The rod is listed in the 1992 catalogue - it wasn't 'NEW' that year so was presumably released a year or two earlier.
The description in the catalogue is as follows:
'This superb range of rods in 11.5, 12 & 13ft evolved after fierce design and testing by the Superteam. Wayne Swinscoe has used it extensively and is convinced that this range covers all medium to heavy duty feeder fishing needs.
Long distance feeder fishing on rivers like the Trent or Severn is usually hard work but as Wayne has successfully proved these rods go a long way to making it easy.
The slim, translucent blue blank is fitted with a quality carbon quiver tip, lined rings throughout and a neat cork handle and has a casting capability of 3oz. Being of narrow diameter, the blank helps control casting in really windy conditions.'
The technical spec for the 1856-360 is 12 feet long, 3 piece, 6.5oz with a B30 action and an RRP of a penny less than £90
So it was up against the Amorphous and the newly released Connoisseur range - although as you correctly pointed out it was half the price.
Simon
