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.
) 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).
