Description
SPOD, SPM & MARKER RODS
Maximum Feel. Accurate Mapping.
Using the very same high-quality Japanese very low-resin 40T carbon and with full 1k weave, the Hi-‘S’ Marker rods exactly match the build of the carp rods. As we use the same material, the blanks are kept as slim and as light as possible, which makes them cast the required distances to fish at extreme ranges with rods such as the Hi-‘S’ 200 and 220’s.
The end of the tip is deliberately made less responsive, so it will transmit more feel. It also helps to prevent the lead from being bounced over key features.
Having a very low resin content means there is no perceptible softening of the blanks—very important to preserve the performance of these rods since they are cast repeatedly with heavy loads.
As with all Free Spirit rods, they are built on the spine, which helps ensure they cast more accurately and last longer. Since Free Spirit was the first company to produce a dedicated Marker rod over 25 years ago, we have a lot of experience in making these rods meet the exacting requirements of our customers.
The Hi-‘S’ Marker Rods feature the Clone reel seat in 1k and ‘S’-Lite guides, stainless steel collars and butt caps as standard and are available in 12’ & 13’ and carry 1’ and 2’ depth marks. The effective test curve is around 3¾lb. A wide range of custom options is available, including Black builds, alternative guides and handle formats, and the option of a Fuji DPS 20 seat.
As standard, Hi-‘S’ Marker rods are available with both 50mm and 40mm ringing, giving anglers the option to choose the setup that best suits their fishing. For dedicated marker work, the 40mm ringing is often the more practical choice, particularly when using braided mainlines.
Unlike heavier mono, braid settles and flattens from the spool very quickly when it has been loaded correctly under firm, even tension. This reduces the need for 50mm ringing on a marker rod, while the smaller guide setup also removes unnecessary weight from the blank. The result is a lighter, sharper and less tiring rod to use during repeated feature-finding work.
40T
Low-Resin Japanese Carbon
SPINE
Built True. Enhanced Feedback.
Key Features
Constructed from very low-resin 40T Japanese carbon with a full 1K weave the lower resin content and carbon clone seat help to transmit more feel through the blank enhancing its feature finding ability. Built on the spine for improved accuracy and durability, featuring a less responsive tip for enhanced feel, and available with 50mm ringing & 40mm ringing for reduced weight and improved usability with braided mainlines.
Very low-resin 40T Japanese carbon with full 1k weave
Slim, light blanks for repeated distance casting
Tip tuned to transmit feel and avoid bouncing over features
Built on the spine for accuracy and longevity
Depth marks and ringing options (40mm or 50mm)
Extensive custom options including DPS 20 seat
Builds
All models are custom built in the UK so can be built to individual specification. As a standard we recommend and stock our Gunsmoke Build and Black Build – both of which are fitted with ‘S’-Lite Ceramic Lined Guides allowing the use of braided lines and shock leaders without the fear of damage to the guide liner. Stainless Steel Lined guides such as Ti-Forged Airs and TDG’s can be fitted but these are more prone to liner wear and grooving with the use of braid.
Stock build options
ABBREVIATED GUNSMOKE
Reel Seat & Hoods:
Clone Seat in matching 1k carbon, integrated isotope slot.
Guides:
Gunsmoke Framed Ceramic ‘S’-Lite Lined.
Tip:
Kigan Anti-Frap Ceramic Gunsmoke Tip.
Hardware:
Stainless steel butt cap and collars.
Handle:
Short EVA front and rear butt grip with shrink.
ABBREVIATED BLACK
Reel Seat & Hoods:
Clone Seat in matching 1k carbon, integrated isotope slot.
Guides:
Black Framed Ceramic ‘S’-Lite Lined.
Tip:
Kigan Anti-Frap Ceramic Black Tip.
Hardware:
Black Acetal butt cap and collars.
Handle:
Short EVA front and rear butt grip with shrink.
Handle notes:
Full custom build is available with change to DPS 20 seat being a popular option.
Recommendations
Dedicated 12’ marker performance:
Hi-‘S’ Marker Rod 12’ – 50mm is the dedicated feature-finding tool in the range, built to transmit clear feedback through the blank when reading lakebeds, feeling for transitions and working accurately with marker floats. The 50mm ringing suits anglers wanting smooth line flow and maximum efficiency when marker work is carried out at range.
Codes: RHS490-50
Controlled marker work with 40mm ringing:
Hi-‘S’ Marker Rod 12’ – 40mm offers the same dedicated marker-rod performance in a slightly more controlled guide setup, making it ideal for accurate feature-finding at everyday fishing ranges. Crisp, responsive and sensitive through the blank, it helps anglers feel bottom changes clearly while maintaining excellent casting control.
Codes: RHS490-40
Longer-range feature finding:
Hi-‘S’ Marker Rod 13’ – 50mm is the distance-focused marker option, giving extra length, pickup and casting authority for bigger waters or longer-range feature finding. The 13’ blank helps with line control and float work at range, while the 50mm ringing supports smooth casting efficiency when distance matters.
Codes: RHS517-50
13’ marker control with 40mm ringing:
Hi-‘S’ Marker Rod 13’ – 40mm combines the reach and leverage of a 13’ blank with the controlled feel of a 40mm ringing pattern, making it a strong choice for anglers who want longer-range marker performance with a slightly more compact guide setup. Sensitive, crisp and accurate, it is ideal for detailed feature finding on larger waters.
Codes: RHS517-40
SPECIFICATIONS
Hi-‘S’ Marker Rods
Guide & Handle
For the handle length this is measured from the end of the butt section without the cap to the back of the reel seat since this equates to the normal position for casting and playing fish.









