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2.25 and tc Barbel rods.

Kevin Siddle

Senior Member
Afternoon people. I’m making an appeal for advice. I currently have a pair of 12’ barbel seekers 1.75, a pair of original powermesh 2.75 for when it’s really tanking through and recently bought a pair of current model powermesh 2.25 to fill the gap.The rods are nice the blanks excellent but I really dislike the rings. My predicament is either replace or re ring? Any view or rod suggestions appreciated as is anyone with a pair of either Hi S or high end Diawa alternatives
 
They’re incredibly soft and bend very easily. I keep my rods made up and am constantly having to bend the rings back into shape…other than that they’re fine. I guess my fear is I’ll snap one though it hasn’t happened thus far. The rods themselves are very through action with a powerful butt section
 
It’s a real shame as otherwise I cannot fault the rod, don’t know what it would cost for a decent set of rings to be fitted? My older 2.75 is by contrast fitted with strong double legged rings but I guess there is a weight difference which doesn’t matter in fairness. It is also a much firmer playing action but still bends right throughput
 
I have basia 2.25 absolutely love them much prefer them to my hi s but have once had to bend a ring back in place not unexpected as they get transported in a quiver
Thanks Terry, I was thinking of the seeker 12 2.25 rod, always prefer the seeker over the hi s, but guess I should give basia a try.
 
Afternoon people. I’m making an appeal for advice. I currently have a pair of 12’ barbel seekers 1.75, a pair of original powermesh 2.75 for when it’s really tanking through and recently bought a pair of current model powermesh 2.25 to fill the gap.The rods are nice the blanks excellent but I really dislike the rings. My predicament is either replace or re ring? Any view or rod suggestions appreciated as is anyone with a pair of either Hi S or high end Diawa alternatives
Re ringing shouldn’t be an option really. You’ll be looking at £10 - £15 a guide fitted which isn’t worth it on a rod of only just over £100 new.

Basias are lovely blanks (some of the best rod technology around in it) but I think you’ll have the same issue. The rings are quite frail and will only suffer so many knocks.
The infinity got much better guides and the blank is nice but isn’t as nice as the basia so it’s a trade off with either.

Free spirit ‘s’ big rivers are fantastic rods I had a custom built pair for a long time but the s range is becoming discontinued sadly

Hi s big waters, nice rods again. Quite fast action and very light.

Chimera 3 understated 2.25 medium action powerhouse. My favorite of the lot as it’s a bit of a do anything rod apart from the real light stuff.
You’ll probably find you can drop the 2.75 rods and use the C3 for everything it will do 3-6oz good cast and an 8oz lob yet she bends and bends. Very versatile rod
Fit her up with Fuji k series single legs and it’s about as good as it gets …. In my opinion of course.

Saying that a 2.25 basia custom built with Fuji k Ti guide’s would be something very special…. Very expensive too mind
 
Thanks Richard once again for the response. I fully agree with what you say. I’ll keep searching, a second hand pair of the 2.25 seekers would I think also do the job.
 
I looked at the chimera’s and the freespirits but bought a pair of Torrix 2.25. I felt that they had a more active tip than the chimera’s but once loaded bent right into the butt in the same way. Probably not as good for fishing tight to snags but overall a rod I’m likely to get more use from. I have had a couple of fish on them but no lumps yet. I am that pleased with their action that I may even let my 1.75 barbel seekers go and use them on the Nene as well.
 
I'll check my 2.25 Powermesh as I have 2 and love them for my Trent Barbel and LS Severn Zander trips.
Had no problem with Rings but no idea what type. I'll check.

This is them
20230617_093916.jpg
 
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I guess those are older versions as it looks like the rings have ceramic inserts.
On the new ones, the rings are actually lined if you look closely.
 
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