Evening All. Looking to get back into it after about 12 years away (Had all my gear nicked from the garage and never replaced as kids were too young and both SWMBO and I worked full time so childcare was a PITA).
Was in Johnson Ross a few months back and was asking which rods I would be best getting (I had Century Armalites MKII 2.5 lb TC for here to start with and then added a set of Harrison Chimera's 3lb TC for using on a 30 acre pit and the odd trip to France all custom built by Vic, can't believe he is still building rods, i thought he would have retired by now, lol). Both rods were great for their intended purpose (Armalites were a dream for playing fish). I was recommended to get Torrix 3.25 lb TC which was a bit of a shock, but assured that the blanks built these days ensure that higher test curves are much better for playing fish under the tip along with being able to cast a decent distance.
Is anyone able to confirm this or recommend any other rods that i should look at before parting with my cash. I am going to be returning initially to the 30 acre gravel pit I used to fish along with a smaller venue of around 3 to 4 acres.
I was also looking at reels (had the Daiwa Tournaments S 5000 T's before and again they were great. I was thinking of getting some Basia's but see they still sell the 5000 T's so wondered if they would still be suitable but get the High Impact Line Clip put on them and get the Quick Drag conversion done too (will the Basia'sreally improve my casting that much to what i could achieve before?.
Finally, looking at the Bivvies, I was considering the Trakker Tempest EV Aquatex (Not sure on the 100 or 150 yet) but see that they are all out of stock or atleast getting that way. Could this be because trakker are possibly bringing something else out in the new year? Had the original Armadillo before and loved it (also had a Trakker Brolly system for signle nighters) so hoping that Trakker is still as good now as it was 15 years ago.
I also now have a 16 year old son who is really enjoying his fishing and wants to get into it with me so was looking at the Free Spirit CTX rods in 3.25lb TC for him and the Sonik AXS Bivvy along with the Daiwa Crosscast reels.
Any help or sound advice would be greatly appreciated.I know it all comes down to personal taste t the end but would like to tryand get the expensive purchases as right as possible to save wasting my money and having to try again.
Was in Johnson Ross a few months back and was asking which rods I would be best getting (I had Century Armalites MKII 2.5 lb TC for here to start with and then added a set of Harrison Chimera's 3lb TC for using on a 30 acre pit and the odd trip to France all custom built by Vic, can't believe he is still building rods, i thought he would have retired by now, lol). Both rods were great for their intended purpose (Armalites were a dream for playing fish). I was recommended to get Torrix 3.25 lb TC which was a bit of a shock, but assured that the blanks built these days ensure that higher test curves are much better for playing fish under the tip along with being able to cast a decent distance.
Is anyone able to confirm this or recommend any other rods that i should look at before parting with my cash. I am going to be returning initially to the 30 acre gravel pit I used to fish along with a smaller venue of around 3 to 4 acres.
I was also looking at reels (had the Daiwa Tournaments S 5000 T's before and again they were great. I was thinking of getting some Basia's but see they still sell the 5000 T's so wondered if they would still be suitable but get the High Impact Line Clip put on them and get the Quick Drag conversion done too (will the Basia'sreally improve my casting that much to what i could achieve before?.
Finally, looking at the Bivvies, I was considering the Trakker Tempest EV Aquatex (Not sure on the 100 or 150 yet) but see that they are all out of stock or atleast getting that way. Could this be because trakker are possibly bringing something else out in the new year? Had the original Armadillo before and loved it (also had a Trakker Brolly system for signle nighters) so hoping that Trakker is still as good now as it was 15 years ago.
I also now have a 16 year old son who is really enjoying his fishing and wants to get into it with me so was looking at the Free Spirit CTX rods in 3.25lb TC for him and the Sonik AXS Bivvy along with the Daiwa Crosscast reels.
Any help or sound advice would be greatly appreciated.I know it all comes down to personal taste t the end but would like to tryand get the expensive purchases as right as possible to save wasting my money and having to try again.
In reply to Post #1
The fashion has changed in 12 years to shorter rods 10ft being the most popular I would say if you want to stick to 12fts the Harrison torrix is good there are also the greys aircuve which I have used brilliant rods
As for reels I personally wouldn't pay basir prices there are so many reels out there but again lot of people rate baby pits or reels like 25a the shimano ci4 range have good reviews or get 5000ts again bullet proof reel
Bivvy trakker slx mk3 or tempest brolly so versatile can add to it making summer brolly bivvy winter bivvy two man bivvy
The fashion has changed in 12 years to shorter rods 10ft being the most popular I would say if you want to stick to 12fts the Harrison torrix is good there are also the greys aircuve which I have used brilliant rods
As for reels I personally wouldn't pay basir prices there are so many reels out there but again lot of people rate baby pits or reels like 25a the shimano ci4 range have good reviews or get 5000ts again bullet proof reel
Bivvy trakker slx mk3 or tempest brolly so versatile can add to it making summer brolly bivvy winter bivvy two man bivvy
In reply to Post #2
Thanks Bivvybug. I did notice some of the younger lads using shorter rods and spoke to one young lad who was using Nash Scopes with funnily enough a set of Daiwa Tournament S 5000's. I'll definitely be staying with 12 ft rods. Was just a bit concerned initially with 3 1/4 lb TC. I'll take a look at the Grey's one's too.
Think I'll go with the Tourney's too but get the clip changed and add the QD to it. I think i'm right in thinking that I can get the drag changed to a full turn instead of a half turn.
I'll take a look at the brolly sytem's too, but leaning towards the bivvy as i'm getting a bit old now (52 in March) but can't believe that the Advanced 100 and 150 are out of stock in most places. Is this because they are just so popular or will Trakker be bringing a newer model out in the new year?
Thanks Bivvybug. I did notice some of the younger lads using shorter rods and spoke to one young lad who was using Nash Scopes with funnily enough a set of Daiwa Tournament S 5000's. I'll definitely be staying with 12 ft rods. Was just a bit concerned initially with 3 1/4 lb TC. I'll take a look at the Grey's one's too.
Think I'll go with the Tourney's too but get the clip changed and add the QD to it. I think i'm right in thinking that I can get the drag changed to a full turn instead of a half turn.
I'll take a look at the brolly sytem's too, but leaning towards the bivvy as i'm getting a bit old now (52 in March) but can't believe that the Advanced 100 and 150 are out of stock in most places. Is this because they are just so popular or will Trakker be bringing a newer model out in the new year?
In reply to Post #3
If you want tempest model 100 or 150 look at the cyprinus Typhoon model they do the max head version or the slightly smaller version same as the 100 advanced
If you want tempest model 100 or 150 look at the cyprinus Typhoon model they do the max head version or the slightly smaller version same as the 100 advanced
In reply to Post #4
Thanks, I will do. I'm 6ft 4 tall so will defo take a look. I am swaying towards Trakker atm though, purely because I've had the stuff in the past. I did actually consider a Titan T1 (despite hating Nash stuff) but I think it's only 125cm tall so may struggle with it.
Thanks, I will do. I'm 6ft 4 tall so will defo take a look. I am swaying towards Trakker atm though, purely because I've had the stuff in the past. I did actually consider a Titan T1 (despite hating Nash stuff) but I think it's only 125cm tall so may struggle with it.
In reply to Post #5
If it were me I'd for 12ft 3.25lb Daiwa Infinities (had 4 sets now, keep going back to them) and TS5000t reels (also four sets...I need to stop selling up!) Bivvy wise it would be a Tempest Brolly with the zip in front. Only had two Tempest brollies (original Nash profiles before these) and they're excellent
edit - the line clips on the TS5000t's are still rubbish, a Weston upgrade sorts that
If it were me I'd for 12ft 3.25lb Daiwa Infinities (had 4 sets now, keep going back to them) and TS5000t reels (also four sets...I need to stop selling up!) Bivvy wise it would be a Tempest Brolly with the zip in front. Only had two Tempest brollies (original Nash profiles before these) and they're excellent
edit - the line clips on the TS5000t's are still rubbish, a Weston upgrade sorts that
In reply to Post #1
Don't buy a short rod - silly fad.
Don't buy a short rod - silly fad.
In reply to Post #6
Is that the Infinity DF X45 or the Infinity X45? I did look at these but i saw a thread where a few people were having to send them back for QC problems (mis-aligned rings, reel seats off centre from the rings etc). I suppose all products from all manufacturers have people that have problems with them or dislike them for whatever reason. Only ever had match rods from daiwa but always went for big pit reels from them as i just found them more reliable than shimano (but then again it's all down to preferred choice). Absolutely loved my Tournament TS500t's and very tempted to get them again (an save a few quid over getting Basia's) but are they still up there 20 years later with the new basia reels (which are extremely expensive). I suppose it's all relevant to inflation as we move forward (Mind you, my Chimera's from about 15 years ago were nearly £900 for a set of three compared to a set of Torrix which would now cost me about a grand).
Is that the Infinity DF X45 or the Infinity X45? I did look at these but i saw a thread where a few people were having to send them back for QC problems (mis-aligned rings, reel seats off centre from the rings etc). I suppose all products from all manufacturers have people that have problems with them or dislike them for whatever reason. Only ever had match rods from daiwa but always went for big pit reels from them as i just found them more reliable than shimano (but then again it's all down to preferred choice). Absolutely loved my Tournament TS500t's and very tempted to get them again (an save a few quid over getting Basia's) but are they still up there 20 years later with the new basia reels (which are extremely expensive). I suppose it's all relevant to inflation as we move forward (Mind you, my Chimera's from about 15 years ago were nearly £900 for a set of three compared to a set of Torrix which would now cost me about a grand).
In reply to Post #7
Don't worry, at 6ft 4 (and my 16 yr old is 6ft 3), we'd look like a couple of bloody oversized garden gnomes holding one of those short rods.
Don't worry, at 6ft 4 (and my 16 yr old is 6ft 3), we'd look like a couple of bloody oversized garden gnomes holding one of those short rods.
I got a never used dymag stalker landing net at £1,050 if you're interested...... 
In reply to Post #10
Mmh, I'll have a think about it. Does it come with a sleave and the net float?
Mmh, I'll have a think about it. Does it come with a sleave and the net float?
In reply to Post #11
With respect to the bivvy point, and given your height (similar to me I'm 6-2) and you have a teenage son coming with you so I would seriously have a look at the Tempest 200. I have one for when my misses comes along, otherwise I'm using a Fox Frontier XD (recently replacing my Nash Double Top 2 Man MK 3), but it's superb for a bit more space which you will need. I think somebody posted a picture of the groundsheet from the Tempest 150 overlaid on top of the Fox Frontier XD a while ago and there wasn't much in it. I can tell you now, I wouldn't get two bed chairs in my Frontier XD.
The Tempest 200 is 3.75m wide, 3.10m deep and 1.7m high and they are still in stock last I looked. Given your size and son's size I'd personally think very carefully about anything you're both going to be cramped up inside.
Brilliant bit of kit. Give it some consideration.
With respect to the bivvy point, and given your height (similar to me I'm 6-2) and you have a teenage son coming with you so I would seriously have a look at the Tempest 200. I have one for when my misses comes along, otherwise I'm using a Fox Frontier XD (recently replacing my Nash Double Top 2 Man MK 3), but it's superb for a bit more space which you will need. I think somebody posted a picture of the groundsheet from the Tempest 150 overlaid on top of the Fox Frontier XD a while ago and there wasn't much in it. I can tell you now, I wouldn't get two bed chairs in my Frontier XD.
The Tempest 200 is 3.75m wide, 3.10m deep and 1.7m high and they are still in stock last I looked. Given your size and son's size I'd personally think very carefully about anything you're both going to be cramped up inside.
Brilliant bit of kit. Give it some consideration.
In reply to Post #12
Thanks for the heads up on the Tempest 200. However I wouldn't want to share any kind of sleeping arrangements with my 16 year old son. His hygiene and tidiness at this point in his life are definitely nothing to be proud of.🤣🤣
He's seen the Sonik AXS put together in Go Outdoors/Fishing Republic in Cambridge and really likes it plus with my work discount, I can get it for £240 which is a bit of a steal.
Another reason I'm really liking the Tempest 100 or 150, is that we don't have to be in the same swim thereby not restricting us if one of us needs to move to get on the fish. The 30 acre pit we will be Fishing mostly on doesn't have many swims big enough to put two bevvies together or even a 2 man job on for that matter. If I get the 100 or 200 I can always get the social cap for the odd occasion my 8 year old son or 14 year old daughter want to come as they all love the Fishing.
Got to say I'm absolutely chuffed to bits my kids want to come Fishing with me, especially the daughter. Both my older kids have had double figure fish float fishing and the youngest has had one a touch over 4lb on his whip.
Thanks for the heads up on the Tempest 200. However I wouldn't want to share any kind of sleeping arrangements with my 16 year old son. His hygiene and tidiness at this point in his life are definitely nothing to be proud of.🤣🤣
He's seen the Sonik AXS put together in Go Outdoors/Fishing Republic in Cambridge and really likes it plus with my work discount, I can get it for £240 which is a bit of a steal.
Another reason I'm really liking the Tempest 100 or 150, is that we don't have to be in the same swim thereby not restricting us if one of us needs to move to get on the fish. The 30 acre pit we will be Fishing mostly on doesn't have many swims big enough to put two bevvies together or even a 2 man job on for that matter. If I get the 100 or 200 I can always get the social cap for the odd occasion my 8 year old son or 14 year old daughter want to come as they all love the Fishing.
Got to say I'm absolutely chuffed to bits my kids want to come Fishing with me, especially the daughter. Both my older kids have had double figure fish float fishing and the youngest has had one a touch over 4lb on his whip.
In reply to Post #8
Go for the DF X45. The new daiwa X45 has a daft heavy alps metal reel seat on it.
Go for the DF X45. The new daiwa X45 has a daft heavy alps metal reel seat on it.
In reply to Post #14
Cheers mate. I'll take a look at them when I'm next down at Johnson Ross. Regarding the Torrix rods, it's amazing how most people love them yet there are still a number of people that say they are too stiff for playing fish on.
I'm not expecting them to be anything like my armalites that I had (god they were unbelievable for playing fish on), I'm hoping that if they are anything like my Chimera's then I think I'll be very happy with them. I'm open to any suggestions though.
I think the Free Spirit CTX rods should be perfect for my eldest though. They look very nice.
Cheers mate. I'll take a look at them when I'm next down at Johnson Ross. Regarding the Torrix rods, it's amazing how most people love them yet there are still a number of people that say they are too stiff for playing fish on.
I'm not expecting them to be anything like my armalites that I had (god they were unbelievable for playing fish on), I'm hoping that if they are anything like my Chimera's then I think I'll be very happy with them. I'm open to any suggestions though.
I think the Free Spirit CTX rods should be perfect for my eldest though. They look very nice.