There is no such thing as the best carp rod, however, you should think about choosing a rod that you‘re going to feel totally comfortable using.
Your carp rod should be capable of casting to anywhere on the lake, and at the very least, offer you complete control when you‘re playing, and landing a fish.
As an angler, a carp rod is one of the most critical pieces of tackle you‘ll own.
Therefore, amongst each rod review, I’ll help you decipher test curves, work out the correct rod length and talk about what rod you‘ll need for stalking or surface fishing.
Join me as I countdown the best carp rods!
Best Value For Money
1. Daiwa Black Widow G50
2. Nash Entity
Features
6th generation advanced carbon banks
50mm ringing on 3 lb and 3.5 lb models
Fuji reel seat
Quality carbon line clip
Read Review
Rating
4.5
3. Wychwood Extricator Plus
Features
Multi-Layer Technology
3k/1k Carbon weave finish
Fuji reel seat
Low profile, anti-frap guides
Read Review
Rating
4.4
Best Carp Rod for Beginners - Entry Level
4. Fox EOS
Features
Slik guides throughout
40mm butt ring to 14mm tip ring
Matt black finish
Ergonomic tapered butt grip
Read Review
Rating
4.3
5. Sonik Vader X
Features
Fold friendly ringing pattern
17mm black DPS reel
Line friendly custom Sonik clip
Slim Japanese shrink wrap butt grip
Read Review
Rating
4.4
Overall Best Carp Rod - Editors Pick
6. Shimano Tribal TX-9
Features
Biofibre & Toray Nanoalloy blanks
Shimano 3K woven carbon reel seat
Fuji stainless steel SIC K-type guides
EVA grip handle
Read Review
Rating
4.8
7. Greys Prodigy Apex
Features
Crisp progressive action
Carbon Armour blank finish
Fuji DPS-18-reel seat
Full Japanese shrink wrap handle
Read Review
Rating
4.6
8. Daiwa Longbow X45
Features
X45 compression zone
Minima 4 guides
50mm butt guide
Silk Matt low glare finish
Read Review
Rating
4.6
9. Nash Scope Abbreviated Rods
Features
Tournament style reverse Minima ringing
6ft, 9ft & 10ft models
Fuji anti-frap tip guide
40mm butt rings on all 9ft and 10ft models
Read Review
Rating
4.7
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
How to choose a carp rod
Whether you’re looking to upgrade your existing rods, or you’re new to carp fishing, I’ve included a quick checklist below, to give you an idea of what to buy.
Believe it or not, these key questions will make you realise there is much more to choosing the best carp rod than you think!
WHAT WILL YOU USE YOUR ROD FOR?
Are you looking for a general all-round rod setup, or a rod specifically for stalking carp in the margins?
Maybe you’re interested in a back-up rod, or something to use for surface fishing in the warmer months?
Either way, make sure you know what type of carp rod you’re looking to buy!
WHAT TEST CURVE SHOULD MY ROD BE?
If you don’t know, the test curve of a carp rod is the amount of weight needed to pull the rod through a 90 degree angle.
In carp fishing, a rod with a test curve of either 2.75lb or 3lb, will cover most styles and distances, and are capable of hauling carp to over 30lb.
On venues such as gravel pits, you should probably choose a rod with a test curve of 3.25lb or 3.50lb.
These add a bit of steel, and are capable of hitting distances over 70 yards with considerable ease.
Test Curves Explained
HOW LONG SHOULD MY CARP ROD BE?
Although recently shorter carp rods have seen a spike, the common length is 12ft.
Rods that are 13ft are power houses and are used to cast to extreme distances.
Short rods can be anything from 6ft up to 10ft, and these are great for margin work and overgrown areas where a longer rod can be difficult to manouvere.
Best Carp Rod - Value For Money
#1
Daiwa Black Widow G50 Best Carp Rod
Described as having a powerful casting action, the Daiwa Black Widow G50 is a carp anglers dream.
Providing your casting is up to scratch, this rod offers pinpoint accuracy, whilst when you’re a playing a big wary carp, the weight is distributed through the length.
This makes it much easier for you when embroiled in angler-to-carp action!, because, for a start, you don’t have to keep leaning into the rod to create a cushion for yourself.
Using a light weight blank in the build, Daiwa have opted for a slim profile, combined with a nice black sleek finish.
The guides are made from stainless steel with quality ceramic LS rings making casting and retrieving smooth with very little friction.
Apart from the smaller 10 foot model, each rod is fitted with a 50mm butt guide whom most carp anglers prefer. The G50 is finished off nicely with an aluminium butt cap.
Overall, we really enjoyed fishing with these rods, especially when paired together with the Black Widow reels.
What you’ve got here is a nice, solid setup that anglers of any age or experience will enjoy for years to come.
To find out more, I highly recommend taking a look at the video below.
This may give you a better feel of what these carp rods can offer you!
Rating: 4.3 out of 5
Rod Features
Lightweight carbon blanks
DPS style reel seat
Slim profile full shrink grip handle
Stainless steel frame guides
Lightweight LS ceramic rings
50mm Butt guides (Except 10ft model)
Aluminium butt cap
Daiwa Black Widow G50 - Video Review
Alternative Daiwa Rods
Daiwa Black Widow Range
If you have opted for the Black Widow rods, you might want to take a look at the other alternative tackle that goes really well with them.
#2
Nash Entity
Next in our Best Carp Rod 2019 guide are the Nash Entity rods.
Using advanced carbon blanks, these allow really effortless and very accurate casting and super long distances, even at 150 yards and more!
Whether your style of angling includes casting heavily packed out PVA bags, or lead weights up to 5oz, the Entity is more than up to the task.
The range includes lengths of 10ft, 12ft and 13ft, with varying test curves of up to 4.50lb.
Likewise, carp anglers have a choice of either a cork handle, abbreviated or fully shrink wrapped.
![9 Best Carp Rods in [year] (Updated Version) 1](https://carphideout.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2018/12/Nash-Entity-Rods-In-Action.jpg)
To make the rods stand out further, and perform even better, additional features include a quality carbon line clip for marking up distances.
There is 50mm ringing on the 3lb and 3.5lb models, whilst also built in to the blank is a Fuji reel seat.
A laser etched ‘Nash’ logo butt cap gives them a great cosmetic finish that makes the Entity look at home on the bank.
You can read all the features and models on offer below, whilst the video gives a decent insight of performance.
Rating: 4.5 out of 5
Rod Features
6th generation advanced carbon banks
50mm ringing on 3 lb and 3.5 lb models
Fuji reel seat
Quality carbon line clip
Available with abbreviated, full shrink or NEW cork handles
Laser etched butt cap
Nash Entity Rod Video
Alternative Nash Rods
#3
Wychwood Extricator Plus
Our next carp rod is the exciting Wychwood Extricator Plus.
Labelled as ‘stealthy’ due to the dark graphics, low profile minima style guides and a stunning embossed PU handle, the Extricator Plus is a mighty fine rod.
Updated, the handle length has been increased ever so slightly, whilst the reel seat has also changed.
Some areas of the blank were also strengthened to improve casting distances and offers an enhanced fish playing action.
Made from a high modulus 40T carbon, the blank is finished in a 1k/3k blend for true strength and longevity.
Available in 6ft, 9ft, 10ft and 12ft – the whole range covers a wide range of angling styles including stalking or fishing from a boat.
Additional features that anglers will enjoy includes an anti-frap tip eye.
This prevents any snarl ups you may encounter on the cast.
In conclusion, we really think that the wide choice of rod length and test curve options mean the Extricator Plus can be used on canals, rivers and lakes.
This makes it a very versatile carp rod that will feature highly on anglers shopping lists this year.
The Wychwood Extricator Plus is a deserved entry in this guide for the best carp rods of 2023.
Rating: 4.4 out of 5
Rod Features
Multi-Layer Technology
3k/1k Carbon weave finish
Fuji reel seat
Low profile, anti-frap guides
Unique PU handle
Lifetime warranty policy
Wychwood Extricator Rod- Video Review
Alternative Wychwood Rods
Wychwood Extricator 5000FD Reel
For those seeking a matching reel, this makes for a wonderful stalking setup.
Reel Features
Micro-pitch, multi-disc drag
Anti-twist line roller
Magnesium body
Matte Black Finish
Aluminium spool
Dark wooden handle
Line capacity: 0.28/300m – 0.30/237m – 0.35/173m
Best Carp Rod - Entry Level
#4
Fox EOS Carp Rod
The Fox EOS carp rod range is designed to offer value for money, without compromising on any of the features usually found on more expensive rods.
Ideal for newcomers to carp angling, they are made from a full carbon construction with a wide choice of lengths of test curves.
There are actually very lightweight and perfect for tackling carp on any small to medium venue.
Featuring an 18mm DPS style reel seat combined with a durable backbone means anglers will enjoy using these rods for years to come.
The 14mm tip ring really aids casting, so beginners can get to grips to basics confidently without laying out a huge expense on rods.
Other features of the Fox EOS include a Slik Guide System, ergonomic tapered butt grip, and finished in a matte black.
Overall, we really like the price point and quality these offer – and from a respected carp fishing brand!
Rating: 4.3 out of 5
Rod Features
Three-piece design comprising 3 x 4ft sections
Compact design ideal for small vehicles and traveling light
Lightweight low resin carbon construction
Slik guides throughout
40mm butt ring through to 14mm tip ring
Matt black finish
Ergonomic tapered butt grip
18mm DPS-style reel seat
Fox EOS Rods- Video Review
Fox EOS Tackle Range
#5
Sonik Vader X Carp Rod
The Sonik Vader X deserve a place on our best carp rods 2019 list for a few reasons.
First, these are one of the best performing carp rods at this price point.
Secondly, the crisp progressive action gives you fantastic control during the fight, which is comparable to rods that can cost well over £150 a piece.
![9 Best Carp Rods in [year] (Updated Version) 2](https://carphideout.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2019/01/Best-Carp-Rods-2019.jpg)
The rods themselves are slim, sleek and finished in a lovely black matte that makes them really stand out down on the bank.
In fact, the handle is fully Japanese shrink wrapped, with a laser etched butt cap that makes for a perfect finish.
Other beautiful features of these rods include double-leg SiC guides, a 50mm butt guide (on the 3lb test curve models and above) and an anti-frap tip.
At the business end, there is a trusty 17mm black DPS reel seat easily capable of housing a big pit reel.
Sonik have also included a custom line-friendly clip for securing your line.
If at this point you’re still undecided on choosing a carp rod setup (or upgrading your rods), the Sonik Vader X’s have to be considered!
Rating: 4.4 out of 5
Rod Features
Slim, lightweight matt black carbon fibre blank
These rods have a progressive casting action
Double leg black SIC guides and anti-frap tip
50mm butt guide on 3lb T/C and above
Fold friendly ringing pattern
17mm black DPS reel seat to house all big pit reels
Line friendly custom contoured Sonik clip
Slim Japanese shrink wrap butt grip
Sonik Vader X Review
#6
Shimano Tribal TX-9 Carp Rod
The Shimano Tribal TX-9 is a dedicated specimen carp hunting rod.
In the series, there are four varieties which are all 12ft, with test curves ranging from 2.50lb, 3.00lb and 3.25lb.
The ‘Tribal Intensity’ rod has a test curve rating of 3.50lb, making it ideal for those trips to France, or fishing larger waters here in the UK.
![9 Best Carp Rods in [year] (Updated Version) 3](https://carphideout.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2019/01/Shimano-TX-9-Rods-300x300.jpg)
Each model is made from a blend of HPC300 and Biofibre, materials which are the latest in carbon fibre production.
What this means is that you get a really thin material, but one that retains its power.
Throughout each model, there are a range of interesting features that really put the TX-9 up against big boys such as the Daiwa Infinity DF or a custom made Century rod.
Like nano-alloy technology which makes an already light rod even lighter!
Or the Fuji SiC K-style ringing, custom Shimano reel seat and a Beta Light Slot.
The TX-9 is a long-range casting warrior, which excels in the middle section and tip, which is important during the battle with big carp at distance.
A great addition to the Tribal range, the Tx-9 is expensive, but packed full of technology to justify that high price tag.
Rating: 4.7 out of 5
Rod Features
HPC300 & Biofibre & Toray Nanoalloy blanks
Shimano 3K woven carbon reel seat
Fuji stainless steel SIC K-type guides
EVA grip handle
Comes in a cloth bag
#7
Greys Prodigy Apex Carp Rod
With slim blanks, and a lightweight feel, the rod strength on the Greys Prodigy has been increased significantly, making close-quarter fish fighting a breeze.
Likewise, the design has been specially constructed for producing the optimum overhead cast.
That is not only very accurate, but generates enough power for a long range cast,with the line running very smoothly.
Built-in Toreon technology allows a super fast tip recovery, giving an ultra-responsive feel likened to more expensive rods.
From the butt section, the 2k woven blank leads up to 1k up the tip for complete control.
Other beneficial features include a Fuji DPS 18mm reel seat, black anodised collars and a slim shirnk wrap handle.
The Prodigy Apex is a premium fishing rod that performs very well indeed.
It won’t cost you an arm and a leg either.
Rating: 4.6 out of 5
Rod Features
Toreon Nano Composite construction
2K-1k high modulus woven carbon fibre blank
Crisp progressive action
Carbon Armour blank finish
Fuji DPS-18-reel seat
Full Japanese shrink wrap handle
Greys Apex Rod - Video Review
#8
Daiwa Longbow X45 DF Carp Rod
The Daiwa Longbow X45 DF has been made in association with Danny Fairbrass (Korda, Thinking Tackle).
Featuring a crisp, powerful action, the Longbow is designed to offer anglers a strong mid-range casting high performance rod, whilst maintaining a truly responsive playing action.
Packing plenty of punch, the Longbow features a Fuji DPS reel seat so you can ‘feel the action’ through the fast tapered profile.
Cosmetically, the Longbow has a magnificent low-glare matte finish, a shrink tube handle and metal finishing’s giving a truly custom look!
The Longbow also feels comfortable to hold, whilst the X45 compression zone and Minima 4 guides really gives anglers a true all-round performance no matter what lake they are fishing.
A real focus on quality and performance, the Daiwa Longbow X45 DF is a carp angling beast!
Rating: 4.7 out of 5
Rod Features
X45 compression zone
Minima 4 guides
50mm butt guide (except floater special)
Silk Matt low glare finish
Fast taper profile
Fuji DPS reel seat
Profiles NS shrink tube handle
Metal butt cap and trim rings
Custom build finish throughout
Daiwa Longbow DF X45 - Video Review
Alternative Daiwa Rods
#9
Nash Scope Abbreviated Rods
Perhaps the best-selling Nash rods of all time, the ‘Scopes’ feature a unique retractable butt, meaning you can carry these absolutely everywhere!
Available in a 9ft, or 10ft length, its this reduced packdown size that has really resonated with carp anglers all over the world, most importantly because they perform just as good (if not better!) than your standard stalking rod.
Boasting superb features such as tournament style reverses minima ringing, the Fuji anti-frap tip guide prevents those all too common line snarl ups!
Additional fittings include a strong carbon line clip, laser etched butt cap, with isotope slop, and glossy black decals.
These abbreviated models are available in a range of test curve options, including a stepped-up 3.5lb ‘S’ edition for punching out heavy leads, or large PVA bags at distance.
Alternatively, there are smaller 6ft ‘sawn-off’ models which retract down further to a mere 29 inches!
Fast becoming an iconic fishing rod, once you’ve fully tested out the Scopes, you won’t go back to anything else!
Rating: 4.8 out of 5
Rod Features
9ft models pack down to 44 inches (112cm)
10ft models pack down to 50 inches (127cm)
Six foot Sawn-Off models retract to 29 inches (73cm)
Increased power 3.5 lb S models (Stepped Up Specials)
Tournament style reverse Minima ringing on nine and ten foot models
Purposely designed to prevents frap-ups
Fuji anti-frap tip guide and 40mm butt rings on all 9ft and 10ft models
Genuine Fuji reel seat
Carbon line clip
Matte black whippings
Laser etched butt cap with isotope slot
Gloss black decals
Nash Scope Rods - Video Review
Alternative Nash Rods
OVER TO YOU
Now it’s your turn!
I’d like to know what rods are part of your setup, and how you’re finding them?
Do they cast well at long distances?
How long have you had your rods?
Drop me a comment below, and let’s get the discussion going!
Until next time – be lucky!
Recommended Reading
Top 7 Daiwa Rods
Daiwa have a great range of carp rods for many situations. Our favourite has to be the Longbow, purely as a fantastic casting tool for reaching huge distances!
choosing a 10ft carp rod
Shorter carp rods are ideal for tight swins and confined areas amongst undergrowth and margins. Check out our reviews!
Last update on 2023-11-30 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API