Pike rods usually have a slower action as they're designed for casting heavier weights without tearing the bait off the hooks, etc.
Stuart, whereabouts are you - I don't think you're that far from several of us so if you fancy a day out somewhere before the end of the season give us a shout.
Promise it'll be better than when me and Rick took Dave Cooper piking a few weeks back.
I was fortunate enough to work in a tackle shop for a while. One gentleman was convinced the buying a Drennen Zander float would stand him a better chance of catching one as opposed to Pike!!!!!!