Can't find anything online
Thanks
Michael
In reply to Post #44
Pal of mine catches a fair few decent barbel on the fly each year. Am sure he would do a guided day. Look him up - John Tyzak, most skilful angler I have ever fished with.
Pal of mine catches a fair few decent barbel on the fly each year. Am sure he would do a guided day. Look him up - John Tyzak, most skilful angler I have ever fished with.
In reply to Post #49
In reply to Post #48
Dont think they are out until the back end of the year.
Dont think they are out until the back end of the year.
In reply to Post #51
Ok, thanks
Ok, thanks
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