Rods

There are a handful of companies that produce genuinely top-end rods, and Free Spirit is definitely one of them.


The Hi-S is widely admired and is regarded as one of the very best rods on the market. I’ve used variations for a long time, but last year acquired some 12ft 6in 3.25lb versions for testing – a combination that has long been my favoured all-round choice.

The action offers a genuine marriage of casting power and fish-playing benefits, thanks to the synergy between the length and the test curve. They seem to marry perfectly and, once I manage to get a rod holdall to transport them, these will be my rods of choice for 90 per cent of my fishing. Full custom fit is available at the ordering stage and Free Spirit stockists can advise you on your options. I’ve even had my name put on mine, after having rods stolen in the past.

For all of this there is a premium price, but there are people, with the funds, who understand that spending that bit more can add to the user experience and they will appreciate these rods enormously.

Marc Coulson

RRP: £325 to £375
Website: www.freespiritfishing.com
Test period: Seven months

MARC’S VERDICT
Performance: ★★★★★★★★★★
Value: ★★★★★★★★★★
Bespoke, top-of-the-range rods, with a premium price tag