guideline rods

[petersc]

Mine just arrived yesterday and with luck, it'll get wet this weekend -- will add to the info pile.

[petersc]

Only took one head out to try, a 10/11 PT head cut down to 34' and 530 grains for my 12' 6" 9/10 LeCie (all of my 500+ grain heads are short for use on this rod). Unfortunately forgot to check the leader so it was on the short side as well (13'). So all that to say, the test session was hampered a bit by having such a short rig -- the D-Loop shape left a lot to be desired so the rod never was loaded deeply enough for good distance casting -- nice and smooth up to 70' but a bit squirrelly after that as I was having to push it to make up for the lack of load. I have a 9/10 DDC on order that I'll leave long for this rod.

That said, the rod feels very much the same as my three other LeCies, only longer. Very deep flexing for a stiff rod, and smoothly progressive without any soggy spots in the blank.

[z]

springer said:

B&W IMO need to have a different method of rod design, in the past and present they send the rods out into the field to be tested by numerous casters, usually Gillie's, then take the feedback and make adjustments where necessary. Where this is flawed IMO is that most of the Gillie's are far better casters than Joe Average who ends up buying / using the rod. I don't expect much thought goes into how it handles in the hands of a novice or someone with a casting ability of say 5/10 (10/10 being the IG's of this world) They are pushed extensively by Gillie's who are loyal to B&W for years probably due to freebies etc. Stand 5 Norway 15' 9/10 3 pce's against a wall and most likely they will all have slightly different feel/actions due to the manufacturing processes and quantities made here in England. The manufacturing processes / quality control in Korea and the Far East along with the volume production means this is far less likely to happen with Guideline and most other non British made rods.

I don't know of 5 examples of the same rod from any manufacturer that will not always exhibit slight differences in feel and action. Some slighter than others, some more than others. With regard to graphite rod manufacturing, it has been made very clear to me that high or higher volume does not necessarily mean more closely controlled manufacturing tolerances. My experience shows that the opposite is more likely to be true and that is precisely why my last 5 rods have been B & Ws. Living in the States means that the exchange rates and shipping aren't exactly a party but at least I get what I want and am happy to have the option.

I most certainly do not want to subsidize rod companies that are having average (5/10) casters make decisions on their rods. See enough of that over here.

I'll take the quality, performance and durability of B & W over the competition's interpretation any time.

z

[tynespeycaster]

Nice tight loop, for off the left shoulder

Was using the 15' LPXe and 85' Carron on the Tweed last Saturday, into the wind, off the right, well impressed although the 75' head would have probably been even better. Must save up and get one

Any luck on Farnley yet?