Rod Rings

Agree they're nowhere near as robust and the loose line problem can be a nightmare - I cracked off several baited rigs when I used one particular pair of fast-taper jobs (I used 15lbs mono line then...) and it sill shames me now.

I've never found a problem with the action caused by double leg rings, although my lightest rods are 2.75 test curve.

Being a cynic I always thought single leg rings were cheaper to manufacture and quicker to whip on, which is why they were developed.

Sorry Graham, but my money is staying where it is. The perfect rod I am looking for has the elegance of the Harrison Chimera, but a little lighter, probably 1lb 4-6 ozs. The FishingMagic rod has a plain unvarnished blank, I have never liked that idea unless the rod has a good weave running through it to show off. Also the reel seat, there are better on the market and most pins can be adapted to fit the smallest fiting these days. It's good for a first attempt, but Harrisons can (and will in time) do a better job for you I'm sure. Meantime I'll carry on using a Daiwa Avon Specialist (with triple-leg rings) on which I changed the reel seat myself for a Fuji screw-down foam type.

I have two FISHINGmagic Concept rods. One with single legs and the other with double legs. The full production rod has double legs.

Chris is right, when I used to build rods in SA, double leg Fujis were always a few cents more than single legs. And single legs saved one whipping - less labour.

I must admit that I have have no problems at all with my single legs. I also have a Harrison Barbel Special with single legs that I have used at night on the Trent with few problems.

Perhaps it's the way I fish.

Having handled many barbel rods of late, I stll prefer my Concepts., However the new ones being produced by Drennan are very good indeed. And they come with two Isotope already fitted.

Jeff,

Why don't you like the plain, unvarnished blank ?

I hate glossy varnish and the glare it gives off in sunlight. Give me a nice dark matt, understaded finish evert time...

Ron,

I don't think the Drennan Barbel rods are a patch on the new Grey's barbel rods. Lovely slim blank, cork handle, matt finish and tiny...tiny logo.

The Drennan rod looks like the front page of the Sunday sport with all the horrendous writing and logo's on the butt section.

I'll show you the Greys 'prodigy's when I next visit the Trent.

Ok Barney.

How much do they cost?

A small fortune I'll bet.

In future you will be referred to as "Barney of the Mighty Wallet"!

Or how about MacWallettus secundus.

i havent had much problem with the single leg rings. I am a carp angler and use pro gold line and single leg rings and have no problems. Because the line does not twist like cheaper monos it does not tangle my rods are much lighter and more balanced for casting. I havent had any problems with bent or broken rings i take care with my rods and they have lasted me a long time and i have had many fish landed with them.

Hi I meet you down the Compleat Angler fishing with my father when he caught that lovely Bream and your friend caught that nice Barbel. Just to let you know that Harrison have released the 12' Chimera Specialist No1 1 1/2lb, And Chimera Specialist No2 1 3/4lb. I don't know the price as I have not seen them for sale but I guess around the same price as the snag rod.See their home page for pictures and info.looks just like the rod ( No1 ) you are after.
Can I just thank you for the info you shared with us down at the weir and we are still trying to catch our first Barbel there.Look forward to seeing you again.

Hi, Stuart is right about the Harrisons No.1 Chimera Specialist, 1.5lb.tc, fitted with double-leg Sic's, cork and duplon handle with Fuji/foam screw-down reel seat and removable betalite fitting on the tip. Price ?140. This is the 'factory-built' version, we are 'custom building' them for our customers to whatever design they request for about ?10 more, depending on price of fittings/work involved. We can also supply 'blanks' only to build your own rod. If interested, ring us on 0161-748 0959 during the day.
Ask for Colin (Rod Builder)

Think the Greys are cheaper than the Drennan's? 99 notes for the prodigy I think..

The Grey's rods are ?99 and you may be able to get them cheaper if you talk to your tackle dealer. I will be buying a pair when funds permit. I looked at all the barbel rods recently and I agree with all you say about the Prodigy rods, Gary. They seem to be the best option, and at a very good price. As well as the rod being very nicely finished the quiver tips are well made and there is a lifetime guarantee as a bonus point.

Just read though this thread again because something?s been bugging me about the original article. ?outdated end rings? quote ?What I also don?t want is one of those stupid threaded end-rings that we are supposed to fit swing or quivertips into that get bunged up with dirt. The last time we used those was back in the 1970's?? Well only outdated if you are going to right off swing tipping. The other thing that?s been bugging me is there seems to be a suggestion that your not one of the elite angling fraternity unless you can have a rod for all occasions. If I?m going to join or be part of an in crowd, then it?s going to be one where the rest of the anglers know where the fish are. Now this doesn?t mean I wont buy a good rod if and when monies are available, but just at the moment I?d rather pay one or two years subs to join Ribchester anglers if I could get in?
The next rod I buy will be another FM concept rod from Harrison, I?ve now got use to casting big swimfeeders and bombs with it on the Ribble and Lune and I?ve had no problem playing the few Barbel I?ve caught so far, along with a few Chub and some big river Bream on the Lune, I absolutely love the shortened handle especially on a cold night when the last thing you want is the end of your rod handle stuck in one of your jacket pockets or jacket folds and a big fish on the other end.

It seems there's a welter of opinion regarding the FishingMagic concept rod, perhaps I should take a closer look! Then again I see in August's Coarse Fisherman they reviewed a load of barbel rods and only the Chimera looked like what I was looking for. Now if they do produce a lighter version perhaps that's it. As for Greys, they are built on beautiful blanks (I have the carp rods, remember) and have nice reel seats and handles, but there's them same old single-leg rings again. If they put triple legs on them I reckon they'd have a real winner.

Jeff Conway- yes I have a swing-tip rod that is specifically made for tipping. It's been a while since I used it though and I don't want a barbel rod with a swing tip end ring on it. If I did though, I know I can always go up to my local shop and he must have a drawer full of the damned things, I can fit my own. I don't believe in a rod for all occasions but after nearly 50 years of fishing I have probably got most of them. Perhaps I seem like a sucker when I go into tackle shops or take pity on poor impoverished shop owners, but it's what keeps the trade in ticking over.

John C, I agree with you about the threaded end rings. I have put these on my tench rods as the swing tip is still the best bite indicator for tench in my opinion. Obviously swing tips are no use on the rivers I fish but could be used to great effect on slow rivers. I also agree with you about not having to own a rod for all occasions. The only reason I have specialist tench rods is that I used to do a lot of tench fishing. They are 12' 8" three piece rods of about 1lb 6oz t.c. and are useful for other types of fishing. They make a great float rod for chub/barbel. Single leg rings balance these rods nicely but conventional rings are better on some of the other rods I own. It is best not to be too dogmatic and always keep an open mind.