Float/Match rod options?????????

[tigger]

Originally Posted by Bluenose

Ben,
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.

Yeah, until you pick up a Normark then you'd be dissapointed and wish you'd got the latter

Drennan did some lovely match rods also....the im8 and im9 range where superb rods but you have to keep your eye on ebay or the small adds to get one as they arn't in production these days. I like the im8 specimine float rod and often use it for trotting.

[preston96]

Originally Posted by tigger

Yeah, until you pick up a Normark then you'd be dissapointed and wish you'd got the latter

Drennan did some lovely match rods also....the im8 and im9 range where superb rods but you have to keep your eye on ebay or the small adds to get one as they arn't in production these days. I like the im8 specimine float rod and often use it for trotting.

Tigger, Normark have made some fantastic rods, as have others.....i have two or three old desirable float rods up the loft.......but every time i use my Shaky Mach's i have grin from ear to ear that something that cost so little does such a great job..........99.9% as good as a rod costing £100 more.

If all i had to worry about were float rods then i may go the whole hog and call in that 1%..................but then again i may not

[ravey]

My gear is probably a bit out of date, acquired mid-nineties before I had to sort myself out and study for a 'career'. When I was on the lookout for a good float rod for the Trent, the Normarks were the ones to judge others by in my opinion (after much 'waggling'). The Daiwa amorphous 13' waggler did the job well enough for me, and, importantly still does. My missus bought me a 13' Normark Micrlight 2000 as a present (yes, we're still together!), but is it twice as good (it was twice the price of the Daiwa at the time)? Probably not. I still don't regret my choice, and belive that it is better to spend money on a rod you have to 'handle' all day, and make economies on the rods that spend more time in rests (eg feeder rods). Hope this helps.

[ben cook]

Bluenose, I was only joshing about the Shakespeare crew not being critical so thanks everyone for all of the replies. Unfortunately none of my local tackle shops stock Shakespeare so I'll either have to take a punt on one or travel miles to have a hold that's why I was asking for alternatives. Funnily enough I had a 12ft Series Seven Drennan Carp Waggler last year to use specifically for Tench fishing. I've owned Drennan products in the past and they have all been fantastic but that rod was a little under their high standards in my opinion. A nice looking blank and handle but I never felt in control with fish over 5lb.

[Bluenose]

No offence taken Ben. How much are you looking to spend?

[ben cook]

Could go upto £100 but it seems like the Mach III is definately top choice in that price range £70-100.

[Bluenose]

Stapeley have a 14foot match version for £65-70, there are loads on ebay for around the same price mate. Find someone local you may be able to pick one up and save postage.

Where is your local shop Ben, which brands do they stock?

[sagalout]

I would highly recommend the Shimano Hyperloop AX 390FA Match. Mine was £35 inc p&p brand new of ebay, fantastic rod. I have had 10lb carp without problems and can still feel a 2oz roach go.

[jimmy crackedcorn]

Originally Posted by Bluenose

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.

What a great point. So often you read in the mags that 1st timers/beginners should go to a tackle shop (which can be very intimidating places - but thats another topic) and hold a few rods and "feel" which one is best, when in reality they could be picking up anything from a £300 pound rod to a broom handle.

Never had much joy with shakespeare but I've always heard good things about the mach3 range. Climax tackle not so long ago had all the normarks in - I've just looked at an old advert in TCF, but whether they still have them I dont know. Saw a review of the drennan silverfish rod - a 2 piece 13ft rod which looked interesting.

That said I've got a maver match this and wouldnt swap it for much as I dont use it an awful lot, it suits me and, as you say I'm not sure I'd really know a better rod if I held it. The only reason I like the look of the drennan is the convenience of 2 piece rod.

[Wilko]

13' Shakey Mach III all the way!
I use mine for 90% of my float fishing, sweet-as-a-nut action and casting is uber accurate, definately my favourite rod and I also own a Normark!