I've searched these pages and found plenty of ‘what's best?' kind of posts, but my question is slightly different.
I'm coming up to the 12 month anniversary of having to undergo unexpected open heart surgery and I'd promised myself that if I survived that I'd treat myself to a set of ‘staying alive' rods! There is nothing inherently wrong with the rods I have (Greys Xlerate, 12', 3.25TC), this would simply be a reward to myself.
The waters I fish don't require casts in excess of 20-25 wraps, and even if they did my age (66) and ability means I probably couldn't reach anyway—so absolute casting reach isn't that critical to me, but I was thinking that stepping up to a 3.5TC might make things just a little easier.
I'd sort of decided that my treat would be either Free Spirit, Century or Harrison. They all seem to be around the same general price point. My question really is are there any massive functional differences between them or ultimately, for what I'm trying to do, is is pretty much down to look and feel?
Any thoughts would be welcomed. Thanks.
I'm coming up to the 12 month anniversary of having to undergo unexpected open heart surgery and I'd promised myself that if I survived that I'd treat myself to a set of ‘staying alive' rods! There is nothing inherently wrong with the rods I have (Greys Xlerate, 12', 3.25TC), this would simply be a reward to myself.
The waters I fish don't require casts in excess of 20-25 wraps, and even if they did my age (66) and ability means I probably couldn't reach anyway—so absolute casting reach isn't that critical to me, but I was thinking that stepping up to a 3.5TC might make things just a little easier.
I'd sort of decided that my treat would be either Free Spirit, Century or Harrison. They all seem to be around the same general price point. My question really is are there any massive functional differences between them or ultimately, for what I'm trying to do, is is pretty much down to look and feel?
Any thoughts would be welcomed. Thanks.
My advice would be to take the time to visit a rod builder who builds on at least two out of those three makers and have a feel of the rods.
It's a nice treat and you want to get the decision right. Recommendations on here can help, but it's a bit of an Aviator echo chamber (I have a set, so not saying they are no good!)
It's a nice treat and you want to get the decision right. Recommendations on here can help, but it's a bit of an Aviator echo chamber (I have a set, so not saying they are no good!)
In reply to Post #1
Prob is unlike golf clubs you generally cannot try before you buy which (for the high end rods level of investment) is ridiculous IMO. From vague memory Cotswold Rods did provide this service (close to the Water Park so you could have a thrash about) however the only other options are having a 'waggle' in a tackle shop or asking others who you fish with if you can have a go.
IME one mans heaven can be another's hell so sometimes you have to bite the bullet and be prepared to get rid (at a loss) if they really don't work for you. Personally (and at your age) I'd go for weight and overall performance over casting power - I've been using 10' Aviators coupled with smaller reels for the last couple of seasons and they've pretty much made every other carp rod / reel I own redundant . . .
Prob is unlike golf clubs you generally cannot try before you buy which (for the high end rods level of investment) is ridiculous IMO. From vague memory Cotswold Rods did provide this service (close to the Water Park so you could have a thrash about) however the only other options are having a 'waggle' in a tackle shop or asking others who you fish with if you can have a go.
IME one mans heaven can be another's hell so sometimes you have to bite the bullet and be prepared to get rid (at a loss) if they really don't work for you. Personally (and at your age) I'd go for weight and overall performance over casting power - I've been using 10' Aviators coupled with smaller reels for the last couple of seasons and they've pretty much made every other carp rod / reel I own redundant . . .
Just my personal opinion, I don't know what the Greys are like for playing fish, but I too don't need to hit extreme distance for the lakes I fish, so prefer a softer playing action rod as opposed to 'beefing' up.
Can I ask why you wish to go from 3.25tc to 3.5tc?
If you are spending a decent amount of money then as the other guys have suggested, find a good rod builder, discuss with them and go from there.
I have the Harrison Acurix's in 3lb TC and I could not recommend them enough. They get me 100 yards on a good day, IF ever needed, but the action of the rod playing fish (despite being a medium-action blank) is sublime, and something I much prefer over higher TC, heavy-action rods.
It is very much each to their own, so wish you all the best in finding something that suits your requirements
Can I ask why you wish to go from 3.25tc to 3.5tc?
If you are spending a decent amount of money then as the other guys have suggested, find a good rod builder, discuss with them and go from there.
I have the Harrison Acurix's in 3lb TC and I could not recommend them enough. They get me 100 yards on a good day, IF ever needed, but the action of the rod playing fish (despite being a medium-action blank) is sublime, and something I much prefer over higher TC, heavy-action rods.
It is very much each to their own, so wish you all the best in finding something that suits your requirements
In reply to Post #3
Thanks. The Cotswolds is a bit of a trek TBH. What I may have to make-do with is a visit to a tackle shop. Johnson Ross is sort of do-able from where I live and I think they stock all three brands.
Many years ago I was actually a keen golfer and your analogy is a good one—you'd never invest in a new set without taking them out onto the practice range.
I have a suspicion that any of them will do what I need as I'm not trying to cast 150+ yards so maybe a look/feel and wiggle in a shop will do the job.
As it happens, I have a set of 10' rods paired with smaller reels and I absolutely love them. However on a couple of the waters I fish the shorter length in some of the swims can make playing and landing fish just that bit more of a challenge because of swim layout/margin reeds etc.
Thanks. The Cotswolds is a bit of a trek TBH. What I may have to make-do with is a visit to a tackle shop. Johnson Ross is sort of do-able from where I live and I think they stock all three brands.
Many years ago I was actually a keen golfer and your analogy is a good one—you'd never invest in a new set without taking them out onto the practice range.
I have a suspicion that any of them will do what I need as I'm not trying to cast 150+ yards so maybe a look/feel and wiggle in a shop will do the job.
As it happens, I have a set of 10' rods paired with smaller reels and I absolutely love them. However on a couple of the waters I fish the shorter length in some of the swims can make playing and landing fish just that bit more of a challenge because of swim layout/margin reeds etc.
In reply to Post #4
Can I ask why you wish to go from 3.25tc to 3.5tc?
Essentially because I'm a rubbish caster and once I'm in the 20-25 wrap range it all starts to get a bit difficult for me. Some of that will be technique for sure, some of it is physical capabilities. I thought (maybe wrongly?) that just that little bit of a step up might help me, ie for the same amount of physical effort on my part the stiffer TC might just wang it a bit further.
I get the point about playing action, but from what I'd read I thought that at 3.5 (plus I'm quite subtle with my clutch work—rarely have hook pulls) I'd still be okay?
Can I ask why you wish to go from 3.25tc to 3.5tc?
Essentially because I'm a rubbish caster and once I'm in the 20-25 wrap range it all starts to get a bit difficult for me. Some of that will be technique for sure, some of it is physical capabilities. I thought (maybe wrongly?) that just that little bit of a step up might help me, ie for the same amount of physical effort on my part the stiffer TC might just wang it a bit further.
I get the point about playing action, but from what I'd read I thought that at 3.5 (plus I'm quite subtle with my clutch work—rarely have hook pulls) I'd still be okay?
In reply to Post #6
Sounds like 12'6" or 13' may be the solution if casting is the primary concern. Can only speak from experience but 13' Aviators will hit 25+ wraps in average hands (mine basically!) but waay further in others . . .I have the standard Plus (3.5tc) and with the softer tip they also have a decent playing action . . .for out and out casting have a look at the vids on the SCR ST13's in 3.75tc. They have good reviews and unless its bs (it may be for advertising) the little beardy chap from Carpology eats 30wraps with a gentle thump and even manages 40wraps with a 4.5oz lead!
Sounds like 12'6" or 13' may be the solution if casting is the primary concern. Can only speak from experience but 13' Aviators will hit 25+ wraps in average hands (mine basically!) but waay further in others . . .I have the standard Plus (3.5tc) and with the softer tip they also have a decent playing action . . .for out and out casting have a look at the vids on the SCR ST13's in 3.75tc. They have good reviews and unless its bs (it may be for advertising) the little beardy chap from Carpology eats 30wraps with a gentle thump and even manages 40wraps with a 4.5oz lead!
In reply to Post #1
Take a look at the century graphene in 3.5lb. Certainly should be on your shortlist if cost is not a factor.
Take a look at the century graphene in 3.5lb. Certainly should be on your shortlist if cost is not a factor.
In reply to Post #8
Might get a good deal on a set as they have been replaced with the graphex.
Might get a good deal on a set as they have been replaced with the graphex.