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7’ Heddon Pal Superlative Model No. 1170 Fiberglass Spinning Rod, Medium Action

Manufacturer: Heddon®

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This rod was the finest available by Heddon in 1954.  It was described as innovative and decked out with gold-plated hardware.  It has gold anodized reel bands, black anodized aluminum ferrules, and 24K gold-plated guides, secured by an attractive orange tipped purple thread pattern.  The 12-inch grip is composed of cork (and balsa based on the advertisements), and the reel seat slides to any location desired along the grip for reel positioning.  The glass blank was painted to provide the appearance of bamboo.  There are a few spots where the paint has been nicked, and one spot near the male ferrule where it has been rubbed away (please see photos).  All is structurally sound and stream ready.  All guides and ferrules are tight, and the ferrule fit is excellent, separating with a loud pop.  I did noticed where a few strands of thread on one of the guides separated, but the guide is still secure.  The action is also similar to bamboo, with a medium action that will work with a fly line.  Out of curiosity, I lined the rod with a WF6F line, and it handles a fly line just fine.  This will easily perform double-duty as both a spin and fly rod.  Both sections measure 42 ½ inches, and the rod weighs 4.5 ounces (most of the weight is near the grip; the tip section is merely 1.0 ounce).  The rod was priced at $45 in 1954.