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Mark Tunley specialist multi tip

Ian Woods said:
If that's your preference they are ok for you then Jon.

I find them to be horrible to hold for any length of time. Also, becasue of my hand resting and holding the actual reel retaining screw I found it is constantly coming loose.
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For me IPS or KDPS every time on a float rod
I’m fine with dps on rods that spend most time in rests.
 
When I went to see Mark after he finished the beautiful whipping work on my twin tip avenger 2000, obviously we talked fishing rods and I got the opportunity to hold and play with these specialist float rods.

They are exactly as he described in the video. Very beautiful, slim, very expensive and as he says they are not power float rods they are long light specialist rods built for float fishing.

I said to him while I was there, they are fantastic rods and beautifully designed and built but not something I’d personally buy.

They feel too specialist for my likes in the respect they’ve got stiffish Avon rod type tips and a progressive quite stiff but through action. It is an Avon/float rod hybrid and there’s going to be things on the match rod side that i really look for and these don’t have. Like fast tips, fast tapered blank, stiffer middle sections and another foot in length.
They are well balanced and at 13,6 you could hold them all day but they are not light weight in the respect that a 15ft version would work. They couldn’t be 15ft I don’t think. The whole thing would need redesigning to have a much faster taper and thinner wall thickness to stand a chance.

They definitely will bend right through and they will definitely land any barbel if you’ve got the stones to use it.

Fantastic rods and definitely designed really well for their intended purpose of big fish but just not the characteristics in a float rod that i personally would look for.
 
I used a 13’6 Specialist Float on the Wye all last season and was so impressed with the rod. A real pleasure to use , standing all day , it’s so light you don’t notice it , and the power of the rod has to be seen to be believed. I had loads of Barbel to 12lb 6oz on the rod in really fast runs where controlling the fish to the net is hard , certainly you would think on a float rod and never had any problems ( same swim had a FS Tamer float rod tip section break into 3 pieces trying to play a fish to the net - hence my Wife treating me to the Mark Tunley rod) . Absolutely love this rod and can’t wait to use it again.
 
I'm not desputing the quality of the rods MT makes, i'm sure they are excellent.
I was questioning why he puts screw up reel seats on them, which is "imo" the wrong reel seat to put on a dedicated float/trotting rod, for two reasons...it is uncomfortable to hold....and it is constantly coming loose/unscrewed.
I would prefer to have screw down reel holders on all my rods if I can, infact my factory produced harrison chimera no1's and no2's have very nice fuji screw down reel seats.
If MT fitted a fuji screw down seat I would prolly have one or two of his rods in my posession by now.

Richard, he definately did a super job of the whipping up for you!
 
Ian Woods said:
I'm not desputing the quality of the rods MT makes, i'm sure they are excellent.
I was questioning why he puts screw up reel seats on them, which is "imo" the wrong reel seat to put on a dedicated float/trotting rod, for two reasons...it is uncomfortable to hold....and it is constantly coming loose/unscrewed.
I would prefer to have screw down reel holders on all my rods if I can, infact my factory produced harrison chimera no1's and no2's have very nice fuji screw down reel seats.
If MT fitted a fuji screw down seat I would prolly have one or two of his rods in my posession by now.

Richard, he definately did a super job of the whipping up for you!
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Message him and see if he can do that change.
 
Ian Woods said:
I'm not desputing the quality of the rods MT makes, i'm sure they are excellent.
I was questioning why he puts screw up reel seats on them, which is "imo" the wrong reel seat to put on a dedicated float/trotting rod, for two reasons...it is uncomfortable to hold....and it is constantly coming loose/unscrewed.
I would prefer to have screw down reel holders on all my rods if I can, infact my factory produced harrison chimera no1's and no2's have very nice fuji screw down reel seats.
If MT fitted a fuji screw down seat I would prolly have one or two of his rods in my posession by now.

Richard, he definately did a super job of the whipping up for you!
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Mark is a custom rod builder. He will put any reel seat you want on. You just have to ring him up with your request.

I agree with you entirely screw down for me too on a float rod and ideally it would be IPS

Screw up dps are fine for me on specialist rods
 
I may well contact him in the future and ask him if would fit a screw down fuji, but not just yet, i'm still on the honeymoon period with the accy specimen float rods 😉👍.
 
Ian Woods said:
I may well contact him in the future and ask him if would fit a screw down fuji, but not just yet, i'm still on the honeymoon period with the accy specimen float rods 😉👍.
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How would you say the 13’ accy spec differs from the 13’ tournament RSPF
I know it’s lighter but that isn’t a deal breaker for me because the RS’s added weight is all in that handle but action and performance and quality wise ……. Is the Accy better, worse or just different.
 
Richard Isaacs said:
How would you say the 13’ accy spec differs from the 13’ tournament RSPF
I know it’s lighter but that isn’t a deal breaker for me because the RS’s added weight is all in that handle but action and performance and quality wise ……. Is the Accy better, worse or just different.
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That's quite a difficult one for me to answer Richard because I do like them both.
I suppose if I could only keep one of them it would have to be the accy speci rod.
My reasons for that decision would be the obvious weight difference, but also the general feel of the rod in my hand. I wouldn't say the 13ft Harrell RSPF is unweildy (although I think the 14 footer is somewhat unweildy) but if I hold the accy speci in my hand and then pick up the 13ft RSPF rod, the rspf does feel unweildy in comparison. I know i've just contradicted myself, but, for me the accy rod just makes the RSPF rod feel a little unweildy in comparison. Also, even though the rspf rod does have a nice stiff lower and mid section it feels slower on the stike.
I think the speci rod may have a stiffer tip section, so that combined with the weight difference may be the reason it feels faster?
Be great if the accy rod had that fancy reel holder and shaped handle on the RSPF rod woudn't it!
Although, after saying that I still like the fuji on the speci rod.
I would say, I am very happy to have them both, i'm quite positive it won't be long before you have the 14ft RSPF and the trio of drennan speci rods 😂😉👍.
 
Ian Woods said:
That's quite a difficult one for me to answer Richard because I do like them both.
I suppose if I could only keep one of them it would have to be the accy speci rod.
My reasons for that decision would be the obvious weight difference, but also the general feel of the rod in my hand. I wouldn't say the 13ft Harrell RSPF is unweildy (although I think the 14 footer is somewhat unweildy) but if I hold the accy speci in my hand and then pick up the 13ft RSPF rod, the rspf does feel unweildy in comparison. I know i've just contradicted myself, but, for me the accy rod just makes the RSPF rod feel a little unweildy in comparison. Also, even though the rspf rod does have a nice stiff lower and mid section it feels slower on the stike.
I think the speci rod may have a stiffer tip section, so that combined with the weight difference may be the reason it feels faster?
Be great if the accy rod had that fancy reel holder and shaped handle on the RSPF rod woudn't it!
Although, after saying that I still like the fuji on the speci rod.
I would say, I am very happy to have them both, i'm quite positive it won't be long before you have the 14ft RSPF and the trio of drennan speci rods 😂😉👍.
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It’s a good explanation and because I haven’t fished with the 13ft accy it does put things into perspective because I can picture what you are saying especially regarding the action differences.

I like the tournament RS alot it’s a lovely rod to use and it’s fantastic with top n bottom floats. I wouldn’t buy the 14ft version. I know it’s not as good.

I’m not sure if i would get an accy speccy or not.
See the 15ft version appeals to me the most and I already know it’s lovely from using my mates. The problem is I’ve got a rod that is so close in action weight snd power but with better reel seat and shorter handle (my preference), at what point am i going to pick the accy up and take it instead if I have a comparable rod I think is better.

This brings me to the 13ft. I don’t have a comparable rod to that as you’ve confirmed the RSPF is quite different. Not as good in your opinion…… maybe I’ll feel the same. It will need to be a lot better mind because nothing touches diawa armlock handles and ips reel seats 😉

I don’t buy multiples of float rods. All mine are intentionally different in one way or another.
Some better than others at certain jobs but I either love em or shift em. I don’t hoard em for the sake of it.
 
Glad the explanation made sense to you, wasn't sure if it would.
I'm thinking your talking about your TFG rod when you say you have a comparable rod which you think is better?
I can't ever remember seeing that rod in the flesh, i'm sure I remember it advertised though.
A m8 of mine got a pair of TFG barbel rods and he was smitten with them. I remember he got them for little money despite them having a high rrp.
I just got off the blower to another m8 who had one, he thinks its about 1.25 or 1.6lb test, he's gonn'a have a nosey at what it is, wether it's a specimen rod or whatever. I'm thinking it will be the 1.6lb specimen float rod. Anyhow, he says it's called a "tremor" and it rrp'd at about 170 odd quid in the magazines at the time.

Apparently they were free spirit blanks?
 
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Ian Woods said:
Glad the explanation made sense to you, wasn't sure if it would.
I'm thinking your talking about your TFG rod when you say you have a comparable rod which you think is better?
I can't ever remember seeing that rod in the flesh, i'm sure I remember it advertised though.
A m8 of mine got a pair of TFG barbel rods and he was smitten with them. I remember he got them for little money despite them having a high rrp.
I just got off the blower to another m8 who had one, he thinks its about 1.25 or 1.6lb test, he's gonn'a have a nosey at what it is, wether it's a specimen rod or whatever. Anyhow, he says it's called a "tremor" and it rrp'd at about 170 odd quid in the magazines at the time.
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It’s the tsi 15’ float.

I don’t know a lot about them other than TF gear obviously had a bit of a crack at hi end stuff and failed miserably. The RRP going back some years now was around £250 plus but because the TFG name was associated around mid range and low range stuff they practically sold bigger all.

It was short lived and The stock was let go cheap in most outlets.

The rod is flipping brilliant especially if you’re looking for something really quite stiff yet super tippy.
I don’t know what lines it’s rated too regarding maximum strength but I’ve heard as low as 8 and as high as 12. It is without doubt a power float rod and not something I’d enjoy using for chub only hence it never made my top 5 list

It’s got a faster tip than the accy speccy but it’s as rigid in the middle and very solid in the butt just like the acolyte.
It weighs 186g on my scales which is exactly the same as my sphere
Rings and sizes are good quality sic like the acolytes. The handle is loads better. Better length, better seat better cork quality it’s like velvet.

The action and weight is practically the same as an acolyte specimen 15 to me baring the tsi being a little faster and softer in the very tip. I would struggle to tell the difference at all if it wasn’t for the handles
 
Ian Woods said:
I'm not desputing the quality of the rods MT makes, i'm sure they are excellent.
I was questioning why he puts screw up reel seats on them, which is "imo" the wrong reel seat to put on a dedicated float/trotting rod, for two reasons...it is uncomfortable to hold....and it is constantly coming loose/unscrewed.
I would prefer to have screw down reel holders on all my rods if I can, infact my factory produced harrison chimera no1's and no2's have very nice fuji screw down reel seats.
If MT fitted a fuji screw down seat I would prolly have one or two of his rods in my posession by now.

Richard, he definately did a super job of the whipping up for you!
Click to expand...
Having a couple of builds done by Roger @ peregrine, and we were discussing real seats etc. He said at one point in our discussions, 'That the Fuji black reel seats coming through these days aren't very good.... Saying the American Tackle Company Clones are a good alternative...(as a option to consider)
I'll be having (for my avons) what they call the Roberts Reel fits, as I'd like to be able to have the option of moving the reels to any given position on the handle for the ultimate balance of the Rod.
Been meaning to have them done on a build for some time, & felt a light setup that I'm opting for, would be worth giving them a try.

And for my future builds, will start to consider alternative reel seats, but only after I figure out why he had reservations on the ones I liked?
Personally, Fuji's have served me very well over the years, & I haven't noticed a massive difference in the quality?
 
Julian Griffiths said:
Having a couple of builds done by Roger @ peregrine, and we were discussing real seats etc. He said at one point in our discussions, 'That the Fuji black reel seats coming through these days aren't very good.... Saying the American Tackle Company Clones are a good alternative...(as a option to consider)
I'll be having (for my avons) what they call the Roberts Reel fits, as I'd like to be able to have the option of moving the reels to any given position on the handle for the ultimate balance of the Rod.
Been meaning to have them done on a build for some time, & felt a light setup that I'm opting for, would be worth giving them a try.

And for my future builds, will start to consider alternative reel seats, but only after I figure out why he had reservations on the ones I liked?
Personally, Fuji's have served me very well over the years, & I haven't noticed a massive difference in the quality?
Click to expand...
The black Fuji DPS chip really bad now.

I've a set of Torrix TE's built by Vic Gibson that are 15 years old and yes they've chipped a bit but nothing you wouldn't expect.

Had a set of 10ft Torrix for my boys, to match mine, built by Cotswold rods a couple of years ago and they chipped really bad.

I spoke to Dave Ellyatt at ESP about it as they stopped using them on the Terey Hearn carp rods and I know Tom at Cotswold Rods stopped using them too.

I've got the American Tackle version on the Aviators I had built last year and they are spot on, no issues yet and apparently a lot less likely to chip. Their matt black DPS is stunning.

It's only the black DPS that's an issue.
 
Martin Osmond said:
The black Fuji DPS chip really bad now.

I've a set of Torrix TE's built by Vic Gibson that are 15 years old and yes they've chipped a bit but nothing you wouldn't expect.

Had a set of 10ft Torrix for my boys, to match mine, built by Cotswold rods a couple of years ago and they chipped really bad.

I spoke to Dave Ellyatt at ESP about it as they stopped using them on the Terey Hearn carp rods and I know Tom at Cotswold Rods stopped using them too.

I've got the American Tackle version on the Aviators I had built last year and they are spot on, no issues yet and apparently a lot less likely to chip. Their matt black DPS is stunning.

It's only the black DPS that's an issue.
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That's interesting, worth noting! 👍
 
Richard Isaacs said:
It’s the tsi 15’ float.

I don’t know a lot about them other than TF gear obviously had a bit of a crack at hi end stuff and failed miserably. The RRP going back some years now was around £250 plus but because the TFG name was associated around mid range and low range stuff they practically sold bigger all.

It was short lived and The stock was let go cheap in most outlets.

The rod is flipping brilliant especially if you’re looking for something really quite stiff yet super tippy.
I don’t know what lines it’s rated too regarding maximum strength but I’ve heard as low as 8 and as high as 12. It is without doubt a power float rod and not something I’d enjoy using for chub only hence it never made my top 5 list

It’s got a faster tip than the accy speccy but it’s as rigid in the middle and very solid in the butt just like the acolyte.
It weighs 186g on my scales which is exactly the same as my sphere
Rings and sizes are good quality sic like the acolytes. The handle is loads better. Better length, better seat better cork quality it’s like velvet.

The action and weight is practically the same as an acolyte specimen 15 to me baring the tsi being a little faster and softer in the very tip. I would struggle to tell the difference at all if it wasn’t for the
Click to expand...

Julian Griffiths said:
Having a couple of builds done by Roger @ peregrine, and we were discussing real seats etc. He said at one point in our discussions, 'That the Fuji black reel seats coming through these days aren't very good.... Saying the American Tackle Company Clones are a good alternative...(as a option to consider)
I'll be having (for my avons) what they call the Roberts Reel fits, as I'd like to be able to have the option of moving the reels to any given position on the handle for the ultimate balance of the Rod.
Been meaning to have them done on a build for some time, & felt a light setup that I'm opting for, would be worth giving them a try.

And for my future builds, will start to consider alternative reel seats, but only after I figure out why he had reservations on the ones I liked?
Personally, Fuji's have served me very well over the years, & I haven't noticed a massive difference in the quality?
Click to expand...
He did a soft feel seat for me on my 12'. Said it was "lush"! I like it.
 
Richard Isaacs said:
I reckon he would if you ordered it customized but obviously it wouldn’t be a £200 stock rod.

He still builds them on the blanks in his workshop so I’m sure he’ll do it how you want it
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I emailed him and he said ' he made a decision not to offer custom options and build them to what he decided was the best way and the best parts for the job etc.
Shame really as he thought he was a custom rod builder?
 
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