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Drennan barbel rods

T

Tony Carter

Senior Member
Have one of the big river rods already but noticed the new rods are £170!

Wouldn't you be better of spending the extra and getting a free spirit or one from bob gill !? It's not that much more really...
 
Tony Carter said:
Have one of the big river rods already but noticed the new rods are £170!

Wouldn't you be better of spending the extra and getting a free spirit or one from bob gill !? It's not that much more really...
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Excellent rods Drennan, but I suppose not so much of a pose :)
 
Agree with David little bit more cash to it and got your self a custom built harrison
 
Hello Tony / Neil .In short with a custom rod you can choose the fittings , rings , whippings and of course the blank of your choice , bit like a made to measure suit . I have had many off the peg rods , Drennan , Fox , Daiwa , and custom rods on Sportex and Harrison blanks . If I had to choose I would go for a custom rod on a Harrison blank . Try a mate of mine called Chas Burns [ Google Burns built rods ] , he is a top notch craftsmen and uses Harrison Blanks but will build on anything you wish . I can guarantee you will not be disappointed , he is a very highly regarded rod builder both in the Game and Coarse fishing world. As for custom rods out fishing other off the peg numbers , primarily it's not the rod that catches the fish it's the angler using it , so in your cases with custom rods in your hands catching will be a doddle !
 
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2 seasons ago I purchased a pair of fox duo lite horizon specialist rods for £100 each. I think they retail at £129. They have twin tips, 1 3/4 & 2 1/4lb, Fuji dps reel seats, full cork handles and the fox brand slik guides. I have found them to be a brilliant rod with regard to their action, fittings used and the simple fact that they look stunning having minimal graphics, black whippings tipped with a silver thread. I understand that the blank may well be the same as those marketed by Freespirit as they look very similar with the 3k/2k carbon wrap.
These rods may have been mass produced by a Korean fella making 20 rods a day...I really don't know. Is his craftsmanship/build quality any lesser than any of our own rod builders? I personally don't think so...Do I think the blank used costs any more or less to manufacture than that of say a Harrison?....I don't think it does if i'm honest.
UK rod building I feel is a cottage industry and like all cottage industries comes at a premium. I think it would be unfair to ask any rod builder how much of a 'custom build' rod sale is component costs to that of his labour, that's their business but the snobbery of some with regard to mass produced rods does make me smile.
At the end of the day its down to personal preference...fishing is after all a very personal thing!
 
Hi men,

Compared to other branches of angling , in barbel fishing the rod is one of the least important parts of your gear . Other than a specialised situation a 1 3/4 Tc rod is all most people need . Strong blank able to smash down balsam , nettles , and pull back tree braches :D. Iv had Nash barbel elites since they came out , got 4 of them , and they have been bullet proof . Getting a bit worn out now , but good for a few fish yet !. When we do change obviously I want nice looking thin blanks , but if they can't handle the sliding down the Teme banks , crashing around in the tight Kennet swims , and bouncing around in the back of the car , then I won't buy them :D

Hatter
 
I had a pair of Nash Barbel Elites 1.57 tc £40 each new but the cork on the screw down part of the reel seat split so I got rid but soon after regreted selling them so ended up buying one of ebay for £36 + P&P. I've also got a pair of free spirit Hi-S specialist in 1.75tc but the nash is my favorite rod and goes with me 9 times out of 10.Like Mark says you can use and abuse them and they still come back for more.I see mine as a take any where rod low water or flood where as the free spirits are a dream to use I only feel comfortable with them in normal river conditions and open swims because they are a very soft blank compaird to the Nash. Just my opinion and I'm certainly not slagging the FS rods off.
 
Custom rods are normally built with top class components and can really be tailored to fit your exact requirements. They probably won't catch you more fish but they can have technical advantages. Forward facing rings inbuilt isotopes plus correct sized handles to fit your needs exactly, plug in quiver tips. Plus the other factor they can look amazing custom graphics even photos on the blank hardwood handles ect ect. I know Bob Gills rods are top notch as well as other guys on here who build. It's like most things in life we all like something a little special.
 
I'd rather give my money to a UK rod builder than fund some sweatshop in godknowswhere Province in china where workers get 2p and hour including child labour, take your pick, It's a free market after all.
 
David Hall said:
I'd rather give my money to a UK rod builder than fund some sweatshop in godknowswhere Province in china where workers get 2p and hour including child labour, take your pick, It's a free market after all.
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That's a bit of a statement there, so which companies over here use such facilities in China?

I was under the impression that it was the garment industry in Pakistan that had the problems you describe, I have dealt with Hong Kong/ China for manufacturing of components, and I have not seen any such conditions as you describe.

However if there are such places that we as Anglers support by using such companies products over here, perhaps you should name and shame.

If you can't, than can I suggest you think before making such sweeping statements.
 
Once you KNOW how much a rod/blank is from the Far East compared with an English blank, you start to understand the price difference.
A lot of stuff that gives the impression of coming from a certain country is often based on assumption and here say.

Made in Britain does not necessarily mean with totally British/UK components.

Rant over.....
With custom you get it made to your requirements where possible. Some custom jobs here:
ROD PORN

Individual graphics take quite a bit of time:

TGGraphics.jpg


More standard build done as well!
 
Neil if you attend a bfw fish in i would think you,d get opportunities to handle a custom built rod or two if you ask the guys using em, my opinion is and always has been get the best your pocket will reach as they last so much longer and so delightful:):)
 
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