Looking to purchase a set of 3.25 rods for my fishing for the next couple of years, now il be fishing margins to 120 yards so want a rod that will do it all, I currently have 2 Torrix in 3.25 that I do like, I'm going to keep them for my club lakes which are 2 rods, but on the new lake I can fish 3 rods so looking to buy a new set, now is there anything out there that's better as abit of an all rounder ? Looking at the aviator plus, the century adv-1 in 3.25 or the esp terry Hearn in 3.25, any reviews or recommendations that you would like to share with me ? Open to any suggestions, Cheers 😊

In reply to Post #1
What length are your rods and are you only interested in that length?

I didnt like the Torrix 3.25lb in 12 but love it in 13', though a tad heavy.
I compared blanks at Harrison before buying to my 3.5lb ER 12'6" Ballista as I wanted a similar action curve but on a newer blank, the 13' was the closest, Aviator loading up far more quicky.
So you could even look at the higher TC Ballista which still have a nice playing action and they are great rods even to this day.


I know a lot of folk like the Aviator Plus but it just didn't feel right, to me, almost like the top didn't belong to the bottom, mismatched. Its quite hard to describe, I was doubting myself until a couple of forum members said the same thing in a post a while ago.

Get whatever feels right to you though
I've only ever had Harrisons as a main regular set so can't say anything about other makes.

In reply to Post #2
I'm happy to go to 12-6 which I've been told are the sweet spot for the aviator but to be honest I'm happy to consider anything, I just want a good set of rods that can cast but aren't broom sticks, before the Torrix I've always owned infinity blanks, if I could find 3 mint advanced magnum tapers in 3.25 I'd buy those. I really don't like the fittings and looks of the newer ones.

In reply to Post #1
These rods can hit 120yds, with some practice no problem. Pay for a casting lesson and buy a 3rd rod the same - save buying a whole new set.

In reply to Post #4
Take a look at the Greys mk2 Aircurves a pal of mine bought a set and I'm impressed,if I was in the market for a new set I would go for these

In reply to Post #4
I can hit 120 with the Torrix no problem, I'm just after a new set of 3 rods for the waters I've just joined, I've only got the 2 Torrix and to be honest I just fancy a new set, was seeing what peoples opinions are on new rods compared to the Torrix 👍 like you say I could just buy a 3rd one, Tony Kay built mine so I'm sure he can make a 3rd no problem.

In reply to Post #6
The Greys Aircurves in 3.25lb tc are as good an all around round as I've come across. Cast well, great to play fish and and I think they look smart with a nice thin blank and decent quality fittings (for a mid priced mass produced rod). Had mine for years and highly recommend (won a set of Torrix before the site went down and whilst I like them I do prefer the action on the Aircurves)

Can also recommend the 3.25 aircurves, I got a set last year and agree they are a nice compromise between distance and playing action.
I've also got 3.25 torrixes, which for me were an expensive mistake, but they will cast further than the aircurves (in my hands).

I changed from the torrix 3.25s to the 12ft Aviators and the difference was very noticeable. Definitely more power for the long chucks but I did feel you lost some if the playability close in compared to the torrix. When the 12ft 6 aviator version came out I swapped to this and again the difference again was substantial. I believe these rods are the closest you can get to having a long range rod that can also be used ilon small venues close in.

In reply to Post #3
I built some 12.6 aviators for myself, nicest rods I own, and being a rod builder I've got quite a few sets that's for sure. They do a bit of everything, I was fishing a few weeks ago 140 yards on a big pit over fen Drayton, last season caught fish 15 yards out on chods with 1oz leads over the woolpack. Nice light blank, thin tip with a bit of power reserved in the butt. Really nice to use with braid aswell I've found.

In reply to Post #1
The 12ft aviator flex is a nice blank with lovely playing action and more responsive than the 12 aviator plus . The 12ft 6 (plus) has slightly more power than the torrix t.e but is much nicer to play fish on and is much user friendly (easier to compress).

In reply to Post #2
Agree with this re Aviator Plus - I have 12' Raven Edition pimped and whilst they are stunning to look at they're simply 'weird' especially when casting IMO - the compression window is small and without bang on timing I can cast my 3lb Mark Tunley EV 110s almost as far and with a far superior playing action . . . with Aviator def go 12'6/13' or stick with Torrix perhaps TE.

I'm currently using a bait boat most of the time with 10' Aviator 3.25 and they're different gravy - if I was looking to cast would consider FS Hi S'ive ER for 12 footers next time . . .

Bit different to everyone else's take on it but if you are OK with used rods then there's one definite consideration

ESP Vertex Distance.

There are a few test curves in the range but the 3.25 is an absolute all rounder. 12' 9” very slender but with backbone when needed. A stunning rod to look at and it has one of the sweetest actions out there. A big plus is you can pick them up for a song. I have 7 of them, 5 x 3.25 used as all rounders, and 2 x 3.75 for out and out distance work. I've had the 3.25 for years now and got the 3.75's a couple of years ago for £40 each and they are minters. I had a thinning out of rods about 5 years ago and got rid of my Hi S rods but kept the Vertex's.

Well worth considering and a chance to be a bit different from the crowd.👍

Thanks for the replies 👍 anybody used the adv-1 ? I've never owned a set of century so be interested to hear peoples opinions.

In reply to Post #14
Have 3 adv1s 3.25 custom built and 3 stealth duplon builds and love them. They do 90% of what i need from a rod, lovely firm actions with a bit of backbone when needed. I like the robust build and slightly thicker wall thickness of the tip.

Anyone any others to add ? Thinking of second hand air curves or adv-1 at the moment. I do prefer a 40mm ring set but hardly anybody makes rods with them anymore in higher test curves.

Hi s 12'6 3.25 are by far the nicest 3.25's ive owned. They will do just about anything but are still lovely to play fish on.

In reply to Post #16
If you're happy with second hand I'd thoroughly recommend a set of Nick Buss X-lite S. 3.25tc and would do everything you want and more.
I've seen a couple of sets on eBay recently.

In reply to Post #18
Would definitely be my recommendation. Wish I'd never sold mine, they cast like it was laser guided.

Of it's only 120 yards you'd be fishing get a set of aviator flex's built. Love mine little bit lighter tc at 3.2. Had 40mm rings fitted and they're brilliant. If i ever want to go further i'd still use them and just buy a bait boat as my casting is crap. They my go anywhere rods now, selling my scopes and got rid of my 3.5 a lites as well.

Anyone got any views on the emblem xt x45's, can't find any real reviews or feedback on these rods and potentially looking to upgrade to these

In reply to Post #11
I agree jeffire I have a new set of aviator flex, really impressed with them as you say lovely to play fish on, and very very accurate casting

In reply to Post #2
Weirdly, I agree. I really didn't like the 3.25 torrix, but I really liked them in 3.5.

The 3.25 felt like a completely different blank

In reply to Post #23
In which way. Can you give some feedback as to the actions.