Just got in from fishing - wasn't ignoring you!
To answer a few points :
I want a rod I can leave set up because I fish short sessions when I can grab a few hours (I've just set up my own company). Today was good example of the problems this can cause as I was heading along the M62 towards the river Swale for a chub session, when I had a thought..... Yup, my reel wasn't in my rucksack! Luckily I had my barbel rod with me (already set up!) so I headed for the river Don (6 barbel to 7lb 4oz).
I want interchangeable tips because I fish a wide variety of rivers. I'd normally leave it set up with the 2oz (ish) tip as this is what best suits my beloved river Swale, but already this year I've fished the Upper Great Ouse, the Don, the Wharfe, the Calder, the Swale and next weekend I'm off to the Warwickshire Avon. Nuff said?
The Avon top will come in useful for a bit of still water perching and tenching and can be used when the river is up a bit.
I've got the Drennan 11 ft 6in - 13ft medium feeder and I think it is almost perfect, its fine with 6lb mainline, Its got 4 interchangeable quiver tips (one too many?), its got a fairly soft tip with some decent power in the butt. BUT it wont split down into 2 pieces!
I'm convinced that 11ft 6in is better than 11ft for general river work. The extra length helps keep fish out of the marginal weed and its not too long for small rivers and tight swims.
That Grauvel sounds interesting though ....
Thanks Eddie, you're right - I'm looking for an allround chub rod. I've got barbel rods that will do for the heavier work, but I'm looking for a rod with 1oz, 2oz and 3oz quiver tips that is either 11ft 6in or 12ft long that is a 2 piec with the quiver tip in.
But I am willing to listen to suggestions!