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In reply to Post #9
Currently using Century ADV1 in stealth, minimalistic, which I like. Out of all the rods I have ever used, that’s quite a few BTW I would say the best all round carp rod, if there is such a thing is the HiS in 3.5 tc with 50mm ringing, 40s make the blank stiffer
For 3oz leads and general fishing, perfect, will do small bag work too. Very nice carp rods imho 
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In reply to Post #8
I had a set of 3lb tc, some of the best rods Ive ever owned, only got rid of them because I was a bit under gunned on a water to where I was fishing larger bags, beautiful carp rods, and a stunning blank, an action similar to the His, firm butt and a reactive, not sloppy tip section. Happy days, even with my infinitys on them 
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In reply to Post #10
Thanks, got 9 of the buggers already 🤣🤣
As said for me the 3.25 is damn near perfect.
The 2.75 will be a very nice rod but in that TC probably better fishing smaller venues which then goes against the 12’9” length. Just my opinion though, never actually used one. My 3.75’s cost £80 for the pair virtually brand new.
Hi description is bang on though.
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In reply to Post #8
Set of 3 x ESP Vertex 2.75lb if want to add to your collection (they are nothing to with me)
https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/358565994781?_ul=UK&mkevt=1&mkcid=1&mkrid=710-53481-19255-0&campid=5338703918&toolid=20006&_xiid=358565994781&customid=Cj0KCQjwof_QBhCgARIsADaMzOcJBvpZApeY7N03UJdzf53UTejmmGb13u8nhegD3sPTOaUEYAKh9CEaAlEuEALw_wcB%7C0AAAAADtppYcobMtwJuk_V1wS5XtaQryAF%7CCkAKCAjw_vnQBhA9EjAAHYeldfZlpRUmgYIgY0-ZyynIcCCO42KeaL2M2RldEyBXZpKVrT1mTNg1Tzdxi98aAqHd&gclid=Cj0KCQjwof_QBhCgARIsADaMzOcJBvpZApeY7N03UJdzf53UTejmmGb13u8nhegD3sPTOaUEYAKh9CEaAlEuEALw_wcB&gbraid=0AAAAADtppYcobMtwJuk_V1wS5XtaQryAF&wbraid=CkAKCAjw_vnQBhA9EjAAHYeldfZlpRUmgYIgY0-ZyynIcCCO42KeaL2M2RldEyBXZpKVrT1mTNg1Tzdxi98aAqHd&loc_interest_ms=&loc_physical_ms=1006791&adtype=pla&gad_source=1&gad_campaignid=15448853486&gbraid=0AAAAADtppYcobMtwJuk_V1wS5XtaQryAF
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Interesting stuff. Im making the move to a (used) set of 3.5 Hi S so we’ll see how it goes. I could always switch to the ESP 3.5 if I wanted to down the line, as the used value on the HI S is higher
It wasn’t just the ESP to consider though, Im consolidating those and a set of 13’ 3.75 into one set…. And I’ll still have too many!!
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In reply to Post #1
Nearly what you are asking:
I have a couple of sets of ESP Vertex Distance rods 12’ 9” in 3.25 and 3.75 TC. These came out before the TH rods and there’s a lot of similarities between them. Length, TC, ringing are the same. The 2 main differences are the handles and the weave. The Vertex had the first ‘clone seat’ on the market (carbon weave) and distinct flared Japanese shrink wrap handle whilst the later TH have standard fittings in abbreviated or full duplon. The Vertex is a marbled Carbon finish whereas the TH is a carbon weave. I don’t think there’s much in it - ESP stopped building the Vertex Distance ( although the Vertex name lives on in other course rods - feeders, float rods etc) and then brought out the TH versions. I would say blindfolded you wouldn’t notice the difference although the MK3 TH isn’t generally considered as good as the two previous version. Cosmetics - beauty lies in the eyes of the beholder, but for me the Vertex is nicer, and unique, there’s nothing out there like it.
I also had a set of Hi S rods in 12’6” 3.5TC, 50mm ringing factory standard build. Nice rods but compared to the Vertex’s felt stiff. They could cast marginally further ( I tried them side by side in France in a bog standard configuration and the Hi S cast about 1-2 rod lengths better, but felt dead compared to the Vertex. I was never truly happy with the Hi S with a fish under the tip, never quite getting the Holy Trinity of line breaking strain, clutch release and rod tip cushioning quite together and was fearful of bumping a fish off whereas the Vertex I could get it sweet as a nut and made under the tip battles a joy.
Yes their TC is probably slightly softer, probably due to the ultra slim blank but the action is much more sweeter and progressive, whereas the HI S is more aggressive although it is .25lb heavier, although I ‘ve never tested it against the VERTEX 3.75, but these are also a dream to us, hence having a set of 3,75 for heavier work or distance although they are still a joy to use. The 3.25 is my go to rod for 90% of all my fishing.
I suppose the ultimate accolade is when I thinned down my tackle collection I got rid of the Hi S rods (on here) and kept the Vertex’s. It has been said that ESP have never made a bad rod.
PS: mine were bought from a guy who worked for ESP and one of them is a prototype with no ESP logo and slightly different tipping whipping, the other 3 in the set are the first commercial ones given to said bloke at cost price, so they are getting on a bit but I still love em!
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In reply to Post #5
I have some mk1 armalites too in 2.75 and yes the ESP are much lighter and as you say have a lovely playing action
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In reply to Post #5
Double post!
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In reply to Post #1
I also have a set of the TH 12'9" in 3.25 , and expected them to be much stiffer than my previous rods , Century Armalite Mk1's in 12' and 2.5 test - very pleasantly surprised to find that they are ( in my opinion ) just as nice a playing rod as the Armalites . Biggest bonus to me , as a 79-year old , is that they are quite a bit lighter in the hand than Armalites
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Thanks both, hopefully I’ll be in possession of a set of Hi S by the weekend!
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I have the CODE Cipher rods which seemingly are Hi S Ive ER rods. Or so the rumours say.
They are the best and most universal rods I have ever had and fit exactly the description below. They can do everything and are really the unicorn rod that can do everything and still be nice for playing fish.
In that respect I would suspect they have much more backbone than the ESP TH yet are still nice enough for playing fish. Probably not the same as the ESP but nice enough.
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In reply to Post #1
I have no experience with the esp rods but I have a pair of freespirit HI S Ive ER and find them great they have plenty of power in the butt. They are surprisingly nice for playing fish too and casting light leads but have plenty left if you need to cast a solid bag or fishing at distance. In my opinion if you're going to spend the money on a set of HI S the IVE ER is great it does everything unless you are looking for extreme range.
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I have a set of 12’9 3.25 Terry Hearns (latest version) and think theyre great, but always felt they are a touch soft for the stated test curve. Has anyone used these and Free Spirit HI S in the same rating? Do the FS have a bit more backbone, or would I need to go to 3.5?
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