All spinning rods are divided into two main types - plug-in and telescopic models. The first option has undeniable advantages when comparing the main operating parameters, since its degree of sensitivity is much higher, which makes it possible not to miss even minor bites.
However, in some cases, fishermen prefer telescopic rods, since they have a higher degree of mobility and are more convenient not only during transportation, but also during fishing. All the features associated with the choice of telescopic gear will be discussed in detail in this article.
Choosing a telescopic rod
Material
The first thing you need to pay attention to is the material from which the fishing rod is made. All modern options and their features are given below:
- Fiberglass is the material from which most budget spinning rods are made. Previously, they were popular due to the combination of relatively good rigidity and affordable price, but recently the demand for them has decreased significantly as more reliable, low-cost options began to appear on the market.
- The composite material is ordinary fiberglass with the addition of carbon components. This allows you to increase the degree of reliability and increase resistance to loads and mechanical stress, but such models are more expensive. Currently, you can purchase all types of spinning rods made of composite material, except for rods belonging to the ultra-light class.
- Carbon fiber is by far the most popular material for the manufacture of telescopic spinning rods. Such rods have increased sensitivity, good resistance to overload and durability. Typically, this particular variety is used for catching large and strong fish, as well as for fishing for trophy specimens. Carbon fiber, due to its characteristics, is often used for the manufacture of ultralight spinning rods.
Test and class
Another important parameter of each spinning rod is its test, the indicator of which must correspond to the fishing conditions and the goals pursued.
All features of the choice are discussed below:
- For fishing in small creeks, light and ultra-light rods with a test rating of 5-20g are used.
- For river fishing, middle-class spinning rods with a dough of 15-40g are used.
- When fishing from boats using the trolling method, you need to choose heavy gear with a test value of about 40-80g.
Build
Another significant classification criterion and performance indicator of any telescopic spinning rod is its structure.
All the nuances associated with this parameter are discussed below:
- The fast action has the letter A, such spinning rods have a sensitive tip that bends during biting and fishing for prey, the rest of the gear is elastic.
- Slow action has the letter D; such rods, when biting strongly or when fishing for fish, bend completely, starting from the handle itself.
- There is a medium and medium-fast action - these are intermediate values with the letter designations B and C. The chosen variety will determine which part of the rod bends during use.
Length
Today, there are a large number of different models of telescopic fishing rods, varying in length: the indicator can range from 1.6 to 3.6 meters. The choice is influenced by many different factors; the main features that a novice fisherman needs to consider are discussed below:
- Short models with a length of 160-180 cm are used if the fisherman, while fishing, is in bushes, dense thickets or other conditions when the terrain of the surrounding area restricts his movements. It must be taken into account that with the help of such gear it will not be possible to catch prey whose weight exceeds 2 kg.
- Models with a length of 190-210 cm are used for catching larger fish that weigh from 2 to 3 kg.
- To catch fish that weigh 3 kg or more, rods with a length of 270-300 cm are used.
- When fishing from large and well-stable swimming craft, rods with a length of 240-280 cm are also used. It is not recommended to use larger models, since their operation is often impossible without installing special racks, and they cannot be installed on every boat.
- Rods with a length of 300 cm or more are usually used only by the most experienced fishermen, since their operation requires a certain skill: it will be very difficult for an untrained person to cope with such a spinning rod.
Telescopic spinning rod, its structure, differences from plug-in spinning rod
A telescopic spinning rod is a fishing rod that, like an astronomical telescope, consists of retractable parts of varying lengths and thicknesses. The main components of such a spinning rod are:
- Knees are hollow cone-shaped tubes of various diameters that are inserted into each other.
- Passage rings are round metal frames with internal liners made of abrasion-resistant material (cermets, silicon carbide), which have a ring-shaped fastening and are located on the knee at the junction at the very end of the smaller one in diameter. A reinforced small tulip ring is installed on the last bend.
- A reel seat is a device for firmly and securely attaching a reel to a fishing rod. It consists of a support platform, a stop and a fixing element (nut), located in front or behind relative to the butt.
- Handle – in telescopes, the role of a handle can be performed by both the last knee and the handle itself, which is connected to the main part of the rod using a plug-in method. The material of the handle can be different - from cheap microporous rubber, which strongly absorbs moisture and dust, to cork, the distinguishing feature of which is lightness, strength, low thermal conductivity, and a pleasant-to-touch surface.
- Also included with the rod is a protective plastic cap that fits over the guide rings and protects them from damage when carried. At the top of the cap there is a hook with which the folded rod can be hung on a hanger hook fixed in the wall, thus saving space.
The length of a telescopic spinning rod in most cases ranges from 1.8 to 3-3.3 meters.
Test
Like plug-in spinning rods, the test of telescopic spinning rods divides them into 4 main classes based on the weight of the bait:
- ultra-light – suitable for fishing with light baits weighing no more than 7 grams;
- light – the weight of the baits thrown should be from 7 to 15 grams;
- medium – the weight range for rods of this class is from 15 to 30 grams;
- heavy – rods are designed to cast the heaviest baits weighing 30-40 grams or more.
Build
The structure of a telescopic spinning rod is:
- super fast - only the upper part of the tip reacts to load;
- fast - the entire tip bends;
- medium – at least half of the form is subject to bending;
- slow - the whip bends more than half.
Material of manufacture
Telescopic spinning rods are made from materials such as:
- Fiberglass - rods made from this cheap material are rigid, heavy, but at the same time unpretentious and have an affordable price for any angler.
- Composite is a material that is a mixture of cheap and rigid fiberglass and strong and flexible carbon fiber. Fishing rods made of composites are more unpretentious than graphite rods, while being more flexible than fiberglass rods.
- Carbon fiber (carbon) – when carbon fiber is used as a material for the manufacture of telescopic spinning rods, light and durable fishing rods are obtained that are highly flexible and perfectly hook fish. The disadvantage of such spinning rods is their fragility when hitting the edges of hard objects, stones, or falling onto a concrete floor.
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The best models of telescopic rods
Many manufacturers today have launched mass production of telescopic spinning rods. Below is a brief overview of the most popular models, which ideally combine affordable price and high quality:
Shimano Catana CX Telespin
This is a spinning rod with a fast action, for the manufacture of which modern types of materials were used, which made the rod more rigid and provided it with an impressive reserve of power.
A high sensitivity rate is maintained both when using a braided cord and when using a monofilament line. The approximate cost is 5,500 rubles.
Shimano Exage BXST CMini Tele Spinn
It is a mini-telescopic spinning rod, which is equipped with a new generation reel seat, which allows you not to miss even the smallest bites. There are modifications with rod lengths from 180 to 270 cm, depending on this indicator the price varies from 7,500 rubles to 11,500 rubles.
Daiwa SC-FA 48UL
This is a classic ultra-light telescopic spinning rod, available in several modifications, differing in test performance and rod length. You can purchase it at a price of 5,500 rubles.
Daiwa Neo Versal
It is a unique tackle that can be used for fishing in any conditions, regardless of the type of potential prey.
Many fishermen noted the successful combination of affordable price and high quality, so this model is recommended primarily for people who are just starting to master the basics of spinning fishing. The cost ranges from 3500 to 6000 rubles.
Kosadaka Voyager
It is a well-balanced telescopic model made of high quality carbon fiber. Lightweight fittings made it possible to reduce the overall weight of the gear, which simplified the operation process.
This model has a high degree of sensitivity; all bites or contacts of the bait with any underwater objects are instantly transmitted to the tip of the rod, and from it to the fisherman’s hands. The price varies from 2500 to 4000 rubles.
Top 5 telescopic spinning rods
It’s impossible to say for sure which telescopic spinning rod is better. For each purpose and task, different models of fishing rods are suitable. There are not many really good “telescopes”, they are expensive. For the majority of fishermen, such fishing rods are not needed. It is advisable to look at the budget and mid-price categories, accessible to everyone.
Let's try to determine the best telescopic spinning rod, the rating of which is presented below. All the models under consideration have earned a lot of positive feedback from our fishermen and are worthy of mention.
Shimano Exage Mini Telespin
Super-compact telescopic spinning rod, the best among those presented in our rating. In addition to the classic form, consisting of several sections, this model also has a collapsible handle. It can be divided into two parts. Supplied in a hard case with a provided compartment for a spinning reel.
Made from carbon fiber reinforced plastic with increased elasticity and strength. It is equipped with high-quality guide rings with abrasion-resistant inserts and lightweight frames. Cork handle. The reel seat prevents spontaneous unwinding and reliably fixes the inertia-free reel.
Daiwa Megaforce Telespin
This line includes powerful telescopic fishing rods designed for the use of heavy baits and fishing for large predators. Suitable for fishing in reservoirs, deep lakes, medium and large rivers. It has a high-quality connection of the elbows, reinforced rings, a reliable screw reel seat and a comfortable cork handle. Made from high-strength composite material. Belongs to the mid-price segment. Suitable not only for beginner spinning anglers, but also for advanced fishermen.
Norstream Voyager Telespin
Compact fishing rod made in travel style. It has the smallest possible transport dimensions, thanks to a large number of short sections and a detachable handle. It is transported in a hard case that protects the rings and blank from shocks and other unexpected loads. The line includes several universal models of medium action, differing in length and test. Can be used with all types of baits. These inexpensive spinning rods are suitable for any keen fisherman.
Kosadaka Voyager
This is not a classic telescope. This “stick” is four-sectional and is an advanced version of the “travel” class fishing rod. It has a medium-fast action and an elegant thin blank. Available in several models. It is a universal fishing rod, suitable for a variety of fishing techniques. The spinning tube is rigid with good capacity; you can easily fit another compact “rod” into it.
Shimano Catana Telespin
A budget telescopic spinning rod is suitable for lovers of outdoor recreation who rarely go to the shore of a reservoir. In demand among beginners and fishermen with limited financial resources. Can be used with various baits when fishing for most predatory representatives of the ichthyofauna of our waters. Equipped with good fittings and reliable passage rings. It is compact in size and easily fits in a backpack.
Budget models of “telescopes”
Additionally, budget options for telescopic gear will be considered, the purchase of which does not involve significant financial expenses:
Daiwa Megaforce BigFish
It is a very good option, despite the low cost. This model belongs to the super-heavy class, has a fast action, carbon and carbon fiber were used together in its manufacture, which had a positive effect on the strength of the rod. The approximate price is 1800-2000 rubles.
Salmo Taifun Tele Pack
It is one of the most budget-friendly options; such a price reduction was achieved thanks to the use of the cheapest material – fiberglass. However, its reliability and durability are maintained at the proper level; many anglers prefer to use this model as a backup option. The cost is 450-500 rubles.
Siweida SWDE xplorer 2
It is a compact and mobile telescopic spinning rod made of high-quality carbon fiber. The model is lightweight and has a medium-fast action, is versatile and can be used in virtually any fishing conditions. The approximate price is 1200-1400 rubles.
Mikado Desire Mini Tele Spin
It is a fairly powerful spinning rod with a high degree of rigidity and a medium-fast action. The manufacturer paid special attention to the quality of all equipment; the passage rings are equipped with an additional protective cap. The average cost today is 1600-1900 rubles.
Pros and cons of telescopic spinning rods
Telescopic is a type of fishing rod that consists of several hollow sections, with different diameters at its beginning and end, with each upper section having a slightly smaller diameter than the previous one.
When folding a telescopic rod, all its constituent sections are placed in the internal space of the first bend, which has the largest diameter. This design makes it easy to unfold the fishing rod at the beginning of fishing, and just as easy to fold it when it’s finished, resulting in a fairly compact piece of gear that takes up minimal space during transportation.
Interesting! Many fishermen who have a car constantly carry an equipped telescopic spinning rod in the trunk. Yes, just in case.
When identifying the positive and negative qualities of telescopes, they should be compared with plug-type spinning rods, which are in much greater demand and popularity among experienced spinning anglers. Their positive qualities include:
- Significantly more compact dimensions when folded for transport.
- Ease of transportation and storage.
- There are several variants of models with a length not exceeding 50 cm when folded.
- Low price for most models.
- Simple repair in case of breakdown or damage.
- They do not require special cases or tubes for storage.
The disadvantages of telescopic spinning rods include:
- Low strength and reliability compared to plug rods.
- Their weight is relatively large.
- The casting range and sensitivity of telescopes are somewhat lower than that of plug rods of similar sizes.
- With similar characteristics and a similar price, the manufacturing quality of telescopic rods is inferior to the quality of plug-in rods.
- Low ergonomics and unstable balance during active fishing are noticeable.
In general, we can say that all their positive aspects are associated with ease of transportation and storage, and the negative ones – with indicators that are valued in the fishing process. That is why they are not so popular among avid spinning players.
Reviews
Many modern fishermen often use telescopic types of fishing rods; some of their opinions about such gear are given below in the form of reviews:
“Last year I bought myself a DaiwaMegaforceBigFish, I keep this spinning rod in the car just in case: if I want to fish in the country or for situations when the main tackle fails. I’ve already tried to use it several times, despite the low cost, the gear is quite good and hasn’t caused any particular complaints.” Grade:
Vitaly
“I have been using telescopic spinning rods for a very long time, no less often than plug-in models. Many anglers criticize them, but I do not share this point of view. I don’t experience any discomfort when using them, I have several “telescopes” from Shimano: I bought them 4 years and 6 years ago, both are still in perfect working order, and I went fishing with them quite often, I caught a wide variety of fish from pike to trout." Grade:
Alexander
“I tried to use Shimano telescopic spinning rods, but none of the models worked. I can’t say that they were completely bad, it’s just not my thing. I recently purchased another “telescope” called SakuraFuriozza633, I like this model much better, I fished out pike weighing up to 2.5 kg without any problems.” Grade:
Vladimir
“Not long ago I bought a ShimanoExageBXSTCMiniTeleSpinn so that I could fish impassable and overgrown areas of the shore in reservoirs. I really liked the spinning rod: it fits well in the hands, thanks to its low weight and comfortable short handle, when assembled it takes up very little space and is easy to transport. Among the shortcomings, I can only highlight the not particularly high strength, since the rod broke after an unsuccessful jerk when I tried to remove the snag.” Grade:
Dmitriy
“My fishing arsenal consists mainly of plug-in spinning rods, but there are also several telescopic rods - these are Norstream VoyagerT and ShimanoCatanaCXTelespin. I am very pleased with both models, especially the first option; it is simply an indispensable assistant if, while fishing, you need to climb into an impassable place and cast from there. There were situations when it was these gears that saved me, allowing me to fish out a hidden predator.” Grade:
Konstantin
“Despite the fact that they always talk about the advantages of plug rods, I have been fishing with “telescopes” all my life, I feel more comfortable with them. In particular, due to the lack of personal vehicles, transporting such fishing rods is much easier. I have never been disappointed in this type of spinning rod; I periodically exchange it for more modern and interesting options and continue to enjoy fishing.” Grade:
Michael
Features of telescopic spinning rods
Plug rods and “telescopes” have significant differences, although they are designed to perform the same functions: casting and retrieving bait, hooking and landing a predator. This difference is determined by the design features of the spinning rods. The main disadvantages of telescopic “rods” are:
- Worse sensitivity and “noodle-like” form.
- Low casting range.
- Not such high strength and power indicators.
All other things being equal, telescopic spinning rods are heavier. This is due to the presence of a larger number of elbows and their joints. For the same reason, they are inferior to plug-in ones in power and durability. It is much more difficult to successfully fight a large predator with a multi-section stick, and they are not designed for trophy hunting.
The advantages of telescopic spinning fishing rods are:
- Compact sizes.
- Low cost.
- Universalism.
The telescope spinning rod is perfect as a basic fishing rod. With it you can master casting techniques, animation options, learn to record bites, hook and retrieve fish. As a budget fishing rod, this is an excellent choice that will suit many people. We have already written in detail which spinning rod is better, plug-in or telescopic, here.
Where can I buy?
The names Daiwa, Shimano, Kosadaka and Salmo are well-known and widespread fishing brands today. The assortment of these manufacturers, including telescopic fishing rods, can be found in virtually all not even the largest fishing stores, so there should be no problems with making a purchase.
In addition, there is always the opportunity to place an order via the Internet: today there are enough websites that sell gear. However, when choosing this method of making a purchase, it is necessary to exercise increased vigilance, since it is through the Internet that most unscrupulous sellers sell counterfeit Chinese goods of low quality.
Which spinning rod is better to buy for fishing?
In order not to make a mistake when choosing a spinning rod, first of all you should determine the style and method of the upcoming fishing. Depending on them, all the main components are selected: rings, reels with fishing line, fishing rod. For river fishing, a telescopic spinning rod with a thin line is suitable, while sea fishing will require a durable one-piece rod with a braided cord.
The use of spinning significantly expands the permissible range of fishing techniques. The main ones are casting, trolling, fly fishing, baiting and jigging.
Read How to securely tie a hook to a fishing line
It is worth paying attention to the material used to make the spinning rod and the type of construction. The most common are telescopic carbon fiber models
They are compact, light weight and affordable. However, to catch large fish, you need a stronger rod made of fiberglass or composite materials.
An important indicator of the functionality of a spinning rod is its action. The appropriate type also depends on your preferred fishing style:
- Fast action involves bending only the upper part of the rod, which is very useful for jigging and twitching;
- The slow one allows a three-quarter curvature, convenient for fishing with various types of lures;
- The most universal action is considered to be medium, in which only the upper half of the rod bends.
One of the key parameters of the gear is the bait test. It determines the maximum vibration that the rod can transmit. According to this indicator, spinning rods are divided into four main classes: ultra-light, light, medium and heavy. The permissible bait weight for the first three is 5, 15 and 40 grams. The weight of bait for gear corresponding to the last class is limited only by design features.
Additional criteria for choosing a spinning rod include its size. For comfortable casting over a distance of more than 100 meters, it is better to purchase a model up to 3 m long. Lake fishing will require a value of about 2.5 meters, fishing from a boat - no more than 2 m.
Recommendations: How to choose a spinning rod for fishing
Tips for a newbie
For anyone starting to delve into the art of fishing, we’ll give you some tips on how to choose the best gear.
- First, you need to understand what kind of fishing the spinning rod will be used for. At this stage there is no need to look at the price, because not everything that is cheap is always bad. Therefore, from the very beginning you need to look at simple rods, without additional options.
- Secondly, you need to study all the available information about the model you are considering purchasing. Reviews, testimonials, videos, conversations with people - all this will be extremely useful here. It is not necessary to ask employees - they themselves do not always understand what’s what. We would recommend two options. The first is a long spinning rod with a fast action and a weight of up to 30 grams for fishing on the shore. The second is a medium action, shorter in length and slightly shorter in test. These two options will be ideal, in our opinion, for a beginner.
- Third, test for convenience. This can be done without any embarrassment right in the store. Where else, if not there, can you check how convenient it is to handle the gear and whether it is heavy for your hands?
- Fourth - when you have already purchased a fishing rod, do not rush to immediately catch fish with it. First you need to get used to the rod itself. Throw it, shake it - in general, learn to work with it. This will help you tactilely determine the right moment to catch fish with this particular fishing rod.
- It is better to choose a spinning rod from carbon plastic or high-modulus graphite. But it’s better to immediately abandon fishing rods made of aluminum or fiberglass.
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The listed tips and a list of the highest quality models will definitely help you choose a high-quality spinning rod.
