So when I say rod I really mean the blank. The rod itself will be built buy a rod builder so I'll be choosing my own components I.e. the American tackle TIforged guides will be going on
So back to the blank, the type of rod I'm looking for is something that will help get me that bit more distance on my casts compared to my aviators. I'm not expecting the blank to be amazing for under the tip or for short range work but if for example every now and then I was to do some margin work then I'd like to know the rods would be ok to ise in that situation from tome to time, I don't want something like the trebuchets
Main reason I'm getting them is for getting that extra distance i need. I'm no terry Edmunds so a blank that is user friendly I.e. can be properly compressed if your a good but not great at casting. For example a baited rig on .35mm line (lake rules) in a bit of a wind my limit would be around 27 wraps. I could get a bit more by changing my line to something like korda long chuck but I know ultimately new rods are the way to go plus my aviators are getting a bit old now
So what's everyone's opinions on the absolute best blank money can buy from any company. Century, freespirit, harrison, daiwa, korda, code, shimano etc etc ?
So back to the blank, the type of rod I'm looking for is something that will help get me that bit more distance on my casts compared to my aviators. I'm not expecting the blank to be amazing for under the tip or for short range work but if for example every now and then I was to do some margin work then I'd like to know the rods would be ok to ise in that situation from tome to time, I don't want something like the trebuchets
Main reason I'm getting them is for getting that extra distance i need. I'm no terry Edmunds so a blank that is user friendly I.e. can be properly compressed if your a good but not great at casting. For example a baited rig on .35mm line (lake rules) in a bit of a wind my limit would be around 27 wraps. I could get a bit more by changing my line to something like korda long chuck but I know ultimately new rods are the way to go plus my aviators are getting a bit old now
So what's everyone's opinions on the absolute best blank money can buy from any company. Century, freespirit, harrison, daiwa, korda, code, shimano etc etc ?
In reply to Post #1
The aviator is a brilliant blank, you'd be better having a lesson with Terry to learn to get the best out of it
The aviator is a brilliant blank, you'd be better having a lesson with Terry to learn to get the best out of it
In reply to Post #1
there's no single right answer to this—everyone has their own techniques, and different blanks work better for different styles.
your best bet is probably to get a casting lesson.the Aviator is one of the best blanks out there, unless you've gone +1/+2 in which case you might not be loading the blank properly.
there's no single right answer to this—everyone has their own techniques, and different blanks work better for different styles.
your best bet is probably to get a casting lesson.the Aviator is one of the best blanks out there, unless you've gone +1/+2 in which case you might not be loading the blank properly.
In reply to Post #3
I'm not up on the types of carbon used on rods haven't a clue what 40t or zero90 means other than making sure the rods ha e a 1k weave right through i get a bit lost as to what is actually the best quality carbon used on the blanks.
Are the top end rods all a much of a muchness or are the certain ones that a better quality materials used on the rods?
I'm not up on the types of carbon used on rods haven't a clue what 40t or zero90 means other than making sure the rods ha e a 1k weave right through i get a bit lost as to what is actually the best quality carbon used on the blanks.
Are the top end rods all a much of a muchness or are the certain ones that a better quality materials used on the rods?
Harrison Aviator 12ft 6. 
In reply to Post #1
I'm an average caster (even after a TE lesson) and have resigned myself to the fact that even with 13' Aviators 30 wraps is a push on a good day . . . mainly using a boat at the moment so not really an issue however if it was I would be looking at these - SCR ST13's
https://southcoastrods.com/
Really nice build and gets fantastic reviews - some vids of the beardy chap from Carpology hitting 40 wraps with little drama!
I'm an average caster (even after a TE lesson) and have resigned myself to the fact that even with 13' Aviators 30 wraps is a push on a good day . . . mainly using a boat at the moment so not really an issue however if it was I would be looking at these - SCR ST13's
https://southcoastrods.com/
Really nice build and gets fantastic reviews - some vids of the beardy chap from Carpology hitting 40 wraps with little drama!
As good an all rounder I've ever known bar none. The 13ft century C2 SP 3.75TC. This will be my forever rod. 35 wraps made easy.
In reply to Post #7
+1 this statement.
Will put a lead as far as most normal people need to, but also very nice to play fish on.
Also my forever rod 👍
+1 this statement.
Will put a lead as far as most normal people need to, but also very nice to play fish on.
Also my forever rod 👍
In reply to Post #1
Free spirit Hi-s-Ive-ER
Free spirit Hi-s-Ive-ER
When people talk about 30 wraps or more it would be much more informative if you could add some further details...
Are you going 15lb straight through, braided shockie and 10lb mono, 30lb braid with a shockie, or what...
And what lead size.
Are you going 15lb straight through, braided shockie and 10lb mono, 30lb braid with a shockie, or what...
And what lead size.
In reply to Post #10
Good question..
That could be with a leader and 8lb line and 5oz lead for all we know
Good question..
That could be with a leader and 8lb line and 5oz lead for all we know
In reply to Post #1
13ft Freespirit Hi's ive
I went from the Ive ER to the 13 foot ive and have to say its the best rod ive ever used for both casting and playing fish. It does everything very well. Was hitting 30 wraps the other week with nowhere near full beans
13ft Freespirit Hi's ive
I went from the Ive ER to the 13 foot ive and have to say its the best rod ive ever used for both casting and playing fish. It does everything very well. Was hitting 30 wraps the other week with nowhere near full beans
In reply to Post #1
Based on what you've said, I think you've already got the best blank going for your needs. They'll easily do 140yds without any real issues
The treb lite would be my next suggestion but only if 150+ is your aim on a regular basis
Based on what you've said, I think you've already got the best blank going for your needs. They'll easily do 140yds without any real issues
The treb lite would be my next suggestion but only if 150+ is your aim on a regular basis
In reply to Post #13
You might as well look at beachcasters. Seriously if distance is the important criteria there are beachcasters which would do the job.
You might as well look at beachcasters. Seriously if distance is the important criteria there are beachcasters which would do the job.
In reply to Post #14
What line? With a leader.. Thin braid?
What line? With a leader.. Thin braid?
In reply to Post #16
Whatever suits you really. I use 12lb gr60 almost exclusively. Anything over 120yds, I'll use a fluro leader. For real big chucks I'll use a braided leader but that's rare and normally only if I'm chucking singles to shows
I used to use treb lites and 3lb torrix depending on what I was doing. Then I had aviators for 4 or 5 years as they pretty much covered both
Whatever suits you really. I use 12lb gr60 almost exclusively. Anything over 120yds, I'll use a fluro leader. For real big chucks I'll use a braided leader but that's rare and normally only if I'm chucking singles to shows
I used to use treb lites and 3lb torrix depending on what I was doing. Then I had aviators for 4 or 5 years as they pretty much covered both
In reply to Post #16
Rules on my syndicate are minimum. 35mm mono or fluoro no braid allowed.
Shock leaders are allowed, I tend to use the fox tapered shock leaders.
I know a lot of people will be able to cast that setup to the moon but I just can't get the distance with my aviators
Rules on my syndicate are minimum. 35mm mono or fluoro no braid allowed.
Shock leaders are allowed, I tend to use the fox tapered shock leaders.
I know a lot of people will be able to cast that setup to the moon but I just can't get the distance with my aviators
In reply to Post #18
Stripping everything back, who out there is producing the best blanks in terms of materials used? Pretty much every rod blurb you read says the rod has a 1k weave, yet you'll find a rod for £150 that has a 1k weave and a rod that costs £600 saying the same thing.
Then there's the different carbons 40t modulus, zero 90 carbon etc etc all claiming to be the best quality out there etc etc
There has to be differences in quality, durability, longevity between the difference manufacturers and the blanks they produce or are having produced for them?
Stripping everything back, who out there is producing the best blanks in terms of materials used? Pretty much every rod blurb you read says the rod has a 1k weave, yet you'll find a rod for £150 that has a 1k weave and a rod that costs £600 saying the same thing.
Then there's the different carbons 40t modulus, zero 90 carbon etc etc all claiming to be the best quality out there etc etc
There has to be differences in quality, durability, longevity between the difference manufacturers and the blanks they produce or are having produced for them?
In reply to Post #19
I would say century is probably the market leader when it comes to carbon. I live 15 miles from the century factory and have spoke to the boss a few times. They make everything from formula 1 parts to parts for equipment that goes into space, rods are just a small part of it. I use centurys top of the line graphene rods and they are superb but will they put me more fish on the bank or cast much further in the rare times i go fishing, of course they wont but they are nice to have. Free spirit hi s have been around unchanged for over 20 years and are still regarded as some of the best rods you can buy so that tells you blanks tech kind of peaked a few years ago.
I would say century is probably the market leader when it comes to carbon. I live 15 miles from the century factory and have spoke to the boss a few times. They make everything from formula 1 parts to parts for equipment that goes into space, rods are just a small part of it. I use centurys top of the line graphene rods and they are superb but will they put me more fish on the bank or cast much further in the rare times i go fishing, of course they wont but they are nice to have. Free spirit hi s have been around unchanged for over 20 years and are still regarded as some of the best rods you can buy so that tells you blanks tech kind of peaked a few years ago.
In reply to Post #20
Thing is the best carbon doesn't exist as it comes down to best for the purpose it is going to used for and of course the correct resin is equally as important. Companies like century have vast experience in rod design and have a massive data base to draw on. Rod blanks will be designed to produce a certain action IE players rod casting rod etc and may well incorporate different carbon cloth and resin throughout the blank, century make loads of great carp rods to suit the needs of different customers and the same with there beach casters.
Thing is the best carbon doesn't exist as it comes down to best for the purpose it is going to used for and of course the correct resin is equally as important. Companies like century have vast experience in rod design and have a massive data base to draw on. Rod blanks will be designed to produce a certain action IE players rod casting rod etc and may well incorporate different carbon cloth and resin throughout the blank, century make loads of great carp rods to suit the needs of different customers and the same with there beach casters.
In reply to Post #20
I have a set of century graphene 12ft in 3.5lb, they are the best rods I have used, they feel more like 3 25, and are very accurate. May not be the longest casting rod, but are lovely to use
All rods are subjective as far as user preference goes.
I have a set of century graphene 12ft in 3.5lb, they are the best rods I have used, they feel more like 3 25, and are very accurate. May not be the longest casting rod, but are lovely to use
All rods are subjective as far as user preference goes.
In reply to Post #22
I want new rods, brilliant for casting and brilliant for playing fish, a rod I can use for everything, I'm fed up changing rods.
What would be the ideal option 🤔
I want new rods, brilliant for casting and brilliant for playing fish, a rod I can use for everything, I'm fed up changing rods.
What would be the ideal option 🤔
In reply to Post #15
Spot on if you are after crazy distances beachcaster and multiplier like we used on redesmere back in late 70s . Take it from me as someone who has owned , used , built and sold top end rods there is no such thing . For what a baby ballista can do there is no better blank but its useless compared to an aviator for distance.horses for courses.
Spot on if you are after crazy distances beachcaster and multiplier like we used on redesmere back in late 70s . Take it from me as someone who has owned , used , built and sold top end rods there is no such thing . For what a baby ballista can do there is no better blank but its useless compared to an aviator for distance.horses for courses.
In reply to Post #24
I knew there was nothing ideal 🙂
I needed the best balance between the two really. I Would like some options to think about.
I knew there was nothing ideal 🙂
I needed the best balance between the two really. I Would like some options to think about.
In reply to Post #1
Stuarts answer #3 combined with Belchs #6 sums it up for me. Until you know what type of cast you have, and like Belch whether you could change it if you wanted to, will dictate the action of the blank you buy, not the other way round. A days lesson might save you, having to buy new rods and more importantly spending a lot of money on something you're not capable of using, in any case you'll learn something. Maybe contact a tutor who has a selection of rods you can try in addition to your own, or contact someone at Century/Harrison who might be able to point you in the right direction.
Personally, for distance I'd be looking at 13' but you have a trade off with a softer playing tip and accuracy at distance.
Stuarts answer #3 combined with Belchs #6 sums it up for me. Until you know what type of cast you have, and like Belch whether you could change it if you wanted to, will dictate the action of the blank you buy, not the other way round. A days lesson might save you, having to buy new rods and more importantly spending a lot of money on something you're not capable of using, in any case you'll learn something. Maybe contact a tutor who has a selection of rods you can try in addition to your own, or contact someone at Century/Harrison who might be able to point you in the right direction.
Personally, for distance I'd be looking at 13' but you have a trade off with a softer playing tip and accuracy at distance.
In reply to Post #25
I've wasted fortunes on rods and always end up back with ESP Terry hearn 12'9's.
I've had the 3.25's which are very good rods, but I actually prefer the 12'9 'distance' 3.5's 50mm eyes etc so help with casting but still really good under the tip 👍.
They could be used anywhere but looks a bit daft on small waters so have a second lighter set of rods for these occasions.
I've wasted fortunes on rods and always end up back with ESP Terry hearn 12'9's.
I've had the 3.25's which are very good rods, but I actually prefer the 12'9 'distance' 3.5's 50mm eyes etc so help with casting but still really good under the tip 👍.
They could be used anywhere but looks a bit daft on small waters so have a second lighter set of rods for these occasions.
In reply to Post #27
I love my classics in 3 1/4. The playing action is beautiful.
Im in the market for casting rods in 13ft but im tempted to just get a set of 3.5tcs in 12'9”
I love my classics in 3 1/4. The playing action is beautiful.
Im in the market for casting rods in 13ft but im tempted to just get a set of 3.5tcs in 12'9”
In reply to Post #25
12.6 aviator plus. 3.5tc. Will cast bags 120+ has a soft enough tip to enjoy the fight and is also at home short range
I have 10ft hi s, 12ft 3.5 torrix and 13ft aviators, the 12.6 aviators would take the place of the 12s and 13s, but the 10fts are irreplaceable for the amount of boat fishing I do
12.6 aviator plus. 3.5tc. Will cast bags 120+ has a soft enough tip to enjoy the fight and is also at home short range
I have 10ft hi s, 12ft 3.5 torrix and 13ft aviators, the 12.6 aviators would take the place of the 12s and 13s, but the 10fts are irreplaceable for the amount of boat fishing I do
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