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Free spirit 12’6 - 3.25. To 13’ - 3.5 (11 posts / 2,085 views)
bmwbiker09 bmwbiker09
Posts: 233
Post #1 15 Nov 2022 16:32
0
Hi all.
Currently using hi s 12.6 x 3.25
I can cast them 110 yards and use solid bags up to 90 yards
My question is if I upgraded to 13 foot 3.5 would I gain more distance
I'm only looking for another 10 yards or so
I previously owned hi s 3lb x 12' and 12' hi s I've er
I spoke to free spirit at a trade show as to why I cast the 12 x 3lb further and was told I was not compressing the blank - easy solution go for a casting lesson
After explaining about on going back issues the 12.6 x 3.25 was recommended and yes it did improve my casting and pleased with the blank and results
Now looking to have some made for a big birthday and wanting to know if going to the 13 foot 3.5 or even the 13 foot hi s 220 would give me a little more yardage
Please don't recommend other manufacturers- I am very happy with the hi s
Many thanks in advance
Goose Goose
Posts: 12,901
Post #2 15 Nov 2022 17:11
0
In reply to Post #1
A couple of rod builders advised against the 220 due to tip issues. The 200 requires a very competent caster to get the best from it and is far less forgiving than the 13ft I've.
chanmenie
Posts: 1,875
Post #3 15 Nov 2022 17:30
0
In reply to Post #1
The 12'6 3.25 are a bit soft, I cast similar distances to you with mine.

I also have some 13' Shimano rods and I can cast considerably further with those, they are a higher test curve than the FS 3.5 but I would think you should be able to cast a fair bit further with the 13' 3.5 Hi s ive

The best person to ask would be Mark Hutchinson
bmwbiker09 bmwbiker09
Posts: 233
Post #4 15 Nov 2022 18:04
0
In reply to Post #2
Thank you
bmwbiker09 bmwbiker09
Posts: 233
Post #5 15 Nov 2022 18:05
0
In reply to Post #3
Thank you. The I've er is too stiff for me it was the standard 3.5 in 13 feet that I was looking for info about
mistercarp
Posts: 1,305
Post #6 15 Nov 2022 18:42
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In reply to Post #5
Have you seen this video? This is the 13 foot Hi S I've. Looks a lovely action to me.

Link
Spod Spod
Posts: 13,415
Post #7 15 Nov 2022 18:51
0
I went from a 12.6 Harrison Torrix TE to a 13ft Harrison Trebuchet Lite a few years back and ended up reverting back to the 12.6. I just couldn't compress the Trebs properly and was actually losing distance.

Appreciate you are talking about Free Sprit rods but principal is the same..try before you buy would be my recommendation!
bmwbiker09 bmwbiker09
Posts: 233
Post #8 15 Nov 2022 20:08
0
In reply to Post #6
I believe the I've is a stiffer version than the er.
I had the er in 12 foot and struggled to compress them when casting
The 12,6. 3,25 was recommended as a better softer blank for me
I do find the 3,25 a little soft when casting bags which was why I was looking at the 13 foot 3.5 lb
Thanks for your help
Goose Goose
Posts: 12,901
Post #9 15 Nov 2022 20:18
0
In reply to Post #8
The 13ft I've is a very different rod to the standard Hi'S 13ft 3.5 TC, different actions ,the I've has a very forgiving top third of the rod which blends nicely into the firm mid section. I've only used mine for 72 hours but have cast most of the distance rods on the market but to be honest I don't enjoy distance fishing and much prefer fishing at under thirty yards .
Riggy Riggy
Posts: 2,044
Post #10 16 Nov 2022 11:17
0
In reply to Post #1
I have a set of 12.6 3.5tc HI's rods and can get small pva bags up to 100 yards with 15lb line and 6000t's, these are my 'all round' rods and have a lovely playing action. I also have a set of 13ft Hi-ives which have a a stiffer butt/mid section which I can get a small PVA bag 120 yds with Basias and 15lb line in a fair wind!

I have tried medium bags on the long range set up but had some frap ups which I suspect was due to the bag in relative terms moving slower through the air than the line was coming off the spool

Michael
bmwbiker09 bmwbiker09
Posts: 233
Post #11 16 Nov 2022 15:54
0
In reply to Post #10
Thank you. Was wondering if the extra foot in length would equate to a little bit more distance
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