Rated or Slated: Custombuiltrods.co.uk - 25/03/2010

Marc says: Regular readers will have seen these rods featured when we followed their construction from start to finish last summer. Initial reaction to the Vic Gibson-built wands was extremely favourable and, having used them for some time now, I can report that they are quite brilliant. The stunning Daiwa Infinity SP blank has been complemented with slim, cork handles; top-quality Fuji ringing and an abbreviated Fuji reel seat. All of these fittings were to my exact specification and allowed me to have a set of rods dressed to my own exacting standards. The workmanship is faultless and I am absolutely thrilled with the rods in every way.

Vic, widely regarded as the best rod builder in the country, has done a fabulous job and his attention to detail appeals to me hugely. When you pay good money for top-end rods then you expect them to be right, and these are. In fact, I could not see any way in which they could be improved and I would recommend that you check out the website and see how you too could own custom-built rods to suit your style.

As well as Daiwa, you can choose blanks from Free Spirit, Harrison and Century, all of which have a huge pedigree and each will look and perform beautifully.

Verdict: Top-end custom-fit rods at bespoke prices, but worth every single penny.
Performance: 10
Value: 8