Advice on rod choice please

[Sly Sea Fly 2016]

Hi

I have a Sonik SK3 4-6oz I use with an Abu 6500, which seems fine to me. Bought a Penn Surfblaster FS reel a while ago and am looking for a rod to use with this. Was going to get another Sonik but have seen reports of them breaking when casting - anyone know if this is true?

As an alternative have seen good reports on AFAW rods but seem to be either "4+bait" or "6+bait" and I usually fish with 4 or 5oz! Might be a stupid question but is 6oz too heavy casting with a FS and will a 4oz rod be too light? Don't want to buy one and immediately wish I had bought the other.

Also considered the Penn Rampage rods but they are 3 piece so am worried that might make them weaker?

I am NOT a brilliant caster and would be looking to use the rod over fairly clean ground.

Have read various reviews in magazines but seems that they just say all rods are great. Any advice welcome please.

[Roryk11]

I have the afaw 6 and it's at home with 4 ounce great cast with a six you won't get that nice curve of the 4 ounce weight like some softer rods find it great for the rougher weather and stronger tides also my neighbour has the 4 and bait it's very floppy amd I'm in the same boat as regards to casting still learning this rod is very light and I felt would take some practice to get used too it the six has some poke in it but is still nice on a clean beach with a four ounce

[ecleary]

I have the 13ft Penn Rampage and works well with 4-5 oz leads on clean/mixed ground. It's a well built rod so no worries about 3 piece imo. Good bite detection and easy to cast with overhead thump.

[Sly Sea Fly 2016]

Thanks to both of you - will get either the AFAW 6 or the Penn.

[Roryk11]

If you around Dublin I'll be fishing tomorrow and the weekend if ya want a cast

[cormyb]

https://youtu.be/mkAFlpnUtxs
Great demonstration of the 6&bait on this vid.
Got one few months back. Great rod and good value!!