Iv been looking at the options for 10ft rods for a while now . I’m almost ready to make a purchase . The rods will be used for trips to France fishing canals / rivers / lakes

I will be using braid , both thick and thin . Do I need to reconsider these rods or will the rings be ok ?

I remember reading something about braid and ceramic rings ? I don’t remember exactly what it was

Can any one shed any light if these will be suitable

Cheers

In reply to Post #1
You’ll want ceramic with braid.

I’ve not got ceramic on my 10s and even fluoro has cut them

Iv read the esp rods have a ceramic insert on the top ring , surely this would me takes the brunt of friction . I can’t wrap my head around they would make a set of 10ft rods , advertise the 3.5lb as being ideal for boat work but then not be able to handle braid

In reply to Post #3
korda do the kaizen in 10ft with ceramic eyes, feedback from the European anglers stated they would prefer ceramics for braid and boat work
LINKY POO™ https://www.total-fishing-tackle.com/korda-kaizen-green-ceramic-rod#190=3032&196=3029

In reply to Post #4
Cheers pal . It’s the pack down size I’m after really . I have read about the ceramic guides before

I really wanted to give these QuickDraws a go

In reply to Post #5
Don't loose all hope.

It's a contentious subject, but there are minima style guides that are fine with braid. Why don't you fire off an email to ESP, I've always found them very very helpful.

A LOT of manufacturers use those style guides on their spod/marker rods (including Korda!)

In reply to Post #6
Good idea

In reply to Post #7
If you get a response please can you update this thread, i tried messaging ESP on insta but no response.

I have a set of the 3.25s and the spod rod and they're lovely but im really worried about ruining the rings on them. would love to use braid on a few lakes now its getting weedy.

I've not had any issue with grooving the rings on the spod rod yet but i've barely used it for anything but a bit of leading up.

the rings look very similar to what was on my old sonik xtractors and apart from the tip, the smaller rings on them all have grooves. not sure if they're the same material as the ESPs or not. don't even know if it was thin braid floater fishing on my xtractors that grooved em or the thick Thinking anglers gear.

ESP are meant to be bringing a braided mainline out towards the end of the year so i'm looking to try that, you would think they'd make sure it works with their boat rods.

In reply to Post #8
support@esp-carpgear.com

That's the email address I've always had success with.

In reply to Post #6
If it’s any consolation I use some barbel rods with the sea guides on, unlined with some proper heavy weights reeled in, can’t say I’ve had a problem or noticed one

I would find out what ring type and manufacturer are on them if you are worried.

Update

I messaged esp via Facebook who said it shouldn’t be a problem but they could be susceptible to damaged rings through very heavy use but with normal use they would be good for the foreseeable future

I wasn’t entirely convinced and went one further , I messaged someone who I knew uses the esp retractables with braid and has done for a long time . He told me they will be absolutely fine . He did mention he only uses “smooth braid” and some of the more coarse braid could potentially cause more damage

In all , I’m going to buy them and try for myself

In reply to Post #11
Damaged ring is easily replaced, should the worst happen.

I’ve used the original Quickdraw rods for years with 40lb braid and 10 oz leads. The rings are unlined and painted black. The paint rubs off eventually to leave the bare metal, but if you look closely or run your finger around the ring it’s not worn.

I wouldn’t worry about it.

In reply to Post #13
Top man