From Multi back to fixed spool - Soul Searching !!!!!

Hi all,
I'm looking for some advice from all you knowledgeable anglers out there.
Ive been shore fishing for 10+ years but haven't done much in the last 2 years, but starting to get back into the swing of things now. When i started shore fishing I used to use a 12' bog standard beach caster and large fixed spool which i found very effective and was well able to get distance.As I progressed I was bitten by the multiplier bug and went away and got a Mag elite reel and 13' power mesh rod which i use to this day, using this set up I still feel less comfortable and not getting any great increase in distance etc.
But recently I'm thinking of going back to the fixed spool set up and purchasing a modern fixed spool and rod to suit, so basically I'm looking for advice from you out there as to what is the best fixed spool on the market and which rod would best match it

thanks in advance and any advice
TIGHT LINES !!!!!!!!

for a budget setup you couldnt go wrong with the penn surfmastr 850...great reel for the price, 750 has a few bugs, the line gets caught up in the gears, but the 850 has rectified this..nice big reel with a smooth retrieve...rod wise your looking at a greys, cheap and very reliable, id recommend the syntra, mixed ground rod with plenty of punch....

thanks Mr green
i will certainly look into that option
the budget isn't to tight so if there are better set ups to be recommended id be interested in knowing about them

thanks again

I only use fixed spool reels so I bought what I think is the best reel, the shimano Aero technium xt 10000 rrp £370 sterling. Got mine for £230 sterling.

I think this is the reel that holds the fixed spool world casting record. The line lay is amazing 80 coils per upwards and downwards movement of the spool. There are a few more expensive fixed spool reels by shimano and Daiwa but they are silly money. An in between reel would be the shimano ultegra at about €150. Very strong well put together reel. The grauvel Zeus z5000 also worth a look at about €140.

As for quality fixed spool rods, well thats another question. Fixed spool users are pretty much considered as mackerel bashers by manufacturers of rods. There are a number of long rods made by grauvel and shimano that are rung for use with either fixed or multi. Penn do the affinity which is rung with low riders for £195 sterling. I generally just buy a multiplier rod and re-ring it myself. You should be able to get anything from the Zziplex or Conoflex range rung for fixed spool.

Daiwa Emblem Pro 5500 is a great fixed spool too. http://www.fostersofbirmingham.co.uk/st46381

Give a look at some of the century carbon metal rods too, I think they can come rung for fixed spool.

hi there, i bought a penn 850 and matched it with a 12ft diawa sandstorm set for fixed spool, not used it much but rod and reel seems to be a great pair, got them both from e-bay, rod cost £70 (rrp 130 ) and the penn was £50 (rrp 100). sandstorm seems to have a nice action without being to stiff for detecting those small bites.

Budget aside its easy, zziplex profile with a grauvell zeus...easy peasy :D