I’m late to the party on the thread. I own an 11ft GTI, it’s a nice rod, but if you find yourself in a near bank hit and hold situation, it can get a bit hairy, even with low doubles, to the point that I feel it’s hitting it limits.
I have previously owned a 12ft GTI and currently own a pair of 12ft Torrix 1.75’s. In this length the Torrix is the much better alround rod and is more powerful.
Far and away my favourite 11ft Barbel rod, is the Anglers Workshop Specialist No 1, rated at 1.5lb TC. It has a lovely soft tip, through action and it just keeps bending, it’s like it has a 2 stage action. Built by Kev Baine’s, based in Newcastle-under-Lyme.
He did retire, but I believe has started up again. I never could get him to confirm, which Harrison blank it’s built on, but it’s just awesome!