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Recommendations for a 15ft Speci Float Rod Please?

Russ Pike

Russ Pike

Senior Member & Supporter
Hi all,

I’m looking to buy a 15ft Speci float rod and having read numerous posts on here and some in-depth comments from some very knowledgeable anglers, I’m still confused what to go for 🤦‍♂️ specifically looking to fish the middle and upper Trent and possibly the Don. Trotting for Chub, Barbel and Bonus fish. I currently have a couple of 13ft and 14ft float rods but more budget friendly rods not top spec. Any help greatly appreciated 🙏
 
I have two favourite rods for fishing the middle Trent.
1. Free Spirit Hi-S 15ft Power Float in the original spec. I have not used the latest spec but word on the street is it is not an improvement over the original.
2. Cadence CR10 14ft #4. This is the most pwerful option in the cadence range and 14ft is the only option for the #4 but having said that I don't feel I miss the extra foot compared to the Hi-S. You might want to consider a #3 if you are confident you will never have a hold on tight moment.
I also own an Acolyte 15ft Speciment and it didn't come fishing with me this season which may say something.
 
Russ Pike said:
Hi Chris, I’ve read loads about the Accy Speci but seen a lot of folks have had issues with them snapping tips!
Click to expand...
The acolyte is a very low resin thin walled blank
It doesn’t break on its own but it doesn’t deal with being mistreated as well as what other blanks might do. I’ve owned several and caught a lot of good fish on them and never had one break.
Im convinced A good proportion of the story’s you read about them breaking are probably watered down from the truth.

Definitely put the acolyte specimen on your shortlist. You’d be mad to dismiss it because it’s light, powerful and more importantly available to buy new.

Anything I’d recommend before it, you’ll have a hard time getting hold of
 
I've snapped a handful of rods over the years . . .all have been user error (ie. snagged up / impatience / rammed into sleeves / stepping on the blank / line wrapped around the tip etc). I've only ever blown up one rod with a cast and that was a soft 2.5tc blank that I stupidly thought could handle an oversized PVA bag . . .

If a rods faulty / weak it will generally go on the first outing - so if your worried I'd buy from a reputable tackle shop in confidence as you've always got a fall back position to return / replace!
 
I puzzled, has anyone actually seen/heard of an Acolyte Specimen breakage in normal use?

I've seen plenty of information about broken Acolyte Ultras and Acolyte Pluses, but the majority of the gossip stemmed from a year or two after their initial release. They've been on the market for a surprisingly long time, too.

IIRC, the 13, 14 and 15' Acolyte Specimens have been around since about November 2023. The 17' Acolyte Specimen turned up in June 2025. I don't recall seeing/hearing anything about them breaking. I've tried pretty hard, but I've failed to break any Acolyte (of many) in normal use.
 
I've got a Daiwa Connoisseur 14' power float that I like. They do a 15' as well. Mine is the older version rather than the newest one. I'm not keen on the newer version, a bit too "blingy" for my liking. Especially the handle.
 
I have an Acolyte Specimen rod and think it is excellent.

I’ve never previously owned an Acolyte; partly because of their perceived reputation for fragility. I have no knowledge of breakage issues with the Specimen version.
 
I did snap my Acci Spec 14' but that was not through normal use, I was lifting it from the wrong end whilst threading line. Drennan did replace the top section FOC though.
 
John, that is a fantastic response to my question and has definitely helped. I have been pondering over the Cadence
Richard Isaacs said:
The acolyte is a very low resin thin walled blank
It doesn’t break on its own but it doesn’t deal with being mistreated as well as what other blanks might do. I’ve owned several and caught a lot of good fish on them and never had one break.
Im convinced A good proportion of the story’s you read about them breaking are probably watered down from the truth.

Definitely put the acolyte specimen on your shortlist. You’d be mad to dismiss it because it’s light, powerful and more importantly available to buy new.

Anything I’d recommend before it, you’ll have a hard time getting hold of
Click to expand...
Thanks Richard, I’ve also been reading your comments about the Preston Supera X which you now seem to be warming too but obviously the power version only comes in at a 14 footer. Sounds like a great rod though. Accy Speci is definitely on the shortlist!
 
Russ, the Normark Avenger 15ft is due out in a few months (May/June 2026 I believe) so am considering one of these as a friend let me have a try of his 13ft Avenger on a smaller river and that was a joy to use. The Acolytes are certainly up there in value for money though as I've tried the Plus version for smaller fish / chub etc.
I'd take a trip to a good tackle store and try them out side by side with your reel of choice though as then you'll know which one you like. They're all very good nowadays and as people have said - more likely user error for breakages. Who hasn't come through the undergrowth and then discovered you've got a 4 piece rod :D .
 
Carl Massey said:
Russ, the Normark Avenger 15ft is due out in a few months (May/June 2026 I believe) so am considering one of these as a friend let me have a try of his 13ft Avenger on a smaller river and that was a joy to use. The Acolytes are certainly up there in value for money though as I've tried the Plus version for smaller fish / chub etc.
I'd take a trip to a good tackle store and try them out side by side with your reel of choice though as then you'll know which one you like. They're all very good nowadays and as people have said - more likely user error for breakages. Who hasn't come through the undergrowth and then discovered you've got a 4 piece rod :D .
Click to expand...
 
Very true Carl about the undergrowth 🤦‍♂️ I think I may hold tight for the Avenger 15ft to be released. Especially with the season nearing a close. Thank you for your input.
 
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