Here's a quick review of some rods I asked Jeff Rawstorn(Jeffire on the Forum) to build for me, I've no connections to Jeff other than through purchasing rods from him via the forum, these are my 2nd and 3rd purchases from Jeff, the 1st being a lovely set of 3.25tc 12 ft Cerbera's I did a review on back in August 2021, still going strong and enjoyed most weeks, oh the joy of retirement.😂😂
Anyway the first part is from a completely different discipline but hopefully of interest to members thinking about where to purchase custom built rods.
It's my fly rod, a thing of real beauty, built on a 5/6 weight Harrison blank, dull/satin grey finish, with very minimalist eyes whipped using a stunning dark green thread that matches almost perfectly my beloved Mike Barrio fly reel.
In use it has a fantastic balance, as you push the rod forward you can feel the power transfer through into the loop of line behind and ultimately delivering the fly to its chosen spot.
I've used this rod on small streams, lakes and huge reservoirs where it has performed exceptionally well, when I compare it to my old 6/7 weight standard build rod it's like chalk and cheese.
Aesthetically pleasing to the eye, very well balanced and definitely more than capable of what it's being asked to do without being too stiff, in essence it's helped me reignite a passion for fly fishing I thought I'd lost.
So easy to cast, it's also a multi piece rod for minimal pack down and great to pop in the bag when heading off on holiday, I've used it in both fresh and salt water without issue, it looks as good today as it did when I purchased it pre Covid.
My 3rd set of rods from Jeff are truly players rods, Baby Ballisters, 11ft long with a 2.5lb tc, I purchased these to fish some of my clubs smaller waters or bigger snag free waters where long casts are not required, I've not been disappointed with the build quality, performance or look of what was delivered.
After much debate and discussion with Jeff over the build they were finished with a full set of single leg Fuji eyes from 30mm butt ring, whipped with a black thread it's a close match to the blank.
Then a gun-smoke Fuji reel seat, full cork handle and a small but proud stainless butt cap to protect the end from general wear and tear, a small hook ring above and the finish is a thing to behold.
I've not long received these and only had them on the bank once, alas I blanked but they were a joy to use, on the day I opted for a helicopter rig with a 2oz lead, they cast like a dream, paired with a Shimano 5500 they feel well balanced and nice in the hand.
As an aside Jeff also popped a very useful and nicely finished wooden walking staff in with the rods so a nice touch and something I'm sure I'll make use of over the coming years.
Overall I've been very pleased with all of my purchases from Jeff, his workmanship has been absolutely spot on, communication 2nd to none, experience and advice on potential pit falls invaluable, and in these days where we all need to keep cost of luxury items in mind, VERY VERY COMPETITIVE.
Thanks for reading, if you'd like any additional info please drop me a message, otherwise thanks for reading.
Tel
👍👍
Anyway the first part is from a completely different discipline but hopefully of interest to members thinking about where to purchase custom built rods.
It's my fly rod, a thing of real beauty, built on a 5/6 weight Harrison blank, dull/satin grey finish, with very minimalist eyes whipped using a stunning dark green thread that matches almost perfectly my beloved Mike Barrio fly reel.
In use it has a fantastic balance, as you push the rod forward you can feel the power transfer through into the loop of line behind and ultimately delivering the fly to its chosen spot.
I've used this rod on small streams, lakes and huge reservoirs where it has performed exceptionally well, when I compare it to my old 6/7 weight standard build rod it's like chalk and cheese.
Aesthetically pleasing to the eye, very well balanced and definitely more than capable of what it's being asked to do without being too stiff, in essence it's helped me reignite a passion for fly fishing I thought I'd lost.
So easy to cast, it's also a multi piece rod for minimal pack down and great to pop in the bag when heading off on holiday, I've used it in both fresh and salt water without issue, it looks as good today as it did when I purchased it pre Covid.
My 3rd set of rods from Jeff are truly players rods, Baby Ballisters, 11ft long with a 2.5lb tc, I purchased these to fish some of my clubs smaller waters or bigger snag free waters where long casts are not required, I've not been disappointed with the build quality, performance or look of what was delivered.
After much debate and discussion with Jeff over the build they were finished with a full set of single leg Fuji eyes from 30mm butt ring, whipped with a black thread it's a close match to the blank.
Then a gun-smoke Fuji reel seat, full cork handle and a small but proud stainless butt cap to protect the end from general wear and tear, a small hook ring above and the finish is a thing to behold.
I've not long received these and only had them on the bank once, alas I blanked but they were a joy to use, on the day I opted for a helicopter rig with a 2oz lead, they cast like a dream, paired with a Shimano 5500 they feel well balanced and nice in the hand.
As an aside Jeff also popped a very useful and nicely finished wooden walking staff in with the rods so a nice touch and something I'm sure I'll make use of over the coming years.
Overall I've been very pleased with all of my purchases from Jeff, his workmanship has been absolutely spot on, communication 2nd to none, experience and advice on potential pit falls invaluable, and in these days where we all need to keep cost of luxury items in mind, VERY VERY COMPETITIVE.
Thanks for reading, if you'd like any additional info please drop me a message, otherwise thanks for reading.
Tel
👍👍
Nice read, thanks.for sharing.
In reply to Post #1
Thank you Terry for such a nice review.Im so glad your happy with latest set of rods 👍
Thank you Terry for such a nice review.Im so glad your happy with latest set of rods 👍
In reply to Post #3
Back off to Morocco in 8 days so probably won't have BB's out till Xmas, fluff chucking on New Year's Eve so that's all in the pipeline.
Cheers
Tel
👍
Back off to Morocco in 8 days so probably won't have BB's out till Xmas, fluff chucking on New Year's Eve so that's all in the pipeline.
Cheers
Tel
👍
I've bought six rods from Jeff (so far) ... most recently a pair of Torrix 2.25 TC to replace a broken Free Spirit ES. Previously I bought some 10 foot Ballista Stalker and 11 foot baby Ballistas. I've been very impressed with the build quality of them all and I'm planning to add more in the future. Excellent communication and service - highly recommended for any forum members looking to take the plunge and buy some high end rods that will last a lifetime. Cheers - Alex
In reply to Post #5
Do you mind wifi ask how much the 2.25 Torrix were?
Do you mind wifi ask how much the 2.25 Torrix were?
In reply to Post #7
PM you
PM you