In reply to Post #1
I've just got back into carp fishing and went back to Johnson Ross Tackle as I wanted a set made by Vic again. Afetr chatting with Anthony and trying a variety of blanks in the shop I went with the Torrix at 3.25lb. Anthony reckons that these will cater for 90% of my fishing in the UK and be more than suitable for overseas aswell. If Vic wasn't available (I think he's 72 now) I'd definitely go with Kev Clayton as apart from being a cracking rod builder, he's a bloody nice chap.
I've just got back into carp fishing and went back to Johnson Ross Tackle as I wanted a set made by Vic again. Afetr chatting with Anthony and trying a variety of blanks in the shop I went with the Torrix at 3.25lb. Anthony reckons that these will cater for 90% of my fishing in the UK and be more than suitable for overseas aswell. If Vic wasn't available (I think he's 72 now) I'd definitely go with Kev Clayton as apart from being a cracking rod builder, he's a bloody nice chap.
In reply to Post #16
Strange then that most of them in Jr were using the 12ft 6inch torrix te's when I spoke to them last year.
Strange then that most of them in Jr were using the 12ft 6inch torrix te's when I spoke to them last year.
In reply to Post #17
Some of them are yes. You also have to factor in that I'm just getting back into it and Anthony knows most of the waters that I intend to fish and made suggestions on what would be more suitable for me. Opinions are like ********s, everyone has one. I trust Anthony after dealing with him on and off for around 25 years. The other thing to take into account is that carp anglers as in any hobby/sport will want the latest/best gear that they can afford, even if there is no real benefit (I include myself in that bracket at times as probably we all do if we are being honest). I specifically asked Anthony to recommend a rod that would last me for some while, that would cover most of my options. I retire in 3 years and intend to get another set of rods as a treat out of my lump sum. I may not neccessarily need them but it won't mean that I won't reward myself for doing 30 years in my job.
Some of them are yes. You also have to factor in that I'm just getting back into it and Anthony knows most of the waters that I intend to fish and made suggestions on what would be more suitable for me. Opinions are like ********s, everyone has one. I trust Anthony after dealing with him on and off for around 25 years. The other thing to take into account is that carp anglers as in any hobby/sport will want the latest/best gear that they can afford, even if there is no real benefit (I include myself in that bracket at times as probably we all do if we are being honest). I specifically asked Anthony to recommend a rod that would last me for some while, that would cover most of my options. I retire in 3 years and intend to get another set of rods as a treat out of my lump sum. I may not neccessarily need them but it won't mean that I won't reward myself for doing 30 years in my job.
In reply to Post #14
Lol, think I'm a little past that now.
I don't drink or smoke so save that money for a treat. This year I've also replaced my Ci4 XTC with a lovely set of the new XTD MGS which I will also recommend and match the rod perfectly.
Lol, think I'm a little past that now.
I don't drink or smoke so save that money for a treat. This year I've also replaced my Ci4 XTC with a lovely set of the new XTD MGS which I will also recommend and match the rod perfectly.
In reply to Post #1
I'd go the aviator route personally. They will cope with a lot more than a 3.25 torrix will, they will also be noticeably different to your 3lb tc rods you use already whereas the torrix will be more along the same kind of wavelength.
The 3.25 torrix is a great alrounder, I've used Harrison blanks for years and if I haven't used it I would have built one, I think the aviator will offer you more for what your after. May also be worth looking at something like a century c2, very nice blanks also, if you can get to a shop at all that has some factory builds for you to have a look at I would also suggest that as a minimum.
Quiet surprised really that the likes of Harrison, century, free spirit etc do not give each of there reputable builders a blank in each tc, in each range to offer as test models. Not many people out there offer a try before you buy whereas if your getting a custom set of golf clubs, they have test clubs for more or less everything. Maybe something to consider if I ever decide to go full time with my rod building.
I'd go the aviator route personally. They will cope with a lot more than a 3.25 torrix will, they will also be noticeably different to your 3lb tc rods you use already whereas the torrix will be more along the same kind of wavelength.
The 3.25 torrix is a great alrounder, I've used Harrison blanks for years and if I haven't used it I would have built one, I think the aviator will offer you more for what your after. May also be worth looking at something like a century c2, very nice blanks also, if you can get to a shop at all that has some factory builds for you to have a look at I would also suggest that as a minimum.
Quiet surprised really that the likes of Harrison, century, free spirit etc do not give each of there reputable builders a blank in each tc, in each range to offer as test models. Not many people out there offer a try before you buy whereas if your getting a custom set of golf clubs, they have test clubs for more or less everything. Maybe something to consider if I ever decide to go full time with my rod building.
In reply to Post #1
Having used both Torrix and Aviator Rods over the last 10 years I would highly recommend the Aviators. I felt under gunned with the 3.25 Torrix on some waters whereas the Aviators are a dream to cast whilst retaining good playing ability close in. Recently I replaced my 12ft Aviator. Plus rods with some new 12ft 6 Aviators built by Nick Buss. These are simply stunning and it is surprising the difference the extra length can make. They clearly cast further but I have seen no change in playing fish close in. In my opinion they are as close as you can get to the perfect fishing Rod. Maybe something to think about unless you are set on 12ft?
Having used both Torrix and Aviator Rods over the last 10 years I would highly recommend the Aviators. I felt under gunned with the 3.25 Torrix on some waters whereas the Aviators are a dream to cast whilst retaining good playing ability close in. Recently I replaced my 12ft Aviator. Plus rods with some new 12ft 6 Aviators built by Nick Buss. These are simply stunning and it is surprising the difference the extra length can make. They clearly cast further but I have seen no change in playing fish close in. In my opinion they are as close as you can get to the perfect fishing Rod. Maybe something to think about unless you are set on 12ft?
In reply to Post #21
Veering towards Aviator Plus as per Ryans comments in that Torrix may not 'feel' that noticeably different from what I'm currently using - saying that lots loving Torrix TEs
Only prefer 12ft as that's how big my triple sleeve is and don't link using slings / tip tops for heavy carp rods and reels etc! No aversion to 12'6" if thats what peeps believe is a genuinely better solution
Veering towards Aviator Plus as per Ryans comments in that Torrix may not 'feel' that noticeably different from what I'm currently using - saying that lots loving Torrix TEs
Only prefer 12ft as that's how big my triple sleeve is and don't link using slings / tip tops for heavy carp rods and reels etc! No aversion to 12'6" if thats what peeps believe is a genuinely better solution
In reply to Post #22
I have just got the 12ft aviator plus and love the with my tech mgs had free spirit xs ive before them and there miles better rod
I have just got the 12ft aviator plus and love the with my tech mgs had free spirit xs ive before them and there miles better rod
In reply to Post #22
I haven't used an aviator or the plus. But if as you originally said, you like a more traditional action, the 12 or 13' ballista in 3.5 or 4lb could be worth having a cast with. Great for big loads
I haven't used an aviator or the plus. But if as you originally said, you like a more traditional action, the 12 or 13' ballista in 3.5 or 4lb could be worth having a cast with. Great for big loads
In reply to Post #4
How dare you speak out about the must have rod at the time, I agree
I had some 3 1/4 test ones with 40mm ringing on, hated them, felt totally unbalanced, butt like a poker and tip like a wand. I then bought some with 50mm ringing on and to be fair they felt much better but still had that soft tip and stiff butt section feel to them. I then had some 12 foot torrix TEs as distance rods and out of the 3 I preferred these. Don't get me wrong Harrison make top quality rods but I will say, what I always say, go and try some of a friends or a rod builders before you buy, what suits one person may not another
How dare you speak out about the must have rod at the time, I agree
I had some 3 1/4 test ones with 40mm ringing on, hated them, felt totally unbalanced, butt like a poker and tip like a wand. I then bought some with 50mm ringing on and to be fair they felt much better but still had that soft tip and stiff butt section feel to them. I then had some 12 foot torrix TEs as distance rods and out of the 3 I preferred these. Don't get me wrong Harrison make top quality rods but I will say, what I always say, go and try some of a friends or a rod builders before you buy, what suits one person may not another
In reply to Post #25
Wise words, mine are with 40m ringing as well, first 'mistake ' I've ever made regarding carp rods, but a v expensive one.
Brought them on the advice of others, and I know there are many who rave about them, but not me sadly 😢
Wise words, mine are with 40m ringing as well, first 'mistake ' I've ever made regarding carp rods, but a v expensive one.
Brought them on the advice of others, and I know there are many who rave about them, but not me sadly 😢
The Aviator is the current flagship Harrison blank. The Torrix was decent in some test curves, but has been superseded by the Aviator in casting TC's. If shops are recommending the Torrix over the Aviator the cynic in me would suggest that they are trying to shift old blanks, I don't know why else you would want the older model.
I have the 12'6 Aviator Plus, built and recommended by Calvin Hancock based in Stoke. I can vouch for both rod and builder.
I have the 12'6 Aviator Plus, built and recommended by Calvin Hancock based in Stoke. I can vouch for both rod and builder.
In reply to Post #27
The older blanks are still made to order. There isn't containers full of Harrison blanks somewhere
The older blanks are still made to order. There isn't containers full of Harrison blanks somewhere
In reply to Post #25
Harrison have done it since as well. The 12ft trebuchet light is an utterly toilet, almost uncompressible blank, yet the 13ft is really decent
The 13ft trebuchet spod rod is alsi total garbage whereas the 13ft aviator spod is probably the best spod blank i have ever used
Some very expensive mistakes!
Harrison have done it since as well. The 12ft trebuchet light is an utterly toilet, almost uncompressible blank, yet the 13ft is really decent
The 13ft trebuchet spod rod is alsi total garbage whereas the 13ft aviator spod is probably the best spod blank i have ever used
Some very expensive mistakes!
In reply to Post #27
The torrix range is still a big seller for Harrison the same as ballista range is , all rods and blanks are made to order . No stocks of blanks are held by harrisons at all.
The torrix range is still a big seller for Harrison the same as ballista range is , all rods and blanks are made to order . No stocks of blanks are held by harrisons at all.