Old TT supermatch - any alternatives?

g-force

g-force

Well-known member
I'm looking to try and get my hands on an old TT supermatch (the original, not the metal band one) to replace the one I (regrettably) sold a few years ago....but I'd also like to know of any other rods that are of similar design / capability, as the TTSM's seem few & far between.

Must be capable of casting 150/175g regularly & 200 at a push when conditions demand it, be no longer than 13ft, and equally at home fishing for the dabs/flounder/whiting etc as well as bigger codling & the like.

Any other rods out there that I could be considering as a possible alternative?

Thanks, Gary :)
 
Thanks for the suggestions so far - I was hoping to pick something up locally...the AFAW match was a possibility (could shorten it slightly) as I already have a Tournament version but it's too long for the venue, the lower deck on Tynemouth pier (tried it & I kept clipping the back wall). Something like the Orion might be a possibility - I just wondered if any of the old Daiwa AWT's or similar (I'm not really familiar with the range) or possibly some kind of Conoflex or Zziplex might fit the bill - I know their ranges are pretty extensive. I'm not averse to getting the hacksaw out if necessary as long as the rod can take it - I know there can be problems with "gearbox" type designs as this can put them out of position and knack the handling of the rod.

Gary :)
 
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g-force said:
Thanks for the suggestions so far - I was hoping to pick something up locally...the AFAW match was a possibility (could shorten it slightly) as I already have a Tournament version but it's too long for the venue, the lower deck on Tynemouth pier (tried it & I kept clipping the back wall). Something like the Orion might be a possibility - I just wondered if any of the old Daiwa AWT's or similar (I'm not really familiar with the range) or possibly some kind of Conoflex or Zziplex might fit the bill - I know their ranges are pretty extensive. I'm not averse to getting the hacksaw out if necessary as long as the rod can take it - I know there can be problems with "gearbox" type designs as this can put them out of position and knack the handling of the rod.

Gary :)
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Metal band super match no good Gary? Lovely rods.
 
Juliogeordio said:
Metal band super match no good Gary? Lovely rods.
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I tried one when they first came out and I still had my original but didn't like it anywhere near as much. I always suspected when I sold mine that I'd maybe regret it, but at the time was going through a got-far-too-many-rods-and-some-have-got-to-go phase and it had been gathering dust for a while since I got my original AFAW TM. I generally use a 14ft rod but the shorter TTSM was great for some venues.

Gary :)
 
Gary I use the mark one afaw match rod on the pier. There 13ft 4 lovely tip show the smallest of bites but still have plenty poke if you need it
 
steesh said:
Gary I use the mark one afaw match rod on the pier. There 13ft 4 lovely tip show the smallest of bites but still have plenty poke if you need it
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Cheers Steve - good to know as it was one on my potential shortlist - I currently use the 13ft Surf but it maxes out at 150g and struggles in a stiff wind. The TM or any of my longer rods are ok on the end few pegs but I'm just looking for one rod that can cope with everything (except maybe the real heavy ground if I go down the free-zone) and the shorter rod would suit better, especially when you're crowded together only 6-8ft apart on the higher number pegs!

Gary :)
 
The afaw match will cast 6oz and two baits with ease. Have used mine in the mixed ground in the free zone with no problems. I think a lot of people on the pier make the mistake of using rods that are to powerful and can't compress them to get a decent cast
 
CHUKKA said:
Lots to choose from in the Zziplex range, hst,hsm,4500 etc, bullet gt
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Almost too many lol. and I don't know much about any of them! Having had a few in the past and been a bit disappointed (largely due to trying one and on that basis getting a new one, only to find it's nothing like the one I've tried!) I vowed I'd only ever get another if I could try & purchase said rod - so second hand is definitely the way forward with them. I came across an HST the other day & have had a waggle of one in the past, and it's certainly an option but I'd forgotten all about the HSM - that could certainly be one to try & look at.

steesh said:
The afaw match will cast 6oz and two baits with ease. Have used mine in the mixed ground in the free zone with no problems. I think a lot of people on the pier make the mistake of using rods that are to powerful and can't compress them to get a decent cast
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Quite agree Steve and in general my AFAW Surf has been fine - as long as the conditions are ok - and it's a fun rod to fish with. But I've struggled on occasion in a stiff S/SW gale until I got up the end and was able to break out the big rod. So really I'm just looking for something a step up in power that I can use in or out of the crowds (if I think there's a chance I'll be going to the real heavy stuff then I'll pack a poker as well haha!)

Gary :)
 
I've used 14ft rods on the pier no problems. Just stand as close to the edge as you dare!! Cast with the arms out and rod at 11oclock rather than at 1 or 2 with the lead parallel to the pier and you can get a pretty good cast.
 
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spongebob said:
Gary could you not adapt your casting style and allow for reel up the butt? So that way you are kinda using a shorter rod??
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you use the full length of the rod when the reel is up, its when the reel is in the low position that you shorten the length of the rod, unless of course its right at the bottom and you need a reducer...
 
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