Rod Thread Art - Drovers Road Rods

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Introduction

Custom built rods with a difference - the main difference being custom rods built to very high standards with decorative thread work. I was sent three rods - all based on Harrison blanks - a barbel, carp and travel fly rod. The main different feature of these rods is the decorative nature of the whippings and finish - offering something quite unique and personal. You could argue that such decoration are purely cosmetic and adds little if anything to the functionality of the rod, but you can say this about a lot of things in life. Anglers wanting a custom build should know that there is an alternative to a grey rod with black whippings with maybe a gold trim.

From Top to Bottom - Lower Sections of Chimera Carp, Barbel GTI and Fly Rod

Description

The rods supplied were all based on Harrison blanks. They comprised of Chimera Carp, Barbel GTI and a four section 9# Fly rod. All rods had decorative 'thread art' whippings and were finished to a very high standard. The Fly rod and Carp rod have been included as examples of what effects can be achieved. The important thing to remember is that the decorative finish is carried out with whipping thread.

As this is a barbel site, I'll now concentrate on the rod based on the 'Barbel' GTI and describe this in more detail.

A two piece, 11 foot blank finished in a brown colour, Fuji SIC rings (9 three legged SVSG size 20 through to 8, plus tip), full cork and duplon shaped handle with Fuji (IPS 16) screw reel seat. Ring whippings are black with copper, gold and black tippings. The main decorative 'thread art' runs for around 10 inches above the reel fitting. Speaking subjectively, I really liked the decoration on this rod with a nice combination of colours.

Closer View of Barbel Rod Thread Art Above Reel Fitting

Thread Art - Carp, Barbel and Fly Rod

Additional examples of personalisation appeared on both carp and fly rods by the application of picture transfers to the blank. See the picture below for example on the carp rod.

Conclusions

Superbly made custom rods with top quality fittings. The whipping work is stunning - the pictures in this review don't really do the rods justice. If you are looking for a custom built rod with a difference then look no further.

Price

Typical build costs are components plus £50 - £100 labour, the Barbel GTI shown in this review would retail at approximately £200 plus carriage. As these rods are custom built, prices will be dependent on materials and specification.

Contact

For further details contact Matthew Hand.

Email: tylwchand@tiscali.co.uk

Telephone 01686 413624

Bob Gill

March 2005

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