[Mike Barrio]

Terry,

Since other have been throwing in outside options I'll join in.

For reservoir dries and nymphs I'd like to suggest you have a throw of Paul Arden's sexyloops hot torpedo 9' 4#.

It's an absolute joy to fish with (I have the 6# but will be investing in the 4#) and has more than enough back bone and casting ability to cover what you are wanting it to do.

Hi Steven,

I have the very first Hot Torpedo #5 ( serial 001 ) in 'as new' condition
If you, or anybody else would like it ....... I think £500 would be a fair price, although I suspect it's probably worth a good bit more than that.

Cheers
Mike

[Hamish Young]

Will you still have one at the end of June H?

I will own one by then chum... so yes 

[Euan Innes]

WTF?? Did you sell your son to Madonna???
And is your good lady aware of this fact or should I shut my hole right now?

Euan

[Steven Sinclair]

Steven,
Wait until your dad buys one and then try before you buy!
I would love one of the #6 but they are wayyyyyyyyyy out of my price range. Hell, my next salmon rod and reel won't reach that!
Still want to try one though! Will you still have one at the end of June H?

Euan

Who do you think bought my 6# for me  it's at Dad's house. Feel free to swing in past for a shot 

Paul is supposed to be sending me a prototype short 3# burn rod. I'll let you know if he ever gets round to it (it is Paul after all  ) as I think it will be a real gem.

 

Steven.

[Steven Sinclair]

Hi Steven,

I have the very first Hot Torpedo #5 ( serial 001 ) in 'as new' condition
If you, or anybody else would like it ....... I think £500 would be a fair price, although I suspect it's probably worth a good bit more than that.

Cheers
Mike

The comp 5 is the same blank as the 6 if my memory serves me correctly so would be a very expensive back up for me. I know a certain other Sinclair who may be keen though 

 

Steven

[Hamish Young]

WTF?? Did you sell your son to Madonna???
And is your good lady aware of this fact or should I shut my hole right now?

Euan

Funny.  No, not to Madonna but the local chimney sweep is very appreciative of Finlays skills 
Rachel is aware but is mostly going 'lalalalalalalalalala' and pretending that she didn't marry a complete tackle tart.

H 

[Euan Innes]

Good to see Victorian dad is still alive and well! 
In my humble opinion, Rachel has always taken you for a tart, tackle or otherwise.   
I now know what rod I want when I get back from my "we trip" and I will give you a bell on the way home tomorrow.

Euan

[Terry Coging]

Hamish - how do you think the FX1 #6 would handle a 5 weight ?  Is it a truly light rod?

[Hamish Young]

It coped fine with a 5 SLX in my hands, but in fairness I think most would prefer a #6 on it 

[Terry Coging]

Received a Mackenzie 10' #6 FX1 today and tried it out on the village green.  Used a range of lines = Barrio's GT90 #5, Mallard #5 and #6 and an SLX #6. Also a #6 sinker of questionable provenance.  A bit windy so tested in different directions.  The rod was not what I expected but I didn't really know what to expect.  A difficult rod to categorise, being an easy through action  but at the same time very responsive. Always felt in control on all of the lines tried out.  I was particularly pleased that it was nice with the 5 weights and at the same time could boss a 6 weight sinker that I have had to use a 7 weight rod with on Saturday.  The SLX #6 was brilliant at mid distance and directional change. Having not experienced an SLX before this may have been the line performance as much as the rod.  The rod will be used on the Reservoir on Thursday so will have a more realistic view after that.  Fist impressions? Yes, it could be something special. ps I used my boat partners Sage One for a while on Saturday. Light and fast but relatively dead compared with the FX1. Just my amateur opinions of course. 

[Mike Barrio]

Sounds like you're having plenty of fun trying everything out

Best wishes
Mike

[Terry Coging]

Used the FX1 #6 today on the wind swept reservoir. First time I have used it properly. The reservoir was very cold and fish almost impossible to find; not in the usual spots for early season, so spent all day going to different places.  LH wind, RH wind, into the wind (and hail), so the rod was tested in the hardest and varied conditions.  Bit of an enigma this rod.  Easy and gentle, but with steel! It is it's versatility that makes this rod something special.  Can't wait to try it from the boat.  Has the potential to be the ultimate Loch rod   .

[Derek Roxborough]

just finished my 10ft 5wt on some Hilevel Blackmaster blanks, it is very different from my TFO 5wt, I have used the TFO for everything over the last 3 years, boat and bank, with no issues, I will have to get used to the 10ft rod now, but when I originally bought it I thought it was a 9FT , Derek Roxborough

[Vedran Oreskovic]

Orvis Recon, great rod and not too expensive..

[Terry Coging]

Mackenzie 6 weight 10' FX1.  After a hard season, was it something special?  Yes.
This is a very easy rod to use.  With my modest skills and ageing limbs it will do just about anything with line weights 5, 6 and 7.
Dries or nymphs on a 5 weight or streamers on a 7 weight ( did just that on Llyn Brenig yesterday). Copes with a 7 weight easily - it just bends a bit more without overloading. This could be said for many rods but with the FX1 there is not a feeling of having to make compromises with the various lines and methods. Fish playing quality is excellent.  For the first time in my life I just don't need another general purpose rod.
Negatives? A bit pricey.  No keeper ring.  Just a personal negative - I don't like aluminium rod tubes. They rattle about too much and I fumble with the screw cap.  So my almost £700 rod is now housed in a £50 Shakey condura case = sacrilege