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I've just bought my first Chapman rod
Posted: Mon May 21, 2012 1:10 pm
by Beresford
I had a quick peek on ebay just as this came up…
http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/110883707194? ... _500wt_941
For me it was a no brainer to buy. I've always wanted a Barder Bishop but doubt I'll ever be able to afford one and with the glowing reputation of Chapman's current cane output I decided to take a risk on this. The rod was made five years ago and has had light use. Given Steve Middleton's reputation I think I should be safe and if I don't like it he accepts returns.
I've wanted a more powerful carp rod for a long time as I only have standard MkIVs. I'm hoping this 11' rod 2lb test curve will feel slightly softer than a 10' MkIV S/U. The handle shape and dark green and red whippings appear to mimic the Bishop and I wonder if this was ordered and built as a Bishop copy albeit with a tad more power.
What do you think? Lemon or bargain?
Re: I've just bought my first Chapman rod
Posted: Mon May 21, 2012 1:12 pm
by Mark
It looks a nice rod Beresford, Steve is a member of this forum.
Re: I've just bought my first Chapman rod
Posted: Mon May 21, 2012 2:34 pm
by Snape
Looks lovely and a bargain! :hat:
Re: I've just bought my first Chapman rod
Posted: Mon May 21, 2012 2:39 pm
by Beresford
Steve has just informed me he's already sent the rod and it will be with me tomorrow! I'm genuinely excited as I've not bought a cane rod for over ten years and this acquisition should fill a gap in my armoury.
Re: I've just bought my first Chapman rod
Posted: Mon May 21, 2012 4:19 pm
by Snape
Beresford wrote:What do you think? Lemon or bargain?
Actually having had another look I have decided it's a lemon - so you'd better send it to me to dispose of! :hahaha:
Re: I've just bought my first Chapman rod
Posted: Mon May 21, 2012 4:42 pm
by Beresford
:hahaha: [He laughs nervously hoping all turns out well.]
Another one for the bonfire!
:hide:
BTW has that rod arrived yet?
Re: I've just bought my first Chapman rod
Posted: Mon May 21, 2012 5:00 pm
by Snape
Beresford wrote:BTW has that rod arrived yet?
Not yet but it is marked as dispatched on the 15th so here's hoping too.... :beg:
Re: I've just bought my first Chapman rod
Posted: Mon May 21, 2012 5:19 pm
by St.John
lucky blighter. looks lovely!
Re: I've just bought my first Chapman rod
Posted: Mon May 21, 2012 5:56 pm
by Beresford
There are still bargains on ebay but they tend to be Buy-it-Now sales and not auctions and can appear at anytime. I'm working from home at the moment so can have a look when I feel like it. I think this rod was only up for a few minutes and ditto another which I saw and tipped a forum member off about. Most looking at ebay, even every evening, are none the wiser these rods were ever sold. I doubt even the ebay auto-search had the chance to alert potential customers.
It's still quite a lot of money to me at the moment so I did as Snape told me he'd recently done: I shut my eyes, clicked the mouse and spent the cash. It took me three goes though to 'Commit to buy', but I got there in the end. Having missed out on an almost mint Sharpes Chris Ball Allrounder (11' 1.75lbs TC) about 6 - 9 months ago I was pleased to get this rod instead, as at first glance it appears rather like the delicious Barder Bishop S/U that sold for about £1K recently.
Re: I've just bought my first Chapman rod
Posted: Mon May 21, 2012 10:09 pm
by St.John
Tell you what though, that rod'll do just about anything. Very jealous. I imagine the blank would have cost more than what you paid. Well done! I wonder what a ever so slightly lighter version would be like......what's chapmans number again?!!... Bugger. There goes the house keep!