I often use the 18'/20' rod on canals in conjunction with a centrepin reel and pole rigs. Even with side shipping pole sections on busy stretches of towpath, I end up a nervous wreck with the speed of cyclists and the towpath width. Considering the price of the rod and Tricasts reputation the handle isn't good. I find it uncomfortable and the thread behind the reel attracts groundbait or liquidised bread. I've toyed with the idea of having a new butt made with something like the Drennan arrangement. The other disappointment was the rod bag it comes in. Very poor quality. The action of the rod however makes up for this. Absolutely brilliant.