I seem to have developed a habit of buying old (some vintage, some not) carp rods off Facebook.
Mostly just cheap sets being sold locally. I'm trying to use them but for obvious reasons it's a slow process.
Reason for posting this here is to see if anyone out there knows much about these things, or if they might still be using a set, or perhaps you did once but not anymore. Some are obvious, some are quite obscure.
1) Daiwa Powermesh Carp / 12ft / 2.25lb / PMC2214
The set I have (x 3) is immaculate. 30mm butt rings - but they cast really well and bend in half.
Anyone know when these were made?
Mostly just cheap sets being sold locally. I'm trying to use them but for obvious reasons it's a slow process.
Reason for posting this here is to see if anyone out there knows much about these things, or if they might still be using a set, or perhaps you did once but not anymore. Some are obvious, some are quite obscure.
1) Daiwa Powermesh Carp / 12ft / 2.25lb / PMC2214
The set I have (x 3) is immaculate. 30mm butt rings - but they cast really well and bend in half.
Anyone know when these were made?
In reply to Post #1
30 ml butt rings . Yes rods were built correctly in those days . I had some in the mid 80s i think not a top range rod but nice blanks . Daiwa rods were exceptional back then .
30 ml butt rings . Yes rods were built correctly in those days . I had some in the mid 80s i think not a top range rod but nice blanks . Daiwa rods were exceptional back then .
In reply to Post #1
They were/are great rods I thought from early nineties - but maybe that's just when I remember them from.
I've recently acquired a couple of Twin Powers 2.25tc which may have been a bit earlier but again (imo) an awesome rod up there with the wkns
They were/are great rods I thought from early nineties - but maybe that's just when I remember them from.
I've recently acquired a couple of Twin Powers 2.25tc which may have been a bit earlier but again (imo) an awesome rod up there with the wkns
In reply to Post #2
Agreed, I have a few different sets now and really like them. Pretty sure all of the ones I have were made in Scotland - will post more in the thread later.
@0nslow - lets see them then (if you can post images of course)
Agreed, I have a few different sets now and really like them. Pretty sure all of the ones I have were made in Scotland - will post more in the thread later.
@0nslow - lets see them then (if you can post images of course)
I had a set of Powermesh and Dictators then moved them on and had AK47 twin tips that was whilst owning a set of Harrison Ballistas that was mid to late 90's and then I had Shimano Bugs early 2000's.
In reply to Post #1
I think they later became dictator Z's. Had a set of those late 90s and the weave pattern is identical. Those are very probably late 80s when they were made. Wish I'd kept hold of them now.
I think they later became dictator Z's. Had a set of those late 90s and the weave pattern is identical. Those are very probably late 80s when they were made. Wish I'd kept hold of them now.
In reply to Post #6
They stayed as power mesh. Beautiful rods for normal carp fishing. The dictator was basically an amorphous. In my opinion Daiwa make some of the nicest blanks we have. Not to keen on the modern infinity's alps reel seat. Would love the blanks to be available again.
They stayed as power mesh. Beautiful rods for normal carp fishing. The dictator was basically an amorphous. In my opinion Daiwa make some of the nicest blanks we have. Not to keen on the modern infinity's alps reel seat. Would love the blanks to be available again.
In reply to Post #1
I have three 2 3/4 and one 2 1/4 funny enough I used them a few weeks back teamed with 6010's the rods were a joy to use but the reels felt a bit dated. Lovely rods.
I have three 2 3/4 and one 2 1/4 funny enough I used them a few weeks back teamed with 6010's the rods were a joy to use but the reels felt a bit dated. Lovely rods.
My old friend had a set ,exactly the same Fantastic rods..
Then he sold them and bought some Nash Hooliguns ,which was a mega backwards step He had Shimano 10ks on the Daiwa rods ,had carp to 38lb on them in France as well..
I like classic kit ,using some version 1 mk3 Armalites ,Bob the Rod built,30mm butt rings ,9 eyes,I like them ...
Then he sold them and bought some Nash Hooliguns ,which was a mega backwards step He had Shimano 10ks on the Daiwa rods ,had carp to 38lb on them in France as well..
I like classic kit ,using some version 1 mk3 Armalites ,Bob the Rod built,30mm butt rings ,9 eyes,I like them ...
In reply to Post #4
Ahh, I don't know how to post up pics, let me see if I can figure it out. Still in original bags too 👌
I also have 2 x Leeda 9000's from the early 90's these were my first ledger rods 'hand made in England' slapped on the decal - I believe they were on one of the early Harrison blanks. But I didn't care about that at the time, just what would eat my luncheon meat next 😂😂. They're probably super rare because who cares about Leeda rods these days?
Ahh, I don't know how to post up pics, let me see if I can figure it out. Still in original bags too 👌
I also have 2 x Leeda 9000's from the early 90's these were my first ledger rods 'hand made in England' slapped on the decal - I believe they were on one of the early Harrison blanks. But I didn't care about that at the time, just what would eat my luncheon meat next 😂😂. They're probably super rare because who cares about Leeda rods these days?
In reply to Post #1
i have 3 (the 11ft 2.25's)
LOVELY things
kinda replaced with a couple of harrison BB's 11ft 2.5's but for looking at yours are nicer
caught my 1st 30lber on one last season from a small estate lake reeds etc battle curve was great
small leads cast well
i have 3 (the 11ft 2.25's)
LOVELY things
kinda replaced with a couple of harrison BB's 11ft 2.5's but for looking at yours are nicer
caught my 1st 30lber on one last season from a small estate lake reeds etc battle curve was great
small leads cast well
Finally got my mates original infinity x ld 2.75's off him as he's given up. They're lovely rods and side by side with my aviator flex's they feel like they have a much nicer playing action and more forgiving tip and they were sold as distance rods.
In reply to Post #12
Might well be a age/resin thing. I would say the resin back then wasn't as good age wise but given my recent experience with varnish I'm not so sure.
I know my 25 year old Ballistas have a lovely yellow hue to the varnish, are they still as stiff as new, I very much doubt it.
Might well be a age/resin thing. I would say the resin back then wasn't as good age wise but given my recent experience with varnish I'm not so sure.
I know my 25 year old Ballistas have a lovely yellow hue to the varnish, are they still as stiff as new, I very much doubt it.
In reply to Post #13
The mk 1 ballistas softened over time . The current ballistas 20 plus years dont soften at all due to resin/ carbon used. The epoxy that is used these days to cover whippings is also less prone to yellowing unless seymo epoxy is used.
The mk 1 ballistas softened over time . The current ballistas 20 plus years dont soften at all due to resin/ carbon used. The epoxy that is used these days to cover whippings is also less prone to yellowing unless seymo epoxy is used.
In reply to Post #14
I spent yesterday in the pouring rain sat behind my 30 year old Ballista's, gradually realising how scruffy they are. Most of the whippings are now semi permanently white, the ring frames all scratched and the blank has taken on a matt finish, but not in a good way. I keep threatening to refurbish them but never seem to get round to it. I'm fairly sure they've softened up a bit over the years but still a pleasant rod to fish with.
I spent yesterday in the pouring rain sat behind my 30 year old Ballista's, gradually realising how scruffy they are. Most of the whippings are now semi permanently white, the ring frames all scratched and the blank has taken on a matt finish, but not in a good way. I keep threatening to refurbish them but never seem to get round to it. I'm fairly sure they've softened up a bit over the years but still a pleasant rod to fish with.
In reply to Post #11
I've got a set of 11ft 2.25 too, and adore them. Paired with a set of 4500 biomasters.
For anything up to 80 yards it's my go to set up
I've got a set of 11ft 2.25 too, and adore them. Paired with a set of 4500 biomasters.
For anything up to 80 yards it's my go to set up
I use a set of 12ft North Western “Carbons” all the time (Made in the early 80's), 2 are 2.75tc and the 3rd is a 2.25tc.
I love using them and the accuracy I doubt I could get with anything else I can remember using – put it this way last weekend I was cursing like hell as I was putting a Dart on the far banking at around 60 yards, wanted it on the bank next to the swim border marker post, hit the post twice on the trot!
I love using them and the accuracy I doubt I could get with anything else I can remember using – put it this way last weekend I was cursing like hell as I was putting a Dart on the far banking at around 60 yards, wanted it on the bank next to the swim border marker post, hit the post twice on the trot!
In reply to Post #14
The mk 1 ballistas softened over time . The current ballistas 20 plus years dont soften at all due to resin/ carbon used. The epoxy that is used these days to cover whippings is also less prone to yellowing unless seymo epoxy is used.
I'm going to dig my receipt out, see how old they are
Reply to Ged@15. my ring whippings went the same in I think 2017, I think the 40 deg French heat finally got to them. I had them re whipped, they look fab but on 1st use I heard some cracking :-(. Probably a Q for Jeff, does the new stuff go white like the old. Iirc it's UV set now, sound familiar or am I imagining it, it was 6 or so years ago.
The mk 1 ballistas softened over time . The current ballistas 20 plus years dont soften at all due to resin/ carbon used. The epoxy that is used these days to cover whippings is also less prone to yellowing unless seymo epoxy is used.
I'm going to dig my receipt out, see how old they are
Reply to Ged@15. my ring whippings went the same in I think 2017, I think the 40 deg French heat finally got to them. I had them re whipped, they look fab but on 1st use I heard some cracking :-(. Probably a Q for Jeff, does the new stuff go white like the old. Iirc it's UV set now, sound familiar or am I imagining it, it was 6 or so years ago.
Ok I'm holding you all responsible for feeding Ryan's terrible addiction for buying rods. The man is totally off his nut on this 'drug'.
I have a pair of sportex 2.5lb 12ft with 6 rings on with a 30mm butt ring single legs on tip section, abbreviated handles with duplon, made at Y A C. Thinking of getting them refurbished, when funds available
In reply to Post #20
EDIT, Oops, responce to post 19 not 20!
EDIT, Oops, responce to post 19 not 20!
In reply to Post #1
Nice rods ,late 80's retailed around the £80 mark if i remember correctly .They where made in Scotland and used the the same mandrel as the Whiskers .
Buying old rods can be addictive !!
Nice rods ,late 80's retailed around the £80 mark if i remember correctly .They where made in Scotland and used the the same mandrel as the Whiskers .
Buying old rods can be addictive !!
Still using Daiwa Infinity X from 1998, have six of them but not used the 3.5 set for a good while now. Paired with Tournies from the same year. Why spend big money replacing what already works?
In reply to Post #15
I built my ballistas winter 95, and used then for everything. Had then rebuilt two years ago when the Whippings went white by Chris Palmer (pottys quality leads), they're like new again, albeit pretty soft, perfect for close range fishing
I built my ballistas winter 95, and used then for everything. Had then rebuilt two years ago when the Whippings went white by Chris Palmer (pottys quality leads), they're like new again, albeit pretty soft, perfect for close range fishing
In reply to Post #24
I'm not sure about old ballistas going soft.
I had some ancient 2lb multi carp rods that were very well used and I managed to break a tip.
It broke when lobbing out a 4oz feeder, and the hook caught on some brambles and the tip smashed
I got two new tips from Harrisons as I didn't to want to get just one and have them unequal.
I rigorously compared both new section with the old and there was absolutely no difference.
I still swapped both over, just to be a tart.
I think that we get used to faster actioned modern rods and when we then use an old ballista it just feels softer. Maybe they always were
I'm not sure about old ballistas going soft.
I had some ancient 2lb multi carp rods that were very well used and I managed to break a tip.
It broke when lobbing out a 4oz feeder, and the hook caught on some brambles and the tip smashed
I got two new tips from Harrisons as I didn't to want to get just one and have them unequal.
I rigorously compared both new section with the old and there was absolutely no difference.
I still swapped both over, just to be a tart.
I think that we get used to faster actioned modern rods and when we then use an old ballista it just feels softer. Maybe they always were
In reply to Post #1
I've still got a set of 3x Greys F2 Mk1s in 12' / 3lb TC that are gathering dust . . .hand built by Greys of Alnwick in the days when they were just getting into the Carp market. Lovely through action built on numbered Century blanks and with a similar build to original Hutch Dream makers (silver ball butt cap) - full carbon weave and blue finish; abbreviated . . .caught my French PB and a 70+ cat on these . . .
Also got a pair of Greys Power Play in 12' 2.5 that I'm reticent to get rid of (think these were the very first carp rods developed by Greys of Alnwick post fly only rods) Originally a set of 3x but I smashed the tip on one - then had abbreviated handles updated to full cork by Bob at Fosters - lovely surface / small water rods that bend to the butt . . .
I've still got a set of 3x Greys F2 Mk1s in 12' / 3lb TC that are gathering dust . . .hand built by Greys of Alnwick in the days when they were just getting into the Carp market. Lovely through action built on numbered Century blanks and with a similar build to original Hutch Dream makers (silver ball butt cap) - full carbon weave and blue finish; abbreviated . . .caught my French PB and a 70+ cat on these . . .
Also got a pair of Greys Power Play in 12' 2.5 that I'm reticent to get rid of (think these were the very first carp rods developed by Greys of Alnwick post fly only rods) Originally a set of 3x but I smashed the tip on one - then had abbreviated handles updated to full cork by Bob at Fosters - lovely surface / small water rods that bend to the butt . . .
I've still got a set of 3 Kevin Maddocks Exocet II rods, 13ft 3.5tc with the old shimano LC's on.
I use one as a 4th rod sometimes
I use one as a 4th rod sometimes
Dunno if they are classed as vintage, but ive got a set of 2 original shimano diaflah in 2.5tc ( the ones with the purple whipping and not the bug version).
I used to absolutely love the playing action on these rods, although i havent used them in over 15 years...
I was looking to get them refurbed for ascetic purposes only, but the costs is quite high and finding a rod builder willing to undertake the works is not an easy task
I used to absolutely love the playing action on these rods, although i havent used them in over 15 years...
I was looking to get them refurbed for ascetic purposes only, but the costs is quite high and finding a rod builder willing to undertake the works is not an easy task
In reply to Post #27
I have 4 Kevin Maddocks Challengers, 12' 2.75lb t/c
They were the blingy gold ones, but I had them rebuilt by Cotswold Rods quite a few years ago so they are just the original blank now (smoothed down to grey as the varnish had all ghosted) and new rings / cork handles.
I do still have 2 brand new Maddocks Challenger 2 rods, 12' 2.25lb t/c
They were bought for Barbel, but I've never been!
...and an 11ft Shimano Twin Power 1.75lb t/c that I used to use for stalking / floater fishing.
I have 4 Kevin Maddocks Challengers, 12' 2.75lb t/c
They were the blingy gold ones, but I had them rebuilt by Cotswold Rods quite a few years ago so they are just the original blank now (smoothed down to grey as the varnish had all ghosted) and new rings / cork handles.
I do still have 2 brand new Maddocks Challenger 2 rods, 12' 2.25lb t/c
They were bought for Barbel, but I've never been!
...and an 11ft Shimano Twin Power 1.75lb t/c that I used to use for stalking / floater fishing.
2) Shimano Baitrunner Specimen / 12ft / 2.5lb
Picked up a couple of these - possibly from a person on here, selling via FB. Hard work searching for info on the internet, for obvious reasons. It's beautifully finished and noticeably light, and thin. Not used yet. Anyone know anything?
Picked up a couple of these - possibly from a person on here, selling via FB. Hard work searching for info on the internet, for obvious reasons. It's beautifully finished and noticeably light, and thin. Not used yet. Anyone know anything?
In reply to Post #30
Hi mate. I've got one of these. It's been my floater rod for a long while. A mate hooked a 20+ common on it. He didn't( couldn't) give line and the rod just absorbed everything. It's probably my favourite rod.
I've also got a pair of Daiwa PCMX in 11'6 one and a quarter. Lovely tench rods and handy on drains for Z's.
I'll never sell any of these. I've had them for 20+ years. I like living in the past. It's a nice comfortable place.
Hi mate. I've got one of these. It's been my floater rod for a long while. A mate hooked a 20+ common on it. He didn't( couldn't) give line and the rod just absorbed everything. It's probably my favourite rod.
I've also got a pair of Daiwa PCMX in 11'6 one and a quarter. Lovely tench rods and handy on drains for Z's.
I'll never sell any of these. I've had them for 20+ years. I like living in the past. It's a nice comfortable place.
In reply to Post #31
Not sure they'd be vintage, bought em in 91 I think . 3x Diawa tournament carp 2 1/4lb test, whisker Kevlar wrap things , with shaped duplon handles , really slim blank .. used em as floater rods for years .. looking very old now tho
Not sure they'd be vintage, bought em in 91 I think . 3x Diawa tournament carp 2 1/4lb test, whisker Kevlar wrap things , with shaped duplon handles , really slim blank .. used em as floater rods for years .. looking very old now tho
In reply to Post #32
Not towant to make you feel old, but a lot of people believe anything pre 2004 is classed as vintage
Not towant to make you feel old, but a lot of people believe anything pre 2004 is classed as vintage
I'd love some Rob Maylin pursuits from back in the early 90s
Leslies of Luton made them
We're they a tri cast blank?
Leslies of Luton made them
We're they a tri cast blank?
In reply to Post #34
11 foot 2lbtc Conoflex carbon i picked up for a tenner when the tackle shop was selling blanks off.
Built up its a super floater rod, also still got a Silstar Traverse x 1.75/2lb tc which has been abused with bait rockets, mackerel bashing & floater controllers but still keeps going.
11 foot 2lbtc Conoflex carbon i picked up for a tenner when the tackle shop was selling blanks off.
Built up its a super floater rod, also still got a Silstar Traverse x 1.75/2lb tc which has been abused with bait rockets, mackerel bashing & floater controllers but still keeps going.
IMO the best looking rods ever made.
.
.
As I can't get my twin powers repaired, I've set these up will be out for a session tomorrow. Leeda 9000's I think built on unground Harrison blanks from the 90's.
Cost me 25 quid each all those years ago which was half of a weeks wages!
'Handbuilt in England'
Cost me 25 quid each all those years ago which was half of a weeks wages!
'Handbuilt in England'
In reply to Post #37
Those Shimano rods are lovely. I have contemplated contacting you several times about the Leeda rods as I have seen your listings on here. Be interesting to hear how you find them in use.....
Those Shimano rods are lovely. I have contemplated contacting you several times about the Leeda rods as I have seen your listings on here. Be interesting to hear how you find them in use.....
In reply to Post #38
They are stunners mate can't wait to use them for sure. Colour of the blank kind of changes in the sunlight.
Putting the little bait runners on the Leedas reminded me how light they are especially with all that foam around the reel seats. Quite a thick tip which I'd forgotten but do bend down to the reel seat, that I do remember 👍
They are stunners mate can't wait to use them for sure. Colour of the blank kind of changes in the sunlight.
Putting the little bait runners on the Leedas reminded me how light they are especially with all that foam around the reel seats. Quite a thick tip which I'd forgotten but do bend down to the reel seat, that I do remember 👍
In reply to Post #30
It was me you bought these from 😃
Lovely rods. How are you getting on with them?
It was me you bought these from 😃
Lovely rods. How are you getting on with them?
In reply to Post #40
Ah yes, memory like a sieve. Hope you're well. As for the rods.... not got round to using yet, so simply admiring for now. I have some Aero GTE's just back from Felindre so it's only a matter of time.....
Ah yes, memory like a sieve. Hope you're well. As for the rods.... not got round to using yet, so simply admiring for now. I have some Aero GTE's just back from Felindre so it's only a matter of time.....
In reply to Post #41
Think my favourite vintage rods were my hutchy 2lb sabres which i had cork handles on, long gone now but they did pop up on ebay about 10 years ago and i nearly bought them back, my mate has some bruve and walker hexagraphs which are still used day in day out, incredible rods but i definitely couldn't afford them back then
Think my favourite vintage rods were my hutchy 2lb sabres which i had cork handles on, long gone now but they did pop up on ebay about 10 years ago and i nearly bought them back, my mate has some bruve and walker hexagraphs which are still used day in day out, incredible rods but i definitely couldn't afford them back then
Must admit I do like using 'old rods' these days, I guess it's a sign of hanging onto memories of how exciting carp fishing was years ago.
I've just re-built a pair of of Tri-Cast MUR ultralights - 12' 2lb - which were my first carbon rods bought in 1984 (these were the ones endorsed by Jim Gibbinson). They have been sitting in my spare room for about 25 years in a shocking state, battered, rings missing, a right state! Spent ages stripping the blanks to bare carbon, new black dps reel seats, full shrink handles, stainless caps & trims, and with original Fuji 25mm BNHG guides to give them an authentic feel and look. Look fantastic with Cardinal 55's clamped to them. Just need to use them now
Also have a pair of 30 year old 12' 2.5lb Harrison Ballistas, which I re-built a few years ago, and are (once again) becoming my favourite rod to use these days. Just love playing fish on them.
And I also have a pair of Bruce Ashby Conoflex 11' 2.25lb from the early 80's in fantastic condition- these really are 'old school', from the days when Bruce used to hand write his decals - Conospin handles, pre-duplon rubber butt grips, BNHG rings - just give them an airing once or twice a year as I don't want to abuse them
I've just re-built a pair of of Tri-Cast MUR ultralights - 12' 2lb - which were my first carbon rods bought in 1984 (these were the ones endorsed by Jim Gibbinson). They have been sitting in my spare room for about 25 years in a shocking state, battered, rings missing, a right state! Spent ages stripping the blanks to bare carbon, new black dps reel seats, full shrink handles, stainless caps & trims, and with original Fuji 25mm BNHG guides to give them an authentic feel and look. Look fantastic with Cardinal 55's clamped to them. Just need to use them now
Also have a pair of 30 year old 12' 2.5lb Harrison Ballistas, which I re-built a few years ago, and are (once again) becoming my favourite rod to use these days. Just love playing fish on them.
And I also have a pair of Bruce Ashby Conoflex 11' 2.25lb from the early 80's in fantastic condition- these really are 'old school', from the days when Bruce used to hand write his decals - Conospin handles, pre-duplon rubber butt grips, BNHG rings - just give them an airing once or twice a year as I don't want to abuse them
In reply to Post #43
Have you fitted the reel seats back to front on the tricasts, just for a retro feel
Have you fitted the reel seats back to front on the tricasts, just for a retro feel
In reply to Post #44
Definitely not, never understood having them that way (guess you are thinking of Simpsons of Turnford, Jim Gibbinson Eclipses, as they were that way, and I mentioned him).
Not as ridiculous as the pointless 50mm rings you see on most rods these days though.
Definitely not, never understood having them that way (guess you are thinking of Simpsons of Turnford, Jim Gibbinson Eclipses, as they were that way, and I mentioned him).
Not as ridiculous as the pointless 50mm rings you see on most rods these days though.
I was fishing this private members water on Dartmoor, must be 35yrs ago ..
Met this guy who I found out after was a wealthy sheep farmer,and eventually went on to win early masterchef,a few years after.
Anyway ,he had a set of mk1 Armalites..I never could afford a set ..until last year I found a triplicate of unused 2.75 tc Armalites built by Bob the Rod, it was worth the wait..and it's all I use now. 9 eyes ,30 mm butt etc .
Previous to this my son bought a pair of mk1 ,non autoclaved Armalites off of here ,and they still get regular use..
Love the older gear,modern stuff, seems ,boring ,soulless and it's all black in colour ,looks the same.. !
Met this guy who I found out after was a wealthy sheep farmer,and eventually went on to win early masterchef,a few years after.
Anyway ,he had a set of mk1 Armalites..I never could afford a set ..until last year I found a triplicate of unused 2.75 tc Armalites built by Bob the Rod, it was worth the wait..and it's all I use now. 9 eyes ,30 mm butt etc .
Previous to this my son bought a pair of mk1 ,non autoclaved Armalites off of here ,and they still get regular use..
Love the older gear,modern stuff, seems ,boring ,soulless and it's all black in colour ,looks the same.. !
In reply to Post #44
Youngy built a fair few sets on harrison blanks with down locking reel seats .
Youngy built a fair few sets on harrison blanks with down locking reel seats .
In reply to Post #36
oh very nice I had a pair of 11ft 2lb that were unbelievable for playing fish on 
oh very nice I had a pair of 11ft 2lb that were unbelievable for playing fish on
In reply to Post #48
It was all Gibbos fault, quoting some Japanese rod builder as that's how fuji designed them
It was all Gibbos fault, quoting some Japanese rod builder as that's how fuji designed them
In reply to Post #48
Those reel seat upside down...... to the norm.
Wasn't it more to do with the pressure on the front part of the moulded reel seat causing them to open up by over tightening pressures ?
WHEREAS the upside down way, it simply unwound a bit.... seems to remember some hype on Simpsons advert somewhere, could be wrong.
Those reel seat upside down...... to the norm.
Wasn't it more to do with the pressure on the front part of the moulded reel seat causing them to open up by over tightening pressures ?
WHEREAS the upside down way, it simply unwound a bit.... seems to remember some hype on Simpsons advert somewhere, could be wrong.
In reply to Post #51
theres a set of 3 original 'Tails Up' harrisons on faceache marketplace for 110, soooo tempting and you know exactly how they will perform
theres a set of 3 original 'Tails Up' harrisons on faceache marketplace for 110, soooo tempting and you know exactly how they will perform
My favourite vintage carp rod is a Dawson's of Bromley Challenger. I think it's 10ft and is two-piece split cane. I would reckon it's approximately 1.5lb test curve. It's a true through action and you can feel the cane bending beneath your hands when you have a good fish on - which is a bit disconcerting if you're used to using carbon rods.
In reply to Post #52
Look in decent condition too 👍
Look in decent condition too 👍
In reply to Post #54
i know, slightly tempted tbh but already have 2 sets of harrison ballistas, do I really need a 3rd?
i know, slightly tempted tbh but already have 2 sets of harrison ballistas, do I really need a 3rd?
In reply to Post #55
For that money yes 👍
For that money yes 👍
In reply to Post #56
i hate seeing them for sale, Im sorta up that way tonight visiting my mum......hmmmmm
i hate seeing them for sale, Im sorta up that way tonight visiting my mum......hmmmmm
In reply to Post #57
3) Tricast Custom Builds by Bob Morris / 12ft / 2lb (?)
Not sure of the model or the actual test curve. Yet to be used - bloody nice looking and light.
Perhaps more along the lines of what people consider to be true vintage.....
Not sure of the model or the actual test curve. Yet to be used - bloody nice looking and light.
Perhaps more along the lines of what people consider to be true vintage.....
In reply to Post #59
I had 2 sets of tricasts built by bob, great rods for the time.
I had 2 sets of tricasts built by bob, great rods for the time.
I have a lot of tricasts , north westerns ( whom i worked for as a saturday lad ) armalites and they really are not a patch on todays blanks . Rose tinted and all that.
In reply to Post #59
Nice rods.
If they are 12' 2lb tc, then they are Carbon / Aramid Ultralights, the same as the one's I mentioned upthread that I just re-built (MUR's). In 12 foot, they also did a 2.5 tc (ER's), plus 1.75 tc & 1.25 tc (LR's).
They are very light in the hand compared to today's offerings (thin walled, thin in the tip sections, and wide in the butt).
They are still lovely to use for short range fishing, balanced with a smallish reel, but they do have limitations when it comes to backbone - I last used mine to catch a hard fighting 27 pounder in the early 90's, which to this day is still the longest I have ever played a fish. I knew then it was time to get something with a little more beef (which were 2.5 tc Ballistas, which are also these days considered small water rods - shows how rods have changed over the years).
Nice rods.
If they are 12' 2lb tc, then they are Carbon / Aramid Ultralights, the same as the one's I mentioned upthread that I just re-built (MUR's). In 12 foot, they also did a 2.5 tc (ER's), plus 1.75 tc & 1.25 tc (LR's).
They are very light in the hand compared to today's offerings (thin walled, thin in the tip sections, and wide in the butt).
They are still lovely to use for short range fishing, balanced with a smallish reel, but they do have limitations when it comes to backbone - I last used mine to catch a hard fighting 27 pounder in the early 90's, which to this day is still the longest I have ever played a fish. I knew then it was time to get something with a little more beef (which were 2.5 tc Ballistas, which are also these days considered small water rods - shows how rods have changed over the years).
In reply to Post #62
Forgot to add, I bought my blanks off Bob too, must have been not that long after he opened his shop in South Darenth.
Forgot to add, I bought my blanks off Bob too, must have been not that long after he opened his shop in South Darenth.
Would YAC stalkers be seen as vintage these days, guessing the different blank colour options aren't a thing any more. I keep my eye out for some and the terrible fitting TA bag just in case.
In reply to Post #64
No you can still get them . Harrison blanks but only in unground or ground matt black and burgundy..
No you can still get them . Harrison blanks but only in unground or ground matt black and burgundy..
In reply to Post #65
Thought so, didn't they do three colours back then - green, chestnut and burgundy?
Thought so, didn't they do three colours back then - green, chestnut and burgundy?
In reply to Post #66
Yeah harrisons stopped the green and chestnut a long time ago , not a fan of painted blanks scratch too easily.
Yeah harrisons stopped the green and chestnut a long time ago , not a fan of painted blanks scratch too easily.
In reply to Post #66
but you can still colour the blanks and bondaseal them, or vice versa, go from a coloured harrison back to natural grey. My og YAC burgandy harrisons are currently going back to grey as being rebuilt as the whippings went white
but you can still colour the blanks and bondaseal them, or vice versa, go from a coloured harrison back to natural grey. My og YAC burgandy harrisons are currently going back to grey as being rebuilt as the whippings went white
In reply to Post #36
OMG i had a set of these years ago.....fantastic Rods and not sure what ever happened to them, i remember taking them on my first trip to France late 90's
OMG i had a set of these years ago.....fantastic Rods and not sure what ever happened to them, i remember taking them on my first trip to France late 90's
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