Rods

The successor to the Tournament 5000, which achieved cult status and continues to appeal to many anglers, the Entoh brought a new wave of technology to the top-end-reel market when first launched. Now, the latest incarnation, the 5000QDA, takes what is an already brilliant performer to a new level altogether. It’s not just about the sultry new matt-black body either, although this is in keeping with modern trends as reels move towards this stealthy look and away from the ‘bling’ of silvers and gunmetal greys. It’s packed full of Daiwa’s leading features, including AirBail, Twistbuster, Infinite Anti-Reverse; boasts a HardBodyz construction for longevity and generally has a feeling of quality build and reliability.

I’ve long been a massive fan of the Tournament and have had a set of the originals from however long ago. This year Daiwa has introduced the very same reel but in black, in keeping with the current trend for the stealthy look. If ninjas made a carp reel, this would be it. It looks absolutely superb and, if ever the word carpy really was relevant to an item of tackle then the Tournament Black would claim it hands down.

The TC boys get to grips with tackle and bait, testing them to the limit out on the bank. Here’s what they think…DAIWA WINDCAST Z REELRRP: £199. 99Website: www. daiwasports.

Looking for the extra distance on your venue? Look no further as Daiwa has produced another blockbusting combo.

The Tackle Box’s Lee Jackson says: A good quality and very affordable carp rod range built on natural gloss grey carbon blanks with classic cosmetics, including full-length cork handles and ‘fold-friendly’ ringing for safer and more convenient storage and transportation. All of the rods in the range have a progressive action for crisp handling and all-round casting and fish-playing performance and benefit from The Tackle Box’s exclusive lifelong warranty. The range comprises 12ft, 10ft and 9ft rods, all of which have a 3lb test curve, and a 12ft 4lb test curve spod/marker rod. LEE JACKSON’s VERDICT “An awesome rod for quality and affordability” 9/10 £44.

• 12ft, 2. 5lb test curve• Lovely through-action blank• Perfect for use with light lines• Will effortlessly flick different weight controllersRRP: £89. 99FOR MORE INFORMATION GO TO: www. esp-carpgear.