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Free Spirit Hi S Barbel Rods, 12ft 2lb, Full Cork Handle

Richard, I've had the hi-s 12 foot 2lb on order for a while now. Mate of mine gets them cheaper and he recons they are about ready. I'm not in a rush to get them so think I won't get my hands on them until May when we have our annual carp fishing social. Shame there's no where near me that holds these rods in stock to go and wiggle, but I'm hoping they're nice. My first full year has nearly passed and all I've used is the korum 12' 2lb rods and they've served me very well, from intimate Derwent swims to heavily flooded Wharfe and Ouse situations. They've done me many doubles on the Trent as well. If the Hi-S are as good I'll be happy to be honest! The korums, whilst obviously being built to a budget, have been A1 for my barbel fishing so far. I also now have a pair of Tackle Box's own Darent Valley 11 foot 1.75lb specialist rods which I intend to use on the smaller rivers or when travelling light :)
 
Rob I think you will be very pleased with them. The Hi-S is the flagship blank and I’d imagine being an actual barbel rod it would have all the right power in all the right places.

I didn’t really like the Hi-S 2.25 HW rod for reasons ive mentioned above I found it quite lacking in guts. this wasn’t a ‘barbel’ rod though more an alround specialist heavier water rod and while some may love the soft action I wanted something a bit more gutsy. The S 2.25 big river barbel rod was far more to my liking when I got round to trying it.
I bought a pair of them and got alittle extra discount but these are off the peg models.
yours being customs will be extremely special rods I’d say.
 
The best thing to do is to get one of the 'Big One' like shows, Farnbrough and Stoneleigh i think this year, then the whole range is available to have a waggle on. Still very happy with my Hi S barbel rods though...
 
I have the FREE SPIRIT HI S BW , CRACKING RODS ,PERFECT FOR BARBEL ON THE TRENT !!
The HW IS A POWERFUL ROD OF AROUND 2.75 .At 12'& 13' it's a Trent specialist tool capable of casting a "BIG " feeder to the far bank if required .👍
 
Adam Wylie said:
I have the FREE SPIRIT HI S BW , CRACKING RODS ,PERFECT FOR BARBEL ON THE TRENT !!
The HW IS A POWERFUL ROD OF AROUND 2.75 .At 12'& 13' it's a Trent specialist tool capable of casting a "BIG " feeder to the far bank if required .👍
Click to expand...
So have you got BW's and HW's Adam?
 
Don't take anyones word how good a rod is or not. Only you will know, just having a waggle isn't good enough at all. Putting a reel on and putting a lead on , will give you some idea but not all. Tying your mainline to a sturdy point and pulling til your drag gives is nearly there. Until you get that big fish on and take your rod to the max, then you will know. Best of luck and do your homework.
 
Just since this thread is running again...

I've been using my FS Hi-S 12' 2lb TC rods throughout the year and can honestly say I have no regrets whatsoever buying these. Well built, light, slim but plenty of power. When playing bigger fish in strong flows you can feel the rod going through the stages power as required in a very linear and controllable manner. They just feel right.

The limitation for me is perhaps when wanting to use feeders larger than 4oz in stronger flows (they feel great with 4oz btw), anything bigger than that and they kind of lose that delicate feeling, which is why I bought some 2nd hand Dark Carbon 2.5lb TC rods to use for heavier work.

But as an all round rod that can cope with most things I chuck at it, the Hi-S 2lb are beautiful rods that would take some beating :)
 
That's just how I feel about the Hi S Big Waters , the rod is around 2.25tc and feels perfect for all my fishing ,even Pike and Carp when I feel like it.
I would be a bit worried at trying to cast 6oz feeders on the Trent as I wouldn't want to snap one ( not at the price they cost) Hence the interest in the Heavy water at 2.75 ,I am a fan of free spirit , and the Tamer 2.75 might be the more sensible choice for occasional uses.
 
I know someone that has the 2.75 13footers for the TT. Dunno what they are like as a fish playing tool but they don’t half launch lead. He’ll put 8 ounce out to the far bank in most places on his set up.
 
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