It's also worth noting that this forum isn't remotely representative of even the more enthusiastic anglers elsewhere. Reading this forum, you'd think you'd be tripping over centrepins and Normark, Carbotec or Hardy rods. The reality on the bank is rather different. I rarely see other pin users and I don't recall seeing users of those three brands of rods, other than forum members.
I can honestly say that, despite being familiar with the name, I'd never laid eyes on a Normark rod until I bought one. Despite living in various parts of the country, I never got to see one in a shop and I'd never knowingly seen one being used. I can go one step further with Carbotecs, I've never laid eyes on one yet. With the Hardy Marksman rods, I did see them in a couple of shops (Shhh, don't tell anyone, I wasn't impressed enough to buy one
:wh) and, by virtue of meeting up with owners from this forum, I've seen them on the bank.
Not everything is quite as it seems in forum land. There are a small, but significantly vocal, number of kit geeks on here. What we may yelp on about may, or may not, be very good gear, but it may not appeal much to anglers of a different angling mindset. It's also worth noting that some of us jump through hoops to own such gear. Ordering £500+ centrepins then waiting 2-3 years for them to be made. Not many will actually do that, even if they'd like to and have the means to. Carbotec, Normark and Hardy rods are beyond the means of some, many others couldn't justify the expense. Plenty like their gonads where they are, which may not be the case if significant others found out that they'd lashed £300+ on a rod.
---------- Post added at 18:54 ---------- Previous post was at 18:46 ----------
I'll be giving a MAP 15ft sti parabolix a good workout this coming season.
The MAP Parabolix I had a good look at in one of my less local big tackle shop felt pretty damned good, particularly for the price they were being cleared at. I've never seen anyone say a great deal about them on the various forums.