The rod feels okay and looks okay apart from the over-stated graphics which is par for the course with gear manufactured on the continent. The full cork handle and screwed reel fitting are comfortable enough and the price is fair considering it's a two top rod with three push-in quivertips.
The rod itself would have rated much higher than it has if Grauvell had put more thought into the rest of package.
The worst of this is the rod bag, which is a thin cotton thing with only one compartment. I mean, a rod with single legged rings throughout (apart from butt and tip), all jangling together when in transit?
Anybody who buys this rod would be well advised to bin the bag and buy another one with separate compartments. It's a disgrace really, even for a cheap rod, and this one isn't exactly cheap.
And the name. Oh god, the name! 'Barbel Bionic'. If that doesn't put anybody off then nothing will, apart from kids who still think Buzz Lightyear is cool.
It's a shame really, for it doesn't appear to be a bad blank, but the graphics are so graphic, the name so naff, and the bag so……………..bad, I'm afraid that Grauvell are going to have to study the needs and tastes of UK anglers in a lot more depth than they already have, maybe. Yet they make such good reels at the right price.
Dave Johnson
