Rods

It’s been a little while since I was this excited about a product launch, but finally, after a couple of years of testing, the new ESP reel is here. I’ve seen a little bit of the progress of the Onyx because when out on features with ESP-backed TC contributor Kev Hewitt, he’s been using several prototypes. In fact, I remember being on one particular shoot when he actually had three different reels on his banksticks at once, such was ESP’s desire to make sure they were absolutely spot-on. The result is a reel specifically designed by carp anglers for use in carp fishing – unlike a fair few big-pit reels that hail from the sea/spinning market.

We love these! - great product at a great price Designed around the medium-sized-water premise, the new Emblem BR 25A is a compact size coupled with big-pit performance. In recent years it appears the trend has been to either go back to ‘cult retro’ reels or look for large big-pit machines because bigger is better, or so everyone thought. It will be equally at home on an intimate five-acre water as it will on a large expanse of 80 acres. Is this possible? According to the technical guys at Daiwa it is not only possible but a reality, while keeping the price within a sensible range.

When we heard that the team at Shimano had a new big pit on the market, you can imagine our excitement. Having developed some of the best
carp fishing reels over the years, we automatically set the bar high and this new launch has certainly lived up to our expectations. As soon as we opened the box the improved matt black cosmetics stuck out; this timeless finish will be a great addition to any existing setup and is sure to be a firm favourite among the ‘cult anglers’. Moving onto the reel itself, the instant drag is simply a joy to use.

Introducing the S3 and S4 rod ranges, Sonik has pulled out all the stops with some great incentives and real money-saving deals that could just tempt you to that set of new wands you have been waiting for. The S3 is available in a range of lengths, starting from a compact and stealthy 9ft through to 10ft, 12ft and a 13ft models. The 9ft features a slim shrink handle while the other models are all available in both cork and slim shrink. The 12ft rods at 3lb test curve and over also feature 50mm butt rings as standard.

great value! Ideally suiting smaller venues and lightweight setups, the Tournos 6000 is born. Following the popularity of both its larger brothers, the Tournos 10000 Big Pit and 8000 Tournos, Sonik managed to utilise its vast expertise in reel development to produce a feature-packed, superbly built and reasonably priced reel in a much smaller package. Where performance, durability and control are concerned, the Tournos 6000 ticks all the boxes. Built from a high-strength carbon composite the body and rotor has been built to last and withstand the rigours of modern-day carp angling.

Designed for the modern-day carp angler, the devoted team behind Chub set out to bring to the market a carp rod that would cover 90 per cent of your carp fishing criteria, while being stylish, reliable and, of course, without breaking the bank. Well after it was first unveiled to us at the Chub trade show we were immediately impressed and ever keen to give one a try, and here’s why. To suit the majority of modern carp anglers, the RS-Plus benefits from a superb and crisp progressive action that has enough backbone to cope with casting solid PVA bags while retaining all the enjoyment you wish to undergo when playing the carp at close quarters – the moment we all live for. The blank is a 12ft slim and lightweight carbon construction finished with a trendy matt-black look and fitted with the popular double-leg SiC guides throughout.

Marc Coulson’s verdict. . . very impressive and exceptional value for money.