Hi All
Currently have a set of Armalite Gen 1 which have about done their time.
So thinking about looking for a replacement possibly to be built up custom.
Putting budget aside for the moment what would your thoughts be....
Imagine a blank check where would you go.....??
Note i fish estate lakes and have 100% NO NEED to cast anything over 75yds.
I never use above a 2oz lead simply dont need it ..
So please nothing with some stupid 3.5 Test curve, I want a ror i can "Feel" the fish on, but with just a little low down stick for when the time needs..
What would you do
ATB
P
Currently have a set of Armalite Gen 1 which have about done their time.
So thinking about looking for a replacement possibly to be built up custom.
Putting budget aside for the moment what would your thoughts be....
Imagine a blank check where would you go.....??
Note i fish estate lakes and have 100% NO NEED to cast anything over 75yds.
I never use above a 2oz lead simply dont need it ..
So please nothing with some stupid 3.5 Test curve, I want a ror i can "Feel" the fish on, but with just a little low down stick for when the time needs..
What would you do
ATB
P
In reply to Post #1
Harrison acurix. Ultimate small water carp blank. Used a set of my mates years ago and are fantastic for the type of fishing you've described. Harrison are truly uk built. Not imported and then built here.
I've used buzzard rods to build me sets on Harrison blanks and really impressed with his work
Harrison acurix. Ultimate small water carp blank. Used a set of my mates years ago and are fantastic for the type of fishing you've described. Harrison are truly uk built. Not imported and then built here.
I've used buzzard rods to build me sets on Harrison blanks and really impressed with his work
Moved to tackle 
I have a set of 3 Armalite MK3 / 12ft / 2.75lb / custom build that might be of interest?
In reply to Post #3
Thanx
Wasn't sure if this was Tackle or Reviews ....
Naturally i guessed wrongly lol
Thanx
Wasn't sure if this was Tackle or Reviews ....
Naturally i guessed wrongly lol
In reply to Post #1
Interesting not seen them listed anywhere will make some calls...
Do you recall the finish \ Carbon weave.. ?
Kr
P
Interesting not seen them listed anywhere will make some calls...
Do you recall the finish \ Carbon weave.. ?
Kr
P
In reply to Post #5
No worries mate.
Re rods, I wouldn't rule out the Ballista with your distances though I've always wanted a set of Acurix. Just to throw this out there too, imo you might consider 2.5lb TC, certainly in the Torrix.
No worries mate.
Re rods, I wouldn't rule out the Ballista with your distances though I've always wanted a set of Acurix. Just to throw this out there too, imo you might consider 2.5lb TC, certainly in the Torrix.
Have a look at retractables, I've converted this year and have been really impressed. I'm close to selling my 'normal' length rods
With retractables, it seems slightly higher tc's are necessary for a bit of back bone without them being too stiff and 75 yard casts would be an achievement.
They certainly make a big difference if you fish one or two swims in a session.
Or just get some more armalites 👍
With retractables, it seems slightly higher tc's are necessary for a bit of back bone without them being too stiff and 75 yard casts would be an achievement.
They certainly make a big difference if you fish one or two swims in a session.
Or just get some more armalites 👍
In reply to Post #6
i was actually looking at both the Torrix and Accurix.
Any one have any clue on the difference between the 2 types of rods of an equal TC..?
(There must be some i assume fixtures and fittings for a shop brought off the shelf, not included as thats a whole other question lol)
What is the finish like on Harrison rods...?
Seems like the tip section is a Flat Grey Carbon with the Butt section having a 1k Weave..??
i was actually looking at both the Torrix and Accurix.
Any one have any clue on the difference between the 2 types of rods of an equal TC..?
(There must be some i assume fixtures and fittings for a shop brought off the shelf, not included as thats a whole other question lol)
What is the finish like on Harrison rods...?
Seems like the tip section is a Flat Grey Carbon with the Butt section having a 1k Weave..??
In reply to Post #7
Cheers mate
Retractables not for me
I have a set of cheepo 10s for the tight spots..
Thanx for the thought tho !
KR
P
Cheers mate
Retractables not for me
I have a set of cheepo 10s for the tight spots..
Thanx for the thought tho !
KR
P
In reply to Post #9
The Acurix are lovely blanks and would suit your requirements perfectly.
I had a pair of 2.75 Torrix rods and sold them - they were a bit stiff for me. In contrast I now have some Kev Baines 2.25 Snipers (based on a Torrix blank) and they are superb and very versatile.
Other candidates would be used Ballista or Chimera, particularly the latter. I have some 2.75 Chimeras and they are really nice. The 2.5's are good too, but pretty uncommon.
Some of the Free Spirit blanks are fairly ‘soft' too, for example the 2.75 ES. A mate had a pair and they were good for small water fishing.
The Acurix are lovely blanks and would suit your requirements perfectly.
I had a pair of 2.75 Torrix rods and sold them - they were a bit stiff for me. In contrast I now have some Kev Baines 2.25 Snipers (based on a Torrix blank) and they are superb and very versatile.
Other candidates would be used Ballista or Chimera, particularly the latter. I have some 2.75 Chimeras and they are really nice. The 2.5's are good too, but pretty uncommon.
Some of the Free Spirit blanks are fairly ‘soft' too, for example the 2.75 ES. A mate had a pair and they were good for small water fishing.
In reply to Post #11
I'd certainly agree it's worth looking at ballista and chimera blanks, will come in cheaper too than more modern blanks. I still build ballista floater rods every year for people and I've never had a complaint.
I'd certainly agree it's worth looking at ballista and chimera blanks, will come in cheaper too than more modern blanks. I still build ballista floater rods every year for people and I've never had a complaint.
Why not go for the MK3?
I thought the ES was parabolic until I visited a rod builder and he let me try out a few rods mainly built on CTS blanks.
I thought the ES was parabolic until I visited a rod builder and he let me try out a few rods mainly built on CTS blanks.
You could go vintage and buy some used IMX, Tricast, North Western...
Why not, they are all still great rods.
Harrison Acurix are great as are Chimeras or Ballistas.
Ballistas will have the most "old school" feeling.
Free Spirit the ES. I fish them a lot at the moment and they are comparable to older rods but very light in hand and still cast up to 75 yards. Very soft rods.
The Free Spirit E-Class gold will be great as well.
Why not, they are all still great rods.
Harrison Acurix are great as are Chimeras or Ballistas.
Ballistas will have the most "old school" feeling.
Free Spirit the ES. I fish them a lot at the moment and they are comparable to older rods but very light in hand and still cast up to 75 yards. Very soft rods.
The Free Spirit E-Class gold will be great as well.
Harrison 11ft Ballista's in 3lb tc would be and are my go to rods for short range fishing. Won't ever change them now, very forgiving rods with a lovely action.
In reply to Post #9
Torrix is flat grey tip 1k butt
Acurix 1 k weave to tip
Torrix is flat grey tip 1k butt
Acurix 1 k weave to tip
In reply to Post #15
And the thing to remember about Ballistas/Acurix is they don't play like a modern fast taper 3lb rod. Even so, I'd still say lower TC's would be a lot more fun, and like I said before, and someone else has commented, the lower TC Torrix are actually very nice rods to play fish on, though they have the power in the butt section to give more than you'd expect.
And the thing to remember about Ballistas/Acurix is they don't play like a modern fast taper 3lb rod. Even so, I'd still say lower TC's would be a lot more fun, and like I said before, and someone else has commented, the lower TC Torrix are actually very nice rods to play fish on, though they have the power in the butt section to give more than you'd expect.
In reply to Post #18
Sounds like the Accurix in 12 2 3/4 Test coulld well be the way to go then.
Believe it or not that's more grunt than my current rods so theres going to be a little more in them when the time comes, i would assume.
Also just from an aesthetic perspective id prefer something with a full weave tip to butt..
Lot of people saying theve used them etc etc any current owners here..?
Sounds like the Accurix in 12 2 3/4 Test coulld well be the way to go then.
Believe it or not that's more grunt than my current rods so theres going to be a little more in them when the time comes, i would assume.
Also just from an aesthetic perspective id prefer something with a full weave tip to butt..
Lot of people saying theve used them etc etc any current owners here..?
I just switched to retractable rods as they currently meet my needs.
However, up to now I have been using a set of 12ft Century C2 2.75lb rods.
Excellent rods and I don't think you would go wrong with the action and capabilities of these rods
However, up to now I have been using a set of 12ft Century C2 2.75lb rods.
Excellent rods and I don't think you would go wrong with the action and capabilities of these rods
In reply to Post #1
If the spigot yr mk1 Armalites are not closed up too badly I'd get them rebuilt ,and use some Cheapo shorty rods til rebuilt
Or ,buy a new set of mk 3 second version 2 75tc Armalites
Or a set of Harrison accurix,i fish similar to yourself ,and like to see the rod actually bend when I'm lucky enough to catch something..
If the spigot yr mk1 Armalites are not closed up too badly I'd get them rebuilt ,and use some Cheapo shorty rods til rebuilt
Or ,buy a new set of mk 3 second version 2 75tc Armalites
Or a set of Harrison accurix,i fish similar to yourself ,and like to see the rod actually bend when I'm lucky enough to catch something..
In reply to Post #5
For what you need look no further than 11 ft baby ballistas 2.75 or 3 t.c. . Still the blanks i build mostly on . A dream to play fish on plenty of backbone they bend from the butt and absorb lunges from big fish .
For what you need look no further than 11 ft baby ballistas 2.75 or 3 t.c. . Still the blanks i build mostly on . A dream to play fish on plenty of backbone they bend from the butt and absorb lunges from big fish .
In reply to Post #1
10' Aviator . . . if custom build probs 2.75lb or maybe 3lb - Luverly little rods!
10' Aviator . . . if custom build probs 2.75lb or maybe 3lb - Luverly little rods!
I have used a mk3 Armalite 2.75lb t/c in anger and it's a lovely rod to play fish on (the off the shelf is a very attractive build too).
I'd certainly consider it, or if looking for something slightly beefier re casting then worth checking out the new Century FBS.
(No experience of Harrison as a firm Century fan boy)
I'd certainly consider it, or if looking for something slightly beefier re casting then worth checking out the new Century FBS.
(No experience of Harrison as a firm Century fan boy)
In reply to Post #24
Yes just seen the FBS in 2 3/4 very nice as is the C2...
Bugger why does it have to be so hard....!
I do like the idea of 10s bunt worry my larger Basias will look stoopid on them
Yes just seen the FBS in 2 3/4 very nice as is the C2...
Bugger why does it have to be so hard....!
I do like the idea of 10s bunt worry my larger Basias will look stoopid on them
In reply to Post #25
I have a set of 2.75lb t/c C2s (the original version) and whilst very nice rods overall they are much more steeley action vs the Armalite.
I've settled on the NGs as a good compromise between the two.
I have a set of 2.75lb t/c C2s (the original version) and whilst very nice rods overall they are much more steeley action vs the Armalite.
I've settled on the NGs as a good compromise between the two.
You could do much worse than ask Jeffire on this thread to build you a set of rods, he custom built me a set of Torrix 2.25lb a couple of years ago and they are bloody brilliant. Would never get rid of them.
In reply to Post #1
I would speak to kev Clayton and have some customs built. He does harrison and freespirit blanks but his own range are cheaper and the blanks are up there with the best.
I have some 10's in 3.25lb and they are flautless for what I use them for I.e boat work in a weedy lakes etc
I'm sure the 2.75lb would be ideal for what you need and then you can pick and choose the components. Obviously all depends on your budget of course but if it wasn't an issue then that's where I'd be looking
I would speak to kev Clayton and have some customs built. He does harrison and freespirit blanks but his own range are cheaper and the blanks are up there with the best.
I have some 10's in 3.25lb and they are flautless for what I use them for I.e boat work in a weedy lakes etc
I'm sure the 2.75lb would be ideal for what you need and then you can pick and choose the components. Obviously all depends on your budget of course but if it wasn't an issue then that's where I'd be looking
In reply to Post #25
Basias will unbalance / look daft on 10's . . . go Whisker 25QD (Baby Basias) but make sure you swop out the washers to Ice / Carbon as the stock ones are terrible . .
Basias will unbalance / look daft on 10's . . . go Whisker 25QD (Baby Basias) but make sure you swop out the washers to Ice / Carbon as the stock ones are terrible . .
Do not put basias on 10ft rods pal
In reply to Post #30
Indeed not gonna go there lol
Indeed not gonna go there lol
In reply to Post #31
Just notified the Aviators do an 11 Ft 2 3/4...
Could be interesting..
I think its between the
Accurix 12ft 2 3/4
Aviator 11ft 2 3/4
and
FBS 12ft 2 3/4
Any thoughts
Just notified the Aviators do an 11 Ft 2 3/4...
Could be interesting..
I think its between the
Accurix 12ft 2 3/4
Aviator 11ft 2 3/4
and
FBS 12ft 2 3/4
Any thoughts
In reply to Post #29
I am using Basias on my 10ft rods and they are far from unbalanced or look daft, being lighter than many smaller carp reels.
Maybe there are variations of Basias, got mine in Japan and they are super light and balance nicely on 10ft rods. No need to spend additional on new reels when the rods are gong to cost a pretty penny and new reels won't catch more fish.
I am using Basias on my 10ft rods and they are far from unbalanced or look daft, being lighter than many smaller carp reels.
Maybe there are variations of Basias, got mine in Japan and they are super light and balance nicely on 10ft rods. No need to spend additional on new reels when the rods are gong to cost a pretty penny and new reels won't catch more fish.
I am the biggest tart out there and say basias and 10fts are a no, but that is ridiculous thinking.
You are choosing rods to suit your style and venues and how you want to fish - but might not buy the best rods for the job because the reels you have are able to do a job you don't and won't be doing.
This isn't a dig - as stated I think the same - but it's bonkers, utterly bonkers. But we fall for it.
I have a set of c2 2.75 rods - that are rung to cast to the moon but struggle with big casts - but they look lovely!
I have (too many) a few sets of rods and reels and they are put together for function and unfortunately fashion, if you are looking for a new set of rods, get what you want and need and the basias will look fine they won't miss 2 off the rods, plus everyone else on your lake will start to follow the trend of big reels and small rods and you'll be a trailblazer
You are choosing rods to suit your style and venues and how you want to fish - but might not buy the best rods for the job because the reels you have are able to do a job you don't and won't be doing.
This isn't a dig - as stated I think the same - but it's bonkers, utterly bonkers. But we fall for it.
I have a set of c2 2.75 rods - that are rung to cast to the moon but struggle with big casts - but they look lovely!
I have (too many) a few sets of rods and reels and they are put together for function and unfortunately fashion, if you are looking for a new set of rods, get what you want and need and the basias will look fine they won't miss 2 off the rods, plus everyone else on your lake will start to follow the trend of big reels and small rods and you'll be a trailblazer
In reply to Post #2
Sounds like you fish the same as me mostly estate lakes with1.5oz/ 2oz leads upto 80yds which suits my type of fishing and my first set of decent rods l brought were the free spirit ES which were probably the best rods a l've owned since then l've had the free spirit XS which are decent just a bit more backbone that the ESs but still great to play fish on and at the moment some good deals on the S Range rods, must admit l now fancy some 10ft rods and thinking about some Hi S 3lb, sorry can't comment on other makes and l'm no expert.
Sounds like you fish the same as me mostly estate lakes with1.5oz/ 2oz leads upto 80yds which suits my type of fishing and my first set of decent rods l brought were the free spirit ES which were probably the best rods a l've owned since then l've had the free spirit XS which are decent just a bit more backbone that the ESs but still great to play fish on and at the moment some good deals on the S Range rods, must admit l now fancy some 10ft rods and thinking about some Hi S 3lb, sorry can't comment on other makes and l'm no expert.
In reply to Post #34
Ha yes.
While 10s could be useful on occasion for me im not going to add 10 Ft rods to my inventory...
Na
Think i have my 3 options and i will work them down from here.
Ha yes.
While 10s could be useful on occasion for me im not going to add 10 Ft rods to my inventory...
Na
Think i have my 3 options and i will work them down from here.
In reply to Post #34
As a fairly accomplished rod builder ive never well dont think ive been accused of ridiculous thinking 🤣. Putting a big pit basia on a 10ft rod has nothing to do with weight or balance . To get the best out of a 10ft blank your first guide needs to be no bigger than a 30 ml . The angle of your line going to that guide will work against the blank . Of course you can catch fish on a piece of bamboo if you want to its your choice. this is an opinion from someone who builds rods to maximise performance not to sit looking at.
As a fairly accomplished rod builder ive never well dont think ive been accused of ridiculous thinking 🤣. Putting a big pit basia on a 10ft rod has nothing to do with weight or balance . To get the best out of a 10ft blank your first guide needs to be no bigger than a 30 ml . The angle of your line going to that guide will work against the blank . Of course you can catch fish on a piece of bamboo if you want to its your choice. this is an opinion from someone who builds rods to maximise performance not to sit looking at.
In reply to Post #37
It's still bonkers - I have a very good mate who has built rods professionally for around 35 plus years, for top brands inc Dymag and the Penge Angling range - the choice of a rod is just that with the users decision on the reel, I absolutely agree 100% with you on the science but I have seen fashionable 10ft rods with 50mm and all sorts, basias and 10fts would be fine for the poster but as he has said he's not interested in these.
If I was a rod builder - I'd refuse to build some of the monstrosities I see purely based like you say regards fashion over function. On my armalites people always ask why so many rings - the butt rings tine - and anyone that has witnessed some of the range rods that the kent boys used back in the days based on zipppex blanks they could chuck a lead but Christ when they played fish on them the angles and lack of use of the actual blank to help!
It's still bonkers - I have a very good mate who has built rods professionally for around 35 plus years, for top brands inc Dymag and the Penge Angling range - the choice of a rod is just that with the users decision on the reel, I absolutely agree 100% with you on the science but I have seen fashionable 10ft rods with 50mm and all sorts, basias and 10fts would be fine for the poster but as he has said he's not interested in these.
If I was a rod builder - I'd refuse to build some of the monstrosities I see purely based like you say regards fashion over function. On my armalites people always ask why so many rings - the butt rings tine - and anyone that has witnessed some of the range rods that the kent boys used back in the days based on zipppex blanks they could chuck a lead but Christ when they played fish on them the angles and lack of use of the actual blank to help!
In reply to Post #36
I am also still looking for new rods for my 50th birthday or to rebuild my ES set.
Any reason you wouldn't go for the Amrmalite Mk3?
I don't think you can find a better factory rod if it's for fish playing and shorter distances up to 90 yards.
To be honest, the Harrison I've had in my hands so far are seriously overrated imo and far from parabolic.
I am also still looking for new rods for my 50th birthday or to rebuild my ES set.
Any reason you wouldn't go for the Amrmalite Mk3?
I don't think you can find a better factory rod if it's for fish playing and shorter distances up to 90 yards.
To be honest, the Harrison I've had in my hands so far are seriously overrated imo and far from parabolic.
In reply to Post #39
I loved my ES but think thy lose a bit over time (I could be wrong) so a rebuild may only cosmetically bring them back. I have the armalite 2.75 and love them - I think 90 yards is my absolute max with them and if I was fishing that range regularly would probably not choose them just for ease. Not many rods look better imo.
I loved my ES but think thy lose a bit over time (I could be wrong) so a rebuild may only cosmetically bring them back. I have the armalite 2.75 and love them - I think 90 yards is my absolute max with them and if I was fishing that range regularly would probably not choose them just for ease. Not many rods look better imo.
Hi All
Just back from Johnson Ross
First off what top class people they are, never been in the doors before and they were so helpful
I took one of my reels with me...
A lot of nice kit, like a kid in a sweet shop !
They didn't have the Accurix in. (Too old Apparently)
They didn't have the 11 ft 2 3/4 (I did try the "Flex" 12 3.2) it felt far too much
Also tried a free spirit in what i think was a 12 3 1/2 Lovely action but felt "tip heavy" (perhaps the fully lined rings contributed)
But the FBS OH WOW, what a beaut ! lovely action nice balance; Giving it the beans the curve it bends to is just below the join with more in the tank fore those times "When required".
The only thing id say is the butt is possibly just a little too skinny for good underarm purchase, so perhaps the shrink wrap isnt best, or perhaps its just one to get usto.
P
Just back from Johnson Ross
First off what top class people they are, never been in the doors before and they were so helpful
I took one of my reels with me...
A lot of nice kit, like a kid in a sweet shop !
They didn't have the Accurix in. (Too old Apparently)
They didn't have the 11 ft 2 3/4 (I did try the "Flex" 12 3.2) it felt far too much
Also tried a free spirit in what i think was a 12 3 1/2 Lovely action but felt "tip heavy" (perhaps the fully lined rings contributed)
But the FBS OH WOW, what a beaut ! lovely action nice balance; Giving it the beans the curve it bends to is just below the join with more in the tank fore those times "When required".
The only thing id say is the butt is possibly just a little too skinny for good underarm purchase, so perhaps the shrink wrap isnt best, or perhaps its just one to get usto.
P
In reply to Post #41
Let them Custum build with cork handles, FBS added to my list aswell, gonne decide after Carp den Bosch in 2026, wanne see/feel the new Fs E-class 45 1K with Cork handles first
Let them Custum build with cork handles, FBS added to my list aswell, gonne decide after Carp den Bosch in 2026, wanne see/feel the new Fs E-class 45 1K with Cork handles first
In reply to Post #41
Really pleased you've found the rod for you
They didn't have the Accurix in. (Too old Apparently)
I hope the irony of them saying that isn't lost on anyone else
The original FBS was from the early 0's iirc and it's not the same rod now as it was then, much like the Ballista & Acurix, all of which have been updated with time, to my knowledge.
Really pleased you've found the rod for you
They didn't have the Accurix in. (Too old Apparently)
I hope the irony of them saying that isn't lost on anyone else
The original FBS was from the early 0's iirc and it's not the same rod now as it was then, much like the Ballista & Acurix, all of which have been updated with time, to my knowledge.
In reply to Post #39
Which Harrison rods have you had in your hands ?
In reply to post 41
They actually said the acurix is too old ?
Which Harrison rods have you had in your hands ?
In reply to post 41
They actually said the acurix is too old ?
In reply to Post #41
What Johnson ross really mean is that the acurix is only custom build only and they cant buy them in bulk. Granted they aren't a popular blank as they aren't really for the mass market even in the custom rod game, but they are excellent rods and are ideally suited for the type of rod you're looking for. FYI I think Johnson ross is one of the best retailers out there and have bought many bits of kit from them. I actually have an order on the way from them as I type this, another 13ft aviator spod rod.
Once I finish on my current water which requires the 13fts for distance im moving to a small more intimate venue and I might commission a set of acurix for myself to add to the never ending selection. Ill just tell the wife I've won another raffle. Haha
What Johnson ross really mean is that the acurix is only custom build only and they cant buy them in bulk. Granted they aren't a popular blank as they aren't really for the mass market even in the custom rod game, but they are excellent rods and are ideally suited for the type of rod you're looking for. FYI I think Johnson ross is one of the best retailers out there and have bought many bits of kit from them. I actually have an order on the way from them as I type this, another 13ft aviator spod rod.
Once I finish on my current water which requires the 13fts for distance im moving to a small more intimate venue and I might commission a set of acurix for myself to add to the never ending selection. Ill just tell the wife I've won another raffle. Haha
In reply to Post #38
"On my armalites people always ask why so many rings - the butt rings tine"
I had four Nick Buss X-lite's rebuilt in a similar way. 25mm butts, 10 guides plus the tip. The playing action with a fish on is fantastic with the line following the blank so closely.
At the end of my last session I clipped two 2.5oz leads on and gave it little more than a flick. 80yds!!! That's 5oz's on a 2 3/4 TC rod with 15lb line. I wonder just how much we're gaining from having larger and fewer guides?
"On my armalites people always ask why so many rings - the butt rings tine"
I had four Nick Buss X-lite's rebuilt in a similar way. 25mm butts, 10 guides plus the tip. The playing action with a fish on is fantastic with the line following the blank so closely.
At the end of my last session I clipped two 2.5oz leads on and gave it little more than a flick. 80yds!!! That's 5oz's on a 2 3/4 TC rod with 15lb line. I wonder just how much we're gaining from having larger and fewer guides?
Sorry to liven this thread again.
Just wanted to say a big thank you to all of you guys that chipped in.
Very helpful indeed cheers.
P
Just wanted to say a big thank you to all of you guys that chipped in.
Very helpful indeed cheers.
P
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