CHAMPAGNE SUPERNOVA
Put the fizz on ice as the latest Vercelli shore rod bursts on to the scene…
Paul Fenech checks out a new Vercelli rod.
VERCELLI SPYRA SUPERNOVA TORZITE RRP: £593.99
I wish I had a quid for every three-piece Continental rod that I’ve tested and reviewed over the years…I’d probably be able to afford this one!
The latest outfit to cross my path has a price tag attached to it that is bound to make you take a sharp intake of breath, and enters a Continental marketplace that is already bursting at the seams.
The Vercelli Spyra Supernova sits at the extreme top end of rods in this class and boasts the very best in build and furnishing. So, what do you get for your 600 bucks?
For a start, the whole outfit is lined with Fuji Titanium RV, LRV and KT Torzite guides. These don’t come cheap either (the butt ring itself weighs in at around £50) but they are extremely strong and super lightweight.
I don’t know of many rods that actually have these rings fitted as a rule, but the few anglers I’ve spoken to who have actually splashed the cash to have their rods kitted out with Torzites say they are mightily impressed with them.
It’s a three-piece outfit with a himodulus carbon construction, and also features a Fuji DPS screw-lock real seat featuring a cushioned hood.
The tip section is labelled ‘Specialist Sensi Tip’ and is a solid fibre hybrid.
Other noticeable features are reinforced connections at each spigot, a G-Way guide system to line the rod up quickly when assembling, and a padded rod bag.
INCREDIBLY DELICATE
On the beach, I used a fixed-spool reel loaded with braid and a tapered shockleader. I attached a 150g sinker and swung out a very easy overhead cast. It displays a 100-200g rating with a recommended weight of 125g.
The whole outfit, at 13ft 6in, feels incredibly delicate, to the point that I reckon a step up in lead weight wouldn’t have done it any favours at all. The last few inches of the tip section is thin and soft and, no doubt, will definitely register tiny bites.
It’s also extremely lightweight and wonderful to handle, but it’s probably best suited to whacking lighter weights with tiny baits. In other words, it will probably suit match anglers or specimen hunters who rely on the touchy-feely side of shore fishing.
However, if you thrive on a shore rod built and equipped with the very best materials and cosmetics, this will be money well spent for you. On the flipside, it may be just out of reach for many in terms of price. ■
For more info or to locate a Vercelli dealer, visit: www.tronixfishing.com