HIGHEST QUALITY

ROD RINGS - Seymo (UK) brown ultra hard lined rings in black chromed stainless frames are fitted to all rods, thus eliminating any possibility of wear, and they are also smoother and quieter in use. Double leg frames for butt (stripping), single leg intermediates and unbraced tip rings are fitted to rods up to, and including 11', with the exception of 9' #11 and #12, which have braced tip rings. Longer rods and spinning rods have double leg rings and a braced tip ring. Incidentally, a set of lined rings on a single-handed rod weighs only one twentieth of an ounce (1.4gm) more than wire rings, which will not be detrimental, even to the most delicate rod. Other discussion points regarding the advantages or otherwise of lined or wire rings seem, after long experience, to be equal. Ring spacings are most carefully designed to keep the line off the rod during use, which is so important when double-haul casting. The small tip to first ring spacing stops lines forming one turn around the rod tip - maddening if poorly designed, and butt rings are close enough to comfortably reach lines after casting. Stainless steel in-line keeper rings are placed underneath, very close to cork handles, thus preventing lines ‘snapping up’ and catching after good casts. American pattern stainless steel wire snake or single leg intermediates, with hard black or bright finishes, are offered at the same price as lined rings, to special order if so preferred.

INSCRIPTIONS - These are artistically hand written with white Indian Ink, including the client’s name when requested. Only the GRAND PRIX logo is transfer printed. Rods are individually numbered on each section to prevent mix-ups, and two white dots on each ferrule align the rod rings.

WHIPPINGS and VARNISH - Ring whippings are attractive emerald green. Overfit ferrules are over-whipped black for their full length to prevent damage if cast when loose, which is caused by chopping the rod down in the forward cast - a bad fault. The keeper ring area and overfit ferrules are tipped red. Two coats of high-build epoxy varnish are applied to the whippings, inscriptions and logo only, for an incredibly durable, clear, low gloss finish. Bespoke colour schemes and complex whippings are a speciality.

HANDLES - These are made by Mike from top grade cork shives specially selected in Portugal only for his rods, thus achieving the best possible results. When grinding handles to shape, should any sizable voids or hard spots appear, these are cut out with a scalpel and filled with shaped pieces of cork glued in under pressure. Single handed rods have 6.5" long Full Wells handles, since this shape promotes the lightest possible hand grip for refined casting performance. Double handed rods have a 14.5" upper and 6.5" cork ball ended lower Full Wells handles, so there is no cold metal to handle at the butt ends. The upper ends of all handles are finished with shallow, cone shaped and polished, stainless steel collars (winding checks). An up-rod fighting handle 6.5" long and a 1.3" diameter cork ball butt are available for 9' #11 and #12 saltwater rods. Handle bores are carefully taper ground to tightly fit each individual rod blank, then rifle grooved to ensure the even spread of glue for long term adhesion. Bespoke handles in many shapes and sizes, for individual requirements, are specialities.

REEL FITTINGS - Wayland (UK) hi-tech carbon fibre reel fittings are normally fitted. They have powerful in- line, very quick push-pull screw actions, with stainless steel carbon lined rings to prevent reel damage. These fittings give the best lightness, strength, corrosion resistance and very long term durability combination available, regardless of cost. As proof a teaching rod, made in 1984 with a similar fitting, has just been completely rebuilt. The fitting was removed, cleaned with a wet cloth, and re-fitted ‘as new’ to the same rod. Fitted up-screwing on single handed rods, the thread ends are fitted with a stainless steel, polished trim ring and a rubber button with a matching diameter. Rubber buttons are replaced by 1" or 1.5" long barrel-shaped cork handles on 9.5' Travel, 10' and 11' single handed rods (see price list). The same type of fittings are fitted down-screwing on double handed rods. All reel fittings are mounted on rod blanks by means of bespoke, full length cork bushings which, like the cork handles, are taper ground to fit precisely before glueing on. A variety of reel fittings with decorative wooden spacers and metal finishes are available, should these be required.

ROD BAGS - These are tailor made from the finest pre-shrunk heavy black cotton drill cloth, with very smart red edgings and emerald green tapes to match the rod’s livery. As to detail, the tapes even have stitched ends to prevent fraying. Each bag is fully partitioned.

TUBES - These are very well thought-out slim and attractive designs in strong, smooth black PVC, having fixed recessed bottom caps and hinged top-caps with fast acting press-stud retentions. Only travel rod tubes have handles and these are fitted at the point of balance for ease of carrying, and they flatten when not in use. Larger diameter tubes, to take two Travel rods packed tip to butt, are also available. Once used, you will become disappointed with dirty cloth covered tubes and chipped, heavy painted tubes with loose, screw caps which are very easy to drop, damage or lose. Beautiful leather covered tubes are available, particularly for presentation purposes.