Drennan Super Specialist Duo - Thoughts?

[bigchub]

Going to pick up a very nice Drennan Super Specialist Duo 12ft, 1.5lb tc in mint condition for the bargain price of £50 on Friday, which I'm going to be using for my chub fishing from now on as I can bolt rig with it and quiver tip and suits my style of fishing exactly.
Didn't want a 1.75lb tc (too powerful) or the 1.25 tc (not enough power) and I needed the rod to have a bit of backbone to stop a big chub from reaching cover in hit & hold situations and cast 2-3oz of lead while also being able to link ledger with it so this seems like the perfect compromise.

Anyone got any thoughts on these rods? Have never used a Drennan rod in my life (probably the only person on this forum not to use one!). I have been told that its a perfect big chub rod.

 

[dezza]

I must own 8 Drennan rods, from 14 foot float rods to 12.5 foot tench float rods, and from 11 foot bomb rods th 12 foot barbel rods

They are simply some of the best rods available on the market and they are very competitively priced. The 1.5 lb TC rod ideal as a general chub rod - perfect for the Trent.

 

[Morespiders]

You wont be dissapointed Chub i have 5 of them all superb

 

[Matthew White]

I have the Drennan Series 7 Avon 1.25 TC and I absolutely love it. It has a great action but with plenty of power. It is my first Drennan rod but wont be my last.

Matt

 

[richiekelly]

i have never known drennan to make a poor rod,i had 3 drennan pike rods for xmas and they do everything i wanted from them,their aftersales service is second to none.

 

[Tee-Cee]

I would really like to hear your thoughts after you've used it a few times...I have the 1,75tc drennan and it is a great rod BUT I do fancy something with a bit more length but less power so what you are getting may be just the job!!

£50 sounds an absolute bargain.......was this from the ebay(if you don't mind me asking)??

I could go and wave one around in a tackle shop but first hand info is always better..

Maybe its time for that first 7lb chub.........................or another one!!

 

[S-Kippy]

I've got one of those at 1.5lb tc. Lovely rod...nice through action without being too soft & more backbone than you might at first think. First time out I had a 10-6 barbel on it and though it coped I did think the rod was just about at its limit. I imagine it would be spot on for big chub and quite a few other things too.

Dont think you'll be disappointed.

 

[bigchub]

I would really like to hear your thoughts after you've used it a few times...I have the 1,75tc drennan and it is a great rod BUT I do fancy something with a bit more length but less power so what you are getting may be just the job!!

£50 sounds an absolute bargain.......was this from the ebay(if you don't mind me asking)??

I could go and wave one around in a tackle shop but first hand info is always better..

Maybe its time for that first 7lb chub.........................or another one!!

Yes was from ebay and it was pure luck that the seller is just 10 miles up the road from me which is great as it saves me £15 on P&P. Apparently these are better quality than the current series 7 rods and the Super Specialist before it was also a cracking rod.

Tee-Cee - I shall give you my honest opinion of the rod when I've caught a few chub on it in the next few weeks (hopefully!).

 

[S-Kippy]

I'd have to agree on the build quality...nice though the Series 7 rods are I do wonder about the blank quality.No such reservations about the SSD. I dont use mine very often and every time I do I wonder why...its a belter.

 

[Tim Ridge]

I reviewed this rod on FM way way back and having used the rod for years and inspite of owning several similar rods It's still my number 1 choice for my chubbing. I'd go as far as to say that the rod is as near perfect as you will find.

 

[Tee-Cee]

Thanks for that Bigchub...look forward to the report although everyone seems to think its a belter anyway!

Don't hold out much hope of finding a ebay specimen but will try...

If anyone hears of a top quality sample up for sale anywhere I'd be pleased to hear about it....(but I'm not holding my breath!!!)

 

[bigchub]

For anyone who has one of these rod how does a Shimano 4010 GTM balance with it?

 

[Tim Ridge]

I've tried it with an old 4000 aero gtm and several other 4000 sized shimano's and (with the quiver top) have always found the combination a little unbalanced. My exage in particular feels clumsy and I find my reaction time a little slow. I'm currently using a Shakespeare mach II 035 front drag (the old model) and I find it balances perfectly. I've tried other front drag reels and they all seem (for some strange reason) to be a much better pairing with the rod in its quivertip configuration. On the other hand with the standard avon top (I don't tend to use this much) the reverse is true and my 4000 sized rear drag shimanos balance the rod well.

 

[bigchub]

I went and picked the rod up today and I have to say that it looks like exactly the rod I have been looking for. Just oozes quality and workmanship, light and balances nicely in the hand, but with ample reserves of power to spare. All I need now is a fish to put a bend in it!