Shimano Purist Light Specialist

[Rob Ward]

I've been looking for an 11ft Avon/Quiver rod to use for general still water float fishing for Perch and Tench and River Chub, the only two I could find are the John Wilson and the JW Young version - both from the Masterline stable and the cynic in me wonders if they're actually the same rod? Most manufacturers seem to be making 12ft Avon/Quivers these days.

 

Anyway I digress, I came across this rod in a local tackle shop earlier. At £150 it's more than I was looking to pay but it looks to be a lot of rod for the money:

 

http://fish.shimano-eu.com/publish/content...Specialist.html

 

Anyone got one and can comment/recommend/otherwise?

[Tigger]

Shimano have made some fantastic rods and i've always been a fan of them. Personally I prefer the 12ft rods. I used to have the old 11ft drennan specialists but sold them as I preferred the 12ft rods. I got hold of two drennan specialist duo's after I got the series 7 avon quivers so i've got four of the buggers now . I was gonna sell the series 7's but decided to keep em ...tackle hoarder comes to mind lol. The series 7 are probably just what your looking for Rob, they are a decent rod for a ton.

[Nicepix]

I have the Purist Barbel Power 2lb Avon rod and the build quality and handling is superb. There is a similar 1.5lb version called Purist Classic Barbel that can be found for a little over a ton delivered. That is 11 ft with a 1 ft extension.

[Rob Ward]

This rod has two butt sections, two Avon tops 0.75lb and 1.25lb and a 1.25lb quiver section with three tips.

 

It can be fished at either 11ft or 12.5ft.

 

I specifically wanted a light 11ft rod for margin fishing, and float fishing for Perch and Tench on Canals. I was looking at a pellet waggler originally but someone said why not get an Avon they're the same action. As I was also looking for a Chub rod I thought '11ft Avon Quiver'.

 

This one, whilst expensive, seems like it'll give me a lot more options than that - it's basically six rods in one! I really wanted a 12ft quiver rod and and 11ft float rod so this does seem to tick all the boxes.

 

I have heard good things about the series sevens but fancied the option of a shorter rod for boat, small water and margin work. There's pleanty of 12ft Avon Quivers around but not quite what I was after.

Edited January 7, 2012 by Rob Ward

[Tigger]

It sounds like you've already made up your mind Rob.

 

One thing I don't like about the shimano rod is the reel seat, I wouldn't fancy trotting/ holding with that screw up seat.

Edited January 7, 2012 by Tigger

[Rob Ward]

It sounds like you've already made up your mind Rob.

 

One thing I don't like about the shimano rod is the reel seat, I wouldn't fancy trotting/ holding with that screw up seat.

 

I have on the 11ft but I wasn't planning on spending £150, now I'm considering it but if someone that's had one told me it's a dogs breakfast and is neither one thing or the other I'd have second thoughts.

 

Edit; http://www.barbel.co.uk/site/vbulletin/for...specialist.html

 

Hmmm, think I'll steer clear!

 

Already got my trotting rod though, this would be for 'in the rest' fishing. Remember that 13/15ft Ron Thompson power match - I've been using it all season and am well impressed with it upto now, you'd easily part with £100 or more for it if it had another badge on it!

Edited January 7, 2012 by Rob Ward

[kirisute]

I have on the 11ft but I wasn't planning on spending £150, now I'm considering it but if someone that's had one told me it's a dogs breakfast and is neither one thing or the other I'd have second thoughts.

 

Already got my trotting rod though, this would be for 'in the rest' fishing. Remember that 13/15ft Ron Thompson power match - I've been using it all season and am well impressed with it upto now, you'd easily part with £100 or more for it if it had another badge on it!

Can't vouch for this rod, but I can for Shimano quality. I have two tribal take-downs and build quality and handling is superb!

[Rob Ward]

Come to think of it, for in the region of £150 it might be possible to get an 11ft Avon blank made up with a tip ring that accepts push in quiver tips?

 

That way I get the 11ft rod I'm after and the 12ft quiver without compromising the action as significantly?

[Tigger]

I've no idea what these are like but they're not a bad price .....

 

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/NEW-JW-YOUNG-11F...=item23097cadb0

[Rob Ward]

I've no idea what these are like but they're not a bad price .....

 

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/NEW-JW-YOUNG-11F...=item23097cadb0

 

That's the one I was talking about in the original post, you can pick it up for £50.

 

The spliced in quiver puts me off a little though, I'd prefer interchangable tips.