All spinning rods are divided into two main types - plug-in and telescopic models. The first option has undeniable advantages when comparing the main operating parameters, since its degree of sensitivity is much higher, which makes it possible not to miss even minor bites.
However, in some cases, fishermen prefer telescopic rods, since they have a higher degree of mobility and are more convenient not only during transportation, but also during fishing. All the features associated with the choice of telescopic gear will be discussed in detail in this article.
Choosing a telescopic rod
Material
The first thing you need to pay attention to is the material from which the fishing rod is made. All modern options and their features are given below:
- Fiberglass is the material from which most budget spinning rods are made. Previously, they were popular due to the combination of relatively good rigidity and affordable price, but recently the demand for them has decreased significantly as more reliable, low-cost options began to appear on the market.
- The composite material is ordinary fiberglass with the addition of carbon components. This allows you to increase the degree of reliability and increase resistance to loads and mechanical stress, but such models are more expensive. Currently, you can purchase all types of spinning rods made of composite material, except for rods belonging to the ultra-light class.
- Carbon fiber is by far the most popular material for the manufacture of telescopic spinning rods. Such rods have increased sensitivity, good resistance to overload and durability. Typically, this particular variety is used for catching large and strong fish, as well as for fishing for trophy specimens. Carbon fiber, due to its characteristics, is often used for the manufacture of ultralight spinning rods.
Test and class
Another important parameter of each spinning rod is its test, the indicator of which must correspond to the fishing conditions and the goals pursued.
All features of the choice are discussed below:
- For fishing in small creeks, light and ultra-light rods with a test rating of 5-20g are used.
- For river fishing, middle-class spinning rods with a dough of 15-40g are used.
- When fishing from boats using the trolling method, you need to choose heavy gear with a test value of about 40-80g.
Build
Another significant classification criterion and performance indicator of any telescopic spinning rod is its structure.
All the nuances associated with this parameter are discussed below:
- The fast action has the letter A, such spinning rods have a sensitive tip that bends during biting and fishing for prey, the rest of the gear is elastic.
- Slow action has the letter D; such rods, when biting strongly or when fishing for fish, bend completely, starting from the handle itself.
- There is a medium and medium-fast action - these are intermediate values with the letter designations B and C. The chosen variety will determine which part of the rod bends during use.
Length
Today, there are a large number of different models of telescopic fishing rods, varying in length: the indicator can range from 1.6 to 3.6 meters. The choice is influenced by many different factors; the main features that a novice fisherman needs to consider are discussed below:
- Short models with a length of 160-180 cm are used if the fisherman, while fishing, is in bushes, dense thickets or other conditions when the terrain of the surrounding area restricts his movements. It must be taken into account that with the help of such gear it will not be possible to catch prey whose weight exceeds 2 kg.
- Models with a length of 190-210 cm are used for catching larger fish that weigh from 2 to 3 kg.
- To catch fish that weigh 3 kg or more, rods with a length of 270-300 cm are used.
- When fishing from large and well-stable swimming craft, rods with a length of 240-280 cm are also used. It is not recommended to use larger models, since their operation is often impossible without installing special racks, and they cannot be installed on every boat.
- Rods with a length of 300 cm or more are usually used only by the most experienced fishermen, since their operation requires a certain skill: it will be very difficult for an untrained person to cope with such a spinning rod.
Advantages and disadvantages of the material
A spinning rod made of carbon has all the quality indicators of this material.
The advantages of carbon rods are:
- ease;
- increased sensitivity;
- high efficiency.
An angler who uses a carbon spinning rod feels even a slight movement of the bait and can detect a careful bite. The spinning rod is characterized by high elasticity and balance, which allows long-distance casting of the line and withstands the resistance of large fish.
The disadvantages of carbon fishing rods are:
- fragility;
- high price;
- the need to use cases for transporting spinning rods.
Often a fisherman has to compare fiberglass, fiberglass, fiberglass - which is better for a spinning rod. Experienced fishermen choose the best material - a composite of carbon threads, i.e. carbon.
Thus, we can conclude that with proper care, carbon fiber fishing rods are comfortable, reliable and durable. At the end of fishing, you need to clean your fishing rods from dirt, which will extend their service life.
The most popular are carbon spinning rods of the plug type. They are better than telescopic ones in all respects. Because telescopic carbon rods are made up of multiple legs, each link adds weight and reduces sensitivity.
The only advantage of a telescopic fishing rod is its compactness when folded, which is convenient for transportation. However, a telescopic fishing rod made of carbon is much lighter and more sensitive than telescopic fishing rods made from other materials.
The best models of telescopic rods
Many manufacturers today have launched mass production of telescopic spinning rods. Below is a brief overview of the most popular models, which ideally combine affordable price and high quality:
Shimano Catana CX Telespin
This is a spinning rod with a fast action, for the manufacture of which modern types of materials were used, which made the rod more rigid and provided it with an impressive reserve of power.
A high sensitivity rate is maintained both when using a braided cord and when using a monofilament line. The approximate cost is 5,500 rubles.
Shimano Exage BXST CMini Tele Spinn
It is a mini-telescopic spinning rod, which is equipped with a new generation reel seat, which allows you not to miss even the smallest bites. There are modifications with rod lengths from 180 to 270 cm, depending on this indicator the price varies from 7,500 rubles to 11,500 rubles.
Daiwa SC-FA 48UL
This is a classic ultra-light telescopic spinning rod, available in several modifications, differing in test performance and rod length. You can purchase it at a price of 5,500 rubles.
Daiwa Neo Versal
It is a unique tackle that can be used for fishing in any conditions, regardless of the type of potential prey.
Many fishermen noted the successful combination of affordable price and high quality, so this model is recommended primarily for people who are just starting to master the basics of spinning fishing. The cost ranges from 3500 to 6000 rubles.
Kosadaka Voyager
It is a well-balanced telescopic model made of high quality carbon fiber. Lightweight fittings made it possible to reduce the overall weight of the gear, which simplified the operation process.
This model has a high degree of sensitivity; all bites or contacts of the bait with any underwater objects are instantly transmitted to the tip of the rod, and from it to the fisherman’s hands. The price varies from 2500 to 4000 rubles.
Choosing a carbon rod
Carbon spinning rods should be selected according to the following characteristics:
- Weight. There are ultra-light products - weighing up to 7 g, light class - weighing 7-15 g, medium - weighing 15-40 g, heavy - more than 40 g.
- Build. Spinning rods can be: fast action, when only the end of the blank is bent; slow construction, when the entire form is bent, starting from the handle.
- Length. Rods m.b. sizes from 180 to 360 cm.
- Test, which is the conditional weight of the bait and ranges from 1 to 20 g.
Float
Carbon float spinning rods are:
- with blind equipment;
- flight feathers;
- match;
- English rods;
- plug-in
A rod with a blind rig can be used to fish in difficult conditions, for example in an overgrown pond. The product with a coil cannot be used here, because the line will cling to the grass. The length of such tackle should be less than the branches hanging over the pond, the structure should correspond to the size of the trophy.
The fly rod is also not equipped with a reel. This tackle has a soft action. This type of spinning rod is used in open areas of the river. The tackle allows you to easily throw the bait into the same place. The English fishing rod is equipped with a reel and is used for wire fishing in the current. The design should not be too flexible.
Karpovoe
When choosing gear, you need to take into account the fishing conditions. In this case, it is necessary to take into account not the sensitivity of the product, but its ability to withstand the resistance of large fish. The casting distance must be taken into account.
Carp fishing rods cast more than 50 m. This requires the use of heavy gear, which determines the appropriate choice of test for such fishing rods. Many fishermen take into account its cost when choosing a product. A carp fishing rod is selected according to the following parameters:
- fishing conditions;
- cost of equipment;
- availability of this type of product in stores.
Feeder
Feeder rods, compared to carp rods, are more versatile. They can consist of 2-3 sections, and are supplied with thin sensitive tips. For a feeder fishing rod, they play the role of a bite alarm. The blank is made of carbon, and the tip is made of fiberglass, because this material is less fragile. Feeders can be used for long casts and can be used to catch large fish.
They are used for fishing in the current. To catch large fish, you need heavy class fishing rods with a maximum equipment weight of 100 g. Despite the high power of the rods, sensitive tips can distinguish a cautious bite.
Nowadays they make feeder rods for catching carp and grass carp. These are inexpensive, sensitive gear that are highly effective.
Budget models of “telescopes”
Additionally, budget options for telescopic gear will be considered, the purchase of which does not involve significant financial expenses:
Daiwa Megaforce BigFish
It is a very good option, despite the low cost. This model belongs to the super-heavy class, has a fast action, carbon and carbon fiber were used together in its manufacture, which had a positive effect on the strength of the rod. The approximate price is 1800-2000 rubles.
Salmo Taifun Tele Pack
It is one of the most budget-friendly options; such a price reduction was achieved thanks to the use of the cheapest material – fiberglass. However, its reliability and durability are maintained at the proper level; many anglers prefer to use this model as a backup option. The cost is 450-500 rubles.
Siweida SWDE xplorer 2
It is a compact and mobile telescopic spinning rod made of high-quality carbon fiber. The model is lightweight and has a medium-fast action, is versatile and can be used in virtually any fishing conditions. The approximate price is 1200-1400 rubles.
Mikado Desire Mini Tele Spin
It is a fairly powerful spinning rod with a high degree of rigidity and a medium-fast action. The manufacturer paid special attention to the quality of all equipment; the passage rings are equipped with an additional protective cap. The average cost today is 1600-1900 rubles.
Rating of the best telescopic spinning rods
In conclusion of the article, we will present to the fisherman a rating of the best telescopic spinning rods, which for a couple of decades have provided the spinner with reliability, compactness and confidence in the excellent quality of fishing. If you are planning to purchase such a variation of a spinning tool, you should rely on these models, proven by fishing practice and guaranteeing the investment of money in a practical and useful thing.
- The first line goes to the Shimano Exage Mini Telespin . This is truly a traveling version of the gear, which is small in size and weight, and also quickly transforms into working condition. Reliable fastening of the winding rings and an ergonomic cork handle only add to the popularity of this model.
- Second place for Kosadaka Voyager . This tool is specially designed for the convenience of surveying new bodies of water. The medium-fast action of the tackle contributes to the versatility of the tool, and therefore provides ample opportunity to use different baits. Sold complete with a strong but not bulky tube.
- The telescopic spinning rod Daiwa Megaforce Telespin is located on the third line of our rating. The model seduces with its power, which can withstand the pressure of large fish, which is not typical for many telescopes that are afraid of extremely high loads. The blank is equipped with reinforced guides and a tight reel seat. In addition, the model has a nice price, in the budget segment of the cost of similar products.
- The fourth rated among the best telescopic spinning rods is the Norstream Voyager Telespin . Fishermen like the model for its compactness, as it consists of more than five elbows. The tackle is sold together with a hard case, in which the winding rings are guaranteed to be protected from bends and deformations. The manufacturer produces a line of different-sized gear with a universal medium action. Spinning rods from the brand belong to the budget price level.
- The top 5 is completed by the popular and inexpensive model Salmo Taifun Tele Pack 210 . A strong fiberglass rod with a weight of 10–15 grams and a medium action works well when catching small-sized predatory fish with various types of bait. Compactly assembled and not afraid of negligence in operation. An ideal option for teaching spinning fishing to novice anglers.
Reviews
Many modern fishermen often use telescopic types of fishing rods; some of their opinions about such gear are given below in the form of reviews:
“Last year I bought myself a DaiwaMegaforceBigFish, I keep this spinning rod in the car just in case: if I want to fish in the country or for situations when the main tackle fails. I’ve already tried to use it several times, despite the low cost, the gear is quite good and hasn’t caused any particular complaints.” Grade:
Vitaly
“I have been using telescopic spinning rods for a very long time, no less often than plug-in models. Many anglers criticize them, but I do not share this point of view. I don’t experience any discomfort when using them, I have several “telescopes” from Shimano: I bought them 4 years and 6 years ago, both are still in perfect working order, and I went fishing with them quite often, I caught a wide variety of fish from pike to trout." Grade:
Alexander
“I tried to use Shimano telescopic spinning rods, but none of the models worked. I can’t say that they were completely bad, it’s just not my thing. I recently purchased another “telescope” called SakuraFuriozza633, I like this model much better, I fished out pike weighing up to 2.5 kg without any problems.” Grade:
Vladimir
“Not long ago I bought a ShimanoExageBXSTCMiniTeleSpinn so that I could fish impassable and overgrown areas of the shore in reservoirs. I really liked the spinning rod: it fits well in the hands, thanks to its low weight and comfortable short handle, when assembled it takes up very little space and is easy to transport. Among the shortcomings, I can only highlight the not particularly high strength, since the rod broke after an unsuccessful jerk when I tried to remove the snag.” Grade:
Dmitriy
“My fishing arsenal consists mainly of plug-in spinning rods, but there are also several telescopic rods - these are Norstream VoyagerT and ShimanoCatanaCXTelespin. I am very pleased with both models, especially the first option; it is simply an indispensable assistant if, while fishing, you need to climb into an impassable place and cast from there. There were situations when it was these gears that saved me, allowing me to fish out a hidden predator.” Grade:
Konstantin
“Despite the fact that they always talk about the advantages of plug rods, I have been fishing with “telescopes” all my life, I feel more comfortable with them. In particular, due to the lack of personal vehicles, transporting such fishing rods is much easier. I have never been disappointed in this type of spinning rod; I periodically exchange it for more modern and interesting options and continue to enjoy fishing.” Grade:
Michael
Where can I buy?
The names Daiwa, Shimano, Kosadaka and Salmo are well-known and widespread fishing brands today. The assortment of these manufacturers, including telescopic fishing rods, can be found in virtually all not even the largest fishing stores, so there should be no problems with making a purchase.
In addition, there is always the opportunity to place an order via the Internet: today there are enough websites that sell gear. However, when choosing this method of making a purchase, it is necessary to exercise increased vigilance, since it is through the Internet that most unscrupulous sellers sell counterfeit Chinese goods of low quality.