Cheap Surf Rod Casting distance

[mister twister]

I got myself a cheap surf rod last year from Kmart for about $35. It's a Jervis Walker Tailor Taker (13.5 feet with maximum cast weight of 83gm). I've matched this with my 650 Alvey and my problem is I can't get any decent distance on my casts. Would this be because the rod is cheap rubbish or purely just technique.
thanks

[tailorboi99]

I know why, it's because for an alvey you need the first guide to be further up the rod blank than spinning reels. Stick with an alvey rod for an alvey reel.

Cheers Tom

[goat boy]

I got myself a cheap surf rod last year from Kmart for about $35. It's a Jervis Walker Tailor Taker (13.5 feet with maximum cast weight of 83gm). I've matched this with my 650 Alvey and my problem is I can't get any decent distance on my casts. Would this be because the rod is cheap rubbish or purely just technique.
thanks
I'm not sure about that particular rod but as mentioned, the first guide should be further up the rod than usual (as well as bigger than usual, to accommodate the large area of spooling line) and the butt of the rod shorter (this is for the way it is cast correctly). However, you should still be able to make a decent cast distance with a 'normal' rod (feels weird though).
For starters, make sure you are not exceeding the recommended line weight for that reel (should be written on the spool). As for line, try not to use a limp mono (or cheapo line that goes all slinky like). Make sure you aren't overloading the recommended casting weight. There is a correct way to cast them for distance, but rather than explain it here I'll provide you some helpful links (lots of other info here too)
http://www.alvey.com.au/ (http://www.ausfish.com.au/vforum/www.alvey.com.au/)
http://www.alveyusa.com/
http://www.surfcasters.iinet.net.au/UsingAlveyReels.html
That last link has some good pointers
You're better off buying a 'made for an alvey' rod if the tailor taker isn't fit
As far as cheapos go, Jervis Walker have a series called ###### & or Fraser Island classics (or something like that, can't remember exactly) for around that price that are suited for alveys, not bad rods for the price (under $50) and they'll do the job
Good luck and enjoy your alvey, I've used them my whole life and wouldn't use anything else for the surf

[Chamelion]

This thread is a little old and my reply is probably useless... But anyway, what the hell it might prove useful to someone at some point in time.

I have the same rod as the OP and it is a rod designed for alvey reels. It has the little hook just above the butt and the large wire guide about 1/3 the way up the rod.

As for the OP's question.. Based on my experience it's technique. I had a hard time at first too.

Matt.