Float/Match rod options????????? - Page 2

tigger · #11 (**permalink**) 12-02-2010, 19:59

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ray Daywalker Clarke

If you have the money and can find one, The Normark Titan 2000.

I'd go along with that but my preference would be the Avenger for all round fishing. I've caught the smallest of dace to over 4lb barbel and 6lb plus chub trotting the river with the pin then tench over 8 1/2lb and carp to 12lb on still waters with mine and it's performed pretty much perfectly. I think you'd need to look on ebay though to purchase one these days. The Titans are also the dogs but just that bit less powerfull.

Hugh Bailey 2 · #12 (**permalink**) 12-02-2010, 20:37

Nice one guys - thanks.

I'm going to look at the Normarks now - are they still in production or do i need to look for a SH model?

preston96 · #13 (**permalink**) 12-02-2010, 20:48

[QUOTE=Bluenose;777469]I think the Mach III's can still be picked up for 60-70 rips or so. The newer version (Mach III XT I think it is) is obviously going to be a bit more expensive than a 2-3yr old model.

Do you ever get the impression that some just see that Shakespeare logo and switch off?.............even if something special is looking em square in the mush at a bargain price?

tigger · #14 (**permalink**) 12-02-2010, 21:14

Quote:

Originally Posted by Hugh Bailey 2

Nice one guys - thanks.

I'm going to look at the Normarks now - are they still in production or do i need to look for a SH model?

I think you'll have to buy SH or an unused one off the bay. I'm not altogether sure if production of them has stopped. You will get a good one off there though if you keep your eye outgood luck!

---------- Post added at 22:14 ---------- Previous post was at 22:11 ----------

[quote=Paul Williams 11;777530]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bluenose

I think the Mach III's can still be picked up for 60-70 rips or so. The newer version (Mach III XT I think it is) is obviously going to be a bit more expensive than a 2-3yr old model.

Do you ever get the impression that some just see that Shakespeare logo and switch off?.............even if something special is looking em square in the mush at a bargain price?

I have to agree with you that some of the Shakey gear is brilliant(they just got a bad name for a spell), I got my m8 a shakey match rod several years ago (i think it was called an excelciour or maybe spelt different) and they stopped making them. They where an absolutely beautifull rod and I can't find one now !

Robert Woods · #15 (**permalink**) 12-02-2010, 21:27

Last week I spent a couple of hours "playing" my mate Neil round Stapeley Angling trying out all the float rods. I liked Shakey Mach 3 but no 13ft ones in stock. They had quite a range to look at. In the end I liked new Greys G-Tec 13ft power float...just felt right in my hands. Suggest you do same as everyone has their own preferences.

Graham Whatmore · #16 (**permalink**) 13-02-2010, 08:32

If there is a better rod than the Shaky Mach III I would like to see it and I have owned and still do own some of the very high priced, supposedly superior rods and do you know what? They ain't any better that my two Mach III's, a 15ft float and a 11.5ft feeder which only cost £120 for the two of them.

Rods are a tool to catch fish and it is best to leave the one upmanship to the Missus.

Bluenose · #17 (**permalink**) 13-02-2010, 10:58

Quote:

Originally Posted by Paul Williams 11

Do you ever get the impression that some just see that Shakespeare logo and switch off?.............even if something special is looking em square in the mush at a bargain price?

Yes, without doubt.

They have a mach III 14footer in Stapeley at the moment, 65 rips I think. Absolutely blinding bit of kit and for the money it's an absolute steal.

toady · #18 (**permalink**) 13-02-2010, 12:44

Can't agree more about Shakespeare having some real good gear at a bargain price. I have a Shakespeare Trion fly rod (among many other makes of fly rod) and it is an asolute peach to fish with - one of my favourite wands. I paid £39 for it.

No experience of the float rods but what's said by the guys above makes sense to me.

ben cook · #19 (**permalink**) 13-02-2010, 15:29

Ok so it seems this thread has turned into the Shakespeare Appreciation Society. Does anybody have any other recommendations?

Bluenose · #20 (**permalink**) 13-02-2010, 15:52

Ben, in your OP you yourself specifically mentioned the Mach III. Several posters have directly replied to that and confirmed this is a great piece of kit for the price. I think that says something. The Shaky appreciation society exists because a few fella's here who are older, wiser and (most especially) uglier than me, know a good piece of kit when they see it, regardless of brand.

I'll argue strongly that a lot of match rods up to a point are much of a much, indeed I'll go further and say if you went to a decent tackle shop and picked one randomly off the rack without even holding it first that you wouldn't be 'that' disappointed.

It just depends on how much you want to spend and how important to you the brand is.

Throw a few more parameters in, how much do you want to spend, etc