Have you purchased an Edward Barder rod and used it?

[Liphook]

I wonder who makes his plastic blanks?

[Olly]

No one I suspect - - plastic is far too floppy when striking!

[PondLife]

It not just Barder rods that don't get used. It's the same with Paul Cook and Andrew Davis rods and rods that have been restored. If i had a hundred pound for every time I've seen a rod for sale where the seller says not used since restoration i'd still be in debt .

[Barbellina]

Edward uses CTS fast glass blanks from New Zealand for his 6.5-7.5 ft #2-#4 wts. Beautiful rods, exquisitely made, I’d love one

[Liphook]

The CTS and Epic NZ glass fly blanks are superb in my experience

[Plumtart]

I can sympathise and empathise with you, Glassman.

About thirty years ago, when, in search of sanity, I returned to my 1950s angling roots - all my carbon rods went into the attic. But age is a bugger, and a long day with even a light #5 weight trout rod tell on my arm more than is sensible. In defence, I've reverted to the lightest carbon rods for trout, and tell myself that doesn't matter. But for coarse fishing it still has to be cane, particularly when peering out over tilting lily pads, back-lit by a rising sun.

Currently, a Craftversa or a Wizard can be managed. But if I progress from old, to very old, I suppose the Graham Phililps Tench rod (a wonderful all-rounder) will have to be unearthed. How old might that have to be to be considered vintage? In many ways that will be a black day.

W.