Hi everybody,
I'm fishing mostly at ranges of 40 to 110 meters around/in front of obstacles for grass carp up to 25 and carp up to 30 kg, so my clutch is quite tight, the rods are locked down and the rod pod is firmly anchored to the ground. As mainline I'm currently using Fox Soft Steel in 0,41 mm.
After reading lots of positive reviews about the Solar Titanium Indicators on this forum and watching a couple of videos on YouTube they seemed to fit my needs perfectly and I finally bit the bullet and got myself a set (short version) plus isotopes from the UK this spring. At first I was very pleased with them, but 2 nights ago after a violent take I immediately noticed damage to my line when I picked up the rod:
To be honest I was a bit baffled as in 30+ years of carp fishing and 40+ years of fishing in general, I had never seen this kind of damage to a mono line. Upon closer inspection at home, I found that all 3 of my Solar Titanium Indicator Heads look like this:
With the hole system being under tension, the line has cut into the plastic of the indicator heads and created sharp edges which literally slit the line! And this after only 24 fish distributed over 3 rods/indicator heads.
Can anyone recommend me a replacement head that fits the Solar Titanium Arms and can hold the line under quite a bit of tension without damaging it?
Thanks
Robert
I'm fishing mostly at ranges of 40 to 110 meters around/in front of obstacles for grass carp up to 25 and carp up to 30 kg, so my clutch is quite tight, the rods are locked down and the rod pod is firmly anchored to the ground. As mainline I'm currently using Fox Soft Steel in 0,41 mm.
After reading lots of positive reviews about the Solar Titanium Indicators on this forum and watching a couple of videos on YouTube they seemed to fit my needs perfectly and I finally bit the bullet and got myself a set (short version) plus isotopes from the UK this spring. At first I was very pleased with them, but 2 nights ago after a violent take I immediately noticed damage to my line when I picked up the rod:
To be honest I was a bit baffled as in 30+ years of carp fishing and 40+ years of fishing in general, I had never seen this kind of damage to a mono line. Upon closer inspection at home, I found that all 3 of my Solar Titanium Indicator Heads look like this:
With the hole system being under tension, the line has cut into the plastic of the indicator heads and created sharp edges which literally slit the line! And this after only 24 fish distributed over 3 rods/indicator heads.
Can anyone recommend me a replacement head that fits the Solar Titanium Arms and can hold the line under quite a bit of tension without damaging it?
Thanks
Robert
In reply to Post #1
doesn't the titanium arm system come with screw in indicator clips that grip the line ?? ( you need to resize the pic)
doesn't the titanium arm system come with screw in indicator clips that grip the line ?? ( you need to resize the pic)
I use mps bobbin heads on my titaniums.
In reply to Post #2
Yes they do 👍🏻
Yes they do 👍🏻
Them things that come on those heads are crap. Those things you have there are crap. Anything plasticy is crap. These are 25 year old stainless Solar ones. Mega expensive now I think 2nd hand. I am quite sure there are other similar stainless alternatives that fit, which are not mega expensive. End your photo link with this. width=500> it will resize that pic for you.
In reply to Post #2
I tried these when I first got them, but at the tension needed they also leave nicks in the line.
I tried these when I first got them, but at the tension needed they also leave nicks in the line.
In reply to Post #5
Ahhhh, thanks for reminding me that I still have 3 of those
.
Does anyone know how to remove the rust from stainless steel?
Ahhhh, thanks for reminding me that I still have 3 of those
.Does anyone know how to remove the rust from stainless steel?
In reply to Post #7
You have solved your own problem then. Those things are bombproof.
Take them stupid dayglo plastic things off with the line cuts in and burn them.
You have solved your own problem then. Those things are bombproof.
Take them stupid dayglo plastic things off with the line cuts in and burn them.
In reply to Post #7
Quote... Does anyone know how to remove the rust from stainless steel?
Your photos are all quite shocking really mate. My Union Jack heads & stainless ball clips are mega old. 25-30 years old. Look at the state of yours. Lower grade of stainless, badly rusting. The orange heads have burrs, and extra bits all over them. There are clearly very big differences there in the same products.
One lot was definitely manufactured in the UK 25-30 years ago. Yours, not so sure.
Quote... Does anyone know how to remove the rust from stainless steel?
Your photos are all quite shocking really mate. My Union Jack heads & stainless ball clips are mega old. 25-30 years old. Look at the state of yours. Lower grade of stainless, badly rusting. The orange heads have burrs, and extra bits all over them. There are clearly very big differences there in the same products.
One lot was definitely manufactured in the UK 25-30 years ago. Yours, not so sure.
Fine wire brush and wd40 will get rid of the rust.
In reply to Post #9
The rust is on pretty much all my stainless steel bits, I guess because I use freezerbaits in salt, and my hands are pretty much salty all the time
. I don't remember exactly when I bought these, but it must have been between 15 and 20 years ago?
The rust is on pretty much all my stainless steel bits, I guess because I use freezerbaits in salt, and my hands are pretty much salty all the time
. I don't remember exactly when I bought these, but it must have been between 15 and 20 years ago?
In reply to Post #1
These would do nicely, I think:
https://mjltackle.co.uk/product/solar-hanga-ball-line-clip/
These would do nicely, I think:
https://mjltackle.co.uk/product/solar-hanga-ball-line-clip/
In reply to Post #12
Saw on their Facebook someone comment the thread is not long enough to use with the titanium set up
Saw on their Facebook someone comment the thread is not long enough to use with the titanium set up
In reply to Post #11
My hands might have been known to be slightly salty too whilst fishing my friend. Mine are not rusting. Those, along with my stainless sticks have been used plenty on super brackish waters too, getting sprayed with salty water constantly.
It's only your collars that are rusting in certain places. You would be touching them all over, touching the stems above too. That is from a lower grade of stainless. They probably got some collars pre made and not even their fault. But it's only cosmetic, why do you need to remove it anyway? It's patina, makes them look better
Your plastic heads have allsorts of knobbles all over them. I'm not having a dig at you I promise. They do not seem to be made as well is all I was trying to say.
My hands might have been known to be slightly salty too whilst fishing my friend. Mine are not rusting. Those, along with my stainless sticks have been used plenty on super brackish waters too, getting sprayed with salty water constantly.
It's only your collars that are rusting in certain places. You would be touching them all over, touching the stems above too. That is from a lower grade of stainless. They probably got some collars pre made and not even their fault. But it's only cosmetic, why do you need to remove it anyway? It's patina, makes them look better
Your plastic heads have allsorts of knobbles all over them. I'm not having a dig at you I promise. They do not seem to be made as well is all I was trying to say.
In reply to Post #12
They look nice and a tenner!!
They look nice and a tenner!!
In reply to Post #13
Quote... Saw on their Facebook someone comment the thread is not long enough to use with the titanium set up.
Def double check that though mate. You get some right Joeys, saying some right old crap on the internet. That comment might just as easily be some other fella with a dream, trying to sell bobbins, or something like that.
It says on the Solar blurb it fits all their indicators. Be shocked if it did not.
Quote... Saw on their Facebook someone comment the thread is not long enough to use with the titanium set up.
Def double check that though mate. You get some right Joeys, saying some right old crap on the internet. That comment might just as easily be some other fella with a dream, trying to sell bobbins, or something like that.
It says on the Solar blurb it fits all their indicators. Be shocked if it did not.
In reply to Post #16
I did think that when I read it,I know Dobbins Bobbins make line clips and someone on there also asked for a longer thread to fit with the titanium set up.Do they need a longer thread for some reason and I would be shocked if Solar got this wrong too
I did think that when I read it,I know Dobbins Bobbins make line clips and someone on there also asked for a longer thread to fit with the titanium set up.Do they need a longer thread for some reason and I would be shocked if Solar got this wrong too
In reply to Post #7
spray wd 40 on it & brush with toothbrush after 5min.
they should be as new
spray wd 40 on it & brush with toothbrush after 5min.
they should be as new
In reply to Post #7
Hi, if you click on pics then magnify, you see alot of detail.
Are you sure its rust & not some stain. Funny how just in those little areas.
Rub it with a scouring pad.
Bob
Hi, if you click on pics then magnify, you see alot of detail.
Are you sure its rust & not some stain. Funny how just in those little areas.
Rub it with a scouring pad.
Bob
In reply to Post #19
I have removed it already, WD40 and a wire brush did the trick. It was not actual rust but something we call "Flugrost" in german. Not sure there is a direct translation for this, but it's basically "external rust" which very likely comes from "contaminated" salt, if that makes any sense. If you have a white car in Austria, you can see the same Flugrost after a long winter ON the paint, and it's a pain in the ass to remove.
I have removed it already, WD40 and a wire brush did the trick. It was not actual rust but something we call "Flugrost" in german. Not sure there is a direct translation for this, but it's basically "external rust" which very likely comes from "contaminated" salt, if that makes any sense. If you have a white car in Austria, you can see the same Flugrost after a long winter ON the paint, and it's a pain in the ass to remove.
In reply to Post #13
I was able to transfer the Solar heads from my Quiverlocs to my Titaniums.
I'm sure the indicator heads are totally compatible across the whole range
I was able to transfer the Solar heads from my Quiverlocs to my Titaniums.
I'm sure the indicator heads are totally compatible across the whole range
Just google 'inferior Chinese stainless steel'. Or 'Chinese grades of stainless steel' for example, or similar. Once you get past the orchestrated Chinese ad campaigns, you will see. The cheapest most commonly used ones, oxidise. The older stuff, was absolutely terrible.
You will also then see if you delve a bit deeper that the better grades of SS for example, are completely suitable for use with corrosive foodstuffs. Including pure sodium/salt, no problems whatsoever. Cheap grades of Chinese SS oxidise. You may of cleaned it off, but your oxidisation will return, likely worse.
It's quite a common problem. See a recent release of an expensive SS pen knife, that oxidised for some customers almost immediately out of the box, as a very recent example. Cheap SS banksticks do exactly the same thing, weird rust coloured spots in random places.
When the original Solar stainless kit was made, the UK were not even importing cheap grade Chinese or far east SS. Nor were Germany I'd imagine.
You will also then see if you delve a bit deeper that the better grades of SS for example, are completely suitable for use with corrosive foodstuffs. Including pure sodium/salt, no problems whatsoever. Cheap grades of Chinese SS oxidise. You may of cleaned it off, but your oxidisation will return, likely worse.
It's quite a common problem. See a recent release of an expensive SS pen knife, that oxidised for some customers almost immediately out of the box, as a very recent example. Cheap SS banksticks do exactly the same thing, weird rust coloured spots in random places.
When the original Solar stainless kit was made, the UK were not even importing cheap grade Chinese or far east SS. Nor were Germany I'd imagine.
In reply to Post #13
I've bought a set of these and can confirm they fit fine 👍
I've bought a set of these and can confirm they fit fine 👍
In reply to Post #23
Do you think it's good as it is or do you miss the adjustable line clip strength?
Do you think it's good as it is or do you miss the adjustable line clip strength?
In reply to Post #24
Their very good to be fair no need for adjustments
Their very good to be fair no need for adjustments
These are good 
Custom made by Fallon tackle, sold through ebay.
Link to one of his items, then contact him direct...
https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/256069178717
Solar hanga ball line clips on the left, matrix clips on the right.
I sold my set of four solar hangaball clips and changed them to matrix. Silly money!
Custom made by Fallon tackle, sold through ebay.
Link to one of his items, then contact him direct...
https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/256069178717
Solar hanga ball line clips on the left, matrix clips on the right.
I sold my set of four solar hangaball clips and changed them to matrix. Silly money!
In reply to Post #25
Okay, thanks
Okay, thanks
In reply to Post #26
Those left ones are nice indeed!
Those left ones are nice indeed!
In reply to Post #26
Do they fit the Solar Titanium arm system, and what\where can I get those?
I like the arm\system, but can't stand the Solar heads.
Do they fit the Solar Titanium arm system, and what\where can I get those?
I like the arm\system, but can't stand the Solar heads.
Either defiant MPS http://www.defiantmps.com/ or Dobbins Bobbins on FB do heads that will fit Solar gear, both do fantastic work 
Michael
Michael
All Solar current heads in stock at Johnson Ross:
https://johnsonrosstackle.co.uk/110-solar-indicators
In reply to Post #22
They always seem to rust on the knurled section. My sod pod from the early 90's was covered in rust on the knurled bits and most of the early sod pods all rusted there. Im not sure if its bits of debris left from the tool head that does the knurling. I believe solar are now chinese owned and martin locke stepped down a few years ago so will probably be even worse now it chinese owned. The only stainless that ive had rust is solar, never had an issue with rust on any of my jag stainless.
They always seem to rust on the knurled section. My sod pod from the early 90's was covered in rust on the knurled bits and most of the early sod pods all rusted there. Im not sure if its bits of debris left from the tool head that does the knurling. I believe solar are now chinese owned and martin locke stepped down a few years ago so will probably be even worse now it chinese owned. The only stainless that ive had rust is solar, never had an issue with rust on any of my jag stainless.
In reply to Post #26
They look very much like the ones at m2baitandtackle.com
https://m2baitandtackle.com/en/product/mk2-oldskool-indicator/
postage isnt cheap though.
They look very much like the ones at m2baitandtackle.com
https://m2baitandtackle.com/en/product/mk2-oldskool-indicator/
postage isnt cheap though.
In reply to Post #29
Added some details of the guy who makes them to my earlier post
Added some details of the guy who makes them to my earlier post
In reply to Post #25
I bought them, but I think those new hanga ball line clips are very tight. How do you find this?
I bought them, but I think those new hanga ball line clips are very tight. How do you find this?
In reply to Post #23
Interesting reading about oxidation on cheap Chinese stainless.
My Solar P1 Worldwide pod must be a prime example , as surface rust spots started appearing in a matter of weeks after purchase.
Shocking , especially at Solar prices !
Interesting reading about oxidation on cheap Chinese stainless.
My Solar P1 Worldwide pod must be a prime example , as surface rust spots started appearing in a matter of weeks after purchase.
Shocking , especially at Solar prices !
In reply to Post #22
"You may of cleaned it off, but your oxidisation will return, likely worse."
You were right, they look absolutely awful now. If anyone knows of alternatives with adjustable line clip strength, please let me know .
"You may of cleaned it off, but your oxidisation will return, likely worse."
You were right, they look absolutely awful now. If anyone knows of alternatives with adjustable line clip strength, please let me know
.
I ditched the solar heads that came with my titaniums and put my defiant mag head bobbins on.
In reply to Post #38
I ordered Mk2 mag heads from Keith just today
I ordered Mk2 mag heads from Keith just today
In reply to Post #39
I just ordered the Solar Hanga ball clips to upgrade my Titanium heads.
Hopefully when I get home from offshore next week I will find they fit just fine.
I just ordered the Solar Hanga ball clips to upgrade my Titanium heads.
Hopefully when I get home from offshore next week I will find they fit just fine.
In reply to Post #40
I have these on mine and absolutely hate them. They are overly stiff and as they swivel spend ages trying to clip the line through them. They look nice but thats about it
I have these on mine and absolutely hate them. They are overly stiff and as they swivel spend ages trying to clip the line through them. They look nice but thats about it
In reply to Post #41
Glad it wasn't just me, pleasantly surprised getting more for them than I paid too
I'm still using my Solar Ball Clips, I like the fact they're very adjustable, I do have DMPS mag heads too, very good.
Glad it wasn't just me, pleasantly surprised getting more for them than I paid too
I'm still using my Solar Ball Clips, I like the fact they're very adjustable, I do have DMPS mag heads too, very good.
In reply to Post #42
Yeah they are not for me. I literally picked up my rp1 pod from the ground with 3 rods on it as it didnt release the line from the clip as its so tight when I picked up the one rod. Amazed they are still selling them genuinely thought mine was defective
Yeah they are not for me. I literally picked up my rp1 pod from the ground with 3 rods on it as it didnt release the line from the clip as its so tight when I picked up the one rod. Amazed they are still selling them genuinely thought mine was defective
In reply to Post #43
In reply to Post #43
Might be possible to tease one of the arms out slightly so it doesn't grip as tight, worth a thought, t's probably sprung steel but it will be possile.
Might be possible to tease one of the arms out slightly so it doesn't grip as tight, worth a thought, t's probably sprung steel but it will be possile.
In reply to Post #45
Vossy
Reality is they are just lying in the garage and using my JAG safeliners these days. Reality is the Safeliners have their own set of problems but at least they do their job with ease of use
Vossy
Reality is they are just lying in the garage and using my JAG safeliners these days. Reality is the Safeliners have their own set of problems but at least they do their job with ease of use
In reply to Post #46
I wonder how many of us had/have them just lying around. I've liked the look of the Safeliners since launch but can't bring myself round to replacing my Solar penny whistles.
I wonder how many of us had/have them just lying around. I've liked the look of the Safeliners since launch but can't bring myself round to replacing my Solar penny whistles.
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