Recent content by Christian Tyroll

The weight difference between the 5000 and 4000 xr is really negligible as well, so in my mind there was no reason not to get the slighter bigger one. The 5000 is much smaller than shimano 5000 reels of old, more like 4000 size but with a nice wide spool.

They feel much lighter.

If you're not fussed about a baitrunner the Shimano Aero XR 5000 is nice. Sometimes on offer for about a £100, I paid £95 a while back. Its much lighter than the OCs. The ninjas are decent but personally I like the XR a lot more.

I really like Dave’s, they’re no nonsense, understated, but done well. I’ve got or had carp rods from both Tacklebox and Johnson Ross and wouldn’t hesitate to use either of them again either. Although imagine I’ll never buy another pair of carp rods.

I’ll be out tomorrow after work. Can’t wait.

I always had Drennan as a benchmark for quality, aside from an acolyte I haven’t been able to convince myself to buy a Drennan rod since the series 7.

I’ve got two barbel rods with shrink wrap. I wish they were both cork tbh! The only duplon rod I own is a 10ft ballista carp rod, it’s been done really nicely and in that instance I like it as much as cork. On balance gotta be cork though.

I’ve got a chimera 3 with 9+ tip and it feels like one too many rings to me. If I was choosing the ringing I think I’d go for 8, or even 7 plus tip.

Thank you all, very useful. I hadn't read all your replies in time to make use of them this morning, but am looking forward to getting back out already. Given my current ineptitude I left the waders at home, this meant that I struggled to trot a float through some of the pools that looked...

Evening all, if wading with a long float rod what net do people use? A trout style one that clips on waders?

Hi Andy, thanks for keeping such a cracking site going. I’ve just got round to making a long overdue donation.

I’ll probably plump for the free spirit or TB own brand, thank you for the recommendations. I’m sure the Chris Brown is good but is beyond what I can justify for a net. Steve, I have used a spoon net in the past and do think they are better. However, they don’t roll up and go in the quiver.

I’ve popped an order in, thank you.

I did clock you recommending these in the past, the net looks just the job. Unfortunately it seems they’ve stopped selling them.

Happy Christmas all, I hope the port and mince pies are treating you all well. Does anyone have any recommendations for a 36inch replacement mesh? Ideally a good bit deeper than the standard Drennan Specialist one. I find it a bit small for conveniently resting barbel, particularly when bank...