I have owned both the 12ft and more recently the 12ft6 aviators and I much prefer the slightly longer blanks. It's amazing how much this changes the rod - they are able to punch a lead further yet still retain great fish playing ability under the rod tip. The 12ft versions were nowhere near as forgiving close in. I had mine made up by Nick Buss but I think he has retired now. It is worth searching the internet for custom build options of things that you like. I did this and then drew a diagram for Nick to follow which he did perfectly. There are so many really nice custom options now which any reputable rod builder will be able to do for you.
In reply to Post #16
Cheers for the input guys going with the Harrison Aviator 12.6 foot blanks in 3.5tc customised to my personal spec. Expensive week. 5 of them and a rt7 on order. Wife must never find out 😂
Cheers for the input guys going with the Harrison Aviator 12.6 foot blanks in 3.5tc customised to my personal spec. Expensive week. 5 of them and a rt7 on order. Wife must never find out 😂
In reply to Post #17
At £50 a rod you're having 5 of them? How can you then afford the other £150 for the rt7?
At £50 a rod you're having 5 of them? How can you then afford the other £150 for the rt7?
In reply to Post #18
😂
Sad thing is she would probably winge at those prices too lol
😂
Sad thing is she would probably winge at those prices too lol
In reply to Post #17
These? New? No I just had them repaired, I've always had them. The boat was 90% off a bloke died and his grandson was selling it for a wrap of crack....
These? New? No I just had them repaired, I've always had them. The boat was 90% off a bloke died and his grandson was selling it for a wrap of crack....
In reply to Post #14
Which r1? The original pre weave one or the later. Hard to say on either realty, I actually own the original r1's before they had a weave I'd say something along the lines of a ballista if anything.
Which r1? The original pre weave one or the later. Hard to say on either realty, I actually own the original r1's before they had a weave I'd say something along the lines of a ballista if anything.
In reply to Post #5
Agree with Vossy - I have a set of 12' Aviator Plus and whilst they look the part / are lovely to handle and play fish on they are a casting nightmare (for me / my style at any rate) - the timing window is very narrow IMO and it may be to do with the butt/tip relationship hence peeps recommending either the 12'6" or the 13' in preference . . . saying that I'm on the verge of pushing the button on some 10' Aviators in 3.25 which are supposed to be a different animal . . .
Agree with Vossy - I have a set of 12' Aviator Plus and whilst they look the part / are lovely to handle and play fish on they are a casting nightmare (for me / my style at any rate) - the timing window is very narrow IMO and it may be to do with the butt/tip relationship hence peeps recommending either the 12'6" or the 13' in preference . . . saying that I'm on the verge of pushing the button on some 10' Aviators in 3.25 which are supposed to be a different animal . . .
In reply to Post #21
Had the original r1 lights. Great blank, still gutted I sold them.
Had the original r1 lights. Great blank, still gutted I sold them.
In reply to Post #22
the 10 footers are super buddy .
the 10 footers are super buddy .
In reply to Post #1
The aviator 13 ft 3.5 are great rods. not an all out casting rod by any means. Great under tip for smaller fish and the extra 6 inches may help distance wise as 140 with any headwind is quite a chuck.
The aviator 13 ft 3.5 are great rods. not an all out casting rod by any means. Great under tip for smaller fish and the extra 6 inches may help distance wise as 140 with any headwind is quite a chuck.
In reply to Post #25
Cheers for the advice pal but in the process of ordering the 12.6 ft 3.5tc variant.
Out of curiosity to anybody owning them what rodall do you use? Realised my current 12ft nash rod bag wont be big enough. Will they fit in a 13ft bag?
Cheers for the advice pal but in the process of ordering the 12.6 ft 3.5tc variant.
Out of curiosity to anybody owning them what rodall do you use? Realised my current 12ft nash rod bag wont be big enough. Will they fit in a 13ft bag?
In reply to Post #26
The Solar 13 foot rod bag that takes, three built rods internally, two outside and a pouch for sticks and nets.
The Solar 13 foot rod bag that takes, three built rods internally, two outside and a pouch for sticks and nets.
In reply to Post #26
I use the 13ft Korda Compac 5 rod for my 12'6 Aviators and a 13' Spod Rod
I use the 13ft Korda Compac 5 rod for my 12'6 Aviators and a 13' Spod Rod
In reply to Post #26
Be careful when deciding on your rod sleeves as it does depend on your rings. I have the TI forged American tackle rod rings on my 12ft 6 Aviators and the only bag that would take them was the Korda Compac. Beautiful rings although a bit like marmite - some people love them others hate them!
Be careful when deciding on your rod sleeves as it does depend on your rings. I have the TI forged American tackle rod rings on my 12ft 6 Aviators and the only bag that would take them was the Korda Compac. Beautiful rings although a bit like marmite - some people love them others hate them!
In reply to Post #29
Cheers for the tip pal actually looking at the fox 3 + 3 camo lite bag. Might wait for rods to come to see. I went with fuji tkwsg guides which i would probably put in the same boat on looks. But they will be tough as nails and like the contrast. Fun specking custom rods
Cheers for the tip pal actually looking at the fox 3 + 3 camo lite bag. Might wait for rods to come to see. I went with fuji tkwsg guides which i would probably put in the same boat on looks. But they will be tough as nails and like the contrast. Fun specking custom rods