Harrison Rods – Ballista V Chimera V Torrix
Harrison Rods – Carp Lab
Over the last few weeks I have done a couple of quick sessions on Pendle View in Clitheroe and a 48 hour session on Sunnyside Two, which is part of the Wyreside Lakes Complex near Lancaster.
For each of these sessions I have had the pleasure of using Harrison Rods, Firstly I had the Ballista in a 2 ¾lb test curve. Then the Chimera in a 3lb test curve and finally the Torrix in 3 ¼ test curve.
All of these rods where on Loan from Phil at Something Fishy who often lends out tackle so that anglers can try before they buy, obviously a deposit is required but hey you can’t do this normally and the idea is great.
Fortunately I managed to catch fish on all three rods.
Interestingly all of the fish where around the 12 -15 lb mark meaning the test was quite fair in terms of comparing each rods performance – despite the difference in test curves!
Each rod was coupled with a Daiwa Windcast 5000z reel, loaded with the new Korda Kontour – a 100% Fluorocarbon mainline – it was interesting to see how the new addition to the Korda range of mainlines would perform as often casting with fluorocarbon lines could prove difficult.
Over the course of my sessions I attempted to fish each rod at varying ranges and in different water conditions so that I could consider the performance of both rod and line.
By fishing in deep water, shallow water, clear water and in weed, at close range and at distance I have gained useful insight which hopefully you will find helpful when considering buying new rods.
The three rods performed well on Sunnyside 2
Ballista
Specification:
- 12 feet in length
- Two pieces
- 8 Fuji rings – The eyes start closer to the reel seat with a 40mm butt ring
- Fuji reel seat as standard
- Chunky handles
A “players” rod! The Ballista was the first development in the Harrison custom Carp rod range and is perfectly suited for everyday Carp fishing applications such as medium sized fisheries with reasonably sized fish and few snags – like Sunnyside Two or the River Ribble J
The Ballista handles well and is nicely balanced the rings are nicely spaced and the rod offers adequate casting capability when armed with only a bolt rig type set up or stringer.
For PVA fishing a stronger test curve would easily cope with most demands however the number of eyes and style of the blank will certainly restrict casting distances when compared to other rods.
Pros – good fish playing ability, affordable, Made in England, Excellent Quality and Long Established
Cons – Not a casting rod so don’t expect to shoot the moon with it…
Chimera
Specification:
- 12 feet in length
- Two pieces
- 8 Kigan Rings – Rung for casting – 40mm butt ring
- Fuji reel seat as standard
- Slim handles and excellent finish
The “all rounder” – this rod is very well made and the Kigan rings are slightly slimmer than the Fuji versions making for a slightly lighter feel and a very pleasing appearance…
On the bank the Chimera performs well at range, when punching PVA bags out and for normal margin work, the Chimera is a pleasure to fish with and fewer rings mean reduced friction on the line meaning reasonable distances can be easily achieved when compared to the Ballista!
This rod is also slightly stiffer than the Ballista and has a tougher feel to it, the Chimera also has great fish playing abilities and can apply the right amounts of pressure as and when you need to, this rod is therefore very useful for snaggy ponds and for most medium to large venues.
The Chimera is a mid price rod and comes highly recommended – especially with the Kigan rings…
Pros - All round performance, same great quality – more punch than the Ballista
Cons – Not really anything to report, a nice rod
Torrix
Specification:
- 12 feet in length
- Two pieces
- 8 Fuji Rings – Rung for casting – 40mm butt ring
- Fuji reel seat as standard
- Slim handles and excellent finish, Stainless butt cap
- Unique Carbon Wrap
The top spec rod of the bunch surpassed only by the new Harrison Trebuchet which we will test in due course…
The Torrix combines years of experience, the latest Carbon Weave technology and of course the quality you can expect only from Harrison.
What Harrison
Torrix is the latest Steve Harrison designed Carp Rod series. It utilises new tapers and new materials to produce fantastic performance at low diameter and weight. The butt and tip utilise two different carbon fibres in the zero axis to achieve low down casting power with forgiving no lock-up characteristics in the middle and tip. At ninety degrees is a ribcage of super lightweight carbon which controls the rod in compression. How the carbon performs in compression is as important in a bending rod as the way the fibres perform in tension. We aim for a design which balances the compression and tension performance to optimise the balance between casting and playing fish. The butt of the rod is given a surface ply of 1k carbon fabric which strengthens the rod, improves hoop strength and reduces torque. It looks pretty good too!
Most popular model is the 12’ 3 ¼ which will cast distance effortlessly in real world conditions and has produced close to 200yds on a casting field. New out is the 12’ 3 ½ which can achieve those extra few yards yet is still a very slim and light rod. Its also the most reliable rod series we have ever made. The standard rod is fitted with double leg Fuji 40 Sic ring set, Fuji DNPS 20 and slim shrink rubber abbreviated butt. And Harrison rod building is famous. We designed this as the ultimate carp rod with the best blank and the best fittings. People who have bought the rod tell us we achieved our aim. The rod and blank are made here in the UK, so why settle for less?
From the testing all of the rods performed well, all of them are accurate, well controlled, balanced and light.
Fish playing ability is excellent and each rod has its own little features that set it apart from other mass produced rods…
The Verdict:
With around £100 between the Ballista and the Torrix there is a rod to suit every budget however if you can buy the Torrix!
To be specific the Torrix with 50mm Ring Set – personally I would opt for the Kigan Rings as they look better but the choice is yours…
Harrison Torrix with Kigan 50mm rings
Ten Fish!
Ten Fish
