Wed May 23, 2007 3:44 pm
Heres some brief reviews on some of my favourite pieces of kit....
ZZiplex GB3 Lite...
Lovely slim rod from the Zippy stable, conveniently manufactured in 3 pieces. Super tip on this rod with bags of backbone. You will spot your flattie bites no problem yet also skulldrag double shots of dogs with ease. Plenty of backbone within it too for wellying a bait out. An incredibly versatile rod that as far as I can see can cover a vast majority of our fishing. It absolutely reeks of quality.
Grauvell Zeus FS Reel...
A nice looking surfcasting reel that comes supplied with 3 spools. Equally at home on the boat for match fishing as it is on the shore. Bags of cranking power and looks the business too. I am aware that the odd one or two have problems straight from the box but I have had no issues as yet with mine. Equally good with a nice braid as it is mono.
Abu Sportsmag...
An absolutely stonking multiplier reel. You might blast further with a Mag elite and you might haul more with a 525 but for general angling over clean/light rough ground where you want the confidence to let fly this reel is the business. Supplied with the sports Power handle to give a much better feel than the standard mag elites. I use mine everywhere, from hauling Ray at little Killary to wanging a lead out as far as I can on the beach, it hasnt let me down yet and the odd birdie (very odd...!) only comes about through a dire cast.
Abu BG7000LD...
One of the new "Made in Taiwan" range. Despite some misgivings with the reel and concerns it lacked the quality of the older 7000 series, I have to say Im pleasantly surprised and delighted with this reel. Its finished in Gold too and really looks the part on the boat!
Grauvell Tektron 4200...
One of Grauvells sadly discontinued lines, if you see one, snap it up! This is an amazing looking and performing piece of kit. When fished with a standard tip, despite the very slim blank, make no bones about it this rod can welly a large weight and bait and pull the plug out if you have to. I used this constantly at Monkstown Wall teamed with a FS in early 2006 and was well able to get the distance required with 6 and 7oz weights and full crab baits. When it came to skulldragging cod up over the reef it didnt let me down. Whatever you do though, if you buy one of these, spend the extra 50 quid or so and buy yourself a match tip for it. This turns the rod into a totally different animal. Perfect for long traces, light lines and spotting tiny flattie knocks in the suds. If you cant source a Tektron match tip, I believe the match tip for the HM 4200 will also fit it. The rod is finished to a very high standard and is very eyecatching in its colour and design.
More to follow....