Grauvell banzai interline boat rod

Advantages: very strong yet light with good feel
Disadvantages: Can be a handful in tight swims

...I always considered 3lb TC carp rods to be too heavy duty for 'normal' carp fishing situations. Sure they could bang out a large method feeder 90 odd yards but surely the feeling would be lost when playing the fish? I originally stumbled across a pair of the Fox Extreme rods whilst looking for a pair of rods for an up and coming trip to France. I went to a local dealer to ask for something heavy duty that wasn't a fortune. The intention was to use these rods purely for my trips abroad and nothing else. I was showed the Extremes and was instantly amazed at how slim and light they were. They also felt very well balanced. In addition they were a nice matt grey finish and looked quite stylish - I thought how good they would look on my pod. The dealer offered me the pair for £150 since he had vast numbers that were not shifting... Read review

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Advantages: Allrounder
Disadvantages: Bit too bendy if that makes sense

...M.A.P was started a few years ago now. I am yet to see a bad product from the company (Midland Angling Products). It consists of joint efforts from Leeda, FOSTERS fishing shop in Birmingham, and well known match ace - Dave Harrell, their chief tester). The range is now qite huge, and I bought this rod actually not knowing much about it. I went for it beacuse of the good reputation the make has, and also it's classification as an allround match rod. I didn't want anything too light because I often catch a lot of carp on my travels (in fact, most of the waters down here in Cornwall, hold them as the predominent species), mostly upto about 8lbs. But then there's always those times in winter when you're even finding it hard to catch even the smallest of roach. So I needed something soft yet strong. This rod pefectly suits both... Read review

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Advantages: Great value, Slim design, high quality fittings
Disadvantages: None

...Holding this rod in your hand you could really think you were holding a rod worth well over £200, and when you find it is less than £100 you realise what a great value bit of kit this really is. A super slim blank makes the rod look great and understated markings really make it feel like a custom built rod. I use the 3lb tc model and it really is a superb all rounder, the rod really can cast, hitting 100 yards with ease and going well over that mark when needed. Also it can play a fish, it is not too stiff so you suffer hook pulls. It is finished to a very high quality, with full fuji rings, with a well proportioned 40mm butt ring, couple this with a FUJI DNPS reel seat, you can tell it is a quality piece of kit, worth well over its price tag. Add to this a really neat butt cap with a slim butt section. A handy 12" marker... Read review

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