BUYERS GUIDE
The water might be a tad on the chilly side, but it only takes a little springtime sun to persuade most commercial species to move into the upper layers
NYTRO IMPAX PELLET WAGGLER
AVAILABLE in 10ft and 11ft versions, this through-actioned 24T carbon blank can handle floats up to 10g, and has the power lower down to deal with bigger carp. Gunsmoke anodised and lined guides, a composite cork/EVA handle and a screw-down reel seat all feature on this affordable rod.
WHY WE’D BUY ONE: Lightning fast line pick-up and surprisingly light – you can’t fail to be impressed by Nytro’s inflatio-nbusting rods.
Price: £44.95 - £49.95, www.nytrofishing.com
DAIWA SPECTRON COMMERCIAL ULTRA MATCH RODS
UK-DESIGNED and developed by Daiwa’s top consultants specifically for the domestic commercial scene. Available in 10ft and 11ft versions, with what Daiwa describes as ‘notably progressive’ actions, they feature Air Sensor reel seats and full-length hard EVA handles with a flattened Armlock section. Manufactured from Daiwa’s leading HVF Nanoplus Carbon Fibre and fitted out with premium Seaguide TDG guides.
WHY WE’D BUY ONE: Faultless actions on the cast, on the strike and while playing fish, these sublime rods are something else. With the Daiwa name, finish and quality available at under £200, you really can’t go wrong.
Price: £179.99 - £189.99, www.daiwasports.co.uk
Everything you’d want in a match rod at a sensible price
DAIWA MATCHMAN PELLET WAGGLER
TESTING the very limits of what it’s possible to buy for less than £50, the Matchman range is a budget set of rods with great performance. Slim and light, all four models have a smooth action helped by a soft top end and a more beefy butt, capable of taming even the most powerful of commercial carp.
WHY WE’D BUY ONE: A special blend of carbon weaves gives an action you’d expect from rods at far higher price points. The 10ft and 11ft versions make sublime general purpose pellet waggler rods, while the 12ft and 13ft rods can tackle big waters and larger 10g-plus floats with ease.
Price: All lengths £45.99, www.daiwasports.co.uk
SHIMANO AERO X1 PELLET WAGGLER
THESE lightweight and responsive rods have great fish-playing properties and are well suited to all manner of floatfishing situations. The lightweight carbon blanks are fitted out with Hardlite ringing and a comfortable, yet highly capable, cork and EVA handle.
WHY WE’D BUY ONE: This is a range building on the success of the formidable X5 and X7 rods. The X1 range retains some of the great features of its predecessors, while hitting a lower price point. Although comfortable all-round rods, the 15g casting weights and two-piece construction make this pair perfect for the pellet waggler on sma
