In reply to Post #4
I've had the same on a couple of lengths. Burn the frayed braid with a lighter and put some small bore heat shrink over the end. As long as you cut the heat shrink the correct length it should be good as new.

The beads they supply are too tight in my opinion which causes the factory sheath to come away.

I've stopped using them and gone back to tungsten, the last couple of lengths I bought were stiffer and not as supple.

I'm looking to get my free spirit ive ERs rebuilt with 40-12mm Fuji torzite guides. The ER blank is reasonably soft in the tip and I'm hoping that using light weight single leg guides will enhance this and speed up recovery in the cast. Has anyone on here done similar with good results? Or is there a reason FS factory build uses double leg guides? Can any rod builders confirm pros and cons going down this route? Any advice/experience much appreciated.

In reply to Post #28
What sort of effect would this style of ringing have on a stiffer blank, say Free Spirit Hi S Ive ER? i was thinking to get mine rebuilt with a 40 to 12mm set as I'm also not keen on the massive 50mm rings.

My basic understanding is that the line should pass through the larger rings with less friction, if this is the case why don't beach/surf casters use 50s? they seem to mostly be 30s on the butt section. We even use similar reels like the Baisas, tournaments, ultegras etc so spool size and line loops don't really come into it.

Apologies if this is covering basics!

In reply to Post #2
I tried the gemini stems, im not sure the lead will come off if the main line snaps. I made sure to get the correct size for korda leads and once on that lead didn't come off when i tested. Im back to using lead free leader and a tail rubber. Has anyone else noticed this on the stem system?

In reply to Post #1
Get rid of the tubing and go naked or as little tubing as you can get away with. Swap the 4oz for 3.5oz. Try soaking your spools the night before or get a wet sweat band over them to get the mono as supple as possible. The rod is definitely capable of doing what you want.

In reply to Post #5
Having been to the tackle shop I settled on the Hi S 3.25. The rod felt very light and balanced with my reel and, although a little stiffer than expected, seemed forgiving in the tip. I did look at the aviators and wasn't overly impressed with them, the build quality wasnt as good as the Hi S in my opinion.

First outing will be in a couple of weeks 🤞

In reply to Post #2
Do you think Hi S 2.75 would still cover me on the of occasion i need/want to use bags or 6/8oz leads on rivers? Perhaps 3lb?

Im thinking to buy some Hi S 10ft 3.25 for all round fishing. No extreme distances needed and i don't fish heavy bags or leads often at all. I want it to be good for playing fish but also accurate/easy to cast at short/medium distance. I keep coming back to the Hi S 3.25, is anyone using this rod that can give a review? Or any suggestions? Im going to the tackle shop in a week or so to have a look. Up to now I've been using 9ft and 12ft rods but want to settle on one “all round” set. Thanks in advance.

I'm heading over to Switzerland in a couple of weeks to visit family, looking for a water (river/lake) I can get on for a couple of nights.

I'm looking mostly around Lausanne but willing to travel 2+ hours for a good spot.

Not too fussed about stock or species just a quiet spot to bivvy up for a couple of nights and maybe get a bend in the rod.

Any advise/pointers/suggestions much appreciated.

In reply to Post #91
Very interested to hear your thoughts on the Penn compared with your previous/current reels.