I'm finally happy! (New rods)

[Mark Evans 2]

I've bought and sold so many rods now trying to find the one I like the most it's ridiculous.

Managed to see a FS Barbel Tamer in person and thought the 12ft 1.75 was the one so quickly ordered one. Couple of days with it at home and didn't like how soft it was, up for sale it goes.

So now I finally have settled on the Guru Specimen rods. I already had the 1.25 and have just got the 1.75 and they are really growing on me. Still a touch soft compared to what I've used before (cheaper korum rods that were probably a bit stiff due to lower grade carbon?) and the styling a wasn't fond of initially with the split cork/Eva handle but they are really nice. Quite slim blanks and the 1.75 is pretty light.

I've also just tested and the 1.25 top section fits on the 1.75 handle and the action isn't that different, no major flat spot at the join once bent down to there, so you could potentially buy a pair of 1.75 and from the spares site just buy an extra 1.25 or 1.5 top section for a multi tip rod to suit your needs if you needed an occasional lighter rod.

 

[Nigel Whittingham]

You should be happy with them. I used them for 3 years & loved them! Did everything i asked and always felt in control. I’ve ‘upgraded’ to FS Tamers in 1.75 and unless i find them better than they feel in the hand when the season starts, i’m regretting it!

 

[Mark Evans 2]

Yep, I wanted a Tamer for so long but then started reading about their softness. I had a quick waggle of one and was sold but then a day or 2 with it at home and I quickly realised it wasn't for me.

Odd though because I have one of the latest Drennan 1.5 Specimen rods and when loaded it's a through action but doesn't feel floppy like the Tamer did. Even these Guru rods bend through but don't feel quite as soft as the Tamer either.

If I could change one thing then it would be to be able to have them in 11ft.