Can any of the Heddon fans tell me about the model 125? Specs/quality/ etc?
thanks!
This forum began as Clark's Classic Bamboo Rod Forum, founded by Clark Davis for all who share a passion for classic rods. To all, welcome to our Yuku Board, and tight lines. - banjo.
Please note the following major changes to this forum are that eBay topics and links are no longer permitted on this forum, if you place a topic or link to eBay the topic will be removed, if you continue to do this your ability to post will be revoked. The Classifieds Forum does not allow comments, should you wish to be contacted about an item it is suggested that you leave a means of contact in your post, i.e. email or a note to have individuals PM you, you are expected to remove your ad once item is sold/found or by the end of 2 weeks which is the maximum time limit for an ad, violators who do not remove their ads will have their ability to post in that forum revoked.
For those who don't use English as their primary language we now have a translator for your language of choice hosted by Google.
0 Kudo
- Members Corner
- Forum Announcements
- Collecting Bamboo Fly Rods
- Fishing Bamboo Fly Rods
- Rod making, restoration, repairs and discussion on those related topics concerning bamboo rods.
- Rod and Reel Makers Forum
- Information About Makers & Manufacturers
- Taper Exchange
- Appraisals & Identification of Bamboo Fly Rods
- Ephemera, empherma and Ephemerella.....
- Book Talk
- Photos, paintings, written stories and talents.
- Classic Reels
- Collecting and Tying Classic Flies
- The Cooks Kitchen
- The Classic Fly Rod Classifieds
- Technical Support
heddon 125
| Author | Comment | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
 canefishr101 |
heddon 125 |
Lead | ||
|
Posts: 17 07/27/2008 17:12 |
|
|||
|
|
||||
|
bobbeegee |
#1 | |||
|
Posts: 1834 07/27/2008 18:21 |
The Heddon 125 Expert was made exclusively for Sears and Roebuck. Along with the 115 Premier these were supposedly the only
trade rods Heddon sold that only carried their name and not the retailers. These rods should not be confused with the 100 Series of very light fly rods built by Heddon Rods were retailed by Sears from 1947 to 1952. The 125 was of Heddon Model 20 quality throughout. Goldish hardware with wraps of gold tipped black. Very elegant in appearance. They were supposedly only built in lengths of 8, 8 1/2, and 9 feet. However, some shorter rods have surfaced over the years. Not surprisingly, as I'm sure Heddon was more than happy to satisfy special orders from a customer as large as Sears. I have not handled either rod but have read many posts suggesting the ferrules on these rods are subject to cracking. I love Heddon rods and have never had a ferrule problem with mine. If you're considering purchasing the 125, I would check the ferrules well. Just my opinion. Can't speak to value, but as always originality, condition, and same length of all sections will dictate that. Hope this helps somewhat? Bob |
|||
|
|
||||
|
Hipgnosis |
Heddon 125 | #2 | ||
|
Posts: 479 07/28/2008 08:47 |
Bobbeegee has it all right. However, the ferrules on the Sear's rods definitely leave much to be desired. I have seen many, many 115's and 125's
and almost invariably they have cracked ferrules if the rod has had some use. In some cases, very little use. No one has ever explained why these rods in
particular exhibit this problem; other Heddon models infrequently have cracked ferrules.
Like Bobbeegee said, they're elegant looking, decent quality, nice Heddon taper, but those ferrules are nothing but trouble and if you're looking for a Heddon to fish, I'd sure look at something else. My .02... Mike
HIPGNOSIS
|
|||
|
|
||||
|
ARTHURK |
#3 | |||
|
Posts: 166 07/28/2008 19:53 |
Hi,
I read the responses with some trepidation as I just purchased a beautiful mint plastic on grip #125 8' 3/2 2F from board member Northbranch ( Thanks Charles!). I understand you are just giving your frank opinion and being one who tries to see things positively, I took the rod out this morning for a shoot out with my best rods.. Results.. 1) The rod is very powerful and medium fast for a 5wt and is probably shy of a 6wt. It aerialised 60ft of line with no problem at all 2) The ferrules and wraps held up even as I hit 90ft and beyond 3) The balance is quite nice eventhough I prefer smaller grips. Since the rod is quite fast, I could move my hand up and down the grip for pin point shooting or roll casts. All in all a good rod and a fine taper. Not as butter smooth as my leonards but fine nevertheless. IMHO. Best Arthur |
|||
|
|
||||
|
bobbeegee |
#4 | |||
|
Posts: 1835 07/28/2008 21:16 |
I don't recall denigrating the rods ability to throw a nice line. The Model 20 is a fine example of a mid-grade Heddon.
I'm hopeful your rod will provide you many years of enjoyable fishing without exhibiting any ferrule problems. Bob |
|||
|
|
||||
|
ARTHURK |
#5 | |||
|
Posts: 167 07/28/2008 23:52 |
Hi Bob,
I didn't mean that you did... just wanted to convince myself about the rod capabilities that's all as I have yet to cast it ;-). Also, since Northbranch is trying to sell his other rod, I think his sale needs to be given a fair chance without too much negative feedback. Thanks for your good wishes and I'll take extra care of the ferrules.. just in case. BTW, are they nickle silver or aluminium? They seem to be very lightweight and similar to duronze in weight and feel. Many thanks in advance! Arthur |
|||
|
|
||||
|
canefishr101 |
#6 | |||
|
Posts: 18 07/29/2008 00:42 |
Are Heddon's ferrules pinned or just glued?
|
|||
|
|
||||
|
bobbeegee |
#7 | |||
|
Posts: 1836 07/29/2008 07:19 |
Heddon' ferrules were not pinned prior to 1933. Then it becomes rather confusing as to whether certain rods are pinned or not.
Again, according to Michael Sinclair's Heddon book, rods of #14 and up had pinned ferrules from 1933 on. Rods that used bright nickel silver, rolled welt ferrules, continued to be un-pinned. I believe Heddon always used nickel silver ferrules. Bob |
|||
|
|
||||
|
Soft Hackle |
#8 | |||
|
Posts: 1094 07/29/2008 10:12 |
The 1 3/4f or 1 1/2f would be more full flexing and smoother feeling, especially the 1 1/2f, a 4wt. Heddon also made an 8' 2pc., '0'f that is very
sweet with a DT5. That is 4 excellent choices in an 8' trout rod, all excellent casting rods for the situation they were designed for. Not many rod
companies offered so many choices.
|
|||
|
|
||||
|
ARTHURK |
#9 | |||
|
Posts: 168 07/29/2008 19:51 |
Many thanks for the information Bob, I've reread your earlier posts on Heddons, you're a real fan.
I've just checked the ferrules on my #125, it does not seem to be pinned. Soft hackle, yes, the elusive '0'F #50?? So many choices but we are starting to be too discerning and will key in on those higher grade rods only... I'm guilty of comparing a Heddon with a Leonard. Strange but I'm looking for that 'blue collar' feel... if there's such a thing! Arthur |
|||
|
|
||||
|
bobbeegee |
#10 | |||
|
Posts: 1837 07/29/2008 20:17 |
Arthur,
The ferrules on the 125 are "gold" plated, or painted?, nickel silver and I feel they probably fall into the same category as the bright nickel silver, thus unpinned. I've also learned there are no absolutes as to production rods. Maybe the process used in applying this gold plate or paint, in conjunction with no pinning, somehow accounts for their weakness? I really don't know. Certainly most folks would characterize the Heddon rods as blue collar, but in my opinion, their tapers and fishability compare favorably to many more expensive makers rods. My favorite is an umarked 8' 3/2, 5 weight that casts like an extension of my arm. Totally effortless! Seventy odd years old and doesn't exhibit the slightest set. I'm just a fan of these rods and have attempted to learn all I can about them. I always attempt to post accurately in regard them, but we are all human and I could possibly make an error. If so, I would hope others would correct me. Bob
Last Edited By: bobbeegee 07/29/2008 20:22.
Edited 1 time.
|
|||
|
|
||||
 oneculm |
#11 | |||
|
Posts: 458 07/29/2008 20:27 |
Arthur you would only be guilty if you picked a Leonard over a Heddon. Put a blindfold on and see if you can feel a couple thousand dollars difference? What
has been said abut the ferrules is true on those particular models.
Last Edited By: oneculm 07/29/2008 20:52.
Edited 1 time.
|
|||
|
|
||||
|
Soft Hackle |
#12 | |||
|
Posts: 1095 07/29/2008 20:48 |
Arthur,
I have the 8' 0F in a model 20 or 35 grade, made for Lyon & Coulson, it has a #35 reelseat but according to Sinclair, model 20 cane. It is a dandy rod. I have a model 50 in a 7'6" 03/4f also. It is a lot of fun searching for nice Heddons but they are becoming scarce in real good original condition. I really like the rods being made today and believe this may be the " Golden Age" of bamboo but there is something about Heddons that I often think they are still the best rods to fish and I have owned a lot of rods, old & new. |
|||
|
|
||||
|
ARTHURK |
#13 | |||
|
Posts: 169 07/30/2008 07:20 |
Bob and Softhackle,
Thanks for the inspiring responses. You guys have found great Heddons without needing to acquire that mythical Heddon President made famous by AK Best. Yes, I understand that it's probably impossible to find a prototype 3 tip #50 like AK's but you can't help searching right? Bob, I find the ferrules of the #125 rather 'thin-walled' and everything about it suggests that it is very light.. y'know, IMHO, thick walled ferrules tend to click sharply when knocked together and pop loudly if close fitting,... the #125 produces a dull sound and hardly pops but is smooth. If the walls are indeed thin, any loose fit or accidental knocking or stepping on the tube will cause it to collapse/crack... just a theory... Dave, I guess I'm not partial to more expensive rods and have somehow come to acquire a few of them because the design of the rods or because their makers 'connected' with my personality and how I perceive casting 'feel' should be. I also agree with many opinions that we are living in another 'Golden Age' of bamboo and I have many rods by modern makers that are just breathtaking. Nevertheless, I have recently felt the 'pull' of Heddons and Grangers and have fortunately managed to acquire this #125 and a mint plastic on grip GV8040 to experience not expensive, but really famous tapers. My next test will be to have my pals cast the 'blue collar' rods with my more expensive Leonards, T&T, modern makers like Fries, Maca, Calviello, Hatton, Dunsmuir etc in an 8' shoot-out and to see their reactions. Back to more Heddonistic talk.. why does the ferrule size affect feel? Does it mean slower Heddons are smoother and more sensitive? Thanks Arthur |
|||
|
|
||||
|
WatercolorMan |
#14 | |||
|
Posts: 929 07/30/2008 23:35 |
Hi Arthur
Thats a good question. Heddon ferrule designations relate to the rod action and class. Your rod #2 is a Standard trout. The 1 3/4 is Light trout, 1 1/2 is ExtraLite Trout & 100 series which came in 7.5' and 8', and 0 is the featherweight at 8' Going the other way the 2 1/2 is the Bass-Heavy Trout. Alan |
|||
|
|
||||
|
tedgolden |
#15 | |||
|
Posts: 2566 07/31/2008 00:17 Moderator |
why does the ferrule size affect feel?
Primairly because larger diameter ferrules were used on heavier rods. Thus the 8' 1 1/2 F rod weighed 3 3/4 ounces, the 1 3/4F weighed 4 and the 2F weighed 4 1/4 oz. As a concequence the lighter rods are typically slower having neither the mass nor power fibers of their heavier brethern. Does it mean slower Heddons are smoother and more sensitive? Yes, in that a slower rod is by nature smoother and more sensitive. Smooth and sensitive being very subjective, you understand. Effortless yet responsive sounds better but probably means less. I love this sport! This forum thoroughly banged the topic of why those 125 ferrules cracked and I don't recall the conclusion. I have my own theory which didn't gain a lot of traction during the discussion. I believe whatever surface treatment was used to archive the gold color caused stress cracking in the ferrule. I have seen several near new 125s with cracked ferrules. Too new to be caused by abuse or mechanical failure. |
|||
|
|
||||
|
ARTHURK |
#16 | |||
|
Posts: 172 07/31/2008 02:54 |
Many Thanks Alan and Drew! Canefishr, I hope I haven't hijacked your thread..
Drew, I tested Bob's and your theory by checking inside and outside the ferrule yesterday and by chance, the was a little piece of the gold finish that dropped out during shipping and I found that it was like varnish/paint with the inside surface of the nickle silver remaining smooth. I therefore suggest that it is not an anodising treatment. I also found that inside the female ferrule had a lot of minute but obvious vertical groove lines. This helps the male ferrule connection/insertion by being smoother but it obviously reduces the strength of the female ferrule. Do cracks occur at the female ferrule? I therefore conclude that somehow, when the ferrule tube was drawn, the inside was not made properly and the tubing too thin, thereby making it slightly weaker... IMHO. Smoother, softer, responsive, sensitive, featherlight.. are we talking fishing here?? ;-) I love it too! Arthur |
|||
|
|
||||
|
Flyman615 |
Heddonists | #17 | ||
|
Posts: 2829 07/31/2008 08:28 |
Arthur et al:
Very nice thread! Coincidentally I recently acquired a 7 1/2-foot Model 8 (3/2) 1 1/2F which, I am told, is a fairly scarce rod having been made for only a year or two in the early 1950's. At any rate, one of our fellow Forum members who accomplished the rod's restoration for me, commented on how much he liked the rod's taper, and so do I. I much prefer my Model 8's action to that of a 7 1/2-foot 0 3/4 Featherweight 2-piece I once owned. That rod was evidently much too "smooth and sensitive" for me because I could never find the "right" line for it. So I guess I just prefer the action of the 3/2 Heddons, at least in the 7 1/2-foot length and with my admittedly limited experience as a part-time Heddonist! BTW, I think the lower grade Heddons are some of the very best bargains in the used cane market today. Regards, Scott 
Last Edited By: Flyman615 07/31/2008 20:09.
Edited 2 times.
|
|||
|
|
||||
|
tedgolden |
#18 | |||
|
Posts: 2567 07/31/2008 10:11 Moderator |
My personal preference, and one of my favorite rods by any maker is the very sensitive, responsive, effortless and smooth 7 1/2' Featherweight with the 1/2
ferrule. To me that is the epitome of what a cane rod should be.
The shorter 7' Featherweight is a simply spectacular 4 weight, reminding me of a Payne 97. I wish I owned one but that has eluded me. Yes, they made some fine tapers to be sure. |
|||
|
|
||||
|
Soft Hackle |
#19 | |||
|
Posts: 1096 07/31/2008 11:27 |
I agree with Ted G. on the 7'6" 1/2F. I have an L&C # 17 equivalent and it would probably be fine with a DT3, very fine tips, soft and delicate. I
also have a 7' # 17 that is tucked away in my closet for fear it is too nice an example to fish but a great taper. I have to get past that. I love the 3/4F
7'6" also, a little more zip than the 1/2f. In 3 pc. the 1 1/2f is a great all round 7'6" with a lot of backbone. All of these are great fun.
|
|||
|
|
||||
|
canefishr101 |
#20 | |||
|
Posts: 19 07/31/2008 11:53 |
No problem Arthur! I am picking up on good info....
If I purchase a 125 and had problems with the ferrules, how hard would it be to replace them with modern (or more solid) ferrules???? Jeff |
|||
|
|
||||
- Members Corner
- Forum Announcements
- Collecting Bamboo Fly Rods
- Fishing Bamboo Fly Rods
- Rod making, restoration, repairs and discussion on those related topics concerning bamboo rods.
- Rod and Reel Makers Forum
- Information About Makers & Manufacturers
- Taper Exchange
- Appraisals & Identification of Bamboo Fly Rods
- Ephemera, empherma and Ephemerella.....
- Book Talk
- Photos, paintings, written stories and talents.
- Classic Reels
- Collecting and Tying Classic Flies
- The Cooks Kitchen
- The Classic Fly Rod Classifieds
- Technical Support
Quick Reply
The Orvis database by Greg Reynolds
Check out the Granger Registered database which is owned and maintained by the good folks at South Creek Ltd.
Granger and Wright & McGill Registered Rod database by Mike Clark and Kathy Jensen
Check out the Paul Young Rod Co. database which is owned and maintained by member Robert Golder (quashnet).
Paul Young Rod Co. database by quashnet
DISCLAIMER:The views, and opinions, posted here are the sole responsibility of the poster. Negative comments, when directed at individuals, or other private concerns, will not be tolerated, posters should treat this media no differently than any other media source, in other words, if you would not submit what you are going to post in the newspaper, or a magazine, and sign your name as the author, kindly refrain from doing so here. The Classic Fly Rod Forum is not an open air forum for vendor/maker complaints. If you seek resolution, it is recommended you talk to the vendor/maker. If you seek an audience, it is recommended you go elsewhere. The admin and the Moderators reserve the right to remove any items deemed inappropriate according to the rules of conduct prominently displayed on each forum. If you have any questions or concerns you are free to email us at
send email to the Classic Fly Rod Forum
Posting to sell Domain names and the like, i.e. SPAM, is against YUKU Policy, if you post these types of posts here you will be banned from this board and YUKU will more than likely ban you from the site entirely. Thank you..........
The Fly Fishing Loop is sponsored by flydepot.com
[ Home Waters | Next | Random | List | Search ]
