what is it that puts you off graphite?

For me the biggest issue is the modulus of the graphite. In the rods I use you have the choice of standard or high modulus when it comes to graphite, with the high modulus being mose sensitive, stiffer, lighter as well as easier to break. My favourate rod the Loomis sharkey is a T24 standard graphite blank. I have dropped it, knocked it on rocks, bent it to 70 degrees and basically misstreated it for a fair while and it hasnt broken (touch wood), but i have heard of plenty of ppl using the high modulus version (T52 or something I think) of the same rod and had it explode after a few little knocks on the rocks.

Now I dont quite understand what it is that determines the modulus of the graphite, but I know that the higher the modulus the more prone to breakage if treated badly. The higher modulus has its benefits but it also has a few draw backs. I have my first high modulus graphite rod on the way and to be honest im a little nervous about how long its gonna last lol.

Having said all this im not even sure if any rods other than south african ones use the t_whateva rating system for the graphite.... so this might mean absolutely jack lol

Which rods in particular are you looking at?

is graphite and carbon fibre the same? if not, what separtes them?

T24 = carbon prepreg once baked rate 24 ton

T53 = is 53 Ton rated

The modulus in T53 is much higher than that of T24. IE less epoxy and more carbon fibres in the pre-impregnated mat. this makes the blank lighter (about 30% but also more brittle)

The more the carbon the quicker the memory (the recovery time of the carbon product. the desire to return to it's original state - in a fishing rod this means a faster recoil and when timed correctly a longer cast)

Blue marlin blanks are rated according to their T24 cast rating so a T24/4 is for 4oz weights but in T53/4 is well capable of 6-7oz

(as per Enigma Senior Member Sealine)

I have the T24 / 8 - so quite capable of throwing 10 - 12 oz sinkers.

I agree with cuthbad's statement - I manhandle my T24 - at the same time have not found any other rod that come close to the casting / weight and handling. I really believe it is a personal choice - I recommend you go for a try out session with both to get the feel - as they cast differently and decide which 1. Cuthbad - whatother Oz rod would you rate for this purpose.

well i have had a okuma X-Factor and thought it was great, but it snapped so i looked at the shimano Aero wave and then the daiwa satiga surf rod but not sure how much the daiwa cant make up my mind. the  only thing that puts me off graphite is that i like to send out big baits in the surf and dont want it to snap again

Saltiga surely looks the part - looks the same as the SPRO FFW 6 oz surf graphite rod. It is a pity that they limit their specs information. Not much too to read into either.

As I mentioned - it really is a pref. I know I am too hard on rods - so a proper graphite will eventually break in my hands. There really is also a difference in how you would reel a big fish in. You cannot bend the higher graphite compund as much as the lower - which means you need to take care. However - casting one - (higher grph) - is why they made it. Canon! Absolutely superb.

Jas04 I think the thing is that rods will break.... its part of the game, a horrible and depressing part but you use and abuse a rod for long enough and it will explode. As far as sending big baits in the surf, theres no reason graphite is not just as up to this task, if not more capable, than the glass rods. Shimano Taralejo, Saltiga Ballistic and Saltiga Surf are  a few rods that come to mind, but I dont know the Aussie rods very wel at all.

What weight are you wanting to cast? and what kinda baits? Im assuming spin reels not overhead right?

Fishwrecked member Rig went through this a little while ago but I cant remember what he decided on, will see if I can find the post.

 

Jas I replied to your Aerowave post, The rods you are looking at are graphite and I dont think you have to be too woried about snapping them as most recent graphite rods are pretty strong and most people break them when they are on the roof of there car or slam a door on them which will break any rod.  For me its graphite all the way although others may disagree.

The Okuma rods are not in the same league as the Daiwa/saltiga as far as quality goes and thats why they are alot cheaper.  Cuthbad was very kind to let me have a look at his Loomis Sharkey which is a very good heavey rod that you can get delivered from South Africa for under $400, the ballistic comes in at $650.  Although I havent fished with a Sharkey it was definately alot stiffer through the tip which really suits the style of fishing cuthbad does ie XOS sharks and Rays.  I wanted a bit more movement in the tip to suit me so I saved a bit more money and got the ballistic.  Also note the sharkey had a low reel seat from memory and the BAllistic has a very high reel seat.  If you are a small person you may struggle with the height of the seat on the ballistic or wish to get it modified.  Also the ballistic can be used as either overhead or spin if you want the verstility

higher the modulus the quicker it recurves, that is it will straighten at a a more rapid rate...........if u have a im6 blank and a im8 blank....the im8 blank will be stiffer of the 2 blanks, and generally wot most folks prefer to fish with...better for sp's etc

higher the im rate= a more fragile rod given that its stiffer but way better for casting esp if u pendulam cast, will go 150mtrs plus with bait n lead.....if ya dont throw yr rod on rocks, lend it to hacks or high stick it you should get yrs out of a graphite rod

glass rods are the ones you lend to yr mates as spares

ballistic are killer rods but the high reel seat design is a turn off if ya fish/spin low mount...very lite strong rod

rig u might be peed off with me...picked up a 2nd hand tiralejo for niks....see ya tonight at the club if yr there....

they snap, nah just kidding, yeah i'll be there. 

good on you for getting one you dont see many spin's for sale

thanks guys i am deffinatley going to stick with Graphite but i just need to decide which one i want i will go have a look at oceanside tackle and have a feel also who are other sponsers of this site go have a look there as well.

Thanks for all your help guys put my mind at easy when buying a graphite rod again. Cithbad is right rods are going to break from time to time and just going to accept it plus i think if i spend a little more for better quality