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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.

If you’re an angler who appreciates the finer points in life and likes to spend your time in luxury on the bank then this could be the shelter for you. Built from a sturdy yet lightweight aluminium three-rib construction and integrated fourth pole peak, the XTI benefits from increased space to protect both you and your tackle, while a subtle pointed apex allows the user plenty of headroom. The design of the three-rib frame results in this bivvy being extremely sturdy, so if you are caught in the middle of a changing weather front fear not, you can sit back and rest assured that your setup isn’t going anywhere. For increased stability the XTI also boasts reinforced pegging points, and a simple yet effective tension-bar system that effortlessly fits down the shelter’s spine.

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.

It’s always a pleasure making my annual trip to the ESP headquarters in Oxfordshire, but when I headed down there earlier this year it was with a particular feeling of anticipation. I I was champing at the bit to see its three big product launches, namely the Onyx reels, Barrel bobbins and these Cryogen hooks. ESP has, for me, always produced superb hooks in patterns that are useful to carp anglers. They were, as far as I remember, the first to introduce odd sizing (3, 5, 7), which many companies have followed suit in more recently.