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Leslie's of Luton insight blanks

Peter T Thomas

Peter T Thomas

Senior Member
Does anyone have any blank information
about which Harrison blank was used to produce the range of rods prob 2005 app
Thanks leter
 
Supposedly bespoke blanks, but they looked and felt a lot like Chimera's to me. Not sure about the specialist rods, only handled the carp rods.
 
I have a few from this range: 1.75, multi spec (1.175, 2.25 and quiver sections) a specimen float rod (13ft) and flood water rod.
The 1.75 has very similar action to a peregrine GTI and the 2.25 similar to ipowers ….and I’m pretty sure the flood rod is a chimera no3. Saying all this I do think majority of range were specific to Leslie’s. But all Harrison’s I believe, personally I think they’re great rods. Might be worth calling Harrison’s for info?
 
They also sold an insight centrepin which was an anodised purple colour haven’t a clue who made them only ever seen one that was on Tim lennons site for sale … wish I had bought it now
 
Their Barbel net was also very good quality, didn’t know they did a centrepin.
I still have a Leslie’s one piece thermal suit, incredibly warm and comfortable….wish I could still get in it!
 
Alan Palmer said:
I have a few from this range: 1.75, multi spec (1.175, 2.25 and quiver sections) a specimen float rod (13ft) and flood water rod.
The 1.75 has very similar action to a peregrine GTI and the 2.25 similar to ipowers ….and I’m pretty sure the flood rod is a chimera no3. Saying all this I do think majority of range were specific to Leslie’s. But all Harrison’s I believe, personally I think they’re great rods. Might be worth calling Harrison’s for info?
Click to expand...

There are a few examples of Harrison supplying blanks for which the store/rod builders market under different names.

Ted Carter's used to sell a Summer and Winter barbel rods( built on the Harrison 1.75 and 2lb standard specialist blanks), Davis Tackle with their 11' Avon Special (same blank as the standard Harrison Avon), The Peregrine GTX 1.5 and 1.75 rods (built on Chimera 1 & 2 blanks). I could go on.

The carbon weave on the Insight Carp rods was identical to that on the Chimera carp blanks to my eyes. On the Insights it was known as a '2x2 twill', whereas Harrison's marketed it as a 3k weave. In the world of carbon fibre, they are one and same things.

Anyway, it's no slight on the Insights if they were all built on Chimera blanks as they are probably the best range of blanks ever produced, imo.
 
Here it is
IMG_3802.jpeg
 
I did ask that very question of the very helpful Dr Harrison, the insight rods were based on the chimera blank, the 12’ RB had a 1.5 lb tc quiver top, and a 1.75 & 2.0 lb hollow top.
The 1.75 & 2.0 tops were also available as stand alone rods
There was also a SU version which was 2.25lb which were superb rods for the tidal Trent .
As mentioned earlier there was also a “flood” rod but I found it far too rigid & more suited to the beach!!!
I do speak with experience as I have a pair of multi specs, a pair of SU’s and a couple of stand alone rods.
It is also worth noting that late run rods are not made with Harrison blanks but a cheaper substitute
 
Andy Bell said:
I did ask that very question of the very helpful Dr Harrison, the insight rods were based on the chimera blank, the 12’ RB had a 1.5 lb tc quiver top, and a 1.75 & 2.0 lb hollow top.
The 1.75 & 2.0 tops were also available as stand alone rods
There was also a SU version which was 2.25lb which were superb rods for the tidal Trent .
As mentioned earlier there was also a “flood” rod but I found it far too rigid & more suited to the beach!!!
I do speak with experience as I have a pair of multi specs, a pair of SU’s and a couple of stand alone rods.
It is also worth noting that late run rods are not made with Harrison blanks but a cheaper substitute
Click to expand...
Hi Andy, I was told by a one time Leslie’s shop worker it was the later green blanks that were not Harrison’s, the Harrison blanks being the burgundy colour, do you know if that is correct from your info?
 
No mate, I’ve personally not seen a green insight blank, but I do have a non-Harrison burgundy one, though you do need a good eye to spot the difference in the weave ( also had it confirmed by Harrison’s))
It’s still a very nice rod though …they do say ignorance is bliss😂
 
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