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Tf i GEAR GUIDE<br />
NEW tacklE <strong>BOAT</strong> <strong>RODS</strong> ON TEST REaDER OFFER<br />
<strong>BOAT</strong><br />
<strong>RODS</strong><br />
on test<br />
Robbie Winram reviews a<br />
selection of 10ft 7wts priced<br />
between £100 and £200<br />
TrouT fisherman 49 aPriL 15 - maY 12<br />
<strong>The</strong> <strong>tester</strong><br />
ROBBiE wiNRAm<br />
Trout Fisherman’s tackle<br />
<strong>tester</strong> and Rutland fishing<br />
guide with vast flyfishing<br />
experience
Tf i GEAR GUIDE<br />
NEW tacklE <strong>BOAT</strong> <strong>RODS</strong> ON TEST REaDER OFFER<br />
THE rods tested are<br />
10-foot dedicated<br />
7 weights or 7/8<br />
weights (with the<br />
exception of the<br />
Fenwick Iron Feather which was<br />
three inches shorter at 9ft 9in).<br />
<strong>The</strong>y were either three or four<br />
piece models, costing between<br />
£100 and £200. We were looking<br />
for the best all-rounder in the<br />
tip and middle to tip actions,<br />
a rod capable of handling a<br />
range of lines in a variety of<br />
conditions. <strong>The</strong>y needed to<br />
be proper fishing rods and not<br />
just casting tools that were<br />
9 RuNNERS uP<br />
REDiNgTON RED fly2 £129.99<br />
TECH SPEC<br />
Length: 10ft<br />
AFTM rating: 7wt<br />
Action: Middle to tip<br />
Weight: 4.2oz (4.4oz)<br />
Sections: 4<br />
Tube length: 34 inches<br />
capable of launching a line to<br />
the horizon! So they needed to<br />
present teams of dries at short<br />
and medium range, fish Buzzers<br />
and nymphs mid-water and at<br />
depth, and also be capable of<br />
casting and pulling high density<br />
sinkers all day without making<br />
your arm fall off. In short, we<br />
were lo0king for the best allround<br />
boat rod.<br />
THE TEST<br />
I TESTED the rods over three<br />
days using a range of lines.<br />
<strong>The</strong> floating lines were the Rio<br />
Outbound (37.5ft head), Airflo<br />
VERDiCT<br />
This rod has an easy<br />
casting style, liked the<br />
oversized rings for<br />
unrestricted line shoot,<br />
also comes in an 8wt<br />
model.<br />
Contact: 01977 681300; www.guideflyfishing<br />
TrouT fisherman 50 aPriL 15 - maY 12<br />
Ridge Tactical (51ft head), and<br />
Snowbee XS Extreme Distance<br />
(60ft head). Sinking lines were<br />
the Airflo Sixth Sense Fast<br />
Glass, Di-3, Di-7 and the Forty<br />
Plus Extreme Di-3 and Di-7.<br />
<strong>The</strong>se different densities and<br />
profiles tested the rods to the<br />
limit while lifting, loading,<br />
aerialising, false casting,<br />
double-hauling and shooting<br />
line. Turnover and accuracy was<br />
also taken into account.<br />
<strong>The</strong> rod’s weight is important,<br />
but nothing to loose sleep over<br />
and ultimately you have to use<br />
what feels most comfortable<br />
DAiwA wilDERNESS xT £145 SONik Sk8 £199.99<br />
TECH SPEC<br />
Length: 10ft<br />
AFTM rating: 7wt<br />
Action: Middle to tip<br />
Weight: 4.9oz (5oz)<br />
Sections: 3<br />
Tube length: 44.5 ins<br />
VERDiCT<br />
An easy rod to load, good<br />
for short to medium<br />
range work, excelled<br />
at roll and continuous<br />
motion casts.<br />
TECH SPEC<br />
Length: 10ft<br />
AFTM rating: 7wt<br />
Action: Fast tip<br />
Weight: 3.88oz (4.3oz)<br />
Sections: 4<br />
Tube length: 35.5 ins<br />
for you. We have quoted the<br />
manufacturer’s weight (where<br />
available) and the TF in-house<br />
weight alongside in brackets.<br />
Fittings and finish were also<br />
taken in account, especially<br />
with regards to a quality reel<br />
seat, cork handle, good sized<br />
stripping and intermediate<br />
guides, and a protective case.<br />
Of the rods reviewed nine<br />
were selected as runners-up<br />
(this page), six ‘recommended’<br />
(page 52-53) and then two<br />
overall winners - one tip and<br />
one middle to tip - were chosen<br />
(page 54).<br />
SHimANO BiOCRAfT fly EV £114.99<br />
TECH SPEC<br />
Length: 10ft<br />
AFTM rating: 7wt<br />
Action: Middle to tip<br />
Weight: (4.5oz)<br />
Sections: 3<br />
Tube length: None supplied<br />
Contact: 01386 425824; www.shimano-eu.com<br />
VERDiCT<br />
A very powerful ‘speed<br />
tip’ type rod, excelling<br />
at small loops and<br />
distance. Would suit more<br />
experienced anglers.<br />
Contact: 01698 355723; www.daiwasports.co.uk Contact: 0845 3076300; www.soniksports.com<br />
VERDiCT<br />
Although middle to tip<br />
this is a very powerful<br />
rod with plenty of reserve<br />
power in the butt section.<br />
Good quality finish.
fENwiCk iRON fEATHER £189.99 SCiERRA mATukA £119.99<br />
TECH SPEC<br />
Length: 9ft 9 in<br />
AFTM rating: 7wt<br />
Action: Tip<br />
Weight: (3.8oz)<br />
Sections: 4<br />
Tube length: 35.5 ins<br />
gREyS PlATiNum xD COmP £199.99 ORViS ClEARwATER ii £169<br />
mARRyAT fRANCE £185<br />
TECH SPEC<br />
Length: 10ft<br />
AFTM rating: 7/8wt<br />
Action: Very fast tip<br />
Weight: (3.8oz)<br />
Sections: 3<br />
Tube length: 44 ins<br />
TECH SPEC<br />
Length: 10ft<br />
AFTM rating: 7wt<br />
Action: Very fast tip<br />
Weight: 5.88oz (5.8oz)<br />
Sections: 3<br />
Tube length: 44.4 ins<br />
VERDiCT<br />
<strong>The</strong> only one with a<br />
detachable fighting<br />
butt. Good for floaters<br />
and intermediates, but<br />
fast sinkers tended to<br />
overpower it.<br />
TECH SPEC<br />
Length: 10ft<br />
AFTM rating: 7wt<br />
Action: Tip<br />
Weight: 4.7oz (4.7oz)<br />
Sections: 4<br />
Tube length: 34 ins<br />
Contact: 01527 405410; www.purefishing.com Contact: 02920 791700; www.svendsen-sports.co.uk<br />
TrouT fisherman 51 aPriL 15 - maY 12<br />
TECH SPEC<br />
Length: 10ft<br />
AFTM rating: 7wt<br />
Action: Middle to tip<br />
Weight: 4oz (4.1oz)<br />
Sections: 4<br />
Tube length: 34.75 ins<br />
Contact: 01665 602771; www.greysfishing.com Contact: 0844 5574177; www.orvis.co.uk<br />
VERDiCT<br />
One of the lightest,<br />
another very fast action<br />
rod similar to the <strong>Sonik</strong><br />
SK8, so best in specialist<br />
hands and for distance<br />
casting.<br />
Contact: 01963 220164; www.fishingmatters.com<br />
VERDiCT<br />
A well-established<br />
rod, still going strong,<br />
excellent for pulling<br />
sinking lines up to the<br />
boat and for distance<br />
casting.<br />
VERDiCT<br />
Although classed as<br />
a middle to tip action<br />
I found it more tip.<br />
Performed better with<br />
long belly lines and it<br />
loved sinkers.<br />
VERDiCT<br />
Middle to tip but has a<br />
much deeper action that<br />
goes right to the butt<br />
section when playing fish.<br />
Quality fittings and finish.<br />
THE wARRANTy miNEfiElD<br />
LifeTime guarantee, original purchaser<br />
lifetime warranty, worldwide warranty,<br />
25 year guarantee - we’ve all seen these<br />
promises on rod labels and they can be<br />
great selling points. after all, who hasn’t<br />
needed to replace a favourite rod after<br />
breaking a section while playing a fish<br />
or when it is accidentally stepped on or<br />
shut in the car door?<br />
But how much peace of mind do these<br />
guarantees really offer and are they<br />
worth the paper they are printed on?<br />
all rods are covered by a standard<br />
manufacturer’s warranty covering<br />
defects and workmanship. <strong>The</strong> time<br />
period can vary from one to five years<br />
depending on the manufacturer;<br />
and ultimately they decide whether<br />
you face a cost or not! some want<br />
the whole rod back and the postage<br />
covered by insurance, while others<br />
require just a small section of rod that<br />
can be placed in an envelope. But it all<br />
costs.<br />
accidental breakage is normally<br />
charged per individual rod section and<br />
costs from around £25 which covers<br />
return post and packing, administration<br />
and handling. But it can be a great deal<br />
more. read the fine print carefully and<br />
remember - nothing is free!<br />
To make claiming easier I suggest<br />
the following:<br />
l always register your rod using the<br />
registration card provided.<br />
l Before you send the card off make a<br />
photocopy for your own records.<br />
l Keep the original purchase receipt in<br />
a safe place. if the receipt doesn’t state<br />
which goods have been purchased,<br />
just the amount, write the details on<br />
the back. and again, make a photocopy<br />
before posting it off anywhere.
Tf i GEAR GUIDE<br />
NEW tacklE <strong>BOAT</strong> <strong>RODS</strong> ON TEST REaDER OFFER<br />
6 RECOmmENDED<br />
SNOwBEE DiAmOND £129<br />
fEATuRES<br />
l Cork/eVa fighting butt and<br />
full wells cork/composite handle<br />
l Brushed anodised aluminium,<br />
double ring up-locking reel seat<br />
with olive green burl wood insert<br />
l 2 siC lined stripping guides,<br />
9 high lift snakes, hayfork tip,<br />
keeper ring l Deep olive gloss<br />
blank, matching whippings and<br />
gold highlights l Partitioned<br />
cloth bag and olive cordura-<br />
ORViS wESTERN 3 £179<br />
fEATuRES<br />
l Cork/eVa fighting butt and a<br />
full wells cork handle<br />
l anodised aluminium, double<br />
ring up-locking reel seat with a<br />
brown carbon fibre insert<br />
l 2 lined stripping guides, 8 dark<br />
titanium snake guides, hayfork<br />
tip, keeper ring l rich dark<br />
brown matt blank with matching<br />
whippings l Partitioned<br />
brown cordura covered zip top<br />
triangular rod tube with carry<br />
handle.<br />
Contact: 08445574177; www.orvis.co.uk<br />
covered zip top rod tube with<br />
carry handle.<br />
VERDiCT<br />
Although described as a<br />
crisp middle to tip I would<br />
say it has a fast tip. When<br />
loading and aerialising line<br />
this action generated tight<br />
loops for good distance.<br />
Handled floaters and<br />
intermediates well but<br />
Contact: 01752 334933; www.snowbee.co.uk<br />
wyCHwOOD AuRA £139.99<br />
fEATuRES<br />
l Cork fighting butt and full<br />
wells cork handle l anodised<br />
alloy, double ring up-locking reel<br />
seat l 2 lined stripping guides, 8<br />
single leg snake rings, hayfork tip,<br />
keeper ring l Gloss gold/brown<br />
blank with brown whippings<br />
l section alignment markers<br />
with numbered section and<br />
length and afTm l Partitioned<br />
nylon bag, and light brown zip<br />
top cordura covered cylindrical<br />
rod tube.<br />
VERDiCT<br />
Each new Western rod<br />
seems to be better than<br />
the last and the Western3<br />
is no excetion. Orvis are<br />
now using a carbon scrim<br />
in the blanks which makes<br />
them lighter and when I<br />
weighed the rod it came in<br />
under their stated weight.<br />
A smooth casting blank<br />
that needs a longer casting<br />
action to get the best from<br />
it, but it is in no way a<br />
VERDiCT<br />
This is a powerful, fast<br />
action rod that makes<br />
short work of casting from<br />
the boat during rough<br />
weather. <strong>The</strong> tip has a fast<br />
recovery allowing me to<br />
punch tight loops into the<br />
wind on the backcast. This<br />
meant I could load the<br />
rod quickly and it made<br />
for long line shoots on the<br />
forward cast. With this<br />
power there is a trade off<br />
Contact: 01527 587450; www.wychwood-game.co.uk<br />
excelled with medium and<br />
fast sink lines. Butt section<br />
was quite stiff and over<br />
time my arm and wrist<br />
began to tire, the only<br />
reason the rod missed out<br />
on best in test. Ring sizes<br />
and spacing spot on for<br />
unrestricted line shoots.<br />
wARRANTy<br />
original purchaser lifetime<br />
soft blank. <strong>The</strong> rod was<br />
more than happy working<br />
with floating through to<br />
medium sink lines, but I<br />
felt it didn’t quite have the<br />
same power for fast sunk<br />
line work.<br />
wARRANTy<br />
25-year guarantee means orvis<br />
will repair the rod “no Questions<br />
asked”. if they can’t repair it,<br />
they will choose a current rod<br />
of at least equal value to replace<br />
and it is weight. <strong>The</strong> rod<br />
weighs in at 6oz making it<br />
the heaviest on review, but<br />
this may suit some anglers.<br />
It certainly doesn’t make<br />
it unpleasant to cast with<br />
and over the time I tested it,<br />
the weight wasn’t an issue<br />
for me.<br />
wARRANTy<br />
if the rod is damaged in any way<br />
Wychwood offer replacement<br />
sections at £35 from your<br />
TrouT fisherman 52 aPriL 15 - maY 12<br />
guarantee. free replacement if a<br />
breakage in the first 12 months is<br />
caused by a manufacturing fault.<br />
all other breakages £25.<br />
TECH SPEC<br />
Length: 10ft<br />
AFTM rating: 7wt<br />
Action: Fast tip<br />
Weight: 4.7oz (4.5oz)<br />
Sections: 4<br />
Tube length: 34.25 ins<br />
it. for rods manufactured after<br />
January 2003, there will be a<br />
nominal handling charge of £20,<br />
usually turned around in 3-6<br />
weeks.<br />
TECH SPEC<br />
Length: 10ft<br />
AFTM rating: 7wt<br />
Action: Middle to tip<br />
Weight: 4.8oz (4.1oz)<br />
Sections: 3<br />
Tube length: 44.5ins<br />
local Wychwood retailer or<br />
Wychwood customer service<br />
department for the life of the<br />
rod. Postage is free and return<br />
usually within seven working<br />
days.<br />
TECH SPEC<br />
Length: 10ft<br />
AFTM rating: 7wt<br />
Action: Fast tip<br />
Weight: (6oz)<br />
Sections: 4<br />
Tube length: 34.5 ins
gREyS gRxi+ £134.99<br />
fEATuRES<br />
l Cork and composite fighting<br />
butt and a full wells cork handle<br />
l anodised alloy double ring<br />
up-locking reel seat<br />
l 2 lined stripping guides, 8<br />
snake intermediates, hayfork tip,<br />
keeper ring l Gloss grey blank<br />
with brown whippings<br />
l section alignment markings<br />
l Partitioned black cordura<br />
covered zip top cylindrical tube<br />
with carrying handle.<br />
SNOwBEE PRESTigE £199<br />
VERDiCT<br />
This new range of rods<br />
are worthy replacements<br />
for the very popular GRXi<br />
models. <strong>The</strong>y are now all<br />
four-piece instead of threepiece<br />
and have single line<br />
ratings. <strong>The</strong> rod’s action<br />
does feel steelier than its<br />
predecessor and it has a<br />
fast middle to tip action<br />
that was able to handle a<br />
wide range of lines from<br />
floaters right through to<br />
Contact: 01665 602771; www.greysfishing.com<br />
fEATuRES<br />
l Cork/composite fighting butt<br />
and full wells cork handle<br />
l anodised gold aluminium<br />
reel seat with a maple burl<br />
wood insert and a single ring<br />
up-locking winch fitting l 2 siC<br />
lined stripping guides, 8 high lift<br />
snake intermediates, hayfork tip,<br />
keeper ring l Gloss dark claret<br />
blank with matching whippings<br />
and gold and bronze highlights<br />
l section alignment markers<br />
l Partitioned cloth rod bag<br />
and a dark claret alloy tube with<br />
screw top.<br />
VERDiCT<br />
One of the lightest on review<br />
with a fast crisp tip action<br />
producing tight loops and<br />
good turnover. Handled<br />
floating through to medium<br />
sink lines with no problem,<br />
but lacked a little power at<br />
distance with Di-5 to Di-7<br />
heavyweight lines. Opting<br />
for a 6/7 instead of a 7/8<br />
Contact: 01752 334933; www.snowbee.co.uk<br />
AiRflO AiRTEC NANO £119.99<br />
fEATuRES<br />
l Cork/composite cork fighting<br />
butt and full wells handle<br />
l aluminium alloy double ring<br />
up-locking reel seat with an<br />
carbon insert l 2 lined stripping<br />
guides, 9 chrome single leg<br />
snakes, hayfork tip, keeper ring<br />
l Gloss olive blank with<br />
matching whippings and gold<br />
highlights l section alignment<br />
markers, length and weight<br />
markings on each section<br />
l Partitioned cloth rod bag<br />
and an olive cordura covered<br />
triangular zip top tube with carry<br />
handle and shoulder strap.<br />
VERDiCT<br />
<strong>The</strong> rod I tested is a<br />
prototype, but when it goes<br />
into the shops the blank<br />
and action will remain the<br />
same. Only the reel seat<br />
will change, from the gold<br />
colour to a brushed alloy<br />
with an olive carbon fibre<br />
insert. This is a versatile<br />
Contact: 0871 9117008; www.airflofishing.com<br />
fast sinkers. I liked the<br />
four piece design for ease<br />
of storage and travel,<br />
and also the composite<br />
cork protecting the top and<br />
bottom of the cork handle.<br />
wARRANTy<br />
Worldwide extended Warranty,<br />
must be registered within 60<br />
days of purchase. <strong>The</strong> WeW<br />
applies for the lifetime of<br />
the original owner for rods<br />
purchased from an authorised<br />
fast sinker made a marked<br />
difference, allowing more<br />
line to be aerialised without<br />
overloading the tip. Overall<br />
finish and fittings are of<br />
a high standard and I<br />
liked the maple wood reel<br />
seat insert as they are all<br />
different, giving a touch of<br />
exclusivity.<br />
wARRANTy<br />
original purchaser lifetime<br />
guarantee. if you have a breakage<br />
blank that I found easy to<br />
load and cast with. Good at<br />
distance casting but with<br />
enough flex in the right<br />
places for easy roll and<br />
switch casts. When pushing<br />
for maximum distance<br />
I could really lean into<br />
the rod without it folding<br />
under the strain. I liked the<br />
self-centering reel seat, as<br />
it makes mounting the reel<br />
so much easier, and also<br />
the price.<br />
TrouT fisherman 53 aPriL 15 - maY 12<br />
Greys dealer, effective January<br />
2008. a £25 handling charge and<br />
the section repair charge will be<br />
10% of the current or last rrP of<br />
the rod. Customer must retain<br />
original proof of purchase.<br />
TECH SPEC<br />
Length: 10ft<br />
AFTM rating: 7wt<br />
Action: Middle to tip<br />
Weight: 4.9oz (5oz)<br />
Sections: 4<br />
Tube length: 34 ins<br />
in the first 12 months and it is<br />
a manufacturing fault it will be<br />
replaced free of charge. all other<br />
breakages for whatever reason<br />
cost £25 and snowbee will replace<br />
rod or faulty part by return.<br />
TECH SPEC<br />
Length: 10ft<br />
AFTM rating: 7wt<br />
Action: Fast tip<br />
Weight: 4oz (3.8oz)<br />
Sections: 4<br />
Tube length: 34 ins<br />
wARRANTy<br />
Lifetime guarantee for the<br />
lifetime of the original owner. a<br />
£25 excess applies per claim. rod<br />
may be replaced with a similar<br />
priced rod in the current range.<br />
TECH SPEC<br />
Length: 10ft<br />
AFTM rating: 7/8wt<br />
Action: Fast tip<br />
Weight: (4.4oz)<br />
Sections: 3<br />
Tube length: 45 ins
Tf i GEAR GUIDE<br />
NEW tacklE <strong>BOAT</strong> <strong>RODS</strong> ON TEST REaDER OFFER<br />
THE wiNNERS<br />
fIshERmAn<br />
Best in test<br />
TECH SPEC<br />
Length: 10ft<br />
AFTM rating: 7/8wt<br />
Action: Fast middle to tip<br />
Weight: 4.3oz (4.5oz)<br />
Sections: 3<br />
Tube length: 43.75inches<br />
fEATuRES<br />
l Cork/composite fighting butt<br />
and full wells handle<br />
l Black anodised alloy single ring<br />
up-locking reel seat<br />
l 2 PB lined stripping guides, 8 hard chrome<br />
snake intermediates, hayfork tip ring, keeper ring<br />
l natural carbon grey gloss blank with matching<br />
whippings and silver highlights<br />
l Partitioned grey cordura covered zip top<br />
cylindrical tube with carry handle.<br />
fIshERmAn<br />
Best in test<br />
TECH SPEC<br />
Length: 10ft<br />
AFTM rating: 7/8wt<br />
Action: Fast tip<br />
Weight: 4.48oz (4.6oz)<br />
Sections: 4<br />
Rod tube length: 33.5inches<br />
fEATuRES<br />
l Cork/eVa fighting butt and a full wells cork<br />
handle with thumb indent<br />
l anodised alloy single ring up-locking reel<br />
seat with a golden olive carbon fibre insert<br />
l 2 lined siC stripping guides, 8 single leg<br />
snake intermediates, hayfork tip, keeper ring<br />
l Gloss golden olive blank with matching<br />
whippings and copper highlights<br />
l Partitioned cloth rod bag and a light brown<br />
zip top cordura covered triangular tube with<br />
carry handle and shoulder strap.<br />
Contact: www.soniksports.com<br />
tel 0845 3076300<br />
ViSiON CATAPulT NiTE £199.99<br />
wARRANTy<br />
Breakages covered by the Vision 5<br />
year original purchaser warranty.<br />
it will be repaired, or replaced<br />
with the nearest current<br />
model. £30 handling and<br />
carriage fee. Guarantee<br />
card and original receipt<br />
must be sent in with<br />
rod.<br />
SONik Sk4 £139.99<br />
wARRANTy<br />
Covered by 5 year manufacturers<br />
warranty against defects and<br />
workmanship. also offer a<br />
rapidex lifetime rod replacement<br />
service at £35 plus £15 which<br />
covers express shipment<br />
of your replacement<br />
rod (next day)<br />
TrouT fisherman 54 aPriL 15 - maY 12<br />
VERDiCT<br />
This rod has a much<br />
deeper action than the SK4<br />
(below) but still remains<br />
tippy with plenty of power<br />
in reserve. It was easy to lift<br />
and load short and medium<br />
lengths of line, while a<br />
longer casting stroke was<br />
needed for distance work.<br />
When striving for distance<br />
I could really lean into the<br />
rod without it folding under<br />
pressure. Aerialising line<br />
was smooth and the rod<br />
had a surprisingly fast<br />
tip recovery so I<br />
could generate<br />
Contact: 01977 681300;<br />
www.guideflyfishing.co.uk<br />
and the return shipping of your<br />
broken rod. failure to register<br />
the rod at time of purchase will<br />
invalidate the warranty.<br />
VERDiCT<br />
If you’re serious about<br />
your boat fishing and want<br />
a rod that is just as good<br />
at handling floaters and<br />
midge tips in the surface<br />
as it is pumping up fast<br />
sinkers from depth the<br />
SK4 has what it takes. It<br />
has a fast action with the<br />
majority of flex in the tip<br />
so you would think that<br />
the rest of the rod<br />
would be like a<br />
poker. But it’s<br />
good line speeds and tight<br />
loops. <strong>The</strong> rod will take<br />
a 7wt or an 8wt, from a<br />
floater to a Di-3 sinker.<br />
When it comes to heavier<br />
weight lines like Di-5, Di-7<br />
or the occasional Di-8, the<br />
7/8wt rating put the rod<br />
under pressure, but by<br />
dropping down to 6/7wt<br />
lines I was able to load<br />
the rod perfectly. <strong>The</strong><br />
extra flex and feel in the<br />
blank made light work of<br />
continuous motion casts<br />
like the roll, switch and<br />
snake, adding to the rod’s<br />
overall appeal. I liked its<br />
casting action, a bit laid<br />
back and relaxed. <strong>The</strong> selfcentering<br />
reel seat makes it<br />
much easier to set up. <strong>The</strong><br />
oversized rings allowed<br />
for unrestricted line shoots<br />
and the Pacific Bay lined<br />
stripping rings were<br />
robust and a good<br />
design.<br />
not! You can feel the blank<br />
working right down into<br />
the butt section, allowing<br />
you to generate smooth<br />
casts without expending<br />
a lot of effort. This also<br />
makes the rod sensitive to<br />
take indications allowing<br />
you to react quickly to<br />
knocks and taps to the fly.<br />
Lines are easy to lift, load<br />
and cast and is suitable<br />
for the novice through to<br />
seasoned experts. <strong>The</strong><br />
self-centering reel seat<br />
winch fitting makes setting<br />
up a lot quicker, as does<br />
the alignment markings<br />
on each section. I liked the<br />
four-piece design, great for<br />
travelling, and the tube is<br />
short enough to pack out<br />
of sight in the car. I was<br />
impressed with this rod<br />
when I reviewed it back in<br />
May 2008 and nothing has<br />
changed my mind. A<br />
great rod for under<br />
£140.
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