Bruce & Walker Powerlite Speycaster

[say]

Just wandering if any forum members have had the same misfortune as myself this morning.

I took my B&W Powerlite #10 out of it's bag this morning and to my shock horror the whole rod (above the handle to tip) has what I would describe as blisters on the coating.

I used the rod on Tuesday during a wet spell, but wiped the rod down before putting it in its bag.

I spoke to B&W today but they told me that they haven't heard of this before and I should send the rod to them. I decided to give that a miss until the end of the season and just as well as I landed 2 nice grilse this evening.

I was wandering if anyone else has experienced these 'blisters' on a B&W fly rod..??

Stuart

[rooster]

Definitely herpes.


The Rooster.

[Fruin]

Some manufacturers are starting to use coating and resins that cure quicker under UV light. Horrible stuff that does not stand up to the rigours of fishing. I just hope that B&W are not taking this route.

[madkeen]

Stuart funny you should mention this just took my b+w powerlite out of the bag today after using in the rain yesterday and the top 2 sections have hundreds of blisters on them will phone b+w and see what they say.

[beanieboy]

I used my new Alltmor Orator for the first time yesterday [christened it with a nice 6lb cock fish] - upon removing the tape [standard insulating tape] I noticed that some of the thin black coating came off, exposing the clear varnish over the whippings. I am now reluctant to use this tape again [never had any problems with it on my other rods] - so what do I do? - those familar with this rod will be aware that the joints are a type of spigot and overfit mixture - is it ever OK not to tape joints? - I always do, but know some that don't without any problems. I am very dissappointed that the cosmetics of my new rod are even slightly affected.

springer said:

On a similar line my Guideline Lpxe lost big lumps of varnish from using electrical tape on the ferrules. Ive used the same roll for ages without problem, the thickness of the varnish looks really thin compared to my Alltmor.

[beanieboy]

Graham,

There was a strong down stream wind blowing yesterday and it was'nt easy to fully assess the rod - I do however like the tip action. I will try a Midspey at some stage, although for now I find it works well with a Hardy Mach 2 plus #10. I also tried a Hardy Mach 1 10/11 and the Ian Gordon 10/11 neither of which worked quite so well. I also have an Ian Gordon 11/12 which I will try, although I don't really like going beyond 10/11 lines. The rod reminds me of the Loomis GLX trout rods, stiff with a softer tip. I found the rod quite easy to spey cast although I will need to try it in better conditions to get a better appreciation of what it is capable of.

graham said:

I have had no problems when using 3M tape. Some other makes of insulating tape seem to cause problems with lifting the varnish or epoxy. The Daiwa Alltmor series do have a very good ferule system which seems to stay firm during casting, but I always tape the joints just for the extra insurance. Well done on breaking in the rod so quickly, I hope you like the action.