A decent rod and reel have probably never been cheaper or more abundant - though I'd say truly brilliant ones are no less elusive - but how come I can't find a good rod rest head? I've tried several ts's and their displays are full of little plastic creations with wobbly tilts and multiple snap-together parts that don't last 5 minutes. Has anyone come across any proper ones?
Rod Rest Heads
- Thread starter nottskev
- Start date
barbelboi
Well-known member
I've used one of these for more years than I remember - if the occasion requires it I also use the 'V' shaped front runner...
The bad one
Well-known member
These are my favourite ones
Attachments
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swinger rod rests.jpg
I have found the same . Flimsy plastic that shatters under any pressure. I have even had cuts to my hand when trying to push them in when I am too lazy to get my screw spike out the bag.
I bought a new rod holdall recently and asked the tackle dealer why so few holdalls have a rod rest pocket nowadays. His reply was that "who uses rod rests nowadays" the inference everyone always uses a box with attachments.
What I have started using is these which I modify by putting shrink tube over prongs. They are often on ebay and I think one of the major carp tackle brands do them. Very robust.
Marketed as butt rests.
I bought a new rod holdall recently and asked the tackle dealer why so few holdalls have a rod rest pocket nowadays. His reply was that "who uses rod rests nowadays" the inference everyone always uses a box with attachments.
What I have started using is these which I modify by putting shrink tube over prongs. They are often on ebay and I think one of the major carp tackle brands do them. Very robust.
Marketed as butt rests.
Thanks for the replies. I'm after something a bit cushioned, deep enough to stop a rod blowing off or being pulled off, but not so deep you can't strike sideways rather than up if needed. The asymmetric red ones in my pic are a good design for legering, and the tilt/lock bit is robust. They even come with an O ring. But the bit you put the rod on falls apart.
mikench
Well-known member
These work.
www.drennantackle.com
And this plus it’s soft and malleable.
i also use this and the guru reapers. I have too many rod rest heads.
Specialist Crook Rest | Drennan International
The Specialist Crook Rest is made from a non-slip polymer with one side raised higher than the other. This helps to hold the rod securely in place against strong currents and wind. With this style of rod rest, the strike should always be made ‘up and away’ from the raised... Read more
www.drennantackle.com
And this plus it’s soft and malleable.
i also use this and the guru reapers. I have too many rod rest heads.
rayner
Well-known member
I had a Preston's front rest head that I gave to my son-in-law I don't like the thin plastic ones you show in the first post. It was around 6 or 7 quid.
sam vimes
Well-known member
I'm not that keen on anything currently on the market, though it doesn't stop me trying to find something better.
As I don't do much but float fish, the sideways strike requirement is not necessary for me. If I'm fishing somewhere that banksticks can be used, I use the simple Preston rod safe U rests. They are simple and effective.
However, if I'm using an arm type attachment (with a box/chair), I really want something that is adjustable. I'm not overly happy with anything that adjusts in steps as the increments are invariable too big. For that reason, I'm still using an ancient Octoplus rod rest that's closing in on being thirty years old. I've never seen another like it, only the base "feeder" version without the extension arms and tensioned rubber rest. They are so old and obscure that I can't even find a picture of one online. Sadly, the rubber is starting to perish and split. I've recently been investigating the possibility of keeping it going with the aid of self levelling rubber paint/sealant.
As I said earlier, the search for an alternative goes on. I'd certainly appreciate something a little smaller. With that in mind I ordered a Korum Counterbalance Rest yesterday. I don't have huge hopes for it ousting the Octoplus. However, as it won't last forever, I have to keep trying to find an acceptable alternative.
As I don't do much but float fish, the sideways strike requirement is not necessary for me. If I'm fishing somewhere that banksticks can be used, I use the simple Preston rod safe U rests. They are simple and effective.
However, if I'm using an arm type attachment (with a box/chair), I really want something that is adjustable. I'm not overly happy with anything that adjusts in steps as the increments are invariable too big. For that reason, I'm still using an ancient Octoplus rod rest that's closing in on being thirty years old. I've never seen another like it, only the base "feeder" version without the extension arms and tensioned rubber rest. They are so old and obscure that I can't even find a picture of one online. Sadly, the rubber is starting to perish and split. I've recently been investigating the possibility of keeping it going with the aid of self levelling rubber paint/sealant.
As I said earlier, the search for an alternative goes on. I'd certainly appreciate something a little smaller. With that in mind I ordered a Korum Counterbalance Rest yesterday. I don't have huge hopes for it ousting the Octoplus. However, as it won't last forever, I have to keep trying to find an acceptable alternative.
chrisjpainter
Well-known member
Another vote for the Guru reaper. You can tilt the ears 360 degrees and independently of one another, so you can have a high guard, low guard or no guard at all to suit and have one up to protect against rod theft, but the other down to allow you to strike sideways. They're not cheap, but they're the bee's knees of rod rests. I got one when they first came out on the market. I can't remember when that was, but it was a long time ago and it's still going strong.
There are a few ingenious rests there for modern legering/feedering, but I'm after something like the old ones with plastic tubing stretched over a wide frame: when you pick your catty up to feed, you can drop your rod in it without looking and your rod doesn't clash against some solid plastic bar or boss. I guess I'll have to make something from cannibalised bits and pieces. of course it all depends on the conditions, but I've always favoured a sideways strike on the waggler; I seem to get a better connection, if the line's sunk, pulling it through the water rather than lifting it out. but we all have our own habits.
sam vimes
Well-known member
Exactly the reason I'm still using the rest at the top of my picture.
There's a Korum rest that's caught my eye as a potential replacement that might fit the bill for you. I'm not sure what the little "v" part is made from though. It's probably hard plastic, but at least it's small.
There's also a Preston rest that's a partial fit. I doubt it's quite wide enough or shallow enough though. It's one I've tried and quite like, but it hasn't usurped the Octoplus.
markcw
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I have the Middy version and found it to be good Also have the PI front and rear U rests , they are fairly thick .the rear has bristles in the U to hold butt in place, I have the guru grim reaper and the boss rod rest which is old and similar but without the adjustable ends .
I am sure tackle companies look at old designs and reinvent them .
I will post a pic later of one I would say kev would be after ,but not seen these for a fair few years .
markcw
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To repair those , Google suppliers of medical airlines, these have a decent thickness even though they operate at a low pressure, similar to the clear plastic tubing on a saline drip . , they also come in different internal diameters .
I used this style but rated to a very high pressure when worked in the oil and gas industry,
mikench
Well-known member
All of the Middy ones I have( they came with a chair) are still ok.
I have spares if you want one Kev. In addition you can always superglue the connections on those you have.
the PI one works well too when float fishing and the bristle butt rest is excellent as recommended by Mark.
methodfishing.com
I have spares if you want one Kev. In addition you can always superglue the connections on those you have.
the PI one works well too when float fishing and the bristle butt rest is excellent as recommended by Mark.
Rod Rest Support Feeder Avant - Preston Innovations
Tube Rod Reste - Preston Innovations. Support avant pour la pêche au feeder, très léger et pas encombrant, avec un pas de vis en laiton universel. Le système "Fix Angle" permet de régler l'inclinaison du support à 360°. La partie bleu clair est en caoutchouc pour ne pas abimer la ligne et la canne
methodfishing.com
markcw
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One of the rod rest heads I use , it's oldish , I have one that's larger with a brass screw down tilt in the centre .
That's what I call a floatfishing rod rest!
sam vimes
Well-known member
The Korum Big Tube Rod Rest that I linked previously has turned up. It looks pretty good and the central U shaped insert is small enough to not put me off.
It's not worth driving anywhere to buy one if bought here. It's also a good three quid cheaper than anyone else on ebay.
It's not worth driving anywhere to buy one if bought here. It's also a good three quid cheaper than anyone else on ebay.
Cheers, Chris. I'll order one. You don't get much for £5.99 these days, so good value.
jon atkinson
Well-known member
My mate uses one of those which I look at enviously everytime we go out, but he's had it that long that he can't remember where he got it, although Ted Carter (Now AD Preston) would be the likely candidate. I've yet to find them on-line - have you had yours long?