Soft Action Rods

Trebor · Jan 31, 2006

This is my first thread so here goes.....

Is it just me or has anyone else noticed that there seems to be a distinct lack of lesser test curve rods for carp fishing these days? By this I mean rods with a test curve of 1.75lb to 2lb.

A lot of manufacturers seem to have a vast range of carp rods available but most starting with 2.5lb test curve which for the majority of my carping, is just two heavy. Personally, I tend to fish small intimate waters where fishing under the rod tips or just a few yards out is the norm, so a 2.5lb test curve rod is complete overkill.

Take the 2006 Shimano catalogue for example - there must be around half a dozen different models on offer and all seem to start from 2.5lb test curve. The only carp rod in their range to offer a through action 1.75lb test curve is the 'Beastmaster Classic All Round' which isn't even marketed as a carp rod. Don't get me wrong, I'm sure this rod is excellent (I own several Shimano rods myself) but I really wish the manufacturers would sit up and take notice that we don't all require tip actioned, stiff beast sticks which can cast to the horizon!

Ron 'The Hat' Clay (ACA-Life Member) · Jan 31, 2006

The Fishing Magic Concept by Harrisons will meet your requirements perfectly. It was designed by Graham Marsden and yours truly about 5 years ago.

Trebor · Jan 31, 2006

Thanks Ron,

Will check those out. Up until last year I had been using a pair of North Western through action carbon kevlar rods which were rated at 1.75lb. These were absolutely superb playing rods and I enjoyed using them a hell of a lot. However, this came to an end when I managed to snap one at the butt, just above the handle whilst playing a fish. Aparently the carbon gets softer with age though I suspect there must have been a hairline crack for the rod to break at its thickest point. These particular rods date back to about 1991 and had seen plenty of use. I like the look of the Free Spirit range having seen them at Walkers Of Trowell but these might prove a bit expensive!

BAZ (Angel of the North) · Jan 31, 2006

Here you go Trebor.
Concept Rod

Paul Mallinson 2 · Feb 1, 2006

Trebor,

I've got the Free Spirit Specialist SU's 1 3/4 TC through actioned rods and they are superb. I cannot fault them. I've done a review on here. The only thing I would say is that for the retail price, ?100 you would probably be better off with a Greys prodigy or somthing similar which offers two tip sections and a lifetines gaurentee for the same price. (I got my Free Sprirts cheap)

little Stu! · Feb 1, 2006

Have you taken a look at the harrisons Balista slims? Very smooth through action rod with plenty of play.

I know how you feel though, I used to do 99% of my fishing with the john wilson avon, a superb all round rod and never needed anything beefier, things have all changed for me since then, but I'll be getting my old 12 fooft 2lbt/tc 7 million eye ring rods out shortly cos the kinda fishing to describe above is exactly what I am going to be playing at this year.

Bryan Baron 2 · Feb 1, 2006

Check out the Greys Prodigy Specimen 1.5 and 2Ib t/c tops

little Stu! · Feb 1, 2006

now that does look good

Ron 'The Hat' Clay (ACA-Life Member) · Feb 1, 2006

Another great rod, somewhat more powerful than the Concept is the Harrison Chemira Barbel rod.

It has a TC of about 1.75 lbs and a nice through action.

I have used these rods for all sorts of fishing, including fenland pike and zander.

Jim Nicholson · Feb 1, 2006

Trebor
How about the Wychwood 1 1/2 tc single tip barbel rod,double leg rings and full cork handle available for ?40 or less. I bought one a year or so ago and it has been my allrounder.
Carp to 33lb
Barbel to 12+
Bass and mackeral from the beach
Tench to nearly 8
Spinning and small livebaits for pike.

Not a subtle rod for light lines like the Harrisons but a solid unbreakable work horse.

Big Rik · Feb 1, 2006

paul mallinson2

you said
"I've got the Free Spirit Specialist SU's 1 3/4 TC through actioned rods and they are superb"

how can you have a stepped up, through action rod?

Jim Nicholson · Feb 1, 2006

A step up from 1 1/2

Spoddy · Feb 1, 2006

Definitely like the look of the Greys Prodigy Specimen

jason fisher · Feb 1, 2006

can ayone remember what my drennan twin tipped barbel rod is aclled cos i'ts brilliant but i can't remember the name.

Big Rik · Feb 1, 2006

Trebor

I've got a pair of the North Western Kevlar 1 3/4's.
Superb rods, although hardly used nowadays.

Frothey · Feb 1, 2006

had some 1 3/4tc north westerns when we used to carry around loads of different rods - great rods

i know century reckon their "NG's" play about a pound lighter, ie a 2.75tc will play like a 2 pound

best actioned playing rods i ever had were some 11ft 2lb tc hardy graphite carp, lovely rods.

Liam Mccarlie · Feb 1, 2006

definatley the greys rods!!! puka

Paul Mallinson 2 · Feb 1, 2006

Rik,

As Jim said, they are stepped up from the normal Free Spirit specialist which, I believe is 1 1/2 lb TC.

Cheers

Frothey · Feb 1, 2006

thats just another test curve, "stepping up" changes the action of the rod, but keeps the same test curve. otherwise almost every rod on the market would be a steeped up model!

Jim Nicholson · Feb 1, 2006

Frothey

My fishing buddy fishes these rods ( 1 1/2 and 1 3/4 )as a pair quite often. They bend in exactly the same curve but the 1 3/4 just takes a bit more weight to get there ( one more wrap of carbon?) The action is unchanged to my way of thinking!

Soft Action Rods

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