Gear upgrade advise..

[DaveRob]

I have decided its definetly time that i got myself a new rod! At at the minute im using an old 10ft Shakespeare Patriot Beachcaster that was handed down to me from my brother when he stopped going fishing years ago! I dont go fishing as often as i would like at the minute but im determined to get out more. So also ive decided its about time i moved on from a fixed spool to a multiplier, although i have never cast with a multiplier before ive only ever used them from a boat.

This time of year though i dont have as much cash to spend on myself as i might have liked so my maximum price is probably about £150 for a rod (cheaper if possible). Ive been looking through different magazines, advertisements and reviews online for ages now but am still yet to make the final desision. Ive narrowed it down to 3 Rods -

Ron Thompson Axellerator Beachcaster 13'6"
Sonik SK3 13'
Shimano Nexave BX SURF 13' or 14' (I just thought this rod as its fixed/multi)

I was just basically wondering if anyone had any experience about the rods ive mentioned or any hints as to a good rod for that kind of price range.

Cheers!

[codseeker]

i wud go for the RT 13ft.6 and 6-8 ounce casting version

[wavy davy]

Sonik sk3 every time, had mine since they first came on the market and cannot fault it.

[guy]

anyfish anywhere six and bait in that price bracket also

[adam123]

I haven't had any of those rods but i have a sonik sk4 and they are top quality so i would probably choose an sk3

[Caster Troy]

you could get yourself a decent second hand century or zziplex rod for that price mate!!

between the three rods youv chosen tho i would go with the accellerator every time, purely because i fish a lot of rough ground rock and cliff marks where you need a stiff powerfull rod. the accellerator is as stiff as youl get for a new rod in your price range mate. the 4-8 oz version is a beast

[endurothumpers]

i would go for a second hand rt axelerator4-8 and a daiwa slosh30.you should pick both these up in good condition for around £100-£120 maybe even cheaper.and there both great for our coastline.

[treeboa]

your choice of rod depends on your casting style mate, no good getting something that can cast 200 yards with bait if your casting style cant compress it, add to that your moving from a fixed spool to a multi, personally i would start with a multi and then change the rod once you have mastered casting with the reel

[kingfisher]

i use century or zziplex all the time but was asked to try my mates ron thompson i was impressed with it for the price, casts well ,plenty back bone for the ruff stuff ,bite indication was ok. The only down side of the rod was the thickness of the butt and a tadd heavy ,but for £129 you will not get any better they will handle everything the north east coast has to offer from beach to very heavy ground unlike others mentioned .

[<(Andy2009)>]

i would go for a second hand rt axelerator4-8 and a daiwa slosh30.you should pick both these up in good condition for around £100-£120 maybe even cheaper.and there both great for our coastline.

I sent u a PM mate and al say it again, HOW U DOING MATE, HOW U DOING AT SEA FISHING, and how do you like the conoflex and abu reel??

[DaveRob]

Thanks for all the advise fellas, ive taken it onboard and am now currently bidding on a Tip Tornado!
Im keen to get my new gear sorted ASAP though as I want to get out and try it, especially after reading in the Echo tonight about all the Codling getting caught at the minute! Think i'll try for a week or so looking for 2nd hand Rods but if I have no joy i'd say i'll probably go for the Ron Thompson. Appreciate the advise!

[kingcod deano]

i have used century rods for years and always thought they were the dogs danglies untill i got a zziplex bullet lt what a rod dont think ill ever go back to century after using zziplex

[northeastcoast]

get away to alnwick buy a greys you get Lifetime Guarantee x sales rods
cheap to buy

[g.ordon]

i have used century rods for years and always thought they were the dogs danglies untill i got a zziplex bullet lt what a rod dont think ill ever go back to century after using zziplex

What do you consider the main advantage of zziplex over century?

[gary2010]

they feel alive have a lovely feel to them and very lightweigh, i was the same always had centurys till i tried a zippy but century are just as good id say and there made in the north east.