Hi all, I posted some pictures the other day as a taster to this. You should understand that Steve has been building his own house. So the time span between me choosing my corks, to me getting the rod has been a while. Though ultimately it was great to get this rod for my birthday on December 2nd.

I think a few are aware of the build quality of Steve Parkes' rods from atomsix. To those of you who have yet to try these beasts, give Steve a buzz, you'll not be disappointed. He does have plenty of choices on blanks to choose from.

I wanted the Tachyon 10ft #7 as I already have a 9.5ft SIGV from Steve, so this was the logical succesor to it.

A small fighting butt was fitted to the ALPS Blue reel seat with twin fasteners as the ALPS accomodates most if not all reel feet.


A full wells handle sized to fit my hand, because most factory fitted handles are too large and cumbersome. Steve shaped this in front of me and after a few minutes I was looking at the basis for my new rod, albeit many months before.


Steve fitted Fuji 'K' series strippers and hard chrome snakes which look superb and his thread work is as sweet as a nut. I also needed alignment dots (my eyes are not what they were).



All this came in a nice rod sock and Alloy tube that is the dogs Danglers.


I tried this out on Friday 2nd December at Ellerdine Lakes on what can be described as a blowy day, with some strong gusts. I regularly use the Airflo Rangefinder line for my floating line work, as this offers superb distance for less effort. With it's 65ft head, this isn't everyone's line of choice but this rod can handle the Rangefinder nicely.

There's loads of power in the butt section to subdue fish, but it's the tip recovery that is the most astonishing. Some rods on completing the casting stroke, have a slight vibration on the rod stopping. The Tachyon is smooth with lightning fast recovery and I believe this offers a rod, with complete control during casting.

Effortless distance, zero vibration and cosmetics that offer killer looks. All on a four piece rod, that had accessories of my choosing. That is what Steve has built for me and inscribed for me too. Love it!!

Best Regards

Stuart

Got to agree, effortless to use and seem to do everything well.

I've had mine for a couple of months now and I have to agree with everything that's been said on the build quality and the performance.
As a competition rod for boat fishing it's nigh on perfect - and fantastic value for money - and made in Britain!!.
If you're going to treat yourself to a new boat rod then you really should check these out first.

__________________
Andrew W

"Maybe all one can do is hope to end up with the right regrets." Arthur Miller

Are the rods built on Century or Harrison blanks? - can't think of any other company (except David Norwich) who roll their own blanks in the UK.

The finishing on that rod looks astonishing! love the reel seat colour! Will have to have a look when i'm round Stu

Scott

Hi Tenet

No these are Steve's own blanks. This from his website:

They are manufactured using a blend of ultra high modulus and ultra high strength carbon. We also use a circumferential cross wrap inter-ply to increase hoop strength and an advanced resin reinforcement system. Finally they are cured using Autoclave Technology. No other trout rod in the world currently uses all these technologies. What they produce is one of the most advanced blanks available. The result is a fly rod with awesome recovery rates due to the resistance of the blank to ovaling under strain, the superior structure of the carbon at molecular level from autoclave curing and an incredible increase in strength that comes from the resin reinforcement system being used to its optimum.

If you are at all interested then drop me a line. I'm in the Bristol area too and I will gladly let you have a look and a try with my own rod

__________________
Andrew W

"Maybe all one can do is hope to end up with the right regrets." Arthur Miller

Hi Scott, I'm fishing the Fur & Feather on Sunday 11th at Ellerdine. Pop over for a try out. I'll ask Steve to come over with a few others to tickle you're taste buds, If you want??

Best regards

Stuart

Friday I was fortunate to try the 9ft 5# Tachyon from Steve Parkes.

What a rod, super quick recovery but with plenty of lifting power in the lower sections. More than capable of putting out Steve's line, though in fairness it was really windy.

As usual, lovely cosmetics with Steve's new design Tri reel seat.

Best Regards

Stuart