Specialist Rods (1.25-1.5lbtc)

[Huanzhou Zhu]

There are some excellent budget rods out there, as Huan as alluded to, the 7ft Ambush rod I have is remarkable value, no need too spend a fortune these days, I appreciate its a status thing primarily in buying a top brand, but the wife will love you even more if that's possible if you go down the budget route.
The Korum Allrounders are good rods too.

Advanta, tackle box and Korum all making some good rods with decent price. Especially the first two.

 

[Huanzhou Zhu]

Good shout. I got my nephew the 11ft 1.25 Avon/Quiver for Christmas last year and it definitely looks the part considering the cost. I was quite impressed. He’s had Chub to 4lb and a few Bream using it. Certainly a more durable looking offering than the Drennan equivalent (Twin Tip Duos), which whilst I’m okay with the blank, seems to be finished with the finesse of a toddler with a pritt-stick.

Yeah, I was really impressed with the rod, especially considering how cheap it is. I have no doubt the twin tip Avon is equally good.

 

[Paul Richardson]

why do we fish - Google Search

 

[Paul Richardson]

 

[Chris Belcher]

There are some excellent budget rods out there, as Huan as alluded to, the 7ft Ambush rod I have is remarkable value, no need too spend a fortune these days, I appreciate its a status thing primarily in buying a top brand, but the wife will love you even more if that's possible if you go down the budget route.
The Korum Allrounders are good rods too.

Korum Allrounders is a fantastic shout - they do an 11' 1.25 which could fit the bill - had a pair of their 2lb 12' barbel rods and although cosmetically unappealing (to me) they far outperformed their price point. I think you've all dissauded me from E Class; I'll be spending the savings on carp bait!

 

[Garry Howell]

Hi, coming a bit late to this, I bought a Daiwa Twin tip 1.25 during the summer for tench fishing, never used it! Tried it on the Upper Lea yesterday, if you are looking for something with a nice through action but surprising amount in reserve it might be worth a look, good value to.

 

[Wayne Robinson]

Hi all
I've recently won eBay auction £50 for free spirit advanced 12ft 1.5lb! I think it was a bargain! This is the previous version to the current gold version, however the gold version quiver tip section fits it so will be trying it this winter for some chub on the Thames! I've also got the very rare 11ft 1.2 version with quiver tip section which is a perfect small river chub or perch rod. The action of the 11ft rod is tip to middle, but will bend all the way though, perfect for casting small feeders, weights, so I hopping the 12ft version will have the same action i.e capable of casting 2 - 4 Oz feeders. I had a pair of 12ft Shimano Technicum specialists for about 20 years, and used to love the through action, but nowadays prefer the tip to middle action of the free spirit advanced rods, same action as the Fox FX barbel rods
Regards Wayne

 

[Kevin Siddle]

Did some Tench fishing the other week and whilst my 11ft 80's Boron Silstars (bend to the butt) are still a joy to use they were a bit lacking when the bigger fish made an appearance.

Any advice on some decent 'specialist' all rounders to help fill a gap in my rod collection please? - don't want the faff of multi tip rods - just all rounders that I can float fish / use light feeders on still waters with (for bigger fish) but also use as light barbel / chub rods on smaller rivers. Historically prefer through(ish) action rods but more recently have been converted to more 'medium / tippy' rods (eg Torrix) as they're a bit more versatile

Free Spirit 12' Specialist (E Class)?

Hi Chris, I have a pair of gold E class 1.75 in classifieds if you're not fixed up. Very good rods, I have had carp to 15lbs from quite snaggy swims on them, plenty of power with a wonderful action.
Regards Kevin