Chapman 500 Deluxe

[Jeremy Croxall]

I recently completed refurbishing a 500 to Deluxe spec. No fancy whippings or intermediates and bridge rings whipped with a conventional wine coloured thread. I just wanted this general purpose avon rod to look as it would have done when it left the factory.
I know this rod has a big following with cane enthusiasts and it is easy to understand why. I wondered how many were originally manufactured and how many survive today. It must have been one of the most popular rods of its time.
It's well designed, well built and the cane seems to be high quality. I like the 2 piece with separate handle configuration and a sensible handle length gives the rod a balanced feel when held. I really can't fault any aspect of it, its a true classic.

[John_Moore]

Nice job Jeremy you can't better a rod that is done sympathetically and to the original spec.
I don't know how many they made at Chapman's but I got hold of a 500 deluxe over 20 years ago it had a couple of rings missing, the others are rusty except for the butt & tip, it's down to about 12th now on my list to refub rods, so eventually it will get done.
I must get round to putting the deluxe along side a standard 500 and see the difference I think the deluxe taper is slightly thicker.
Anyway I do hope you get a nice carp or barbel on one of your 500 deluxe outings.
The very best John.

[BoltonBullfinch]

I think the only difference between the 500 and the 500 de-luxe is a upgrade in ring quality, one extra ring and a divisional cloth bag. This comes from the Chapmans website, and during talks with John when I was converting my 500 to the de-luxe spec, John never mentioned differing tapers.
Hope this helps.

Thanks
BB

[Pallenpool]

A lovely looking & sympathetic build you have achieved there Jeremy - top stuff.

[John_Moore]

Thanks for the info BB most useful.
Regards John

[Wallys-Cast]

Well done Jeremy, the rod looks really nice. Excellent finish.

Yes as BB has said, the De-Luxe is just slightly better equipped in the ring department and the bag had separate compartments.

The 500 really is a great rod, light in the hand, powerful enough for the specimen hunter but still forgiving enough for lighter lines. It is in my mind the John Wilson Avon rod of its era. They survive in great numbers due to the build quality and of course because there were so many made. It shows how popular it was when other makers had to copy it.

Wal.

[Jeremy Croxall]

Well done Jeremy, the rod looks really nice. Excellent finish.

Yes as BB has said, the De-Luxe is just slightly better equipped in the ring department and the bag had separate compartments.

The 500 really is a great rod, light in the hand, powerful enough for the specimen hunter but still forgiving enough for lighter lines. It is in my mind the John Wilson Avon rod of its era. They survive in great numbers due to the build quality and of course because there were so many made. It shows how popular it was when other makers had to copy it.

Wal.

That's the perfect analogy Wal, "The John Wilson rod of its era" I think you've hit the nail on the head mate!

[Crucian]

Very nice indeed If I could have only one rod, it would be a 500.

[John_Moore]

Crucian "have only one rod" I could go on....

[Jeremy Croxall]

Very nice indeed If I could have only one rod, it would be a 500.

I think this is a sentiment shared by many.....so if you could only have one rod could you have six 500's