Ron Thompson aXellerator beachcaster and braid?

[StevieA]

Hoping for some advice on a suitable beachcaster rod, and the pros and cons of braid v mono. I've been using cheap rods this last year that are fine up to a point but dance around in the breeze something terrible and bend double with a bit of weed.

I use a 60lb shockleader on 20lbs main mono line from the beach etc when a bigger cast is required, but 30lb straight through from potentially snaggy rock marks when weed accumulating at the knot would cause retrieval problems. I typically use 5 or 6oz breakaway leads.

The other day, with lots of weed, pull and a fresh breeze, my rod was bent over and pinging about while the lad's alongside was stock still. He was using a Ron Thompson aXellerator and braid. You'd think braid would exaggerate every tug from weed or swell, but this seemed not to be the case. Thing is, would a firmer rod like this plus braid hinder rather than help distance, given that I rarely zing it out with a pendulum cast?

I though this rod was for multipliers, but he was using fixed spool - is it only the number and size of rings that are different? I very much like the idea of having 50lb straight through, but will braid cause me more problems than it solves?

I have a budget of around £120 for the rod, though would look to double up if I got on well with it. Any other rods I should look it? I'm only 5'8", so is the 13ft6" of this rod likely to be too big for me? Current rod is 12"6", which is fine. Thanks for any suggestions!

[russkea]

If sea conditions are rough then you would be best sticking with mono as the stretch from mono counteracts the impact from waves etc stick to braid in calmer conditions. No stretch in braid which feels every little bump through to the tip section.

[Skiptonian]

The "Axe" is a great rod for rough snaggy fishing. I have a couple but don't use them in the bay as they might pull the plug out.
Perfectly ok with a fixed spool and braid. I use 70lb and a 100lb rubbing leader. This is great for the NE rocks although I team it up with a slosh30 and 30lb mono normally.
Casting? Well I cannot in all honesty bend it like it deserves to be bent but so what? don't let that stop you. If you can find deeper water you don't need to cast as far. Far too much Horlix talked about casting with " 150yds" casts really being way less than 100yds in reality. Shame I am out of action at the moment or you could have had a chuck
Skippy

[StevieA]

Many thanks for taking the time to give advice, guys. Will bear this in mind. Might look for something second-hand then sell on if it doesn't suit without losing too much.

[James Mully]

Tronix Aphex TT 14FT continentals are more than enough for fishing morecambe/heysham mate and at £99 you can't grumble. I fish 50lb braid straight through no issues had rays and hounds on them. They are a 3 peice conti type rod but with some grunt. More than welcome to have a chuck with one of mine next time I see you the ron tomson seems abit overkill for fishing the bay I only ever use my Greys apollo mk2 which is similar on tbe big tides and rough weather