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What is a Kev Baynes Specialist H.T.?

Steven Sweet

Senior Member & Supporter
Is anyone able to help me identify this rod?
It's a 11' 6" 'specialist H.T. custom built by Kevin Baynes. I can't find anything on it about the blank or T.C.

I bought it as part of a job lot of specialist rods a few of months back, but I haven't been sure what to do with it since. I don't know enough about it to sell it, but I've also got too many rods & probably shouldn't keep it. 😂

Anything anyone can share will be greatly appreciated

(In case it helps identify it the other rods in the lot were a 12ft 3-section andico all rounder 1-30g & a tri-cast legend in 1.25lb)

20250804_131741.jpg

20250804_131753.jpg
 
That looks like a Ballista or GTI blank to me…..

That also squares with the age of the Tricast Legend.

Kev B’s more recent specialist rods were often called ‘Sniper’ - which were predominantly built on Torrix blanks
 
I have some Kev Baynes rods. He did his own specialist range of rods No 1, 2 and 3. These were built on Harrisons blanks and in some cases unique to him, so he claimed.

Originally and 20+ years ago, he was also building on Sportex blanks. These Barbel rods were very highly regarded; however he stopped using Sportex after they slapped a 100 blank MOQ on him and other customers.

A very under rated rod builder IMHO, he builds no nonsense custom rods, without the bling and at a good price 👍🏻

His unique 11ft Specialist No 1 is my fav Barbel rod 👍🏻

If you do call the workshop, do so after 14:00 in the afternoon.
 
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