Hardy Marksman Specialist 14ft Type Rod or Blank

[Crystal Bend]

I know these Rods are held in very high esteem by John Bailey and most likely other Forum Members.
I like what I have read about these rods by John. Them seem to handle relatively small fish all the way up to 30lb Carp, have a lovely finish, will take some rough handling, weigh 188g and have a nice Titanium reel seat
They don't come up for sell very often and when they do, they sell for significant money.
Could anybody suggest a close to alternative Tench\Barbel 14ft Float Rod or Blank with similar attributes as the Hardy Rod?
Cheers for your suggestions in advance.
John

 

[treecutter]

You could always try a Harrison blank custom made to your spec.

Sent from my SM-G960F using Tapatalk

 

[chevin4]

Another vote for the Harrison I have a GTI SU 13ft which has handled carp whilst tench fishing up to 19lb plus. I believe Harrison produce a 14ft version.

 

[Molehill]

I have the Harrison GTI s/u in the 15ft - quite a fan club on here! Never seen the Hardy so can't compare them but they are pretty solid and you can put a serious bend in them with better fish.
By modern standards they are probably a little heavy but that is of no concern if float fishing from a rod rest for larger fish. I pretty sure they did all lengths.

 

[Bluenose]

Most manufacturers will do a stepped up float rod for commercial type fishing.
I have a 14' Shimano Ultegra heavy float which is up to the job, Drennan do the tench float (admittedly not 14') they also do a 14' Acolyte plus, I suspect Daiwa, Tricast, Preston etc will all produce something in this category.

 

[chevin4]

Most manufacturers will do a stepped up float rod for commercial type fishing.
I have a 14' Shimano Ultegra heavy float which is up to the job, Drennan do the tench float (admittedly not 14') they also do a 14' Acolyte plus, I suspect Daiwa, Tricast, Preston etc will all produce something in this category.

If you are looking for a keenly priced stepped up float rod may be worth considering the Daiwa Aqualite (not to be confused with the Drennan Acolyte plus which is a lighter rod) a friend got one of these of Ebay and really rates it I understand they are used on the Wye for big barbel. They are not available in this country but still very reasonable for about £90 inc p@p I think they can be ordered from various European countries. They are available in 12/13 and 14foot. I think the were originally designed for float fishing for Zander.

 

[Crystal Bend]

Another brilliant recommendation.
Cheers @chevin4