If any one is after a Tourny Casting rods let me know - these rods are top of the range- need to to know asap if required.
Scott Selby Australia Top Aussie Caster
would like to share my observations of the A.F.A.W 13"10 Mk1 Tournament rod.
Firstly I would like to be upfront that A.F.A.W, through Julian Shambrook, have provided me with the rod free of charge - I approached them with the intent of providing more choice for Australian casters and they were good enough to give me the rod with the understanding that I provide information about its performance. I will also be sending the rod down with Gary Bonner to the October championships for people to try.
At the moment Century and Zziplex make fantastic rods – I have used both successfully over an extended period – both companies have made advances in technology, have a wide range of excellent products and continue to serve the sport of casting.
My interests in A.F.A.W revolve around providing choice for anglers and casters across a variety of manufacturers, which I believe is a healthy thing. Zziplex and Century rods have different philosophies which result in different characteristics for the caster or angler – I have also cast over 240 metres in comp with a Shimano Aspire and an XD1 from CD rods in New Zealand – once again these also had significantly different characteristics.
What suits one angler or caster may not suit another. The more rods to pick up and have a try with from various manufacturers, the better in my opinion.
Now for the review:
The simplest review I could write would go along the lines of:
“I cast 248 metres on a still day with the rod with 150 grams” – for me personally this is all I really care about – bottom line distance – and I am delighted to say that this rod throws just as far as the two main companies rods. I am confident that on the right day in the right hands it is a 300 yard rod.
I could use over exaggerated language to wax lyrical about the rod but the no ‘bs’ approach is that, for someone who is obsessed with casting as far as possible, I am now confident enough in this rods capabilities that it will be my number 1 tournament rod. I’m not prepared to lose distance for a free rod, and already own a number of rods that ‘do the business’ – anybody that knows me knows I don’t like losing, (I HATE losing!) but I am making the commitment to use the A.F.A.W based on my first comp with it, and I am completely confident that it will do the job.
The rod is 13’10 inches in length, and equal sectioned. Even though it has enough power to smash a 200 gram, the slightly shorter length makes it a lot easier on the body and makes me see that I have been doing it hard for too long (pun intended) on 14 feet plus rods. I am able to use a far more aggressive style on this rod, something very similar to Jason Willicombe’s old style, and still manage to hit it without getting thrown off my feet.
Although it is not a priority for me, the A.F.A.W Mk1 is a very pretty bit of kit – a lovely finish that should impress those more concerned with looks – but that is not me. I was far more impressed with the diameter and solid feel, which I rate as premium importance when casting.
The diameter is quite thin – thinner than a bullet – virtually identical to an E1000.
It is not as super light as the latest generation Zzipies and Centuries – it feels very similar in weight to a 13’10 E1000 – and with a thick wall construction I get the feeling that I can really trust the but section in particular to take bumps and knocks and stand the test of time – some of these new super thin walled rods give me the feeling that they are here for a good time, not a long time!
To describe the action, I would say that this rod is a ‘strong tip, accessible but section’ rod – the very strong tip enables a solid cast to get into the but section very effectively, and also makes up for less than perfect timing.
The A.F.A.W Mk1 is a rod built specifically for tournament casters, and they have successfully managed to achieve this – it is a clear alternative to the ‘other’ two brands.
I do think that they have sold themselves a little short however on its fishing capabilities. I will be using it for putting out baits of pilchard and squid with 150grams as far as possible, and for slide baiting, and am confident that it will serve me well in these capacities.
I will supply videos and updates in the coming weeks.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a73Vh6maTI4
"It's easier to fool people than to convince them that they have been fooled” Mark Twain
Ahab wrote:
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