Mon Oct 24, 2005 1:35 pm
Tue Oct 25, 2005 9:07 am
Tue Oct 25, 2005 11:14 am
Tue Oct 25, 2005 12:34 pm
Liam,
I still favour the STS rods as all-rounders. They fill the gap between your Zziplex and Greys as neatly as any rod is likely to do. The TDXS was thrown into the equation in case you were looking for a bit more performance, but from what you say I doubt you need it.
The STS12PM will do all you want, I'm sure. It's easy cast and very nice to fish with. The action is ideal - forgiving but plenty powerful enough. Casts 6oz with ease. What's more, it has a wide power band so will be smooth even down to 75yd, which is not the case with many beach rods. A large bait is not going to produce tournament distances anyway, so again there's no real advantage in any more casting performance than the Daiwa has. With 5-6oz and smallish baits it is good for up to 200yd at least.
The 13ft version is quite pleasant even with the reel up. It's easy to use and nowhere near as fussy as most rods are when a pendulum goes slightly astray. If 6oz and a big bait would be easier for you on a slightly shorter rod, you could always put the reel higher and shift your left hand up from the butt cap. I don't find any trouble having about a foot of handle sticking out from under my left hand. Saves chopping a perfectly good rod, especially if you plan to use it with less lead and smaller baits as well.
The STS12PM and 13PM have slightly different butts. Most rods available as 12ft or 13ft use the same blank cut to different lengths. But Daiwa have tuned each rod to deliver the best performance at each length. This gives the two rods a very similar feel.
If you were to chop a foot off the 13PM, the action would be slightly stiffer in the butt than the regular 12PM. It isn't going to be quite as smooth; on the other hand it would probably add a few yards to the top end. It's not a major issue, but suggests to me that if you really want a shorter rod, go straight for the 12PM.
I would have the 13PM, but that's an entirely personal preference.
I'd be interested to know what you decide and how you get on.
Regards,
John Holden
Tue Oct 25, 2005 1:17 pm