Rods

When a carp rod looks this good you’d be right to expect two things of it – great performance and a hefty price tag. In the case of the Paragon Plus, ESP has delivered one of these.

Let’s deal with the all-important looks first. The return to a full gloss blank with subtle yet classy red whippings certainly helps the Paragon Plus stand out on the crowded rod stands of today’s tackle market, yet it’s subtle enough that it also looks great on the bank.

The modern, full-shrink-wrap handle is in keeping with modern trends and also offers easy grip and comfort when playing fish and casting. Finally, on the looks department the Paragon Plus is dressed with a sultry black reel seat and similarly dark SiC rings throughout. This really does look a class act but what about that performance and price?

Well, we’ve only had limited experience of the rods themselves, having cast each of the three fishing models at a local lake, but first impressions are of a decent wand with plenty of backbone, without being a poker-stiff casting tool.

The 12ft 2.75lb version boasts a sublime action that’s perfect for fishing anything up to 80 to 100 yards and which will remind you of how nice it can feel to play carp. Similarly, the 3lb version appears to be able to cope with more all-round tasks, while the 3.25lb model is blatantly designed with bigger waters in mind. The latter two are fitted with 50mm butt rings, while the 2.75lb has a 40mm offering.

Completing the collection are the spod and marker rods, each boasting the same finish and each capable of handling plenty of work at multiple ranges. We particularly like the balance on offer from the spod rod; important when faced with long periods of baiting.

Oh yes, the one thing that ESP failed to deliver on that initial expectation is the whopping price tag. Each of these rods comes in at between £69.99 and £99.50, astonishing really when you look at the quality of build and performance. Could the Fox Warrior finally have a contender for the UK’s best sub-£100 carp rods?

WE LIKED
A great package for less than £100

We Didn’t Like
We’re still looking for something!

ESP Paragon Plus Rods
• 12ft 2.75lb £69.95
• 12ft 3lb £79.95
• 12ft 3.25lb £89.95
• 12ft marker £94.50
• 12ft spod £99.50