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High end rods

W

Wayne Carroll

Member
So I've just started preparing my tackle ready for next week and in doing this I've also acquired another rod.

My rods for the last 3 seasons have been the TackleBox Darent Valley 1.75tc Specialists with 4000OC reels, and these have caught me some very nice fish. They're on the lower end of the rod market however they bend beautifully and balance nicely. Yes they have a "Cork style" handle but I've not noticed any issues and maybe the guides could be better, but again I've not had any issues. I also won't be heartbroken if I damage them moving around.

With this being said, over the last few seasons I've been picking up different rods second hand which should in theory be much better than my TackleBox rods. I've got Drennan Series 7 avon rods and a more recent Drennan Specialist Barbel with good fittings. However, after putting a bend in them, I still find myself going back. I hadn't realised just how personal rods are until I've started to pick up a few and try them.

Has anyone else found similar? I'm always looking at high end rods and nearly talked myself into one, but is it likely to be everything I'd expect it to be? I've never picked one up so I could be missing out and they are far better than my current rods.

Looking for thoughts on whether I give up and stay as I am, or if I should try and hold a few different rods and keep trying to upgrade my tackle.
 
In the specialist rod game, if you’ve found one that you really like action wise for whatever it cost, it’s not likely you’re going to improve on it action wise with something more expensive. You’ll definitely improve the fixtures and fittings by throwing money at it, that’s for sure but the blank action being a personal thing, perfection could potentially cost you next to nothing.

I think with float rods, particularly longer ones, you can see more and better in the blank itself as you pour more cash into it.

Because your holding it for hours on end, you really do feel the difference between something that was 50 quid to something that was 300 quid as balance has had more time and thought gone into the more expensive rod where as a rod like a barbel rod that’s very shorter in comparison and picked up occasionally has its priorities in different directions.
 
Wayne Carroll said:
So I've just started preparing my tackle ready for next week and in doing this I've also acquired another rod.

My rods for the last 3 seasons have been the TackleBox Darent Valley 1.75tc Specialists with 4000OC reels, and these have caught me some very nice fish. They're on the lower end of the rod market however they bend beautifully and balance nicely. Yes they have a "Cork style" handle but I've not noticed any issues and maybe the guides could be better, but again I've not had any issues. I also won't be heartbroken if I damage them moving around.

With this being said, over the last few seasons I've been picking up different rods second hand which should in theory be much better than my TackleBox rods. I've got Drennan Series 7 avon rods and a more recent Drennan Specialist Barbel with good fittings. However, after putting a bend in them, I still find myself going back. I hadn't realised just how personal rods are until I've started to pick up a few and try them.

Has anyone else found similar? I'm always looking at high end rods and nearly talked myself into one, but is it likely to be everything I'd expect it to be? I've never picked one up so I could be missing out and they are far better than my current rods.

Looking for thoughts on whether I give up and stay as I am, or if I should try and hold a few different rods and keep trying to upgrade my tackle.
Click to expand...

I can't speak for barbel rods as I've been using the same rod (or variation of) for 14 years. I love the action and as yet haven't come across anything that would make me want to swap.

I thought I would upgrade my carp rods a few years back and went from something cheap and cheerful (Darent Valley price range), to £240 Free Spirits. I caught a load of fish on the Free Sprits and really didn't enjoy them at all. On paper they were described as something I thought I wanted. By that stage I'd already sold the old rods and committed to silly money, so I sold the Free Spirits and bought something else. The rods I've got now are infinitely nicer and more enjoyable than both the previous ones, although at one point I was questioning my sanity.

In short, I'd think there is almost certainly something out there you will like more than the Darent Valleys, but as you've already found out, there's a lot that you'll wonder what all the fuss is about. It is hard depending on where you live to get a good look at a range of rods.

It's possible you couldn't fall in love with any of the Harrisons barbel rods but I doubt it 😂
 
the important thing to bear in mind is that fishing for most of us is about personal enjoyment. A rod which helps us achieve that is perfect whatever the make or cost. A rod which we are not happy with, is expensive, even if free, with our emotions and enjoyment. The pursuit of happiness is the key !
 
Richard Isaacs said:
In the specialist rod game, if you’ve found one that you really like action wise for whatever it cost, it’s not likely you’re going to improve on it action wise with something more expensive. You’ll definitely improve the fixtures and fittings by throwing money at it, that’s for sure but the blank action being a personal thing, perfection could potentially cost you next to nothing.

I think with float rods, particularly longer ones, you can see more and better in the blank itself as you pour more cash into it.

Because your holding it for hours on end, you really do feel the difference between something that was 50 quid to something that was 300 quid as balance has had more time and thought gone into the more expensive rod where as a rod like a barbel rod that’s very shorter in comparison and picked up occasionally has its priorities in different directions.
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You're right Richard, the action is very personal and I have always read that but only recently experienced it for myself. On paper and from others reviews the second hand rods I have should be perfect, but I just can't get attached to them and go back to the cheap and cheerful.

I am still contemplating a custom build of some form, but I'd have to have a hold before committing and finding out it isn't for me.

I also agree with the float rods, I don't do a great deal of float fishing so I'm happy with my Korum Glide, but I can imagine the higher end really are value for money.
 
Christian Tyroll said:
I can't speak for barbel rods as I've been using the same rod (or variation of) for 14 years. I love the action and as yet haven't come across anything that would make me want to swap.

I thought I would upgrade my carp rods a few years back and went from something cheap and cheerful (Darent Valley price range), to £240 Free Spirits. I caught a load of fish on the Free Sprits and really didn't enjoy them at all. On paper they were described as something I thought I wanted. By that stage I'd already sold the old rods and committed to silly money, so I sold the Free Spirits and bought something else. The rods I've got now are infinitely nicer and more enjoyable than both the previous ones, although at one point I was questioning my sanity.

In short, I'd think there is almost certainly something out there you will like more than the Darent Valleys, but as you've already found out, there's a lot that you'll wonder what all the fuss is about. It is hard depending on where you live to get a good look at a range of rods.

It's possible you couldn't fall in love with any of the Harrisons barbel rods but I doubt it 😂
Click to expand...
Thanks Christian, I'll keep looking, as you said an upgrade is probably out there but it's just finding it. For now I'll start the new season with my Darent Valley rods.
 
I changed my rods in the last 2 seasons , from perfectly good Drennan MB Barbel Rods , which although I had plenty of fish on over the years I had them - especially the 1.75’s I would say I never totally enjoyed their action. , feeling that there were times I felt near the rods limits ( probably just me). The custom rod route started with a Mark Tunley specialist float rod which I was given as a present by my wife. I loved the first season on the rod , so had a chat with the rod builder about a barbel rod , tried a few options , and then had one of his Dark Carbon 1.75 Barbel rods and I can really say - what a difference in action and pleasure of use. It’s so light using and at no point have I felt the rod action lacking , even having a new pb barbel of 14lb on the rod. So happy with that rod , that I sold my pairs of MB Drennan rods in 1.75 annd 2.25 and have added a 2nd DC 1.75 and a pair of DC 2.5 Barbel rods for the Autumn / Flood fishing. Have a chat with some rod builders about your requirements first before making any decision. I’m certainly glad I did. I can’t recommend Mark Tunley enough too
 
Hi Wayne, firstly, welcome to the best fishing forum on the planet. As the old saying goes, if it ain't broke, don't fix it. If your happy using your Darrent's, just continue using and enjoying them. Like yourself, i too, tried to find something better than the rods i use, ( Greys Prodigy ). Bought a few Harrisons, and Free Spirits over the years, absolutely hated them, couldn't get rid quick enough. Price like age is just a number. Good luck if you continue your search. One man's meat and all that. 👍
 
In the absence of a try before you buy/ test drive option all you can do is buy it, try it and sell it if you don't like it- I have done this quite a bit and by buying second hand you can get back what you spent.

If you read the reviews and makers blurb every rod is exactly what you need - but we all like different things in our rods.

The main problem is making sure that you sell on the 'almost but not quite perfect rods' ... and I am a bit guilty of this myself.
 
Neil Kirk said:
In the absence of a try before you buy/ test drive option all you can do is buy it, try it and sell it if you don't like it- I have done this quite a bit and by buying second hand you can get back what you spent.

If you read the reviews and makers blurb every rod is exactly what you need - but we all like different things in our rods.

The main problem is making sure that you sell on the 'almost but not quite perfect rods' ... and I am a bit guilty of this myself.
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I think I'll take the manufacturers blurb with a pinch of salt from now on, although I do normally get a few reviews from users but like I've found out it's all very personal.

I think I'll have a bit of a cleanse and sell a few rods, then when the time comes and I've had a hold of a few more I can decide then.

I love the Darent Valley rods, especially from the pricepoint I think they're fantastic value for money, but I think like you mentioned they're an almost but not quite there which is why I'm always on the lookout.
 
Simon Rolph said:
I changed my rods in the last 2 seasons , from perfectly good Drennan MB Barbel Rods , which although I had plenty of fish on over the years I had them - especially the 1.75’s I would say I never totally enjoyed their action. , feeling that there were times I felt near the rods limits ( probably just me). The custom rod route started with a Mark Tunley specialist float rod which I was given as a present by my wife. I loved the first season on the rod , so had a chat with the rod builder about a barbel rod , tried a few options , and then had one of his Dark Carbon 1.75 Barbel rods and I can really say - what a difference in action and pleasure of use. It’s so light using and at no point have I felt the rod action lacking , even having a new pb barbel of 14lb on the rod. So happy with that rod , that I sold my pairs of MB Drennan rods in 1.75 annd 2.25 and have added a 2nd DC 1.75 and a pair of DC 2.5 Barbel rods for the Autumn / Flood fishing. Have a chat with some rod builders about your requirements first before making any decision. I’m certainly glad I did. I can’t recommend Mark Tunley enough too
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Sounds like quite the journey Simon. I'd love a custom build and looked at Mark Tunley a few times alongside Dave Lumb who I see is recommended. I might call for a chat soon and see what they say.
 
Wayne Carroll said:
Sounds like quite the journey Simon. I'd love a custom build and looked at Mark Tunley a few times alongside Dave Lumb who I see is recommended. I might call for a chat soon and see what they say.
Click to expand...
Well worth giving Mark a call ,he is very interesting to chat to, he’s got some good vids on YouTube too. His build quality is superb , so glad I went with him and looking forward to christening the new rods
 
Agonising over rods is what BFW is all about. We have an obsession over what is in principle a pretty straight forward problem and yet it appeals to our male train set type mentality and the more bells and whistles we can play with the better.

Love it..even though any non fishing civilians looking in might think we are a bit odd.🤓
 
Wayne Carroll said:
So I've just started preparing my tackle ready for next week and in doing this I've also acquired another rod.

My rods for the last 3 seasons have been the TackleBox Darent Valley 1.75tc Specialists with 4000OC reels, and these have caught me some very nice fish. They're on the lower end of the rod market however they bend beautifully and balance nicely. Yes they have a "Cork style" handle but I've not noticed any issues and maybe the guides could be better, but again I've not had any issues. I also won't be heartbroken if I damage them moving around.

With this being said, over the last few seasons I've been picking up different rods second hand which should in theory be much better than my TackleBox rods. I've got Drennan Series 7 avon rods and a more recent Drennan Specialist Barbel with good fittings. However, after putting a bend in them, I still find myself going back. I hadn't realised just how personal rods are until I've started to pick up a few and try them.

Has anyone else found similar? I'm always looking at high end rods and nearly talked myself into one, but is it likely to be everything I'd expect it to be? I've never picked one up so I could be missing out and they are far better than my current rods.

Looking for thoughts on whether I give up and stay as I am, or if I should try and hold a few different rods and keep trying to upgrade my tackle.
Click to expand...
Really interesting post there Wayne.

It is such a personal thing when choosing rods.
I don't mind admitting I've fallen into the trap of buying loads over the years, because each I've chosen to buy or have built has given me something a little different along the way. By that I mean weight, balance, quality components, better quality cork handles etc.

I'm at the stage of needing to seriously thin my collection, as I've recently had a few more built, but do confess it is quite hard letting them go!

If you have money to spare, then enjoy the journey. If not then just enjoy what you have.
 
@Wayne Carroll there is always the rebuild option.
If the blank you use now is exactly what you want but would be nice to have a custom build edge to it, get it stripped and rebuilt exactly how you want it.
You won’t save any cash unless you strip it yourself but you will essentially have a rod that is perfect for you.
 
Wayne Carroll said:
So I've just started preparing my tackle ready for next week and in doing this I've also acquired another rod.

My rods for the last 3 seasons have been the TackleBox Darent Valley 1.75tc Specialists with 4000OC reels, and these have caught me some very nice fish. They're on the lower end of the rod market however they bend beautifully and balance nicely. Yes they have a "Cork style" handle but I've not noticed any issues and maybe the guides could be better, but again I've not had any issues. I also won't be heartbroken if I damage them moving around.

With this being said, over the last few seasons I've been picking up different rods second hand which should in theory be much better than my TackleBox rods. I've got Drennan Series 7 avon rods and a more recent Drennan Specialist Barbel with good fittings. However, after putting a bend in them, I still find myself going back. I hadn't realised just how personal rods are until I've started to pick up a few and try them.

Has anyone else found similar? I'm always looking at high end rods and nearly talked myself into one, but is it likely to be everything I'd expect it to be? I've never picked one up so I could be missing out and they are far better than my current rods.

Looking for thoughts on whether I give up and stay as I am, or if I should try and hold a few different rods and keep trying to upgrade my tackle.
Click to expand...
I agree with what has been said. Rods are a personal thing. I bought a Free Spirit Barbel Seeker falling for the advertising hype. I hate it! Far too thick and heavy in the tip for my liking yet others love them. It was an expensive rod. I tried lots of things to get to like it. Shortening the handle ( felt too long) cutting a few inches off the bottom ( I know!) Waste of money for me. I like the Harrison rods that are fine in the tip but firmer lower down ( the ones I own are anyway). It's worth trying an expensive rod before you buy it or atleast finding out whether it's the sort of rod you're going to like.
 
I had a pair of Free Spirit Hi's specialist in 1.75tc SU's for barbel fishing on the Derwent absolutely hated them..The stepped up but seemed to make the rod bend from the joint to tip but the butt stayed almost straight. I struggled to pull fish over the landing ne with the to. If I remember right these were £265 each

They looked Georgios but for me the action was just no where near my liking so I got rid. I have got one custom made Free Spirit barbel seeker in 1.75tc Again £265 which is a totally different rod to use..It's a Dream. You wouldn't believe how much difference two blanks of the same TC from the same stable could be.

The only customization I had was to make the handle a few inches shorter as I feel for small to medium rivers the long handle isn't needed.

But I also have some much cheaper rods that I get plenty of pleasure out of IE a pair of Daiwa Twilights in 2.25 (£80 each many years ago) for my trent fishing A pair of the good old Nash Barbel Elite in 1.75 and 2lb tc which were end of line from Climax tackle at £40 each..
 
Andrew Jackson said:
I agree with what has been said. Rods are a personal thing. I bought a Free Spirit Barbel Seeker falling for the advertising hype. I hate it! Far too thick and heavy in the tip for my liking yet others love them. It was an expensive rod. I tried lots of things to get to like it. Shortening the handle ( felt too long) cutting a few inches off the bottom ( I know!) Waste of money for me. I like the Harrison rods that are fine in the tip but firmer lower down ( the ones I own are anyway). It's worth trying an expensive rod before you buy it or atleast finding out whether it's the sort of rod you're going to like.
Click to expand...
The Free Spirit Seekers are one that's always been on my mind, and there are so many that love using them which make you believe you will also get on with them. I've definitely learnt a lesson of try before you buy (if possible)!
 
Wayne Carroll said:
The Free Spirit Seekers are one that's always been on my mind, and there are so many that love using them which make you believe you will also get on with them. I've definitely learnt a lesson of try before you buy (if possible)!
Click to expand...
As a wrinklie, their bend is far too rapid for me. I had a pair, but preferred using one with the feeder top. Enjoyed that version.
 
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