Description
The Akios Airpower Surf 420 GTR is a high-performance continental-style surfcasting rod that has gained a strong reputation as a versatile “all-rounder” capable of both serious distance casting and delicate bite detection. It’s a popular choice for anglers who want a single rod to cover a wide range of fishing situations.
Here’s an in-depth description of its key features:
1. Purpose and Application
- True All-Rounder: The primary design objective of the Airpower GTR was to create a rod that excels in varied conditions. It has the power to cast heavy baits for large fish in strong currents, but also the finesse to register the smallest of bites from delicate species like plaice or dab.
- Versatile Casting: The rod is designed to accommodate various casting styles, from a simple overhead thump for quick casting to more powerful off-the-ground or even pendulum casts for maximum distance. This versatility makes it accessible to anglers of all skill levels.
- Ground Type: It is suitable for fishing on clean, mixed, and even some rough ground. The powerful blank allows you to apply pressure to steer fish away from snags, while the sensitive tip works well on clean ground where bite detection is paramount.
2. Blank and Construction
- Nano-Carbon Blank: The rod is constructed from a powerful Nano-Carbon blank. This advanced material provides a high strength-to-weight ratio, allowing for a light rod that still has a huge amount of power in reserve. The blank is also reinforced with a “Spyrowrap” for added strength and durability.
- Progressive Action: The rod features a progressive action, with a powerful butt and mid-section that progressively blends into a sensitive tip. This ensures the rod can handle a powerful cast and fight a big fish, while the tip provides excellent feedback.
- Glass Tip: One of the most talked-about features of the Airpower GTR is its sensitive glass tip. Unlike the tubular carbon tips found on many rods, the glass tip is more forgiving and provides superb bite registration. This is a key part of its “all-rounder” appeal, as it allows for a delicate feel without compromising the overall power of the rod.
- Two-Piece Design: The Airpower GTR is a two-piece rod with a short butt and long tip configuration. This design helps to maximize the casting potential of the tip section by keeping the number of joints to a minimum while still being manageable for transport.
3. Fittings and Components
- Fuji KWAG Alconite Guides: It is fitted with Fuji K-series guides with Alconite inserts. The “K-series” frame is specifically designed to prevent line tangles and wind knots, which is a significant advantage when casting long distances. The rod is also configured to work effectively with both fixed spool and multiplier reels, making it highly versatile.
- Sliding Reel Seat: The rod comes with a sliding screw lock reel seat. This allows the angler to position their reel exactly where they want it on the butt section, whether they prefer a reel-up or reel-down style. This customization is a valuable feature for personal comfort and casting efficiency.
- Japanese Shrink Rubber Butt Section: The butt section is finished with Japanese shrink rubber, which provides a comfortable, non-slip grip, even in wet conditions.
- Reinforced Joints: The spigots (the rod joints) are reinforced with a metal band to add strength and ensure a secure fit between the sections, which is crucial for handling the immense forces of a powerful cast. The rod also includes a “Sure Grip System” (SGS) to aid in dismantling the rod after a session.
- EVA Reel Seat Collars: EVA collars are included to prevent sand and other debris from entering the reel seat, helping to maintain its function and longevity.
4. Performance and Feel
- Casting Power: The Nano-Carbon blank, combined with its progressive action, allows the rod to generate impressive casting speeds and achieve remarkable distance. The optimum casting weight is typically cited as being around 150g plus bait.
- Bite Detection: The sensitive glass tip provides exceptional bite detection, allowing the angler to see even the most subtle of takes from shy-biting fish. This makes it a great choice for targeting delicate feeders on clean ground.
- Fish-Fighting Ability: Despite the sensitive tip, the rod has a powerful backbone that enables the angler to exert significant pressure on a fish, making it capable of handling large species like cod, rays, and even small sharks.
5. Summary of Specifications
- Length: 4.20m (14ft)
- Casting Weight: 112-224g (4-8oz)
- Action: Progressive action with a sensitive glass tip.
- Sections: 2-piece
- Blank Material: Nano-Carbon with Spyrowrap reinforcement.
- Guides: Fuji KWAG Alconite (K-Series), configured for both fixed spool and multiplier reels.
- Reel Seat: Sliding screw lock.
- Special Features: Glass tip, Sure Grip System (SGS) to aid dismantling, Japanese shrink rubber butt.
Powerful Nano-Carbon Blank Construction for Superb Casting Performance
Glass Tip for Superior Bite Registration
Spyrowrap Reinforced Hybrid Power
Anti-Tangle Fuji KWAG Alconite Guides Configured for both Fixed Spool & Multiplier
Sliding Screw Lock Reel Seat
EVA Reel Seat Collars to Prevent Particle Ingress
Japanese Shrink Rubber Butt Section
Metal Band Reinforced Spigots for Added Strength
Sure Grip System (SGS) to Aid Rod Dismantling
Supplied with Akios Padded Rod Bag
SPECIFICATION:
Rod Length: 4.20m / 14ft
Butt Diameter: 25mm
Casting Weight: 112-224g (4–8oz)
