The Major Craft Triple Cross EU Custom is now 7 years old. It came into being soon after the people responsible for the UK distribution of Major Craft products decided that they liked the Japanese version of the rod but felt that it could do with some modifications to suit the demands of the UK market….and so it was born.
The EU Custom very quickly built an almost iconic reputation as representing extremely good value for money and performance.
With the advancement of technology in both materials and construction methods it means that all good things must come to an end eventually simply because they can be surpassed, that is what has finally happened here.
The current situation is that there are now no more 9’ models available from the suppliers and a very limited number of 9’6” models…so if one of these rods has been on your wish list then now really is the time to get it purchased. As a side note there are still tip sections available, so should you already own one and have an accident there is no need to panic.
Back to the main purpose of this post - the demise of the EU custom is not such bad news, in fact it has given us the opportunity to celebrate two brand new and extremely nice rods in the gap left. Remember these are brand new models incorporating the latest advancements in material/construction technologies and even more reason to celebrate is the fact that they are slightly cheaper.
The first model to consider is the Tidrift TD1 - available in 5 different models this rod is very light with a nice action to gain the most from casting distance, working a variety of lures and providing good feedback to the user. Being a Japanese model this rod has more of a parabolic (through action)…after a few years of UK models from various manufacturers leaning towards much ‘stiffer’ actions there definitely seems to be a tendency for the preference moving back towards rods with this seemingly softer action - softer but still every bit as powerful/strong.
https://www.highstreettackle.co.uk/major-craft-tidrift-td1-7738-p.asp
The second model, again less than £200 is the Crostage World Standard ‘All Rounder’ - rather than being a Japanese model there is a story behind the development of this particular range.
As we have seen in the UK, several models either tweaked (as the EU Custom) or completely developed models such as the Seabass Custom this Crostage model was developed by the Spanish Major Craft distributor. They decided that liking the length and weight of the rod they wanted it to be a fair bit stiffer for customers wanting to cast heavier lures, be capable in rougher waters and to target some of the harder fighting fish that they can encounter. The World Standard range is just 2 models, both measure 8’9” the casting weights are 7-35g and 12-42g.
https://www.highstreettackle.co.uk/major-craft-crostage-world-standard-7730-p.asp
I would like to share that for every World Standard model sold at High Street Tackle it has gone like this… the customer starts to describe the rod they are looking for, not too long, lightweight but powerful - the World Standard gets pulled from the rack and within a couple of minutes they are paying for it…..we have also received very positive feedback from customers about this rod meeting their needs and expectations.
