What's out there blank wise? And who does them? Not Cotswold Rods.. 
In reply to Post #1
I've bought some from Chiltern custom rods, arrived today so not used them yet but they look lovely and the communication throughout the build was superb!
I've bought some from Chiltern custom rods, arrived today so not used them yet but they look lovely and the communication throughout the build was superb!
In reply to Post #2
Dale, what blanks are they built on?
Dale, what blanks are they built on?
In reply to Post #3
No idea I'm afraid. Check out his site he might tell you where they're sourced from.
No idea I'm afraid. Check out his site he might tell you where they're sourced from.
In reply to Post #4
Yes will have a lock, Dale. Thanks .
Yes will have a lock, Dale. Thanks .
In reply to Post #6
I did try uploading some photos didn't work sorry.
I did try uploading some photos didn't work sorry.
In reply to Post #2
I was thinking about a set of those so did a bit of research. From what I saw the feedback was excellent.
I was thinking about a set of those so did a bit of research. From what I saw the feedback was excellent.
In reply to Post #7
Thanks again Dale. Had a peek on Chiltern rods insta page. Workmanship looks spot on. Did enquire to what blanks they build on. Hopefully they will get back to me.
Thanks again Dale. Had a peek on Chiltern rods insta page. Workmanship looks spot on. Did enquire to what blanks they build on. Hopefully they will get back to me.
In reply to Post #9
Mine have just been uploaded. I'm out at the weekend will let you know how they perform.
Mine have just been uploaded. I'm out at the weekend will let you know how they perform.
Anybody know of any other builders out there doing custom retractables and blanks used? Chiltern rods are yet to get back to me on me question. But looking at there site the compact rods they do look like there own blank.. Was just wondering whether the likes of Harrison or Century do retractable?
In reply to Post #11
I Was told last week by a rod builder Harrison or free spirit or century have no plans to make retractable rods he said all retractables are made abroad shame as I was asking the same question
I Was told last week by a rod builder Harrison or free spirit or century have no plans to make retractable rods he said all retractables are made abroad shame as I was asking the same question
In reply to Post #11
Probably because they're foreign made. My advice would be don't spend loads, as most are likely to come from the same factory but with a different label attached. there was a similar thread about Cotswold 'Pace' (?( rods being the same as a £50 equivalent, do a search, I can't be arsed.
Probably because they're foreign made. My advice would be don't spend loads, as most are likely to come from the same factory but with a different label attached. there was a similar thread about Cotswold 'Pace' (?( rods being the same as a £50 equivalent, do a search, I can't be arsed.
Given the recent popularity of telescopic carp rods I would be surprised if either Harrison or even Century haven't looked into it.
My guess would be that telescopic rods are so inherently compromised that they couldn't produce a product they were happy with.
If you want a shorter rod with a nice action a two or three piece is a better bet. If you want the convenience of a telescopic rod then the imported blanks like Scopes are just fine.
A lot of sh*te gets spoken about carp rods. It's pretty hard to buy a bad rod at any budget these days.
My guess would be that telescopic rods are so inherently compromised that they couldn't produce a product they were happy with.
If you want a shorter rod with a nice action a two or three piece is a better bet. If you want the convenience of a telescopic rod then the imported blanks like Scopes are just fine.
A lot of sh*te gets spoken about carp rods. It's pretty hard to buy a bad rod at any budget these days.
When Nash first bought out there retractable range. Like many no doubt I thought they were a bit of a Fad.. they won't last.. 10 plus years on. Most Tackle manufactures have Retractables in there Range.. And they are all I use. Convenient in so many ways.
Seems strange the high end blank manufacturers like Harrison, Free-spirit etc. Don't seem to manufacture them. Would be interesting to find out why?
Seems strange the high end blank manufacturers like Harrison, Free-spirit etc. Don't seem to manufacture them. Would be interesting to find out why?
In reply to Post #15
Hey,
Got out for the day yesterday and very impressed with them so far. They are the very first set of retractable rods I've owned and I know it was a lot of money to spend on the first set, but I wanted the best I could get my hands on and Chiltern was the only builder I came across who had done a fair few all ready tbh. They suit my fishing a lot more than 12's atm and I currently have a young family so I don't need to move car seats around etc...
Anyway the rods! They are a fast taper, I was fishing around 40 yards to a tree line, but hit the spot accurately every time. Managed to get one at 18lb was a lovely action and absorbed every lunge with ease and had a bit more in the tank. I was fishing a lake with a barbless rule also.
I really enjoyed using them, but I haven't been fishing for over 10 years so I could be easily pleased. I wouldn't feel confident using them on a heavy weedy water, but I'm fairly certain that's likely the case with any retractable rods currently on the market.
They felt like you could give them the beans so casts of a 100yards felt easily achievable.
I just need to get use to lining up the rings and packing them down made up.
Hey,
Got out for the day yesterday and very impressed with them so far. They are the very first set of retractable rods I've owned and I know it was a lot of money to spend on the first set, but I wanted the best I could get my hands on and Chiltern was the only builder I came across who had done a fair few all ready tbh. They suit my fishing a lot more than 12's atm and I currently have a young family so I don't need to move car seats around etc...
Anyway the rods! They are a fast taper, I was fishing around 40 yards to a tree line, but hit the spot accurately every time. Managed to get one at 18lb was a lovely action and absorbed every lunge with ease and had a bit more in the tank. I was fishing a lake with a barbless rule also.
I really enjoyed using them, but I haven't been fishing for over 10 years so I could be easily pleased. I wouldn't feel confident using them on a heavy weedy water, but I'm fairly certain that's likely the case with any retractable rods currently on the market.
They felt like you could give them the beans so casts of a 100yards felt easily achievable.
I just need to get use to lining up the rings and packing them down made up.