I've been looking at getting new rods. And I've been thinking about the ones I've had in the past. The best ones I've had and regret selling where a pair of 12 foot 2 half test cure Bruce Ashby mirage rods. That won't an expensive rod as such at the time. But what a great rod. I've had more expensive rods which where ment to be better. But still don't some how match up to my old Ashby rods.

In reply to Post #1
3lb harrison chimeras

In reply to Post #2
Harrison Ballista 12'6 3.5tc for range. Mk1 Daiwa Powermesh 11ft 2.25tc for short range/small waters.

I sold the Harrison's and regret it. Currently using Mk3 Hearn classics and yet to really put them through their paces.

Well I have to admit to a bit of addiction to the old esp vertex rods, I've had them in various test curves and lengths, and I still use as my first choice rod the 3lb 12 foot version. I have looked at several much newer rods, harrison, free spirit and century but none come with the stiff butt and sensitive tip of the vertex, at least not in the lower test curves. Cannot see me changing now, getting to old.

2.75 century ng proper players rods

The 2.75lb t/c century C2s that I use now are probably the best overall.
A close second and by far the best value for money was a pair of berkley B3 MR rods - fantastic rods for the mpney and the funky reel seat made them stand out.

In reply to Post #4
Another one for the Vertex's.

I too have had various TC's but for all round I like the 3.25TC's in 12' 9” length.

I had a thinning out about 4 years ago. My Hi S 3.5 50mm rung rods were sold and it didn't bother me in the slightest but I kept my 5 Vertex's

I've been looking for a single, pair , or set of three 3.75's for ages to complete my needs.

Anyone????

In reply to Post #1
Century NG 3.5lb cracking set was my biggest regret after I'd sold them

Daiwa Akn 12su , 12ft 2,5lb. such a beautyful rod in eyery way

In reply to Post #9
Original Infinity 3.5LD.

In reply to Post #1
Harrison, loved my ballistas and now have aviator flex which are awesome

I know a couple of lads who still have and use their old rods. One has the magnum tapers in 3 1/2 test and the other is using some very old 3 1/2 NGs which proves, if it not broke don't fix it.

Ive had loads of rods predominantly by fishing different waters and fancying a change, nothing ventured, nothing gained. Out of all the rods, two I could keep forever after trying a few would be:

ESP Vertex. Had these for quite a few years, coupled with my infinity reels, just a joy to use. Loved the action, perfect for me, I hate through action, classic loops. Nice to play fish on, liked the handle, they just felt nice in the hand and with fish on. The only thing I was not keen on was the single legged guides on the tip but I am in no doubt these helped with the action

Free Spirit HiS 3 1/2lb with 50mm ringing. I've had the 40s and I found them a bit too stiff. Again, joy to use, similar to above, fantastic casting and playing action, as good as an all rounder could be for me, minimal bling, loved the tapered butt handle. Just not a massive fan of 50mm ringing

Been using some Century ADV1s in 3 1/4 test for last few years, very, very nice rods if I honest

In reply to Post #12
Another vote for the Vortex 3lb. Will never sell mine.

In reply to Post #13
Vertex or Vortex??? Two different rods.

The Vertex is the old original ESP distance rod, not to be confused with the newer range of rods (including Vertex named coarse or match fishing feeder rods)

The Vortex is, I believe, a Shimano rod.

Typo or wrong rod?

Still if it's your favourite then it can't be the ‘wrong' rod

Daiwa AKNs. Amorphous. Still use them, lovely action rods.

Having owned dozens of rods over the last thirty years in my opinion Century and Harrison make the best carp rods.
However I don't think you have to pay an obscene amount of money for a good quality carp rod.