Drennan acolyte feeder rods

[ben10]

Looking for buy a full compliment of feeders rods to target anything from roach to good mid double carp... Looking at the acolyte range and thinking of an 11ft ultra, 12ft plus and a 13ft distance rod.

Are these rods as good as they seem? Would anyone suggest another length/variation of the range to add and are there any other options as good/better than the acolytes from other manufacturers? Trilogy? Castizm?

Thanks.

 

[ben10]

Or maybe a selection from cadence?

 

[john step]

Ben, the first thing I would say if you are looking at the possibility of a full compliment of Acolyte feeders is that you must have won the National Lottery.

That aside ... I lashed out for the distant 13 foot feeder last year in a fit of feeling flush. It is actually a very good rod. I have used it on The non tidal Trent this year for bream and silvers. It casts very well and picks line up quickly.

I have used it on a large gravel pit. It chucks a feeder out quite effortlessly.

It is quite powerful but using the lightest of the 3 tips bites from silvers register OK. and there is none of the poker feel about it. You can feel even smaller fish like dace.
I have only used it with 8lb main line which seems to me to be spot on.

Pleased I bought it but I won't be spending that kind of cash on any feeder rod for lesser distances or lighter uses. Not necessary I feel.

Unless I win the lottery of course.:wh

 

[xenon]

cannot comment on the drennan (beyond saying if the feeder rods are anything like as good as the float rods, you won't be disappointed) but another one to consider is the Diawa long distance tournament -superb piece of kit (mind, it should be for that price)

 

[john step]

cannot comment on the drennan (beyond saying if the feeder rods are anything like as good as the float rods, you won't be disappointed) but another one to consider is the Diawa long distance tournament -superb piece of kit (mind, it should be for that price)

Agree. My other two feeder rods in common use are a Shaky 10ft Sigma, about £40 light and responsive and ideal with lines about 6lb and an original Shaky Sigma wand ideal for about 3lb line (So old I cannot say the cost and the term feeder rod had not been invented. They were quiver tip rods!)

 

[mikench]

You will get a cup of tea at least in your local Tackle shop!!

 

[nottskev]

Agree. My other two feeder rods in common use are a Shaky 10ft Sigma, about £40 light and responsive and ideal with lines about 6lb and an original Shaky Sigma wand ideal for about 3lb line (So old I cannot say the cost and the term feeder rod had not been invented. They were quiver tip rods!)

Have you still got tips for the wand in working order? I loved that rod when I had it, but I soon had a set of slightly shorter tips. After it had gone, I recreated one from bits of other rods and home made tips.

I also had, pre-carbon, a lovely soft-tipped float rod called a Sigma Canal - there was an 11' and a 12'. A great range of rods.

Sorry for getting off-point re, Acolyte feeders. Actually there is a bit of relevance: I've had dearer and cheaper feeder rods and usually found the cheaper ones more appealing eg I'd prefer to fish with my Shakespeare Quattro than several far more expensive ones. Overall, I've found Daiwa feeder rods have great playing actions and really stand the test of time, too.

 

[mikench]

Clearly if you are about to acquire several expensive rods you are unlikely to be interested in cheaper rods! I am sure the Acolytes will be excellent! However like different malts, recipes, cars, jeans and so on a feeder rod is essentially a rod! Some you like, some you don't and many just feel the same! I have several of the Hardy Marksman Supero range which are a joy to use. Equally I have a couple of Shakey rods which are great value for money!

I had an itch for an older Daiwa feeder rod( Amorphous Whisker) which I have now scratched! It is lovely to use and looks like new! That scratch is still there however and another rod of the same vintage is in sight. I do like a bargain, perceived or actual, and somehow that adds to the fun and enjoyment of the item! I wouldn't forego that pleasure for anything!

One thing I wouldn't do is to go out and buy a complete range of rods from the off untried and untested. I would buy one and see if I like it first. I am sure you will though!

 

[ben10]

Yeah I do need to try some out if possible. I'm getting rid of all my carp stuff along with some other bits that haven't been used in a long time and putting it towards items that do get used, hence the acolytes.

All my sessions now are day sessions on the feeder or float, I have 2 custom built float rods so I'd like to find a range of 3 to 4 feeder rods that will cover everything and hopefully last me a very long time!

 

[john step]

nottskev, I have one precious tip left. When that goes I shall try to adapt a glass tip from somewhere or other , but I have doubts if any exist due to most rods being carbon now. I did enquire at KP spares who specialise in Shaky to no avail.

 

[Richox12]

One thing I wouldn't do is to go out and buy a complete range of rods from the off untried and untested. I would buy one and see if I like it first. I am sure you will though!

The thing is, just because someone likes one rod in a family it doesn't necessarily mean they'd like a different model from the same family. They are different rods. A 13ft Distance is vastly different to an 11' Ultra for example.

 

[mikench]

My family is just like that!

 

[ben10]

Does anyone know if the castizm rods accept the old daiwa tips or have they changed the diameter?

Thanks.

 

[Philip]

I got to see / have a few casts with a 13 foot Cadence feeder a few weeks back and that seemed like quite a nice rod but it was still based on just a limited waggle.

Overall, I've found Daiwa feeder rods have great playing actions and really stand the test of time, too.

I have found that with Diawa rods in general. I have had quite a few and I cant think of one I have thought was a bad rod. Sure they must exist but they tend to be quite nice all round rods even in the lower/mid price range.

 

[jasonbean1]

I have both cadence rods and acolytes... both very good.

I think you need to look at where you will be fishing and what for. Drennan don't do a proper river rod for the likes of the severn or wye. the 13ft distance feeder does not have backbone through out for big rivers with water on...the cadence #3 rods do, I have both 13 and 14ft's very nice but small rings and not ideal for braid and long distance stillwater chucks.

if money is no object and you want a complete range from one manufacturer it would be daiwa if not mix and match with drennan...I would not sway a way from these 2 simply because of spares availability in the future and resale value will always be good.

 

[markcw]

Shakespeare Agility Continental feeder rods, built for distance and decent sized rivers, Should still be available for around 60 quid. Do not confuse them with the cheaper Shakespeare Agility feeder rods, they are cheaper and on a different blank, The Continental has a 14' rod in the range, capable of launching 5oz into the water, These rods are not pokers, bite detection is good.

 

[davebhoy]

Shakespeare Agility Continental feeder rods, built for distance and decent sized rivers, Should still be available for around 60 quid. Do not confuse them with the cheaper Shakespeare Agility feeder rods, they are cheaper and on a different blank, The Continental has a 14' rod in the range, capable of launching 5oz into the water, These rods are not pokers, bite detection is good.

I recently bought a 13’ agility continental feeder for chucking a method feeder 65m for large bream. For the price it’s an excellent rod. I’m going to get myself an acolyte distance when one comes up second hand or maybe for Christmas for next spring.