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Daiwa Powermesh V's Harrison

Hi Jeff. I used them (2112b's Barbel Specialist X) as my stable rods for about 7 years. Never knew of a forerunner or seen one advertised.

Ideal for all the guiding I did mainly on the Kennet and Loddon, and used about 5 - 6 during that period, bearing in mind they were on the bank 4-5 times a week often in use by less experienced anglers. They could be had on Ebay for about £60 in good condition!

For a 1.5tc rod, I found them fantastic for playing fish, and used the quiver section for many of the days, utilising the quiver for recognising the often minor pre indications from the bigger, wiser fish.

The Avon top was used mainly for flooded rivers and trips to the Severn, Trent. etc. You were pushing them to fish on the bigger rivers at any distance, unless in my favourite and most productive way....upstream.

With so much action, it's not suprising they sometimes had accidents! One that springs to mind was a day on the Wye at Bredwardine. The other half was watching the rod for me as I had managed a couple of barbel and quite a few good chub and wanted her to try and catch one. Of course next thing the rod was sliding towards the river and I jumped down, landed on it and snapped it clean in two!

It was a chub!!


The most satisfying aspect of the rod was the "feel" actually in the Butt when playing the fish and the fact it didn't spring back to sharply under suddenly reduced fish pressure. Not remote like so many rods around today.

When I came to test the Torrix 12 foot 1.75 tc as an alternative, it felt very similar with just a little bit more power and also a very sensative tip, despite it being (looking )quite a thick top blank. My rods of choice now especially as I am travelling about a bit more. But if I was just fishing smaller rivers..............It was/is a very special rod.

Graham

Added. The rod nearest to the Daiwa IMO that I have tested is the 1.6 (or is it 1.8) SU 12' Avon.
 
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Hi Graham,

Cheers for that.

Is that the Harrison you're talking about?

To be honest, so long as i don't have any mishaps like the one you mentioned (it would appear that your missus is very much like mine), I'm hoping they will last me out?

Like you said though, no good for big flooded rivers but that's not really my style (what little I have)!

Best regards,

Jeff
 
That'ws what put me off about them really. The missus has the 11 foot but I think you get a better strike with the extra length of the 12 foot rod when rolling meat>

I'll keep an eye out though>

Cheers,

Jeff
 
I recently got hold of a pair of Daiwa AKN116's - had them rebuilt with cork handles, lovely for bouncing meat about. Bit pricey though.
 
Nick Coulthurst said:
After a lengthy lay off due to work and family commitments I made a minor return to barbel fishing this year. After 10 years of service I made the decision to give my Daiwa Powermesh 1.5lb rod a total overhaul. Unfortunately whilst removing the rings (I think I used to much heat on the epoxy) the rod broke and is now totally useless. I need to replace it with a rod with a similar action. The powermesh was sensitive in the tip but when you hooked a fish it would bend all the way to the handle. Although many would consider it undergunned, I found it extremely versatile, and landed many good fish from rivers as diverse as the Trent and Kennet. I'm not keen on rods that when waggled wobble all the way through the blank, as this feels sloppy to me and I don't like thick stiff tips either. My choice of replacement is limited to either a Harrison Interceptor 1.75lb, Chimera No. 2 or a Torrix 1.75lb. Is anyone with experience of the Powermesh and any of these Harrison rods able to advise.

Thanks
Nick C
Click to expand...

It might be possible to get a replacement section from Harrisons. Clearly, it will be a bit Powermesh and a bit Harrisons. The reason I mention this is that I broke the top section of a Normark rod and a rod builder friend of mine, sourced a replacement blank from Harrisons and you would never know that the rod is not completely original. Admittedly the ferrule had to be built up a bit with insulating tape.

The last sentence isn't true.

It would appear that these Powermesh rods seem to be the "must have" on BFW. On this basis, I must have one. It must be in good condition and will join my unused rod collection. The Powermesh seems even more wonderful that the coveted Kevlar. I would be happy to swop my two shimano Hyperloops for one Powermesh and would even be prepared throw in my Ron Thompson Clarissa barbel rod - these rods are no longer produced and very scarce. By all accounts, the Clarrisa was built on one of the finest blanks of all time. I must add that it must be the rarest/best Powermesh that I'm looking for whichever that one is.
 
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I have two Torrixes a 1.75 and a 1.5 TC Both werehand built by Ian Tucker and are magnificent. Can't reccomend them highly enough, 1.75TC has been used to great effect on Wye, Thames and Kennet. 1.5 TC is used for the Kennet and Wye in low water. Both have through actions and are a delight. Sure the 1.75 will land any Barbel that swims!
 
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