STANDING OUT IN A CROWD
In what is a congested market, this new three-piece rod should be on your radar
This Tronixpro beach rod should be on your radar.
TRONIXPRO COMPETITION MATCH GT RRP: £444.99 – £454.99
ITHINK it’s a fair assertion to make that the three-piece Continental rod market is somewhat saturated with options for shore anglers. Still, though, the real burning question on many anglers’ lips is “How do I know I’m making the correct decision when buying one?”
It’s a fair comment and you can be forgiven for having a real sense of déjà vu every time you see a three-piece rod review appear. I know I do on each occasion one of these blanks finds its way into my hands.
What exactly are the checklist points when searching for a Continental rod? I would hazard a guess that the first real head-scratching moment is based on price. Some of these blanks can set you back as little as sixty quid, while other options will empty your wallet to the value of an eye-watering £800 or more.
oughts might then guide you in the direction of who is using what. Are you one of those who is easily swayed by the fact that a certain match angler who’s at the top of their game uses a particular model? Does your mate have one and loves it? Sometimes it’s simply the good looks of a three-piece rod that can be the most attractive and appealing aspect.
e truth is that there is no real definitive answer, as each individual shore angler will have their own varying opinions. For me, it’s all about feel, action and ultimately the construction of a blank. Cost will play a vital role too, but I’ll choose a rod fitted with classy top-end components, such as Fuji guides and reel seat, over a rod built with poor quality versions every day of the week. Cheap heavyweight rings and chunky screw-winch reel seats will always contribute to the overall balance and performance of a rod.
e action of a rod is unequivocally determined by its carbon content. Opting for a model built using cheap materials will ultimately leave you feeling let down on the beach. You will definitely recognise and sense it immediately when casting, particularly if your hands end up in front of you well before the tip has followed over the top. e term ‘buy cheap, buy twice’ springs to mind.
One company that knows a thing or two about developing three-piece Continental shore rods is Tronixpro, whose involvement with them goes back a long way. Credit where credit is due, even in a flooded market, Tronixpro stuck at it to produce the very best three-piece Continental shore rods