Hello all,

I have come here, away from the FB groups, with the hope of garnering mature, wiser knowledge.

I am returning to fishing after being out of the game for 2 years. I currently have 10ft xtractors with Okuma INC-6000's

Most of the lakes where I now live are big pits so im looking to purchase kit fit for the job.

I think im settled on getting Okuma Obsidians but I am undecided on Rod.

I walked into Todber Manor at the weekend and one of the guys recommended the new Free Spirit Helical. Cost 100 notes.

Is there any other rods on the market which are the go to recommended for a budget of around 100-130 at 12ft? (at the time of purchasing my xtractors, they were considered the best value for money retractable)

Thanks in advance

Daniel

Shimano TX2's get a lot of good feedback.

In reply to Post #1
Not sure about wiser mature responses on here but good luck.

Apparently, the Tackle Box do some good rods, so have a look on there. The FS Helical's are their entry level rods I think, personally I would steer clear of entry level rods. Think you go up a level for about £150/rod, but you get 10% off for buying 3 at Johnson Ross.

Outlaw Pro sell Sportex rods at various prices, they always had a good reputation when I started carp fishing in the late '80's.

The other thing to consider is the second hand market, if you know what to look out for. Have a look on Facebook Marketplace or Ebay. Be careful though, there are some unscrupulous sellers out there.

In reply to Post #1
Free spirit don't have the greatest reputation for factory finish rods. As mentioned the tackle box do a great range of rods at lower price ranges. But Tbh I'd be looking at the used market , especially if you can stretch your budget a little more. You may be able to find some Harrison's if you look around enough

Wychwood do quiet a few good rods for under £100 i had a set of classics for years 50mm butt rings, cork handles.

I'm sure they were £70 a rod new.

In reply to Post #1
I have seen quite a few Harrison Torrix rods 3.25 going for between £100 to £130 a rod
both on Facebook Market place ( but I would only meet and buy) and Ebay

In reply to Post #6
Definitely consider second hand. You can probably pick up a set of DF Infinities or similar for about £150/ rod if you can stretch. You wouldnt need to upgrade from them

Definitely check out the used market, I've had some fantastic buys for a v good price, top end tackle that I would never pay for new, just make sure you view the goods in person first, unless you like a gamble.
Otherwise.....shimano tx2.

In reply to Post #1
Have a look at the Future Fishing range built on Daiea Powermesh blanks.

Thank you very much for all of the suggestions!

a 1st world problem i have is that nearly all ad's on ebay and fb marketplace are for either 3 rods 1. I only intend to fish 2.

Will definitely keep an eye open for the harrison torrix rods.

Next i will be asking about a carryall :D

In reply to Post #10
I have come here, away from the FB groups, with the hope of garnering mature, wiser knowledge.
Good luck with that ...only joking.

If you want to afford the 3rd at least you'd have a spare 'ready to go' while your other rod is out of action with a monster in the net, or you might start fishing 3 rods in the future or worse case, should something happen to 1 you'd have a matching spare

I visited my local tackle shop today to pick up some bits and asked the gent in their the same question. He suggested Grey's GT2 50 rod. Are these a decent rod to be picking up new at the 130 mark?

In reply to Post #2
Same as RKB I'd say the Shimano TX2 are superb for the money

In reply to Post #13
another vote for TX2's

i have a set of 3 , 12footers in 3lb TC
great all rounder for the money!

prob get a set of 3 new ones for 300

In reply to Post #10
yes but you DO get Harrison 2 rods sold quite often there are 2 sets on marketplace right now in your price range one set in chichester not that big a drive from you ?

In reply to Post #1
The Tournos XD at TFT are a decent price.

In reply to Post #1
Reality you will get a few decent responses then someone arguing with someone else and your question gets forgotten lol!!

I would try and get a better set of rods second hand than buying new but not quite adequete though those TX's always get rated.

If you only want 2 rods, that may be a good thing if you are buying second hand.
Sets of 3 almost always sell for more (per rod) than pairs.

For example, I recently bought a pair of 3yr old Harrison 10ft customs for £120

A guy in my club is currently asking £300 for a pair of 12ft Free spirit XS (personally I think these are even better than the Hi S)

Rods sold on eBay 'collection only' always sell for less than those with postage, so it's worth asking the collection only sellers if they'll change their mind or let you arrange a courier.

In reply to Post #1
@ SnapSh0ts check your PM

I have the TX2's they feel nice I used to have 5 Free Spirits but only because I was a tart having said that my local lakes 30lbs would be a nice catch which the TX2's are more than adequate and for £140 ish for a pair great value for money. If I were to go to a well stocked big boy water here or abroad then I would probably buy top end rods again as you know you can rely (or should do) on build quality

Facts on the TX2's - I own a 3 and a 3.25.
They are great for casting, distance work. (why I bought them)
They are true fast taper rods - horrible for playing fish on.
They look like a cheap rod. (the guides are horrid)
Nice casting Blank in other words.

I'd be looking at Aircurves if I were you! I own a set now and they're lovely, I've customised mine with new guides and an alps reel seat just to bring them up to date, I love em

In reply to Post #22
i thought greys aircurves were quite an old rod now?

In reply to Post #23
The original Aircurves have been out for quite a while (I have a set and love them). There is a newer version called the Aiircurve, which I haven't seen or used but from what I've read are very similar to the originals

In reply to Post #23
As mentioned above, yes they are, but very highly recommended and a superb blank, there's a newer one which is updated, I just decided to update my originals

I have the new aircurves in 3.25, same blank as the originals, different cosmetics.
Definitely not an outright casting rod, v nice playing action, FOR A 3.25.
I really like mine.