Thinking of splashing out on some 11ft 3lb tc ballistas

Are they worth it though, would my fishing life be better for them or would the free spirit ct x on offer at the tackle box, ok 10footers rather than 11, be more than ok to see me through for the next 10 years? 3 would be the price of one

Really not sure if splashing is worth it

I currently have 12ft 6 te specials that are nice to use but a bit ott for 95% of my fishing. They were bought second hand for about 250 a rod

Are pricey wands worth it?

Merv

In reply to Post #1
Yep. You won't find a nicer rod to play fish on than a ballista

I have a pair of those 11ft 3lb tc Ballistas, best rods I have ever bought. Lovely players rods and very accurate to cast with. Use them for 90% of my carp fishing, only go to my Trebuchet Lites for distance casting.

I dont think they are, unless you want to show off. Green Kaizens will do all you want for decent money imho.

Having gone from fibreglass rods, to carbon kevlar, and then on to greys prodigy rods, then on to top end Century and Harrison rods, I would say yes you can tell the difference. Is it enough for you to justify the expense? That would very much depend on your own personal preferences, and financial circumstances. Also do you intend on spending the next ten years fishing the same types of lakes, or will you be changing lakes and therefore possible rod requirements on a regular basis. If you're looking at buying a "forever" rod. I would say save up and go top end, also custom route. Otherwise buy mid price range and be prepared sell on and lose money when needing something different. TBH there is nothing like a top end custom rod, built to your needs.

Jeff is selling 3 new 10ft 2.75 ballistas on eBay for 363. Not sure how that compares to what else you are looking at, but seems great value for money for custom built

Could echo the 10 year or 'forever' rods decision, can you warrant £900 for some rods that may or not suit you?
11 ft rods might be popular for now but in 10 years time- they'll be old Balistas.

Have you tried any or is it a decision based on the opposite of your casting rods.

23-24 years ago I bought some s/h 3lb Ballistas, tidy but nondescript and perfect for nights on a park lake. Wasn't going to put my newish Century FBSs on public display.
I used them a handful of times, caught a few low 20s but just felt like stepping back a decade.
'classic players rod' was actually a bit wobbly but wooden with a fish on.
Fell well short expectations gained from of other peoples opinions.

Saying that 12" less and a brand new blank might make a lot of difference?

In reply to Post #7
Thanks for the thoughts guys

I'm in Sussex and a lot of the lakes don't need long chucks and often a fair bit of overhead shrubbery and trees. I also have the 12ft6's if required

I saw those 10footers from Jeff and am tempted, guessing they'd be good for medium range stuff

I spend most of my time fishing bottom of the shelf to 15 wraps

Having done research the ballistas keep catching my eye. The ctx on offer also always have good reviews so tricky decision without waggling them

I'm not one for changing very often so either way would be a used a lot 10 year investment

Replies appreciated

Merv

In reply to Post #8
The Ballista over the CTX, all day long.

In reply to Post #8
I've used ballista and ctx and if budget allows I'd choose ballista every time.

But it's a more traditional blank probably heavier/thicker and may not be as responsive as a more modern blank.

Probably need to give them a wiggle if somewhere has them near to you.

But be quick because I might end up buying Jeff's rods

Have the 11ft 3lbs Ballista Slims and also have or have had most of Free Spirits rods incl. the CTX, Seeker, S-Lite, XS, ES, Hi-S so can do a bit of a comparison.

The Ballistas are my favourite rods amongst all of them because they are lightweight, sensitive, responsive, yet strong.

So yes, I would go for the Ballistas, there is a reason why they have been around for many decades.

The Hi-S are IMHO the better rods as they are powerful yet quite lightweight. But of course they are costly.

Having said that the CTX can be had for little money in comparison and they are - as all Free Spirit rods - super super nice.
Its more the build of the rod that might not be what you are looking for e.g. the guides on most CTX are not the greatest of them all.

When casting and not using a baitboat for me the 11ft are much better than 10ft yet still offer portability compared to 12 footers.

In reply to Post #6
Buy them from Jeffire on here would be my recommendation, I did

All i can say is i have never had a rod returned . The rods i have listed will be the last i ever build . They are cheap only because i need to raise money fast due to looming divorce . You cant buy the blanks for the price i have listed all rods for. Lots of lads on here have bought and are using rods i have built .

In reply to Post #8
10' CTX are great little rods . . .I still use a CTX 10' SPM which for small waters is a great . . .did buy the CTX initially as was not sure about 10' rods full stop . . .have since 'upgraded' to 10' Aviators and being honest they are different gravy . . .but only gravy with a garlic and butter finish, standard Bisto still works. . .!

In reply to Post #13
Hi what rods are you selling please?