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Learn More »A Tackle Shop Guide to Shimano Telescopic Combos
We've all been there. You're packing for a holiday, the car is already crammed to the brim, and you're trying to figure out how to fit a 7-foot rod. Or maybe you're a backpacker looking for a simple setup that fits in your pack. A standard 2-piece rod is still too long and awkward. This is the exact situation the Shimano Telescopic Combo is built for. It's an affordable, portable fishing rod kit that collapses down small enough to fit in a wide range of bag and suitcase sizes.
A Note From Our Local Experts
"These telescopic combos are one of our biggest sellers all year round, especially to travellers. We get a lot of customers who are grey nomads, backpackers, or just families heading to the coast who need a portable fishing rod combo. The feedback we get as you will note in our many reviews further down is that in effect it's a dependable setup for the price. Sure, it's not a high-performance casting rod, but it's an affordable outfit that will let you wet a line for bream, flathead, trout, or tailor from a wharf, beach, freshwater dam or just about anywhere in Australia that has a body of water holding fish."
- Ben Czulowski, Owner, Fishing Tackle Shop (Ocean Storm) | 20+ years industry experience
Decoding the Features: What Matters
This combo is all about convenience, but it's built from proven Shimano components. Here’s a simple breakdown of what's included.
Pro-Tips: How to Use a Shimano Telescopic Rod Combo
- Assembling: Start at the rod tip and pull each section out until it feels snug and firm. A common mistake is to pull the sections out with too much force. This can 'lock' the joints, making the rod very difficult to collapse. Just a firm pull is all you need. Make sure to line the guides up by eye as you go.
- Collapsing: Start at the bottom (thickest) section. Gently twist and push the sections back down. Always do this carefully to avoid damaging the guides.
- Rinsing (The #1 Tip): After a saltwater trip, it is very important to rinse the rod with fresh water *while it is still extended*. This washes the salt out of the joints. If you collapse it while it's still salty, the joints can seize up. Let it dry fully before collapsing.
Which Shimano Telescopic Rod Combo Should I Choose?
The models are designed for different scenarios. Here’s a simple breakdown:
- Light Inshore (6ft - 7ft models): These are light, short-range outfits. They are a good choice for fishing from wharves, jetties, or riverbanks for bread-and-butter species like bream, flathead, and whiting.
- General Purpose (8ft models): This 8-foot rod is a good all-rounder. It's long enough to get a bit more casting distance, making it useful for light rock or sheltered beach fishing, but it's still manageable in estuaries.
- Beach or Rock (10ft - 12ft models): These are your long-range options. The 10ft and 12ft rods are designed to cast heavier baits and sinkers out past the shore break, making them the right choice for targeting salmon, tailor, or dart from the beach.
Technical Specifications: Shimano Telescopic Combos
We stock a range of models for sale. Prices vary depending on the model you select.
| Model (Length Extended) | Reel Model | Collapsed (Approx) | Line Class | Cast Weight |
| 6ft / 1.83m | 2500 FX | 46cm | 3-4kg | 2-10g |
| 6ft 6in / 1.98m | 2500 FX | 45cm | 3-4kg | 2-10g |
| 7ft / 2.13m | 2500 FX | 52cm | 3-5kg | 5-15g |
| 7ft (Special) / 2.13m | 4000 FX | 52cm | 3-5kg | 5-15g |
| 8ft / 2.44m | 4000 FX | 63cm | 5-8kg | 7-14g |
| 8ft / 2.44m | 6000 Hyperloop | 63cm | 5-8kg | 7-14g |
| 10ft / 3.05m | 6000 Hyperloop | 74cm | 5-8kg | 10-40g |
| 12ft / 3.66m | 6000 Hyperloop | 75cm | 6-10kg | 10-40g |
Frequently Asked Questions
What's the difference between the 8ft/4000FX and 8ft/6000HL combos?
That's a good question. They use the same 8ft rod blank, but the reel is different. The 4000 FX is a smaller, lighter reel. The 6000 Hyperloop is a larger reel that holds more line. We'd recommend the 4000FX model for general inshore fishing, and the 6000HL model if you need the extra line capacity for light beach or rock fishing.
What's the '7ft (Special)' model? Why doesn't it have a rod bag?
This is a specific model offered by Shimano. It uses the 7ft rod but pairs it with a larger 4000-size reel for anglers who want more line capacity. To keep it at an affordable price, it is supplied to us without the cloth carry bag that the other models have.
What's the difference between the FX and Hyperloop reels?
Both are simple, entry-level reels from Shimano. The FX is a more modern design, while the Hyperloop is a classic, long-running model. Both are dependable reels for this style of combo. The main difference you'll see is that the 6000-size Hyperloop is a much larger reel, which is why it's on the 8ft, 10ft, and 12ft rods.
Are telescopic rods as strong as normal 1-piece rods?
To be honest, no. A 1-piece rod will always be stronger because it's a single, continuous blank. A telescopic rod has multiple joints, which are all potential weak points. This Shimano telescopic rod is not designed for heavy-duty lure casting or fighting big kingfish. It's a convenience-based outfit, and it's built to be strong enough for the general-purpose fishing you'd do on a holiday.
The reel comes with line. Should I replace it with braid?
The reel comes pre-spooled with a standard monofilament line, which is a good starting point. To be honest, for this style of rod, mono is a very good choice. Telescopic rods have a softer, slower action, which pairs well with the stretch of monofilament for bait fishing. While you can re-spool it with braid, I personally don't suggest it for telescopic rods. Plus, the mono line it comes with is ready to go.
Does this combo come with tackle?
No, this outfit includes the rod, reel, and line only. You will still need to add your own tackle like hooks, sinkers, and lures. We'd recommend grabbing a small, pre-made accessory kit, which is a simple way to get all the basics in one purchase.
A simple and affordable way to fish while you're travelling. Choose your model and add a Shimano Telescopic Fishing Rod Combo to your cart.
