$400 - $500 Barra Rod! Why!

[Hardb8]

I believe the rods you buy are defined by the money you have.It's as simple as that.

For example :- If you were able to choose any rod on the world wide market that was to be give to you for free.I guarantee there would be alot of rods choosen like Millers',Loomis',Megabass',Norries',Evergreens',An glers Republics',And Daiwa Battlers and Steezs'.You wouldn't find to many people looking at the Sic Stick or Raider range.

Although the later mentioned rods will do the job,And as mentioned here on Ausfish before.You only really need a handline.My point is your buget is a major contributing factor to your final purchase.

I'm on a first year apprentices' wage.But I also have some very fine rods.And I can testify that dissaplined saving will get you that rod your dreaming of.It can be hard,But when your enjoying your passion with the tools you love,You soon forget about what you've missed out on during the time you spent saving.

[cammac]

Thsnks Nagg,

Yes i guess you cant have an ultra light rod without having some durability issues.
Many of the high end rods have a bare graphite finish without any protective clear coat so any nicks or rubs are straight on the graphite itself therefore weakening the rod - i reckon anyway!

cheers Cam

[juju]

I have sevral custom built ugly sticks all with sic guides, 2 of them are gold plated,why...because i wanted them at teh time (had them now for over 20 years)...how do they feel...great.....and you feel good using them....its like a and falcon and a BMW..both will get you there but with one you enjoy the drive more

[cammac]

I am still of the opinion these rods are more applicable in situations where finesse is an issue - i dont believe Barra fishing is finesse fishing. Cheaper rods as previously mentioned are more than adequate for this type of fishing and do a dam fine job and generally are more durable. IMO applications like bass and fly fishing etc are where rods of this calibre come more into there own, where the rods sensitivity, lightness and action canbe well appreciated.
Look there are plenty of good rods out there for a lot less money in the light class too - Ive got a Silstar HMG 1-3kg which i reckon is brilliant value for about $100. but then my mates got a GL2 Loomis , yes only a GL2 and its definitely a step up from the Silstar! its about a $230 rod thou - so a small improvement for double or so price. Unless you compare one to the over well hell youll probably remain very happy with what youve got - a good outfit in most cases. Ive only owned one Loomis a gl4 Fly rod and i regret getting rid of it!
So whats the moral to the story?... Hmmm beats me!!!