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Drennan Martin Bowler Rod

Gary Noakes

Gary Noakes

Senior Member
Im looking for a new rod and was wondering who out there can give me some sensible advice on the Drennan Martin Bowler Rod I am looking at the 1.75 version. Would I notice much difference playing fish in tight, snaggy swims on the Kennet. Compared to my current Shimano hyperloop xt rod?
cheers
 
I dont know what the Drennan rod is like, but it cant be any softer than your Hyperloop,I have 2 of them,both in the cupboard,soft as putty,no backbone at all.
I use mine for floatfishing for Mullet,where a soft rod is ideal
For a soft mouthed fish.

Dave
 
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Wholeheartedly agree with David; the Hyperloop is a very soft rod, to the extent that any change would probably be an improvement. I'm sure the Hyperloop has its place in the angler's armoury but I got shot of mine a while ago.

I don't know the Bowler rod, Gary, but one normally pays more for a rod with a 'name' on it. What's your budget?
 
Martin Howler rods

I have heard some very good reports on the Martin Bowlor rods and Harrissportsmail are curantly doing a bit off them. The Hyperloops are unfairly rubbished IMO. These rods are extrememly good for detecting the gentlest of takes. They are no longer in production and are becoming quite hard to find. I just happen to have a pair that a friend sold me that I might be prepared to let go.
 
I coudnt find the The Spirit Specialist anywhere so I have gone for the Drennan. Thanks for the pointer to Harrissportsmail Jim.
 
Having used the much maligned Hyperloop XT's for several years and now having a pair of the Drennan Martin Bowler Barbel rods, I can't say that I ever found the Hyperloop to be that bad!!!!

I've used it in all conditions from rolling meat to floodwater fishing and it preformed admirably.

I have to say tho, that the Drennan rod is certainly a 'step up' from the Hyperloop, and yes you will notice a bit more 'feel' and 'backbone' with the Drennan rod.
My only gripe with the Bowler rod is the lack of hook keeper above the reel seat....

Steve
 
Hook Keepers

The fittting of a hook keeper can lead to potentional problems on some reel seat types.
With standard pipe fittings they can be fitted snuggly close to the foregrip which presents no real problem.
With wind down fittings it can be a little more complicated. Firstly, you need to have some distance between the foregrip and hook keeper to allow operation of the fitting. Additionally you need some more space which allows full unscrewing of the foregrip to allow cleaning - should the fitting get 'clagged'.
Ideally, the thread should be in a disengaged/free wheel state, otherwise you could end up screwing the foregrip against the hook keeper and causing damage.
Fold down keepers can help - but these can fatigue, consequently I tend not to fit them - unless requested to do so.
The fixed loop type may offer the best option, but taking into account the above, they have to be placed someway up the rod, above the foregrip at around 60 to 80 mm. This can lead to injury (this has happened) and very occasionally line snag.
Some people go for a large diameter hole in the foregrip - so the foregrip passes over the fixed keeper, but IMO this can also lead to problems.
There are other considerations, but maybe for later or not.
I grow tired......

Cheers
Bob
 
Just to add my bit about the hyperloop, I liked it and never really had any problems with it.
I will keep it or maybe give it to my son.
 
Gary Noakes said:
Just to add my bit about the hyperloop, I liked it and never really had any problems with it.
I will keep it or maybe give it to my son.
Click to expand...

My first barbel rod, and it caught me a few, but now never gets used, mind you it is a bit picky about some reels that you can attach :)
 
I have the big river version of the martin bowler barbel rod and again the only fault is the lack of a hook keeper. I don't find it too powerful on smaller rivers like my local Kentish Stour and it has a great feel. Used the hyper loops as bream rods as they were soft but use a pair of fox kevlex specialist rods that are 1/2 and 3/4lb test, even my technium Avon had a more useful power curve, I just couldn't get on with them and they were replaced with fox kevlex extreme barbel rods. Each to their own though, my other barbel rods are cane, but that's a whole differen thing;)
 
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