In reply to Post #1
If I remember rightly the resin used in rods deteriorated due to UV but it changed around the late 90's early 0's to a more stable type, I'm sure Jeffire can confirm, iirc the older stuff went yellow over time.
I was using my 20 year old Ballistas, 12'6 3.5lb until around 2020 when I treated myself to a new set of rods, but I looked for a action that was as close as possible to my old rods. I wouldn't have thought twice about continuing to use my old rods, I still like them that much.
If I remember rightly the resin used in rods deteriorated due to UV but it changed around the late 90's early 0's to a more stable type, I'm sure Jeffire can confirm, iirc the older stuff went yellow over time.
I was using my 20 year old Ballistas, 12'6 3.5lb until around 2020 when I treated myself to a new set of rods, but I looked for a action that was as close as possible to my old rods. I wouldn't have thought twice about continuing to use my old rods, I still like them that much.
In reply to Post #9
I've always wondered why Freespirit hasn't moved on from the hi-s range. I still use some of their ES rods that I've had for over 20 years, that I enjoy using they still feel pretty much the same to me as the day I bought them. Was Freespirit that ahead of the rest back then and now they've caught up perhaps.
As both Century and Harrison have introduced new top end rod ranges in this 20-25 year period.
I agree that cheaper rods £80-150ish have got a lot better and there is far more choice available, budget dependent.
I've always wondered why Freespirit hasn't moved on from the hi-s range. I still use some of their ES rods that I've had for over 20 years, that I enjoy using they still feel pretty much the same to me as the day I bought them. Was Freespirit that ahead of the rest back then and now they've caught up perhaps.
As both Century and Harrison have introduced new top end rod ranges in this 20-25 year period.
I agree that cheaper rods £80-150ish have got a lot better and there is far more choice available, budget dependent.
Just retired my torrix after 15yrs of good service and in the midst of getting a set of aviators 12-6 built for the next 15-20 yrs hopefully won't regret the change
In reply to Post #17
I was told they were bringing a new range of rods out that will be better than the hi-s. Apparently called the Hi-Q. I asked someone from the freespirit stable and they asked how I knew and looked surprised so maybe some truth in it unless both was pulling my leg. That was a couple of years ago now…….not heard anything since?
I was told they were bringing a new range of rods out that will be better than the hi-s. Apparently called the Hi-Q. I asked someone from the freespirit stable and they asked how I knew and looked surprised so maybe some truth in it unless both was pulling my leg. That was a couple of years ago now…….not heard anything since?
In reply to Post #19
Heard the same but was also told the launch has been shelved as they felt the market would be very small due to the price being considerably more than the Hi's rods.
Heard the same but was also told the launch has been shelved as they felt the market would be very small due to the price being considerably more than the Hi's rods.
In reply to Post #16
It was the seymo resin used for whippings and varnishing blanks that went yellow not the resins used in blank construction . Some actually still does turn yellow !
Blanks on the whole are very good these days its the way the fittings and blanks are put together thats the general problem.
It was the seymo resin used for whippings and varnishing blanks that went yellow not the resins used in blank construction . Some actually still does turn yellow !
Blanks on the whole are very good these days its the way the fittings and blanks are put together thats the general problem.
In reply to Post #21
Thanks for confirming ðŸ‘
Thanks for confirming ðŸ‘
In reply to Post #21
you probably mean not enough guides on a rod? Would be interesting to hear your opinion on that. And also which "vintage" rods you rate highly for bag fishing.
you probably mean not enough guides on a rod? Would be interesting to hear your opinion on that. And also which "vintage" rods you rate highly for bag fishing.
In reply to Post #23
No its not the amount of guides its the quality of fittings which makes a cheap rod cheap.unfortunately some high priced rods have very cheap fittings and guides.
No its not the amount of guides its the quality of fittings which makes a cheap rod cheap.unfortunately some high priced rods have very cheap fittings and guides.
I got my 12ft 2 3/4 NGs built by Mark Tunley in 2006 with Fuji SICs (30mm butt rings) they have been brilliant since I got them and really stood the test of time.
In reply to Post #1
Theres a lot of nostalgia with rods. I know as i own Morphs, Ballista's, Diaflashes etc and also own sets of HI S (which no doubt there are better rods as these are getting on).
Most soften over use. What was an LR rod in the day seems like a med range rod now.
Think back to when a morph was bought out--were guys saying 'nah mate my old tri casts are better'?
Theres a lot of nostalgia with rods. I know as i own Morphs, Ballista's, Diaflashes etc and also own sets of HI S (which no doubt there are better rods as these are getting on).
Most soften over use. What was an LR rod in the day seems like a med range rod now.
Think back to when a morph was bought out--were guys saying 'nah mate my old tri casts are better'?
In reply to Post #26
Loved the original diaflash rods
Loved the original diaflash rods
In reply to Post #1
I have some Chub Outkast 50 plus 12ft 3.5lb rods and they are great for chucking bags.
Beefy enough to chuck a large solid with a 3.75 oz lead on 18lb mainline, will bend right through when playing big carp when needed around snags.
Not too pokey so they feel dead in the hand. Not exactly crisp like a proper casting rod, but a very worthy bag rod.
I'd be more than happy to stick with them if I didnt need to whang a bit further.
I upgraded them for some Harrison Torrix 12ft 3.5lb rods.
These feel a bit more powerful and I can chuck a big a bit further with the same gear.
I have also just got some Harrison Aviator 13ft 3.5lb rods that should cover chucking bags and whanging leads
I have some Chub Outkast 50 plus 12ft 3.5lb rods and they are great for chucking bags.
Beefy enough to chuck a large solid with a 3.75 oz lead on 18lb mainline, will bend right through when playing big carp when needed around snags.
Not too pokey so they feel dead in the hand. Not exactly crisp like a proper casting rod, but a very worthy bag rod.
I'd be more than happy to stick with them if I didnt need to whang a bit further.
I upgraded them for some Harrison Torrix 12ft 3.5lb rods.
These feel a bit more powerful and I can chuck a big a bit further with the same gear.
I have also just got some Harrison Aviator 13ft 3.5lb rods that should cover chucking bags and whanging leads
In reply to Post #20
Free spirit confirmed the first few models of Hi Q's will be here later this year when i asked them on facebook earlier.
Free spirit confirmed the first few models of Hi Q's will be here later this year when i asked them on facebook earlier.
In reply to Post #29
Slow boat from China
Slow boat from China