10 best float rods
Fishing with a float has always been considered an unspoken symbol of fishing as a kind of activity, but recently it has become increasingly fading into the background. Such an arrangement of roles led to the reorientation of the production of many large companies towards the production of more popular spinning and casting rods, leaving authentic float rods out of business.
Over time, the situation was normalized by a serious surge in the popularity of float fishing among the domestic user. However, it was not possible to achieve a comparable surge in activity from manufacturing companies, and today the assortment of goods is represented mainly by little-known second-rate firms. Making a choice in such conditions turns out to be by no means easy - not for experienced anglers, and even more so for beginners from fishing. In this regard, we have selected for you a portion of the best float rods from reputable companies that meet the criteria of two price categories. The following parameters were chosen as criteria for selecting products for the rating:
- popularity of the manufacturer in the territory of the Russian Federation;
- consumer and expert reviews;
- ergonomic indicators of products;
- workmanship and structural reliability;
- price criterion;
- operational characteristics.
The best inexpensive float rods: budget up to 2,000 rubles.
5 Maximus Archer MSA21L
Nominally, the Maximus Archer MSA21L is not a float rod, but in limited conditions of choice it can be successfully used instead. Its test is satisfactory 3-15 grams, which gives a sensitive rod to feel the bite of small fish (crucian carp, perch or chebak). The fast action, in turn, will allow to make the undercut in a timely manner, negating the possibility of loss of prey.
Ergonomically, the Maximus Archer MSA21L is also capable of surpassing its specialized opponents. The total weight of 153 grams is not a big problem even for beginners, and the comfort of the grip (for the cork handle) completely speaks in favor of this model. The only really serious problem in this case is the actual impossibility of fishing from the shore, since the rod does not have enough length to deliver the bait with a swing. However, it can more than make up for lost time from the side of the boat, and even with a higher degree of comfort.
4 SIWEIDA VICTOR 2401501
One of the few fiberglass contenders for the rating, the design and execution of which clearly indicates belonging to the equipment for experienced fishing enthusiasts. With a length of 500 centimeters, SIWEIDA VICTOR 2401501 weighs 440 grams - a bit too much, and requires a lot of strength from the user (to wave the blank for the entire fishing session). The second side of the conscious increase in weight is reflected in the sharpening of the rod for catching large fish. The actual test from 5 to 25 grams allows you to easily catch crucian carp and chebak, and in the intervals between them, and who is larger.
In general, consumers refer to the SIWEIDA VICTOR 2401501 as an extremely skillful and fastidious rod, requiring vigilant control over the process in all its phases. The average formation sometimes offers to play an interesting game called "jogging", a weak reaction in which is punishable by the descent of potential prey.
3 Black Hole Powerful 500
The Black Hole Powerful 500 5m float rod is a popular choice for experienced small fish hunting enthusiasts. Its transport length is only 122 centimeters, which is a good result for such a large sample. The blank of the rod is made of carbon fiber and, according to all the canons of the genre, should have been lighter ... however, the Korean manufacturers had a different opinion on this matter. By the standards of float rods, the weight of this model, equal to 281 grams, can be considered large, especially for beginners.
The rest of the Black Hole Powerful 500 shows itself only from the good side.The fast action provides good control over the fishing process, allowing you to hook the fish even with the slightest bite. The grip ergonomics are also excellent: the blank does not intend to slip in the hand. And the cost of a fishing rod is very attractive, especially for professionals in their field.
2 Salmo TAIFUN ULTIMA 500 TELEROD
The Salmo TAIFUN ULTIMA 500 TELEROD fiberglass rod is one of the cheapest models in the category, although it shows outstanding results in terms of work on the pond. With an actual test of lures in the region of 5-20 grams, it is able to catch a large predator, not disdaining from time to time to "indulge" in catching a small fish. The structure of this model is average, which automatically presents to the user the presence of at least a little experience in fishing with telescopic floats.
According to consumers, the anti-slip handle was very appropriate, because during a long fishing session, the fiberglass blank begins to slowly "slip out" of the hands. Not left unnoticed and pass rings, placed on the edges of each section. They are simple, but the fact of their presence in a fishing rod for only 700 rubles pleases. Actually, like everything else, it is simply stupid to make any claims to a rod for a similar price.
1 MIKADO FISH HUNTER FLOAT 500
The heavy float rod MIKADO FISH HUNTER FLOAT 500 is another model designed especially for professionals. Its maximum test is 30 grams, which makes it possible to catch not only small crucians and perches, but also quite serious prey in the form of river predators. With a length of 500 centimeters, the model weighs 485 grams - this measure is provided in order to reduce the likelihood of sections fracture under dynamic loads on the composite blank.
Consumer reviews of the MIKADO FISH HUNTER FLOAT 500 show that the rod has enjoyed a wide audience appeal. Yes, some remain unhappy with the increased weight and complain about the inconvenience and fatigue of hands when making swings ... but exactly until the first weighty predator is caught. After getting to know all the possibilities of the fishing rod, disgruntled exclamations disappear, and they are replaced by surprise and a pleasant feeling of correct financial investments.
The best float rods: budget from 2,000 rubles.
5 Norstream Flagman Pole FLPM-500
Norstream's flagship telescope barely surpassed the required price mark, but even in this segment it found something to surprise the target audience with. Following the path of promoting traditional technologies for making blanks, the Japanese company did not tinker with materials, relying on carbon fiber. The results are clear: the total weight of the Flagman Pole FLPM-500 is only 235 grams.
Judging by consumer reviews, the float rod is not designed to handle heavy loads. Its five-section structure is capable of carrying the standard weights of small prey such as chebaks, small river bass, crucian carp, etc. Fishing for large fish is fraught with plastic deformation of the upper, thinnest knees, up to their complete break. Either way, the Norstream Flagman Pole FLPM-500 is a real catchy canon, definitely worth the money.
4 Salmo DIAMOND POLE LIGHT MF 7.01
The only representative of the rating of the best, whose length boldly exceeds the mark of 700 centimeters. Salmo DIAMOND POLE LIGHT MF 7.01 belongs to the light class of float rods, the weight of which, however, fluctuates around 405 grams. However, the measure of the conscious increase in mass has already been discussed more than once in this top, and this nominee was no exception. The entire design of the model is aimed at withstanding the attacks of a large predator when using baits along the upper limit of the dough (15 grams).
As for ergonomics, here the Salmo DIAMOND POLE LIGHT MF 7.01 does not have a single comment from consumers. Yes, with a long fishing trip, your hands start to get tired, which negatively affects both the hook time and the casting. However, the very position of the handle in the hand is comfortable, largely due to the anti-slip coating.
3 SHIMANO NEXAVE AX TE GT 7-450 XH
The SHIMANO NEXAVE AX TE GT 7-450 XH is the only ultra-heavy float rod with an insane test range from 30 to 100 grams. As you already understood, it will not be possible to catch small crucians on such a "stick" - the sensing system is too small for such cases. The specificity of its use in a reservoir generally requires a very high individual skill from the fisherman, akin to what recognized professionals are able to do. This imposes certain restrictions on the range of consumers - the fishing rod is far from being developed for the masses.
With all its focus on tough fishing conditions, the SHIMANO NEXAVE AX TE GT 7-450 XH weighs only 301 grams. This is achieved through the use of XT60 high modulus graphite as the blank material. Thus, the rod is ideal for fishing heavy prey such as carp or carp.
2 SHIMANO ALIVIO CX TE 5-600
No less cool rod for float fishing was prepared by the recognized leaders of the fishing industry - the Japanese company Shimano. ALIVIO CX TE 5-600 was warmly received by the entire fishing community and presented to consumers a lot of nice "chips". Firstly, unlike its main competitors, Shimano managed to significantly reduce the weight of the blank (up to 327 grams), without losing in any way endurance and strength in components. Secondly, especially sensitive users were impressed by the absolutely adequate average tuning, which works properly for undercutting as a slightly slowed-down fast. Thirdly, the load capacity of the rod is fully revealed throughout the test, the range of which varies from 4 to 20 grams. The anglers named the absence of throughput and unloading rings as a small structural defect of the ALIVIO CX TE 5-600. However, this did not prevent them from giving the model the highest marks.
1 Maximus Sorcerer Bolo STEGT600
Maximus Sorcerer Bolo STEGT600 demonstrates a qualitatively different level of float rods. The flagship of its series, it is designed for fishing from the shore, which is clearly indicated by the length of 600 centimeters. The need to make the rod more durable pushed manufacturers to consciously increase its weight, which is why the seemingly miniature carbon blank began to weigh a good 430 grams. This added new faces to the list of operational capabilities, but at the same time caused the angler's hands to get tired quickly from the frequent casting of the bait into the water.
The Maximus Sorcerer Bolo STEGT600 has eight rings, two of which are unloading rings and adequately distribute the load from the tip to the top of the blank. In addition, the consumer is particularly distinguished by the presence of a cap for drying and maintenance of the rod. All this (as well as the covers and the removable protection for the rings) suggests that manufacturers have tried to create a really reliable spinning rod that can please with performance for many years.
How to choose a good float rod
Float rods, like any other class of rods, have a special structure, dimensions and fishing principles. At the stage of selection, the combination of these subtleties creates a problem even for experienced anglers. Therefore, when buying a float rod, we recommend that you pay attention to the following aspects:
Form material. Experienced anglers strongly advise beginners to avoid buying rods with bamboo and fiberglass blanks and opt for more modern carbon fiber or composite models. Always start fishing with good, informative rods.
The weight. It is very important that the float rod is light and amenable to constant monitoring of the fishing process. The optimal weight of models for float fishing is in the range from 60 to 200 grams.
Length. The choice of a float rod for this parameter greatly depends on how you plan to fish: from a boat or from the coastline. In the case of board fishing, we recommend staying on those models, the length of which does not exceed 5 meters.In turn, for coastal fishing, rods from 5 to 6 meters are ideal - longer samples for beginners will be redundant (too heavy and less controllable).
Rigidity (scale). This parameter characterizes the degree of response of the rod to the bite. The fast action (and high rigidity) models will uncompromisingly strike any predator that dares to bite the bait. Slow action, on the other hand, ensures that a couple of subtle but significant bites are missed, which can sweep the bait off the hook. Therefore, at first, we recommend making a choice for fishing rods with a higher stiffness.
Rod test. This parameter is very often overlooked, but it is he who determines the degree of fishing efficiency. Remember: the lower limit of the test for lures on a float rod should not exceed 7-8 grams. This is due to the fact that the models of the higher test are designed for catching a large predator and do not have a margin of sensitivity sufficient to recognize the bite of a small fish.
