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New Rod builds.

Julian Griffiths

Senior Member
Am considering having some rods built at some point.
Anyone had any work done by Chris Ward?

Does Bob Gill build still?
 
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Am considering having some rods built at some point.
Anyone had any work done by Chris Ward?

Does Bob Gill build still?
I’ve had lots of rods built in the past and to be completely honest I couldn’t say a single negative point about any of the work I’ve owned or seen from a professional British builder.
The craftsmanship level that these guys produce to is so fantastic that there simply couldn’t be a “best” and “worst” builder.
However some of them specialise, some of them have their own products, designs and some have rods in a range that can’t be obtained anywhere else which is where different builders differ.
Bob gill will turn the most beautiful wooden reel seats and handle parts you’ve ever seen.
If you like fancy chevrons and bling whippings and bling then I’ve seen vic Gibson among afew others do this.
Mark tunley has his own full range of Harrison rods in dark carbon and his rod tip isotopes are the sleekest neatest ive ever seen you struggle to see where they start and end.
Dave lumb has got to be No 1 for anything predatory. His range of pike rods is enormous and knowledge to back it up.
Roger mcourtney of peregrine is a very knowledgeable barbel angler and builds some beautiful rods. He’s also got a couple in his range that he had design involvement with. Paul on here worked on one with him I believe for use with a pin.
I don’t know much about chris ward but I’ve seen some YouTube stuff he’s done and rods he’s built........as youd expect flawless and awesome.
My advice is figure out exactly what you want and select your builder based on what they offer best towards your needs. Every one of them is slightly different but all are equally brilliant at what they do.
 
Richard is right they are all good I chose vic Gibson simply because he is local to me But I would have no worries using any of the above
 
As recommended by Richard (above) I've been buying from Dave Lumb since 1997 and can highly recommend. He does has a reputation for predator rods, but his range also covers the specialist rods. He builds on Harrison blanks, and his web-site specifies the Chimera and Torrix ranges. I purchased a couple of Chimera 3's last September (they didn't have much use on the big river last winter :( 😄) and his craftwork has not disappointed as usual! Dave has a good website where you can click through his entire range (D L Specialist Tackle).
 
As recommended by Richard (above) I've been buying from Dave Lumb since 1997 and can highly recommend. He does has a reputation for predator rods, but his range also covers the specialist rods. He builds on Harrison blanks, and his web-site specifies the Chimera and Torrix ranges. I purchased a couple of Chimera 3's last September (they didn't have much use on the big river last winter :( 😄) and his craftwork has not disappointed as usual! Dave has a good website where you can click through his entire range (D L Specialist Tackle).
What Ade says - I've never looked anywhere else TBH. He once tried to talk me out of ordering a rod - I didn't listen and he was right - but indicative of his honest, straight-up approach.
 
I'm not taking on any new builds at the moment - Sorry.
I'm doing the odd bit of research and product testing.
Anyone contemplating a rod build then please be aware it's not just the blank that costs but the other materials and fittings as well. Could add more but won't.
Meanwhile, part of handle of a Carbel rod picture......(one of a matched pair).

IMG_0796 crop 1024.jpg


Cheers
Bob
 
Can't fault Dave Lumb either.

He does a wide range of specialist rods, he built my beloved Interceptors. I went with the standard build spec but upgraded the rings to Fuji SICs even though Dave said in the real world they were probably no better than alconites...he was right.
 
I'm not taking on any new builds at the moment - Sorry.
I'm doing the odd bit of research and product testing.
Anyone contemplating a rod build then please be aware it's not just the blank that costs but the other materials and fittings as well. Could add more but won't.
Meanwhile, part of handle of a Carbel rod picture......(one of a matched pair).

View attachment 10843

Cheers
Bob
Do you then take a standard Fuji reel seat and turn those parts yourself to fit over them Bob?
Must be some hours put into those wooden parts to get them to come out like that. Absolutely whole new level of custom😎😎
 
Can't fault Dave Lumb either.

He does a wide range of specialist rods, he built my beloved Interceptors. I went with the standard build spec but upgraded the rings to Fuji SICs even though Dave said in the real world they were probably no better than alconites...he was right.
For our world you’d never notice a difference
SIC’s are slightly harder than Alcs but you’d need some extreme wear and pressure on those guides to remotely see any advantage.
Ever so slight weight advantage in the SIC I believe too but very fractional.
Dave is currently building me a pike rod for the winter. We had exactly the same conversation on the rings and based on his advice I settled on the Fuji alcs.
 
Do you then take a standard Fuji reel seat and turn those parts yourself to fit over them Bob?
Must be some hours put into those wooden parts to get them to come out like that. Absolutely whole new level of custom😎😎
Hi Richard, All the wood is turned to fit. It can be tedious at times but quite used to working to fine tolerences with wood mostly due to building guitars from the plank up. Reel seat shown is a commercially available type (ALPS) in matt gunsmoke finish and made of aluminium. They have been around for many years but provide a rock solid reel seat.
All the best,
Bob
 
For our world you’d never notice a difference
SIC’s are slightly harder than Alcs but you’d need some extreme wear and pressure on those guides to remotely see any advantage.
Ever so slight weight advantage in the SIC I believe too but very fractional.
Dave is currently building me a pike rod for the winter. We had exactly the same conversation on the rings and based on his advice I settled on the Fuji alcs.

What blank have you chosen Richard?

I do like the P1's and P2's. Both second hand purchases...currently using a Bait Blaster as my spomb rods, it's an effortless caster.
 
thinking of getting a rod built myself so will have a look see whats about.
 
Try Chas Burns at burns built rods ,[ just google burns built rods he has a website] he works exclusively on Harrison blanks , his work is superb and keenly priced, give him a ring 07719 788036 , mention that you had been recommended by me .
 
I can only reiterate the above recommendations for Dave Lumb - he put together a standard build of a Harrison 4-piece Avon in early 2019 and it's perfect for big Dove barbel! :)
 
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