Leeda 12ft Power Surf Sea Rod

How well is it built?

There's nothing exotic here, and Leeda don't pretend otherwise. The two-piece blank is described as well balanced and it feels that way for a rod at this money, with no obvious heaviness in the tip.

The screw reel fitting locks a fixed spool reel securely, and the EVA handle gives a non-slip hold when your hands are wet and sandy, then rinses clean after a session.

The guides are lined rather than bare, which is what you want for mono running through a full season of beach trips.

Leeda even print set-up and bait instructions on the swing tags, a genuine nod to the beginners this rod is aimed at. It's a budget build, so don't expect the finish of a rod costing three times as much, but for a first beachcaster the basics are properly covered.

How well does it cast and feel?

Rated at 4 to 6oz, the Power Surf covers the standard lead range for UK beach fishing, with 4oz for calmer conditions and estuary work and 6oz to hold bottom in a moderate run.

The action is progressive and forgiving, so it loads without fighting you and won't punish a newer caster whose timing is still coming together.

At 12ft it is the standard all-round beachcaster length, long enough to keep line clear of the surf and reach modest distances from open beaches and piers. It is not a distance tool, and it isn't built for heavy leads or rough ground where you need to bully a rig out.

Keep it to calm-to-moderate conditions and it does exactly what it says on the tag.

How does it perform when playing fish?

The progressive action that makes the Power Surf easy to cast also makes it pleasant to play fish on.

Flatties, whiting, school bass and the odd better fish from a pier or estuary mark are all within its comfort zone, and the blank bends enough to keep a hook in rather than pulling it.

Where it will feel out of its depth is a big fish in a strong tide over rough ground, which is not what it's for. For the species most anglers actually catch when they start out, it has enough backbone.

Is it good value for money?

This is where the Power Surf earns its slot. For not much more than the price of a decent set of terminal tackle you get a complete 12ft beachcaster that will cover sandy surf beaches, piers and estuaries while you find out whether sea fishing is for you.

It won't hold its own against a carbon rod costing twice as much, and it's not meant to. As a first rod, or a spare to lend a mate, it's very hard to argue with.