In reply to Post #57
Chris did in post 14
Was about to sell mine as I haven't used them for a long time, but I think I will hold on to them.
Chris did in post 14
Was about to sell mine as I haven't used them for a long time, but I think I will hold on to them.
In reply to Post #59
If you remember the crazy Fishtec and TFG sales
I had either 2 or 3 x series rods and was picking them up
With the sales and the mad EXTRAA20 20 quids off etc
I dont think I paid.more than 50 each in total.
Then it went a but crazy for them. Sold them on at the same social I got the 3 Free-spirit XS rods. I think I got 300 for the x series or 200 for two and paid 500 for the XS
At the time many were saying that they had the same blank. Well 20 of us looked them over that day and the conclusion was that it was ballacks.
They feel completely different with fish on too.
If you remember the crazy Fishtec and TFG sales
I had either 2 or 3 x series rods and was picking them up
With the sales and the mad EXTRAA20 20 quids off etc
I dont think I paid.more than 50 each in total.
Then it went a but crazy for them. Sold them on at the same social I got the 3 Free-spirit XS rods. I think I got 300 for the x series or 200 for two and paid 500 for the XS
At the time many were saying that they had the same blank. Well 20 of us looked them over that day and the conclusion was that it was ballacks.
They feel completely different with fish on too.
In reply to Post #62
My son had them when I had the spirit xs's, agree not the same but he preferred them.
My son had them when I had the spirit xs's, agree not the same but he preferred them.
In reply to Post #62
I bought about 10 of the tfg x series marker rod, they were 3.25 and brilliant rods for £35 each.
I had 4 to fish with and one for a marker, and mates had the others.
The 6" and 12" marks were easily removed from the fishing rods, lovely fishing rods.
I bought about 10 of the tfg x series marker rod, they were 3.25 and brilliant rods for £35 each.
I had 4 to fish with and one for a marker, and mates had the others.
The 6" and 12" marks were easily removed from the fishing rods, lovely fishing rods.
ESP Vertex Distance rods are my weapon of choice.
Ultra slim blank, lovely through action, and the tip is a delight with a fish close in doing its best to shed the hook.
Good in the lower TC's but don't be put off by the higher TC's. I have the 3.25's - lovely responsive all rounders that just feel right. I also have a set of 3.75's for bag or distance work but even these are ultra responsive.
I'd say 3.25's are spot on for most uses other than extreme distance.
Ultra slim blank, lovely through action, and the tip is a delight with a fish close in doing its best to shed the hook.
Good in the lower TC's but don't be put off by the higher TC's. I have the 3.25's - lovely responsive all rounders that just feel right. I also have a set of 3.75's for bag or distance work but even these are ultra responsive.
I'd say 3.25's are spot on for most uses other than extreme distance.
In reply to Post #65
I use nothing but FS ES, they're not what I'd call a true players rod, lovely rod to play fish on none the less and absolutely fantastic for in the boat action. I say they're not a true players rod because they do stiffen up progressively very fast in my opinion.
Graphenes are lovely rods in lower test curves but no way I'd have the alps seats on them, absolutely ruins them
I use nothing but FS ES, they're not what I'd call a true players rod, lovely rod to play fish on none the less and absolutely fantastic for in the boat action. I say they're not a true players rod because they do stiffen up progressively very fast in my opinion.
Graphenes are lovely rods in lower test curves but no way I'd have the alps seats on them, absolutely ruins them
In reply to Post #1
Free Spirit ES (12ft 2 3/4).
I've been using mine for 16 years. Great rods that I use for everything up to 100 yards. Very forgiving, cast well when needed, very good with zigs and super nice to play fish on. Several people are calling them out and for good reason - widely accepted as the best rods in their class. I use the Hi S ive ER for everything else
Free Spirit ES (12ft 2 3/4).
I've been using mine for 16 years. Great rods that I use for everything up to 100 yards. Very forgiving, cast well when needed, very good with zigs and super nice to play fish on. Several people are calling them out and for good reason - widely accepted as the best rods in their class. I use the Hi S ive ER for everything else
In reply to Post #1
I have a set of Torrix 2.5lb Tc and they are a delight to fish with had a 25lb Mirror that I played for 40 minute whilst wearing waders and the rods have landed fish over 50lb can cast a baited rig 100 plus yards a true delight imo.
I have a set of Torrix 2.5lb Tc and they are a delight to fish with had a 25lb Mirror that I played for 40 minute whilst wearing waders and the rods have landed fish over 50lb can cast a baited rig 100 plus yards a true delight imo.
In reply to Post #68
If it took 40 minutes to land a 25lber you ain't got a fishing rod, you got a piece of spaghetti.
If it took 40 minutes to land a 25lber you ain't got a fishing rod, you got a piece of spaghetti.
I think there can be a line crossed between sport and cruelty when playing a fish for any length of time.
Although it may feel like sport for us to have a lovely bend in the rod and move the fish around like a dog on a lead, let's not forget that poor fish is fighting for its life. It doesn't know it's only going to have a lay down on a soft mat and a photo. In my opinion 40 mins is far too long too have a fish in that level of extreme stress just so that we can feel the pleasure of a bendy rod. Relatively speaking a 2.5lb TC Torrix is hardly a soft rod. With that rod we should be able to bring a fish to the bank in a sensible amount of time before it's so exhausted it gives up. Some of these fish are 40 years old.
Although it may feel like sport for us to have a lovely bend in the rod and move the fish around like a dog on a lead, let's not forget that poor fish is fighting for its life. It doesn't know it's only going to have a lay down on a soft mat and a photo. In my opinion 40 mins is far too long too have a fish in that level of extreme stress just so that we can feel the pleasure of a bendy rod. Relatively speaking a 2.5lb TC Torrix is hardly a soft rod. With that rod we should be able to bring a fish to the bank in a sensible amount of time before it's so exhausted it gives up. Some of these fish are 40 years old.
In reply to Post #70
You might as well pack up and take up golf if you think its cruel to play a fish for a longer period of time. Do you think sticking a hook in them and dragging them straight in is any better! Its no different.
You might as well pack up and take up golf if you think its cruel to play a fish for a longer period of time. Do you think sticking a hook in them and dragging them straight in is any better! Its no different.
In reply to Post #68
Nearly three quarter's of an hour playing a 25 pounder is outright bad angling.
Nearly three quarter's of an hour playing a 25 pounder is outright bad angling.
Agreed. Under normal circumstances that's and unnecessarily long time.
In reply to Post #1
My second set of rods i use when fishing margins and distances upto 80 yds are Terry Hearns ESP classics.
12.9 and 3.25 tc. They feel quite soft after using hi s ives and are a joy to play fish on. Stunning rids too.
My second set of rods i use when fishing margins and distances upto 80 yds are Terry Hearns ESP classics.
12.9 and 3.25 tc. They feel quite soft after using hi s ives and are a joy to play fish on. Stunning rids too.
In reply to Post #74
Mine are the 12ft 3lbtc and there lovely rods.
Mine are the 12ft 3lbtc and there lovely rods.