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Which of these rods.....

M

Martin Osmond

Senior Member & Supporter
I want, don't need but really want a hand built, custom float rod. There aren't many options so have narrowed it down to these three.

Mark Tunley specialist float
Free spirit 15ft power float
Harrison GTI (not sure on which model)

It will be used predominantly as a trotting rod for chub but also fishing the waggler for tench in the spring. I appreciate that they are two very different things and I know some are going to say that the Free Spirit is an out and out Barbel rod but out of the three what rod would you pick.
 
Martin Osmond said:
I want, don't need but really want a hand built, custom float rod. There aren't many options so have narrowed it down to these three.

Mark Tunley specialist float
Free spirit 15ft power float
Harrison GTI (not sure on which model)

It will be used predominantly as a trotting rod for chub but also fishing the waggler for tench in the spring. I appreciate that they are two very different things and I know some are going to say that the Free Spirit is an out and out Barbel rod but out of the three what rod would you pick.
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The current free spirit blank to me appears substantially softer and more through actioned than the original version so it might actually be what your looking for.
They are quite light weight I think the blank walls are slightly thinner than they were in the past.
A rod of this caliber and expense is certainly not something I’d buy without seeing first.
I have 2 free spirit 15ft float rods built by mark Tunley. Both of mine are the original version not the newer lighter one.
I’ve had some tremendous fish on them they are incredibly strong capable blanks
There’s certainly something quite special about holding a float rod, you’ve had built to your own tastes.
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Richard Isaacs said:
The current free spirit blank to me appears substantially softer and more through actioned than the original version so it might actually be what your looking for.
They are quite light weight I think the blank walls are slightly thinner than they were in the past.
A rod of this caliber and expense is certainly not something I’d buy without seeing first.
I have 2 free spirit 15ft float rods built by mark Tunley. Both of mine are the original version not the newer lighter one.
I’ve had some tremendous fish on them they are incredibly strong capable blanks
There’s certainly something quite special about holding a float rod, you’ve had built to your own tastes. View attachment 33437View attachment 33436
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Cheers mate, it was the old free spirit I was talking about to be fair, I should have made that clear. Mark currently has them in stock to build and I'm very tempted.
 
Martin Osmond said:
Cheers mate, it was the old free spirit I was talking about to be fair, I should have made that clear. Mark currently has them in stock to build and I'm very tempted.
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My advice is go and pull on one before spending the money.
They are lovely rods, but lovely is one thing and suitability is another.
 
Huanzhou Zhu said:
He has the original in stock? I thought he has the new version?
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You are right, was told by a friend ot was the original blank but I've just double checked and it's not.

Might be a good thing for me though as I don't want an out and out barbel rod.

I know this nrw version isn't as well regarded do you, or anyone else, know why?
 
Martin Osmond said:
You are right, was told by a friend ot was the original blank but I've just double checked and it's not.

Might be a good thing for me though as I don't want an out and out barbel rod.

I know this nrw version isn't as well regarded do you, or anyone else, know why?
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To me it’s the action, it is more through action than the original one. The rod feels more like a long powerful carp waggler rod to me, not really a long trotting rod.
 
Martin Osmond said:
You are right, was told by a friend ot was the original blank but I've just double checked and it's not.

Might be a good thing for me though as I don't want an out and out barbel rod.

I know this nrw version isn't as well regarded do you, or anyone else, know why?
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It’s not that it’s not as highly regarded it’s just because it’s different.

Free spirit discontinued the original rods which were regarded by many (especially nps trent anglers) as the no1 go to float rod for landing big barbel. (Talking 15’ foot here. Other models didn’t get the same press).
I bought mine after the discontinuation from Roger hurst.
An off the chance phone call saw that he had 1 left in stock and i snapped it up.
Best float rod I’ve ever used when it comes to really putting the pressure on something that doesn’t want to stop.
Immensely super strong blanks.

Free spirit claimed the discontinuation was down to the fact that the carbon used in those float rods was too expensive and difficult to carry on obtaining.

Fast forward 2 years and a brand new 5 model strong range came out.

“Exactly the same blanks and action” 20% lighter and 2 new 14/17 models…… how when 2 years ago they were too expensive to carry on. 🤷🏻

So I and others bought them on the basis they are the same rods with a face lift. They got better handles and reel seats. Lighter guides too.

Upon direct comparison with the original it is noticeably softer in action. That doesn’t mean weaker. The blank could be just as strong but the action is slower and more through. The 17 is a bit faster than the 15 but when anglers started using them for big barbel and finding they doubled over much quicker and easier, it was quickly concluded they weren’t as good as the original.

They are as good they are just different in action.

I believe they did Change something in the process also. Because all of a sudden these blanks are now affordable albeit not cheap.

Moved manufacturing or sourced materials else where…. I don’t know. Don’t be put off by the rods just understand that it’s not a case of not being as good but more a case of being different.

The new ones have a much better handle configuration than the originals for a start but then if your having it built that makes no odds anyway.

Remember builders are struggling with supplies at the moment so bare that in mind when your thinking about Fuji seats and Duplon butt sections
Most now will have very limited options
 
I rather like the newer Freespirit Hi-S. However, I don't trot with either (15/17') of mine. The action is better suited to chucking wagglers about on stillwaters. For trotting for better fish, I'd sooner use an Acolyte Specimen. If/when Drennan bring out a 17' Acolyte Specimen, I may have a decision to make as to whether I keep the Freespirits.
 
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