Scarf, i just read your post with real interest. I thought to my self that when i went out and had 2 new rods specifically for Barbel fishing, the points and questions you raise were exactly the same for myself, only 12 months ago.
The stretches that i fish contain mainly 6 to 7lb fish on average, whilst there are other bigger fish about most of the time. No real finesse is required at the end of the tip when targeting the fish, as they literally try to have the rod, reel and terminal tackle away at every attempt.
I looked long and hard to get this right first time and spoke to lots of lads off BFW (Barbel Fishing World) and at 1.75lb TC for £55 to £60 quid the Wychwood Rogue stood out by a country mile.
Fox were doing a rod as well and i cannot remember the name of it, but it was only 1.5lb TC and the cheapest price was £120, so i discounted it on that basis.
I am going flood water fishing Saturday and the Rogues will handle this down the edge really well. They are 12ft and 2 piece as you say and i think they came with a spare quiver tip, which i have never even used, owing to the fact that i put the Avon style tops on straight away.
I had 2 Rogues and 2 Shimano 5000 bait runners from Billy Clarkes, Sheffield and got a great deal and paid £100 per set up, but i would think that they would be more towards the £60 quid mark for the rod only.
If you can go to a tackle shop and pick one up and get a real onto it to have a waggle, that is what i would say, or if your by Wolverhampton just get in touch, you can have a look at the set ups in my garage.
They also come in matt black finish with no poncey writing all over them, which makes them look really smart in my opinion, but I’m a tart with these sorta things!
TF_scarf.
