I've been using a set of free spirit Xs 40mm for some time which I love . However I'm looking at the hi s 12'6 3.25 or the 12' 3.5lb with 50mm butt to enable me to fish a bit more comfortable at 100yards whilst still being good at close in . What would you guys recommend, thanks ?
In reply to Post #1
The 12'6 3.25 Hi s are superb but your going to gain very little for how much it will cost you to upgrade.
The 12'6 3.25 Hi s are superb but your going to gain very little for how much it will cost you to upgrade.
Why not get xs I've rods i had a set the last few year and love them there good at range and close in and good for playing fish under the tip im looking at getting some Harrison aviator plus custom built this year for the water im starting to fish in the next few weeks as its a big water that im going to be fishing and need the distance so looking at the 13ft rods
In reply to Post #3
Thanks guy's. I was thinking of maybe trying to pick up up a tidy second hand set and sell mine so probably not a huge cost to change . I didn't really know what the hi s 12'6 3.25 would give me more than I have . I still want to keep that fish playing feel of the Xs whilst making fishing to 100yards a bit more comfortable .Hadn't really thought of the Xs ive as I thought they were an out and out distance rod , thanks .
Thanks guy's. I was thinking of maybe trying to pick up up a tidy second hand set and sell mine so probably not a huge cost to change . I didn't really know what the hi s 12'6 3.25 would give me more than I have . I still want to keep that fish playing feel of the Xs whilst making fishing to 100yards a bit more comfortable .Hadn't really thought of the Xs ive as I thought they were an out and out distance rod , thanks .
I thought they released the xs ive ER model because people found the xs ive too pokey, the ER stands for extra responsive I think?
I found the xs ive were too much for me with only occasional distance work
I found the xs ive were too much for me with only occasional distance work
In reply to Post #5
Don't think there is xs I've er? It's the hi's I've er with the extra response.
Don't think there is xs I've er? It's the hi's I've er with the extra response.
In reply to Post #6
Oh yes you're right Goose, apologies for getting confused
I'm blaming a bloke with a mallet in the next swim waking me up before the crack of dawn 
Oh yes you're right Goose, apologies for getting confused
I'm blaming a bloke with a mallet in the next swim waking me up before the crack of dawn
In reply to Post #5
I used the Xs'ive for about 8 years a while ago and found the same as you mate. I had a love/hate thing with them, loved what they could do but hated them as fishing rods. Handy if you ever require a set of stilts though.
I used the Xs'ive for about 8 years a while ago and found the same as you mate. I had a love/hate thing with them, loved what they could do but hated them as fishing rods. Handy if you ever require a set of stilts though.
I find them realy good close in playing fish and good for the distance to i mainly use them for bag work
In reply to Post #9
I had the XS now got the HI-s 12'6 3:25 the action is miles better I'd even go as far as saying the Xs is like a broom stick by comparison I've actually got Stuart's old rods and did what you are saying is sold the Xs for £400 and paid the extra for the 12'6
They are a much better blank all round (I don't fish bags which is what the Xs is prob best for) but I've much preferred the 12'6 and think it's the perfect all rounder and I've add his in a 3 and a 3.5 before that
I had the XS now got the HI-s 12'6 3:25 the action is miles better I'd even go as far as saying the Xs is like a broom stick by comparison I've actually got Stuart's old rods and did what you are saying is sold the Xs for £400 and paid the extra for the 12'6
They are a much better blank all round (I don't fish bags which is what the Xs is prob best for) but I've much preferred the 12'6 and think it's the perfect all rounder and I've add his in a 3 and a 3.5 before that
In reply to Post #10
Thanks everyone . Robert , did you notice an improvement in the casting capability and did you find the extra length made much of a difference, thanks.
Thanks everyone . Robert , did you notice an improvement in the casting capability and did you find the extra length made much of a difference, thanks.