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GTI Vs Torrix

Ben Jennings

Senior Member
I'm in the market for a new 11 foot barbel rod and think I've narrowed it down to either a Harrison gti or a 11 foot torrix blank (however I am open to other suggestions). Does anyone know what the difference in the two blanks are? When I read descriptions of the 2 blanks they both sound very similar. I'm going for a 1.75tc any advice on which to go for?
 
I think the Torrix is thinner in the wall and therefore lighter.


Damian
 
Briefly:
Torrix at 11' - 2lb, 1.75 and 1.5 test. The 1.75 is quite a fast action, the 1.5 slightly more through. All blanks are slimmer than their 12' bigger brothers. Wonderful (IMO) slim and light blanks. Diameter at top of foregrip is approx 11.5 to 12mm on the 11'. The butt sections use cross weave carbon.
GTI at 11' and 1.75. Plain carbon, more through action, diameter at foregrip is similar to the Torrix.

Used both in 'anger', landed some fish, got personally the 2, 1.75 and 1.5 Torrix 11' and between the GTI and Torrix the Torrix is far ahead for my fishing. Also nice in the so called ultramatt finish.

Just been prototyping an 11' Torrix with plug in quivers and results are encouraging. All set up for doing this (no it's not available from Harrison as I cut my own tapers etc). A little more testing to do.

Regarding the Torrix vs GTI blanks can be very subjective - suggest you find someone who has both and then have a wiggle.
Cheers
Bob
 
dont have both and have not held or seen the GTI but................

i have the 11ft 2lb torrix in the matt/dull finish bob speaks of , built by mark tunley

its a rod that when you hold it makes you want to go and fish with it , light as a match rod too :D

the action is perfect in my humble view , very forgiving in the tip

it can handle everything ive come across so far and it doesnt spoil the fight of smaller fish . i find the power only comes in when its really needed , and it has lots of power when called on

i wouldnt hesitate in recomending this model , pleasure on the eye and hand , not cheap , but worth it
 
Every time an 11ft Barbel rod thread comes up, I always recommend my Anglers Workshop 11ft Specialist Number 1. Covers virtually all my small/medium river Barbel fishing. Lovely soft tip with power reserves that have to be experienced to be believed.

Built by Kevin Baines on his own Harrison blank. He is based in Newcaste-Under-Lyme and offers a try before you buy service, if you can collect. Tel: 01782 561 515 (afternoons/evenings). Also price < £150.
 
So is the action of the 1.75 and 2lb torrix similar? I'd of thought tht it's like the difference mentioned between the 1.5 and 1.75 torrix. I was swaying more on the side of the torrix as the gti does seem a lovely blank but the torrix is newer and Harrison always bring out decent blanks so I thought itd be slightly better. I was thinking about getting a RP2 built by mark tunely.

The anglers workshop rod sounds nice I'll have a think about that one only pain being to go and have a look would be a 8+ hour round trip but the price seems good too.
 
Where do you live Ben ? I know a first class rod builder in York who works with Harrison blanks Chas Burns - Hooks and tackle 01904 610357 . He built me a 11foot 1.75 TC on the GTI blank , very nice bit of kit . I suspect the Torrix would be lighter but the GTI is hardly heavyweight
 
I had the GTI's 2 seasons back and, on the advice I received on here, I got the Torrix 1.75's.

I know it's a personal preference thing but I absolutely love the Torrix compared to the GTi and it's definitely far crisper and lighter.

It's such a delicious rod - I could eat it :D
 
Ben, I have the 11ft 1.75 and it's a joy to use you, give Bob a ring and discuss your requirements, the finish on his rods are second to none.
 
Ben

The fact that the Torrix is newer does NOT mean it is better :), in fact in many cases it could be, but NOT in this case, newer can mean worse 'cos it was cheaper to manufacture.

Don't forget that balance is more important that lightness (of weight).

It's a flavour of the month situation, lager v beer, triangular v round, etc etc

My barbel rods are 11ft GTi's and if I lost them I'd replace with the same.

paul4
 
I havent had a waggle with a Torrix but own a 11ft GTi blank built by Peregrine. Its landed lots of double figure Barbel and Carp to 34lb, I still dont think Ive used its full power.

I will never need another Barbel rod (unless my gti breaks).
 
I'm based down in Reading so bar Yateley where I got some carp rods made up I'm not sure of many other rod builders round here where I could go and wriggle each of the rods. As you all say it is personal preference. I was looking at the peregrine gti's before I read up in the torrix and I'm using a peregrine 4 piece avon at the mo which is a lovely rod but I'd like to go back to a 2 piece rod. No idea why and it does seem a choice between the two.
 
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