Banana Rods Custom Rods

The luxury end of the rod market is awash with sensational lengths of carbon. Free Spirit’s Hi-‘S’s, Greys’ new Xlerate, Daiwa’s Basia AGS’s (so light they’ll literally float out of your hand) and of course Banana Rods’ T-48 model - a rod that really has an air of exclusivity about it, and one which is packed with tech and looks to turn more heads than a Lamborghini Aventador. But where the T-48 really wins over its competitors is the customisability you have when purchasing a set. Handles, guides, whippings, reel seats - you can pick and choose to create a totally bespoke rod just to your liking. Here’s what’s on offer…

01. There’s some fancy handle options…

One Facebook post which is always guaranteed to spark a hefty debate is a picture of Banana Rods’ ‘Easy Power’ handle option. In short, it’s the same style of grip which you’d find on a golf club and offers many advantages over cork/duplon or abbreviated handles (think: better grip for casting). Not 100% convinced but such a radically different looking handle? Then opt for Banana’s incredibly elegant and refined cork handle options. Whether you go for the full or abbreviated cork (a world first we believe) version, both are machined by hand using a traditional technique, from a rare variety of Portuguese oak, and the finish is both eye-pleasing and sophisticated.

02. Now pick your reel seat…

When it comes to the reel seat you have a choice of three different models with three colour options for each. There’s the Arrius seat which is constructed from corrosion-resistant 61XX aluminium and, get this, requires eight stages of machining to reduce its weight and create the ‘beaded’ effect you see. For an even more elegant look and lightweight feel, opt for the Centralock or Moebius models, and you can choose from BlueGrey, Gunsmoke or Chrome colour variants with each.

03. Guides choices…

Just like the handles, reel seats, blanks, even down to the customer service, the rings are the best of the best. Banana only use the exquisite Fuji K-Series guides, and like all the other fixtures you have the choice of three different models: the come-as-standard guides are the Gunsmoke 40’s, whilst the France-based company offer the Titanium 40 or 50 ( or Titanium Torzite 40 as optional extras.

04. And now the build options…

The already legendary Banana T-48 rod comes with two buying options: ‘Premium’, which is the ready-to-buy, no personalisation option or their ‘Made-To-Measure’ service. With this service, along with the reel seat, guides and handle option, you can also pick which colour thread and metallic tipping you’d like, plus any inscriptions you fancy having added to the rods. bananarods.com