Free Spirit Hi-‘S’ Special Heavy Water Rod 13ft 2.75lb (30mm)

These rods have been developed in both the Hi-‘S’ and Barbel Tamer ranges offering both the top end and more affordable options. Over the past years Shaun Harrison has been heavily involved in the development of these and like many of Free Spirit testers is more than a bit demanding to ensure actions and performance are as good as they can make them.

In recent years catching Barbel in winter has become increasingly popular especially in powerful rivers such as the Trent and Wye. One of the challenges is coping with long casting and heavy water flows with the use of feeders and gripper leads of 8oz and more necessary for effective bait presentation.

Since it is necessary to have good bite registration the very tip of the rod needs to be sensitive. The way the tip reacts with the flow is critical – the rod top needs to ‘nod’ in the current to prevent the lead or feeder being dislodged. The action required is different from a carp blank, even though the test curves may be similar so Free Spirit felt it necessary to develop specific rods for the purpose rather than offer ‘re-badged’ carp rods.

When the river is in spate condition there are obstructions and floating debris to contend with so rods are fished with the tip high in the air to reduce the drag on the line. Free Spirit offer these rods in 12ft but also 13ft to help get the tip up as high as possible.

All rods feature the same Hi-‘S’ carbons, ‘Perdurable’ finish and Clone 1k seat built in between ‘A’ grade cork fore grip and rear handle. Guides are black framed ‘S’-Lites with both 30mm and long range 40mm versions available.

Discounts are available for multiple purchases.

FEATURES
• Hi-‘S’ Low Resin 40t Carbon blank with a 1k weave.
• Perdurable, non-lacquered blank for a lifelong finish.
• Blank weight 198g.
• Built rod weighs 333g approximately.
• 460mm handle length including butt cap.
• Full cork handle.
• Stainless steel butt cap and collars.
• Free Spirit 1k clone reel seat with CC Frosted silver bright hoods.
• Blue isotope.
• 9 rings total.
• 30, 25 RSL Double leg guides on the butt section.
• 20, 16, 16, 12, 12, 10, RSLS Single legs & 10mm RSLT Standard tip ring on the tip section.
• Discreet logo tipped in Metallic blue.
• Supplied in nylon sleeve.

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