I'm looking at an unidentified fiberglass rod on an auction site which is marked S80, 4-1/2oz. It is 8 ft. long, two piece. The wraps are black with red bands. The rod color is a dark brown. The reel seat sure looks like a Phillipson, but I don't have enough familiarity with this vintage line to be sure. Is the model "S80" an early Phillipson fiberglass product?

Looks just like the Phillipson PowerKast I have in the car. Mine is labeled T80, is a great rod, 6wt.

Soiling on grip is pretty close too!

Keith's got it pegged! The S80 is an early Phillipson model from the 50s. That 'No Rock' reelseat was patented by Phillipson. The red ones are often faded like that. Keith's Powercast is basically the same rod (painted blank?).

Both ferrules look a bit crusty and the female is missing the wrap. Make sure you factor the possibility of ferrule work into your plans. They might be fine, but I would expect to at least spend time cleaning. Both rod sections should be the same length.


Tom

Definitely a Phillipson! Could tell by the unique “hammer handle” grip. I’ve only seen that grip on Phillipson’s bamboo rods though, not glass.