help with choosin a new rod

[Jameedee]

So my rod just broke. I have got 3 in mind at the moment and was looking for anyone who owns or has any experience of them to give me their opinions on them to try and help me decide which one I will get. I'm also open to suggestions of other rods to look at as well, I'm looking to spend no more than 150. Right the 3 are; Penn rampage 2,the 15,9" one. The Shakespeare agility 2, the long one 4-8oz. Finally the tf gear force 8 15" fixed spool.any help or opinions would be greatly appreciated guys,cheers.

[kieran]

Question 1: Are you comfortable using the long rods, cos their casting action is very different from traditional 12-13' beachcasters?
Question 2: Do you know anyone with these rods who would be happy to share a session and let you cast them?

[ste c]

15-16ft rods are pretty long if i was you id stick to 13-14ftmax you would prob pick up a very good second hand rod for 150 too

[Jameedee]

Aye, I'm comfortable enough with them,tbh I've never used a 12/13 ft rod. Secondly no, unfortunately I don't know anyone who owns any of these.

[Jameedee]

I've never actually used a shorter beachcaster tbh. I started off with a 15 ft rod so it's all I'm used to. No I don't know anyone who owns any of these unfortunately.

[kieran]

I use a Greys Triplex 5 metre rod, have it many years, very solid with surprisingly good bite detection, even at distance, although I have switched to braid so it should eh! The triplex requires a relatively slow cast to get it to work properly - lots of learning for me there. My back can cause me issues so a slower cast is an actual bonus.

Triplex (and other quality rods) are regularly featured here and you can pick a decent one up off a reputable seller/member for around 150. Greys give a lifetime guarantee BUT spares are expensive as hell unless its something small like a ring, and even with that P&P can be unpleasant. When buying off a member, why not go and fish together (most are members of a club or the SAI club) and you can try it out before you buy. Always worth test driving a rod and reel combo...

[eddyfletch]

I use the penn rampage 1 15,9" and the 13 foot one use every weekend great quality rods (havent used the two yet) handles all my types of fishing mixed ground mostly and has a nice back bone in both. never had any issues with either have both over 2 years i think .


great bite detection on both and can handle 4-6oz weights no problem

i use penn surf blaster reels on both you can pick them up in uk for 50 sterling brand new . and planning my next trip for shore caught skate in scotland i found out these reels have landed a 130lb skate from the shore last week from a person i have spoken to.