With the amount of carp fishing rods on the market today, picking the right rod can be quite a daunting task. There are many factors to take into consideration when choosing the right rod to suit your needs.
This quick review will cover my top picks, some of these are rods that I have used in the past or currently use.
If you’re new to carp angling and need to know what features to look for in a carp fishing rod, check out this article What to Look for in a Carp Fishing Rod, it will cover in detail all the characteristics to help you choose the right rod for your situation.
Best Carp Fishing Rods
If you’re serious about carp angling and want the best-performing rods on the market, these are the picks for you. If cost is not an issue, you will not be disappointed with the performance and capabilities of these specialist rods.
Daiwa Basia X45X Carp Fishing Rods
These are top of the line when it comes to a set of carp fishing rods. Made for the dedicated specialist carp angler. These rods are made with advanced technology and design to enhance casting distance and accuracy.
What’s new with these rods? X45X Full Shielf Carbon Technology, Magnum Taper, HVF Nanoplus, V Joint Alpha, TDG Guides, Japanese Shrink Grips and ALPS ARD Reel Seats. Just what do all these advancements mean? Check out the video below for a quick easy-to-understand explanation.
The Daiwa Basia X45X Carp Rods come in six different sizes:
| Rod Type | Length | Test Curve | Pieces | Other |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Basia X45X Carp | 12′ | 3.25 | 2 pc | Carp Rod |
| Basia X45X Carp | 12′ | 3.75 | 2 pc | Carp Rod |
| Basia X45X Carp | 13′ | 3.25 | 2 pc | Carp Rod |
| Basia X45X Carp | 13′ | 3.75 | 2 pc | Carp Rod |
| Basia X45X Carp | 12′ | 4.5 | 2pc | Spod Rod |
| Basia X45X Carp | 12′ | 4.5 | 2 pc | Marker Rod |
For a full run down and pricing check out the Daiwa X45X Carp Rods
specs on the Daiwa Website.
Nash Scope Cork Rods
One of my favourite-looking rods is the Nash Scope Cork Version of the Nash Scope Rod Range. These rods boast the Fuju Gold Matte Black Reel Seat, Full Cork Handles, Reversed American Tackle Vortex Air Guides, 30 – 40 or 50 mm Butt Rings Depending on the Size fo Rod, Laser Etched Compass Detail on the Butt Cap, Scope Compass Detail on the Reel Seat, Scope Detail on the Carbon Line Clip and much more.
The Nash Scope Cork Rods come in various options:
| Rod Type | Length | Test Curve |
|---|---|---|
| Nash Scope Cork | 6′ | 1.00 lb |
| Nash Scope Cork | 6′ | 2.00 lb |
| Nash Scope Cork | 6′ | 3.00 lb |
| Nash Scope Cork | 9′ | 2.25 lb |
| Nash Scope Cork | 9′ | 2.75 lb |
| Nash Scope Cork | 9′ | 3.00 lb |
| Nash Scope Cork | 9′ | 3.25 lb |
| Nash Scope Cork | 9′ | 3.50 lb S |
| Nash Scope Cork | 10′ | 2.25 lb |
| Nash Scope Cork | 10′ | 2.75 lb |
| Nash Scope Cork | 10′ | 3.00 lb |
| Nash Scope Cork | 10′ | 3.25 lb |
| Nash Scope Cork | 10′ | 3.50 lb S |
There are also many other great options for Nash Rods in the Scope range such as the Black Ops and Abbreviated and Shrinks. For more specific information check out the scope rods on the Nash Website.
Best Budget Carp Fishing Rods for Beginners
We will also include our top three picks for the best budget carp fishing rods. It can be expensive for those just getting into carp angling and starting with a cheaper set of rods is a great way to save some money. These rods will hold up quite well and provide a lot of value for the money.
Sonik Vader X Carp Fishing Rod
If you’re brand new to carp angling or looking for an entire set of carp fishing rods, look no further than the Sonik Vader X Rod Series. They have an option to purchase three rods for a very reasonable price.
The main features of the Sonik Vader X lineup include a lightweight and slim carbon fibre blank, fast tip recovery for long casting abilities, custom Sonik reel seats and line clips, black SIC line guides with anti-frap tips and laser etched butt caps. So not only do they perform flawlessly but also look the part as well.
These are the rods that I currently use. They are classified as a budget rod due to the fact that they are the cheapest model that Sonik produces but I have used them for quite some time and have nothing bad to say about them.
I have used other budget models from other big rod manufacturers and they haven’t lasted a year but with the Vader X series, I’ve yet to find a single flaw.
The Sonik Vader X RS Rods come in many different forms:
| Rod Type | Length | Test Curve |
|---|---|---|
| Sonik Vader X RS | 10′ | 3.00 lb |
| Sonik Vader X RS | 10′ | 3.50 lb |
| Sonik Vader X RS | 12′ | 2.75 lb |
| Sonik Vader X RS | 12′ | 3.00 lb |
| Sonik Vader X RS | 12′ | 3.25 lb |
| Sonik Vader X RS | 12′ | 3.50 lb |
| Sonik Vader X RS | 13′ | 3.50 lb |
| Sonik Vader X RS Hybrid | 12′ | S + M |
Personally, I chose the 10′ 3lb Vader X Rods due to the fact that the majority of my carp angling is from a boat or near shore. I don’t need to cast huge distances, thus allowing me to use smaller rods for easier use in close quarters such as in a boat or in thick brush on the bank.
If you’re looking to spend a little more money, Sonik also has some higher-priced rods which are all highly reviewed. Simply search for the Dominator X or Gravity X Series they produce. The Gravity X rods with corked handles are definitely on my radar as a future upgrade.
For more information be sure to check out the Vader X Rods on the Sonik Sports Website.
Daiwa Black Widow G50
Another one of the big players in the Fishing Rod world is Daiwa. Daiwa is most likely in the top three carp fishing rod manufacturers. They provide a series of rods for beginners and advanced carp anglers.
These rods are perfect for beginners to carp angling and come at the perfect entry-level price as well.
They provide a decent mix of casting power and fish fighting properties. The action plays throughout the length of the rod to prevent hook pulls from under the tip lunges.
If you’re in search of something from Daiwa other than their base model rods be sure to look into their Infinity series of carp fishing rods.
Nash Dwarf Carp Fishing Rods
These redesigned Nash Dwarf Rods are sure to turn some heads. Quality rods at an affordable price point. The compact design of the Nash Dwarf Rod Range makes them a great option for the minimalist angler. No more lugging around big bulky rods, the Nash Dwarf Rods allow anglers to easily move around and find fish.
The Nash Dwarf Rods Come in Many Different Cork Options:
| Rod Name | Length | Test Curve |
|---|---|---|
| Nash Dwarf Cork | 6′ | 1.00 lb |
| Nash Dwarf Cork | 6′ | 2.00 lb |
| Nash Dwarf Cork | 6′ | 3.00 lb |
| Nash Dwarf Cork | 9′ | 2.75 lb |
| Nash Dwarf Cork | 9′ | 3.00 lb |
| Nash Dwarf Cork | 9′ | 3.25 lb |
| Nash Dwarf Cork | 10′ | 2.75 lb |
| Nash Dwarf Cork | 10′ | 3.00 lb |
| Nash Dwarf Cork | 10′ | 3.25 lb |
If you’re just starting out and the price is a concern the Nash Dwarf Rod Range is one of the best rods that give you excellent quality for the money.
There you have it, Improved Carp Angling’s top choices in the Carp Fishing Rod Category. For more information don’t forget to check out our Recommended Carp Fishing Gear Page.