[Middlecaster]

We are all aware that a decent casting technique will bring you the distance; good quality tackle will further improve distances, but does that mean cheap tackle with always lead to short casts?
The most common rod over here (in Germany and quite a few countries around) is a 14 foot, three piece fixed spool rung rod, casting weight ~100-200 grams; the more expensive, the crisper the action, the lighter and slimmer the blank, but that's essentially the differencies, on paper they are pretty much the same.
Our casting machine Jan 'Kong' immediately fell in love when he saw this little beauty in a local shop:

It is a Zebco Cool Expert Surf, 4,20 meters long, 840 grams in weight, butt diameter close to 4cm, and the action is best described as 'floppy'; best is the price tag: 18 Euros (that's quite exactly 15 GBP these days) without any discounts.
Jan wondered how far this could be cast with a basic off the ground cast; and as he is the new chairman for tourney casting over here, he made it a game: everybody could place three bids, naming three distances he would cast, every bid costing 2,50 Euros, and all the money funding the German youngster casting championships; price for the closest bid would be a bottle of decent single malt whisky, donated by Jan, and bids went from 20 to 220 meters (rod breakage was not taken into account).
Last weekend Jan tried the rod, teamed up with a fixed spool reel, loaded with 0,28mm line, shock leader, and 140 grams of lead; over grass, with no wind at all, he managed...

...167,20 meters (182,25 yards), with just one single cast done, and Jan reckons if he made a few more casts the 200 yard mark would easily be within reach!
So, obviously, a cheap rod does everything it is supposed to do; you will probably have more fun with slightly improved gear, but the fish will for sure not mind!

 

[CAST271]

At Suffolk Sportcast they hold a cheap rod event, most of the rods are 2nd hand and old and cost between a tenner and £40 and I believe the best casts have exeeded 230 yards!

 

[lipslicker]

I love the fact he appears to be doing it in his office shoes and outfit.

 

[Middlecaster]

I actually do think a little nicer clothing would seriously not hurt the sport - did anyone have a look into Harlan Mayors 'Salt Water Fishing Tackle'? Some great photos of casters from back then, all in suits, with ties, really nice.
Jan had just forgotten his shoes and thus cast in his normal shoes, but be warned - during another cast with his tourney rod he lost grip and fell down, breaking one rib, lucky him not his Zziplex Still - always take care of good footing, and a firm, stable stand, and on a casting court that also means you need appropriate shoes!