New Drennan Barbel Rods

[Steve Quinn]

They are ok, although I don't find them all that different to the current Korum 3K Barbel rods. Blanks are similar in weight for the 12ft 1.75 version compared to the Korum rods and double the price gets you better guides, same unbranded plastic reel seat and th fact they are from Drennan.

I don't really see much else different. I've had both the Drennan and Korum. Id probably just pick up another Korum if I was in the market for a new rod, still does the same thing for less money

Yeah I was thinking the Drennan ones would be a bit more snazzier than the Korums but perhaps not. I'm quite a fan of Drennan rods but these new ones don't seem to of set the world alight. As you say just a bit 'ok'

 

[Mark Evans 2]

I was expecting a lot more considering how long it took for their release

Just my opinion but they are not anything special. Had the blanks been lighter and with maybe a proper Fuji reel seat or something then maybe.

 

[Steve Quinn]

Shame Daiwa don't do the Powermesh ones anymore. On offer, they were a affordable but decent rod.

 

[Graham Elliott]

Shame Daiwa don't do the Powermesh ones anymore. On offer, they were a affordable but decent rod.

Certainly fabulous rods at fair price

 

[Paul Gaynard]

A couple of the chaps on the Trent I know have the shimano purist bx3 in 13ft length 3lb test curve and both swear by them and although I say 3 lb t.c is maybe a tad heavy and stiff they both say the action is just right for playing big trent barbel and casting big leads with ease also the action is that forgiving they are just as good with smaller weights and anything that may arise. on the other hand I have a pair of korum 2.5tc 12ft k3s I bought for 60 quid apiece 3 years ago and I see these as an absolute bargain

 

[Michael Humberstone]

I only have one Free Spirit Barbel rod. The original Seeker. I was very disappointed with it when it arrived. Too thick in the tip and tip heavy. Not a good rod for the Stour or Avon imo but I've used it on the Severn where it's better. I broke the tip on my Torrix 11' Specialist ( my fault) and Johnson Ross replaced it free of charge. Amazing place!

I have to agree Johnson Ross are up there with the best when it comes to after sales service in my experience .

 

[Julian Griffiths]

Mentioned on another thread. I have real issues with Drennan’s specialist range of rods. The green lacquer finish, is supposed to make them look like the original specialist range of rods from 25 years ago i.e. the legendary Super Specialist Duo rods.

In reality I found the lacquer will scratch when placed on a plastic rod rest. The fittings are cheap including the end butt cap, which also scratches with ease. I much preferred the textured cork butt end on previous models.

I bought the 11ft 1.25lb Specialist Duo rod and soon moved it on. Quality wise these rods are no better than Drennan’s basic Red Ranges of rods, with the same finish and cheap fittings.

From what I can see these new Barbel rods, have the same lacquered finish

This is not what I expect from Drennan.

I'd expect that from drennan now unfortunately.

Everything has kinda gone that way in life hasn't it. And consumer costs never endingly going up.

I love the old drennan ranges and that textured cork handle.
I recently brought a couple of series 7's from a lovely member on here.

Those horrible butt caps & cheap fitting is the way forward with a lot of company's, & same as you Neil.... Very disappointed with the direction drennan has gone down in terms of quality. All started when the red range & vertex ranges came out I think.

 

[Julian Griffiths]

I picked mine up last week. I don't know, it's been so long these coming I was expecting better for a off the shelf rod, but then I'm quite picky when it comes to rods anyway.

They seem tip heavy to me and the blanks not the slimmest around. I might be moving mine on without using it.

I had some barbel rods from drennan, some years ago, came with illuminous white tips (Barbel duos?) I hated what they called the 'weight forward' which as you described made them feel tip heavy... Couldn't get rid of them quickly enough!

 

[Neil Blood]

I'd expect that from drennan now unfortunately.

Everything has kinda gone that way in life hasn't it. And consumer costs never endingly going up.

I love the old drennan ranges and that textured cork handle.
I recently brought a couple of series 7's from a lovely member on here.

Those horrible butt caps & cheap fitting is the way forward with a lot of company's, & same as you Neil.... Very disappointed with the direction drennan has gone down in terms of quality. All started when the red range & vertex ranges came out I think.

Re Vertex rods, the main problem is the metallic turquoise bling finish! I actually love the 11ft Vertex Medium Feeder and 11ft Vertex Carp Feeder rods. Both fitted with a 1.5oz glass tip covers the majority of my Chub and Perch tip fishing on small to medium sized rivers.

Yes they have the cheap metal butt cap, which the Acolytes have too

Still very underrated rods IMHO