Drennan Acolyte Pro Whip 800

How well is it built?

Reinforced joints are the first thing I'd point to, because that's where any whip takes the most strain.

It matters even more on a hybrid like this, as the put-over sections from four to eight get fitted and pulled apart every time you change length, so the extra strength should pay off over years of use.

The telescopic top three is a smart idea at the fine end. There are fewer joints to fiddle with on the thinnest sections, and the top three stays together as one unit when you pack down, which should help protect the most delicate part of the whip.

It's a sensible blend of telescopic speed and take-apart strength.

Numbering each section is a small detail, but it shows the care that's gone into the design. Overall, I think the build is right up there with any premium whip, and a 9 is fair.

Performance & Handling

Why use an 8m whip for roach and dace? On a wide, steady river, long line to hand lets you run a float well down the swim and still swing fish straight in, and the Acolyte Pro has the length and lightness to make that comfortable.

The solid flick tip should give quick strike response with small fish, and the light weight means you're not fighting the whip as you hold it out for long spells.

If bigger roach or a chub show up, you can elasticate the number two section with the supplied PTFE bush, plugs and bead and carry on.

It scores a 9 rather than a 9.5 because there's only one tip as standard, while the Guru Aventus Zero 600 System Whip gives you three to match the flow and the size of the fish. Even so, it's a superb river whip for speed and long-line work.

Ease of Use

Numbered sections make a real difference on the bank, because you can see the length you're fishing at a glance.

The telescopic top three means there's less to assemble, and taking the whip down to suit a narrower river or a tighter swim is quick, with the put-over joints making each change simple.

Elasticating the number two section takes a bit of work, as you'll be fitting the PTFE bush, two plugs and bead yourself. It isn't difficult, but it's a job for the kitchen table rather than the bank.

So, is it easy to live with? Pretty much, once it's set up the way you like it.

The hybrid layout takes a little getting used to if you've only ever fished a telescopic whip, and that's the only reason it doesn't score higher than 8.5, because day to day it's a very easy whip to use.

Is it good value for money?

Is it worth the money? It costs less than both the Guru Aventus Zero 600 System Whip and the Preston Innovations Superium 8m System Whip, and it's lighter than the Guru, so on that score it's a strong buy.

The 8 for value reflects the single tip rather than any weakness in the whip itself.

You only get one tip as standard, though, and if you want back-up there's a version that comes with a spare top three, which adds to the cost.

Next to the Daiwa Connoisseur Pro System Whip, it costs a little more and can't be extended as a short pole, but it's the lighter, more focused river tool.

Overall, I'd recommend the Acolyte Pro Whip 800 to river anglers who fish long line to hand for roach, dace and bleak and want a light, strong 8m whip with a clever hybrid layout.