The ultimate carp fishing rods? My honest review of the Free Spirit 12ft 3.5lb SU

[@markbeeversaddictedalround6574]

yeah mate the rods are bullet proof and can do anything you ask of them in right hands capable of huge distances iv owned mine for about 9 years luv them would not choose any other do everything i ask of them .

[@fordgoesfishing]

Someone asked me, money no object what rod I would buy, and I have to say I think I would say these. I absolutely love them.

[@Bishoplabosa]

Yes 👍 true I have got the 12ft free sprit rod and I fist seen them being used by Alan Andrews and they are excellent 👍 just to let you know all so the free sprit 4 m landing pole is 2nd to none. It is excellent and I love it I wish for a long time ago thank you 😊 god bless you

[@fordgoesfishing]

Excellent Stuart, thanks for the tip and stopping by my little corner of the internet.

[@kk-GUK]

I agree, lovely looking rods. I have TX7’s but if looking under £200 a Rod then these Free Spirits would probably top my list. Did you say 33 raps with .4 mono and rig, that’s a serious chuck!

[@fordgoesfishing]

Tx7’s are a quality rod too. Yeah you can really get some compression into these rods. One day I will try tapered mainline and see just how far I can go. Fox Exocet line is wonderful to cast though to be honest

[@milangabriel2842]

Witch one is better tx7 or free spirit ctx?

[@whatshisface4343]

Just got myself x2 12ft 3lb ctx after having all my gear stolen a few years ago, can not wait to test them out Fell in love with the look of them

[@fordgoesfishing]

So sorry to hear about your gear getting stolen. I lost mine in 2019 including some sentimental pieces. CTX are great value and as they say, look great!

[@phill6478]

🎣👍

[@stevenmoses5807]

I bought a tfgear 10 f all-rounder t carp rod five years ago and still haven't used it . That your holding is a bloody rip off you can buy rods cheaper and better..

[@fordgoesfishing]

Thanks for your reply Steven. I have had many rods in the past and I honestly believe there is a difference in quality with various blanks. However I would say there is an upper limit where the increasing cost does not necessarily correlate to an increase in Rod quality. There are definitely diminishing returns, for example I have seen and felt kaizen rods and I don’t think me, an average caster could get the benefit out of a Rod double the cost of these. I will always advocate, getting the best equipment that you can afford. It’s not about having the best gear, it’s about having a setup that you are not afraid to use. Ultimately being able to go fishing is the most important thing.

[@bold2013]

Any experience with the 13ft model?

[@fordgoesfishing]

Hi Mike, no experience with these in 13ft, I have cast standard 3.5lbs (not SU) and to be honest I struggled with them, but it was in the crosswind. I can only imagine though that they are excellent.

[@chrystophertorjir7599]

Do you reckon these are better than the new tx5 model, im looking at the 13ft rods

[@fordgoesfishing]

I’ll be honest I’ve not tried the tx5’s. I can say I used to have tribals which I think became tx1’s and they were a decent rod for the money. Tx2’s also come highly recommended so I think tx5’s would see you right

[@leonparkinson2826]

How do you find the tip action as have seen people say there too stiff for playing fish don't want something too stiff

[@fordgoesfishing]

Played everything from 6lbs to 50lbs and think they are fine to be honest...

[@chrisd8791]

hahahahahahaha