Been using 12ft 6” TE’s for quite a few years now, love them but fancy an upgrade as finding consistently fishing at long range harder work than I’d like, especially using sinking braid. Reading through old posts on here it seems the general consensus used to be the Aviators 12 6 was the way to go. Is that still the case or have we moved on from there?
In reply to Post #1
I've been really happy with my R1 FTs since I've used them. Only 12' but felt much nicer in the hand than the 12'6 Aviators
Cotswold Rods completed the custom build in 6 weeks too 👌
I've been really happy with my R1 FTs since I've used them. Only 12' but felt much nicer in the hand than the 12'6 Aviators
Cotswold Rods completed the custom build in 6 weeks too 👌
In reply to Post #1
I agree with you line of thinking, however i would say if you have the torrix and plan to keep them, then maybe look towards a 13' Treb Light so you have a more significant difference in you set ups.
I agree with you line of thinking, however i would say if you have the torrix and plan to keep them, then maybe look towards a 13' Treb Light so you have a more significant difference in you set ups.
In reply to Post #3
I’ve tried various 13 foot spod rods before and just don't get on with them, so that’s why I was thinking along the lines of sticking with the 12 6s as feel very comfortable with them.
I’ve tried various 13 foot spod rods before and just don't get on with them, so that’s why I was thinking along the lines of sticking with the 12 6s as feel very comfortable with them.
I love my 12’6 TEs. I bought some Shimano TX7 13ft Extremes for distance work and they are superb. What was hard work with the TEs is an easy cast with the Shimanos.
Not as nice to play fish on, obviously, but much better than I expected from casting machines. Added bonus is they are about half the price of custom rods.
Not as nice to play fish on, obviously, but much better than I expected from casting machines. Added bonus is they are about half the price of custom rods.
In reply to Post #5
Am I correct in thinking then a 13’ spod rod (that initially put me off 13 footers) is probably a different beast to a 13’ fishing rod, maybe I should reconsider 🤔
Am I correct in thinking then a 13’ spod rod (that initially put me off 13 footers) is probably a different beast to a 13’ fishing rod, maybe I should reconsider 🤔
12ft 6 aviators are still in my opinion the best fishing rod on the market at present. They are a rod that can do pretty much anything and I use them on big pits as well as very small venues. I have owned torrix rods previously as well as the 12ft aviators but neither come anywhere close to the 12ft 6 aviators. You honestly will not be disappointed with them.
In reply to Post #7
That’s good to know , thanks
That’s good to know , thanks
I have a set of Torrixs and have recently bought a set of South Coast Rods ST13CIs.
I’m really happy with both sets of rods and, like previously mentioned, the contrast between the rods is enough to cover every eventuality I can conceive within my fishing. The ST13s have made fishing at range a lot easier despite the Torrixs being able to go up to 30 wraps.
Potentially something to consider if you wanted to see something outside the Harrison family
I’m really happy with both sets of rods and, like previously mentioned, the contrast between the rods is enough to cover every eventuality I can conceive within my fishing. The ST13s have made fishing at range a lot easier despite the Torrixs being able to go up to 30 wraps.
Potentially something to consider if you wanted to see something outside the Harrison family
In reply to Post #4
I'm not a 13' fanboy but 13' Aviator Plus in this length are easy to use and I have a set for the rare times I'm not cheating (baitboat!) . . .def more user friendly than the 12' variant IMO . . . . . For more range you might want to consider 13' Aviator Plus 2 (3.75)
I'm not a 13' fanboy but 13' Aviator Plus in this length are easy to use and I have a set for the rare times I'm not cheating (baitboat!) . . .def more user friendly than the 12' variant IMO . . . . . For more range you might want to consider 13' Aviator Plus 2 (3.75)
In reply to Post #6
I think you should, especially if distance is the key requirement.
Not distance, but I changed from 12'6" Ballista ERs to 13' Torrix and I might as well have been using the 13' forever, no issue transitioning.
Conversely, I found using 4 & 4.5lb 12' Harrison spods a mare when using the 12'6 Ballistas, took a few casts to dial in and even then there'd be rogue casts.
Still thinking of getting a 13' spod, possibly Kaisan as its cheap enough to not bother with if it doesn't work v getting a custom Harrison job.
I think you should, especially if distance is the key requirement.
Not distance, but I changed from 12'6" Ballista ERs to 13' Torrix and I might as well have been using the 13' forever, no issue transitioning.
Conversely, I found using 4 & 4.5lb 12' Harrison spods a mare when using the 12'6 Ballistas, took a few casts to dial in and even then there'd be rogue casts.
Still thinking of getting a 13' spod, possibly Kaisan as its cheap enough to not bother with if it doesn't work v getting a custom Harrison job.
Trebuchet Light is my recommendation for any form of distance casting. Had them since they were first released. Noticed Mark Tunley has a set of 3 ready to go at £1,200 seems like a good buy to me.
Thanks chaps, lots to think about. Seeing as I’ve realised I now live quite close to Cotswold Rods I think my best bet is to go and have a look at the different options
In reply to Post #13
My recent experience with Tom has been excellent.
Really good on email responses, listened to all my asks and delivered 4 R1 ft rods custom built for under 1300 quid.
I've not tried them at any range, but they pop a 2.5oz lead accurately to about 90 yards and a 4oz to about 120 yards with a rig, but they are soft enough to cope with weeded up fish lunging under the tip.
I'm really pleased I chose Tom to put together my forever rods, so hopefully you'll get a similar experience if you do choose Cotswolds for whatever you decide
My recent experience with Tom has been excellent.
Really good on email responses, listened to all my asks and delivered 4 R1 ft rods custom built for under 1300 quid.
I've not tried them at any range, but they pop a 2.5oz lead accurately to about 90 yards and a 4oz to about 120 yards with a rig, but they are soft enough to cope with weeded up fish lunging under the tip.
I'm really pleased I chose Tom to put together my forever rods, so hopefully you'll get a similar experience if you do choose Cotswolds for whatever you decide
In reply to Post #13
Least being close you can chase him uk if he ignores you and your rods go from 6 to 20 weeks with no communication, replies to email or calls. How he’s still going i don’t know as it’s not just me who had this experience.
Least being close you can chase him uk if he ignores you and your rods go from 6 to 20 weeks with no communication, replies to email or calls. How he’s still going i don’t know as it’s not just me who had this experience.