Custom built rods

[Lord Paul of Sheffield]

Are they worth the extra money?

On the plus side you get a rod just the way you want it - you can set the rod rings the distance apart you want, have the reel seat how you want, even a logo and colouring done to your specifications.

But does the cost - does it buy you a much better rod?

I've just been looking at the BFW website at the Rods - most rods seem to be a standard £225 - then extras for custom details - before to long you could run up a bill of £300 or more - ok you get an individual rods but is the price worth it

 

[itsfishingnotcatching]

I looked at the Mark Tunley website last year, the prices started at the £200 mark and looked pretty good. It appeared that the bulk of the float rods he makes are for carp or barbel ("stepped up for bigger fish") so I bought a Drennan off the shelf. I may look at the 10'0 stalker (basic @ £145) for SWMBO as she needs a lightweight 2 piece rod for "Carps" fishing

 

[flightliner]

Are they worth the extra money?

On the plus side you get a rod just the way you want it - you can set the rod rings the distance apart you want, have the reel seat how you want, even a logo and colouring done to your specifications.

But does the cost - does it buy you a much better rod?

I've just been looking at the BFW website at the Rods - most rods seem to be a standard £225 - then extras for custom details - before to long you could run up a bill of £300 or more - ok you get an individual rods but is the price worth it

__________________
British by birth, English by the grace of God
: PaSC;,

Mi Lud- you live about two miles from one of the best rodmakers in the country,(Woodhouse)Pop into the village and enquire at the tackle shop where they may be able to put you onto THE MAN.

 

[Lord Paul of Sheffield]

I was toying with the idea of treating myself for my next birthday, having a rod custom built and adding a few individual touches but when you the starting price is between £200 - £250 then extra for reel seat changes, butt ends, I'm not sure if it's worth it - I could buy 2 or 3 off the shelf Drennan rods

 

[barbelboi]

I was toying with the idea of treating myself for my next birthday, having a rod custom built and adding a few individual touches but when you the starting price is between £200 - £250 then extra for reel seat changes, butt ends, I'm not sure if it's worth it - I could buy 2 or 3 off the shelf Drennan rods

If you go on this site Paul you can build yourself a rod and see what it would cost. I had a couple of rods built by Peregrine (Bath) in 2000 on Harrison blanks that are still a dream to use.
Jerry
Custom Built Rods , Custom Built by Vic Gibson

 

[sam vimes]

I'm reasonably content that custom rods can be worth the money, provided you choose the blank and fittings wisely. I'm not entirely convinced that you can't get equally good or even better blanks from some of the mass market players (again, provided you choose wisely and spend a fair bit of money).

However, what I am sure of is that some of the twiddly bits and personalizations that people pay extra for make an otherwise good rod virtually unsaleable in the future. That's fine provided you are always going to keep a rod but I don't know too many mystic Megs out there that can truly predict the future. On top of that problem, why pay extra for something that adds absolutely nothing to the capability of what is simply a tool?

 

[barbelboi]

I'm reasonably content that custom rods can be worth the money, provided you choose the blank and fittings wisely. I'm not entirely convinced that you can't get equally good or even better blanks from some of the mass market players (again, provided you choose wisely and spend a fair bit of money).

However, what I am sure of is that some of the twiddly bits and personalizations that people pay extra for make an otherwise good rod virtually unsaleable in the future. That's fine provided you are always going to keep a rod but I don't know too many mystic Megs out there that can truly predict the future. On top of that problem, why pay extra for something that adds absolutely nothing to the capability of what is simply a tool?

It can make the 'tool' somewhat more comfortable to your feel for the rod though Sam, length of handle, make of rings, makeup of handle, colour of blank, reel fitting, etc.
Jerry

 

[sam vimes]

It can make the 'tool' somewhat more comfortable to your feel for the rod though Sam, length of handle, make of rings, makeup of handle, colour of blank, reel fitting, etc.
Jerry

They aren't the kind of twiddly bits I'm talking about. It's getting your name put on the blank in particular or, and I accept that this is a matter of taste, nasty bits of real wood that I'm takling about.

 

[steph mckenzie]

It all comes down to the individual and Finances ...... Me i'm a tight sod so i would go for a Drennan or something similar if i wanted to be flash

 

[itsfishingnotcatching]

nasty bits of real wood that I'm takling about.

Not another split cane thread Sam

 

[sam vimes]

Not another split cane thread Sam

Good God, no. I mean real wood not glorified bits of grass doing a wood impression.

 

[Ray Roberts]

I personally prefer cork butts, rods not women.

When I had a couple of Free Spirit carp rods made they only charged an extra £20.00 per rod, which I though more than reasonable.

 

[barbelboi]

I personally prefer cork butts, rods not women.

When I had a couple of Free Spirit carp rods made they only charged an extra £20.00 per rod, which I though more than reasonable.

Totally agree, both my balista slims have cork butts, never fancied the other option.
Jerry

 

[chavender]

the thing with custom built rods is ,partly the cost of the blank (most being british made ,so pricier than Chinese mass produced blanks) and mostly labour charges as its not a overnight job and time consuming done too a high standard of finish .

there is the second option ,too referbish a existing rod ,take a rod ,strip it back too the blank ,then rebuild as desired .thus saving money and often improving on the origanal .

 

[The bad one]

Before you go anywhere else have a look here
D.L. Specialist Tackle - Rods

Then phone him and talk prices

I'll back him 100% against any rod makers anywhere in the country.
Oh and BTW I can build my own rods and have done for over 35 years.
Just wish I could get then to his standards...... near but near enough!

 

[Lord Paul of Sheffield]

Thanks - I've have a good look around - I've got till Sept to decide

 

[nick dv]

On top of that problem, why pay extra for something that adds absolutely nothing to the capability of what is simply a tool?

For me this is why I wouldn't pay the extra. IMHO I am not a good enough fisherman to tell the difference, but not only that I have to justify to myself the cost, the use I'd get out of it and again, the difference it would make to my fishing. Generally when purchasing rods, I don't go for the cheapest and unless I bag myself a deal, I don't go for the most expensive. This has served me well over the years and has enabled me to obtain a small collection of decent rods.

Cheers, Nick

 

[terry m]

As with all things, you pay your money and you take your choice.

Personally I have never felt the need for custom built rods, simply because to 'off the peg' rods that I use, whilst not cheap, fullfil my needs perfectly.

I do think there is a trait in angling where people feel the need to keep buying more and more kit, possibly in the quest for that edge that will give them better results, just my opinion, but there you are!

 

[mol]

I do think there is a trait in angling where people feel the need to keep buying more and more kit, possibly in the quest for that edge that will give them better results, just my opinion, but there you are!

I think thats absolutely spot on!

 

[agamemnon]

many moons ago i had a pair of custom made armalites, my uncle had them made for him and as we are both 6'1" the rods were spot on for me to use for a good cast and comfortable to play a big fish with. then beeing a silly fool i cast a full mackerell out and the blank collapsed on me