Hi-‘S’ Spod Rods & SPM

Using the very same high-quality Japanese very low-resin 40T carbon and with full 1k weave, the Hi-‘S’ Spod rods and SPMs match the build character of the carp rods. As we use the same material, the blanks are kept as slim and as light as possible, but still with plenty of action to aid the casting of even the smallest spods and other baiting devices.

Having a very low resin content means there is no perceptible softening of the blanks—very important to preserve performance since they are cast repeatedly with heavy loads.

As with all Free Spirit rods they are built on the spine. Building on the spine not only produces more consistent, truer casting accuracy but also stops the ‘kick’ often felt when rods are not built on the spine as the tip section fights to correct itself to the backbone under heavy load and often results in the top section twisting out of line with the butt section. Ultimately this twisting puts strain on the carbon fibres and can result in a fractured break after a period of prolonged heavy use—which can be seasons later.

Built as standard with a 1k Clone Seat with the option of a DPS 20 size seat, since some find this more comfortable for prolonged casting.

Although the Hi-‘S’ Spod and SPM models clearly come from the same performance-driven family, they are built with different roles in mind. The Hi-‘S’ Spod rods are the more powerful tools in the range, designed for heavier payloads, larger spods and longer-range work where repeated casting with bigger mixes demands strength, recovery and control.

The Hi-‘S’ SPM rods sit slightly lighter and more responsive, offering a cleaner, more accurate feel when using lighter Spombs and smaller spods at shorter to medium distances. They are ideal for regular topping up, where repeatability, tip response and effortless casting become just as important as outright power.

The Hi-‘S’ SPMs also double up extremely well as marker rods when travelling light. With 1’ and 2’ depth marks featured on the models, they remain genuinely practical as an impromptu feature-finding tool, giving them added versatility beyond their primary feeding role.

Test curves are measured by the weight required to bend the tip to 90 degrees. Our Spods and the more responsive SPM’s feature lighter, effective test curves but power in the butt to middle, the more responsive tip being vital to consistent casting accuracy—especially over shorter ranges—and to the transfer of power from the tip down the main part of the rod for ease of repetitive casting, making this tool less tiring to use for extended periods.  Using the best quality carbons also helps reduce blank weights, further reducing fatigue.

Since it is quite popular to carry more than one Spod or SPM rod these have depth marks so can be used for marker work too.

Line choice has become a far more important part of effective spodding than many anglers realise. For Spombs and spod work, a lot of anglers now prefer lighter, pre-stretched modern mono-style mainlines over very thin braid, usually combined with a braided leader for added strength and security during the cast.

This setup gives an excellent blend of control, accuracy and reliability. The mainline is less likely to frap up over the butt guide and is also less affected by strong side winds, helping to keep the spod travelling on line rather than being pulled off course and spreading bait over too wide an area.

With today’s low-stretch, pre-stretched lines, you can still maintain excellent clip accuracy and repeatable distance control while gaining a smoother, more forgiving setup for regular feeding work.