Rods...

[sean start]

Was thinking about getting a second hand zziplex or century and not sure which would be best. What I've read up bits and pieces on the net but not totally sure what would be best for me. It will just be for all round use really, be using it on pier/river/beach. Was wondering which models you's would recommend? I've seen a few lads on about them and you's will probably have a decent knowledge on which models are best and what to and what not to buy. Could any of you's help me out on which model of each would be best and which is also better out of the zziplex or century? I know it will probably be down to personal preference and how it feels on your hand but I would rather find out off a few people who have them first. Thanks lads.

Sean.

[Stewart 1971]

Zziplex wise you won't go far wrong with an M4 or an M4 Evo. I use the M4 Evo on the pier and for more heavy duty work (I've got a Primo Synchro for beach work which I prefer but it's a little soft in the tip for the pier). The M4 / M4 Evo is a very light and slim blank but plenty powerful enough (the M4 Evo has been cast well over 250 meters onthe field) and both are great allrounders.

Best advice is to try before you buy but the good thing especially with the Zziplex rods is they hold their value so if you don't get on with it you won't make much if any loss. I work in Sunderland so if you want to come down one evening after 5 with a reel and have a go of my Evo just give me a shout and we'll sort something out

[FISHERMAN]

I own a century kompresser ss its a good all round rod mate some ppl say its abit stiff but its how u feel with the rod the zzplex rod are realy good its hard to say wat youd like because ppl like different ones and how they handle. Im sure ud get a nice second had rod off the for sale part on here good luck mate I hope u get somthing that suits u and hope u catch plenty if fish with it

[codcatcher3000]

this is gonna be good .......anyway...all rounder cant fault the century tip tornado sport matey. it is an excellent all rounder for what u want. good caster / good bite indication / decent lenght at 13 ft 6 .. stable in the wind too

[sean start]

This is exactly what answers I wanted, just what different people thought of the different models haha. Thanks for that mate, when it gets nearer the time to me buying one I will get in touch or something. At the moment I'm using my dads rods, always have really because he's had them for years and served him well, still in excellent condition as well considering some of them are about 20 year old lol. Using a Diawa whisker at the moment but its am old one not the newer ones, it's a nice rod and been spot on but at some point I thought I would get a newer rod. Also got a conoflex flick tip which I haven't used yet and my dad is getting the blank Pateke Morton rebuilt too. Use an Abu 7000 reel which is and older model but its absolutely spot on reel. Really fancy one of these newer top rods though.

[FISHERMAN]

The century X calibre rods are spozed to be good off wat ive been reading about them if I was gonna get a new rod thats wat id be buying

[CHUKKA]

As rods go you will struggle to find better quality blanks anywhere. Imho they beat century hands down for feel but the new excaliburs aren't too bad. Whether they suit your abilities and expectations is a different matter. If you can give an idea of your size, casting ability and usual sinker range then it may help most will cast 6oz but may feel soft if your used to a stiff tipped rod. Zziplex rods are all hand built so there is even a slight variation in the feel and stiffness of even the same model. If your after a light easy to use rod that will just about cope with heavy ground then an M4 evo is a good starting point. If your after something more powerful with a casting pedigree then an m427. Even these are not arm wrenchers. But and a big but, most zziplex are about low down butt power and unless you have a decent casting style your not even going to notice. If you want to put your back out try a txl, these will make a ttr feel soft!!
Also what length are you after, reel up or reel down?

[sean start]

Will be using a 6oz weight and I'm only 5 11 or something lol. Not sure how far I can cast but I would say I've got a decent chuck.

[sean start]

Well I should say I have used 6oz when I've been using the whisker, I would probably just want to be using the same size weight and not going any higher.

[sean start]

As rods go you will struggle to find better quality blanks anywhere. Imho they beat century hands down for feel but the new excaliburs aren't too bad. Whether they suit your abilities and expectations is a different matter. If you can give an idea of your size, casting ability and usual sinker range then it may help most will cast 6oz but may feel soft if your used to a stiff tipped rod. Zziplex rods are all hand built so there is even a slight variation in the feel and stiffness of even the same model. If your after a light easy to use rod that will just about cope with heavy ground then an M4 evo is a good starting point. If your after something more powerful with a casting pedigree then an m427. Even these are not arm wrenchers. But and a big but, most zziplex are about low down butt power and unless you have a decent casting style your not even going to notice. If you want to put your back out try a txl, these will make a ttr feel soft!!
Also what length are you after, reel up or reel down?

13ft I'm wanting really mate which is the same size as what in using now. I don't like having the reel in the down position I prefer it in a normal position, can't get away with it otherwise

[CHUKKA]

That narrows it down quickly. Most of the newer zziplex are over 13ft and pushing 14. Have a look for a primo syncro, m4 evo, hst and you wont be far off what your after. Some may say these are soft but they will handle 6oz all day. M4 evo would be my pick. Its slightly longer but should be maneable reel up. If you want something a little stiffer look at a hst evo. For century look no further than a excalibur c curve. Also add a anyfish match or tourney match to your list!!

[sean start]

The whisker I'm using at the minute may be just over 13ft mate. The M4 evo sounds a good fit for myself, also thinking about a century tip tornado though as that is what I read a little up on.

[sean start]

Ill probably have a look around a few shops too to see which I prefer the look of and have a proper feel of it in my hand, that will give me a better idea.