Rods

BARGAIN!Whether you like a 12ft, 13ft or a smaller 9ft or 10ft wand, you want to enjoy the experience and, new for 2016, the SK3 rods tick that box. With a very progressive middle to tip action, the 9ft variations are ideal for anglers targeting small waters or who like to fish at close quarters. Our designer, Katie Griffiths, has started to carp fish and found that shorter rods are actually easier to control, thus resulting in increased accuracy and casting, so bear that in mind for any newcomers to our sport, or equally if you would like the children to get involved. The rods are constructed from a powerful low-resin carbon fibre blank incorporating a 1K carbon weave on the butt section.

Marc Coulson’s verdict. . . “Excellent specialist rod at a ridiculously good price.

GUEST REVIEWER Editor of Advanced Carp Fishing Magazine Max Hendry’s verdict: Faultless casting and weighs next to nothing. 4/5 I got a set a Cast’izm reels in for review last year. I was after a small, compact reel that would be ideal for using on canals or small waters with my shorter 10ft rods. Like the Cast’izm QDA reel the Mag Sealing ensures the reel remains super-smooth no matter how much abuse you give it.

I know what you are thinking, a carp rod for under £40, yeah right. Well they are as cheap as that and they certainly are fully functional carp rods. Lightweight and well balanced, these will perform in the majority of modern carp angling scenarios. Of course, if you wish to cast 160 yards then I would recommend not looking at these.

Dan Murrell’s verdict A real joy to use and in my opinion they look pukka ! As I have written in previous reviews, I prefer using a longer than conventional rod, favouring 12ft 6in, 12ft 9in or 13ft models. Having used 12ft models for a few months I was quick to change when a set of Terry Hearn Distance 12ft 9in 3. 5lb test curve came into the office for a Used & Abused review. Aesthetically, I think it is fair to say that ESP has hit the nail on the head.

Marc Coulson’s verdict. . . So far the Gravity X has lived up to all expectations.

Rods don’t have to be expensive to be good, and these are the perfect example and would be ideal for newcomers to the sport or someone on a budget who doesn’t want to compromise on quality. With a progressive action, these are great all-round carp rods. Although you won’t be casting leads to the horizon, there is enough power to comfortably fish on the vast majority of UK carp waters and, of course, you don’t have such a stiff blank that you no longer enjoy playing fish. These are responsive and bend, which is exactly what you want for modern-day carp angling.