The Best Carp Fishing Rods (Updated)
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A carp fishing rod is a pivotal piece of carp fishing equipment and is one of the main elements used when catching carp, so you need to make sure you get this right and use the best carp fishing rod whatever your budget.
We have put together our recommendations of the best carp fishing rods from budget to the more expensive premium ranges. Regardless of your budget, you can buy a carp fishing rod that suits your needs and offers fantastic performance to assist your carp fishing and ensure you land that big carp you are chasing.
Be sure to check out our recommendation for the 5 Best Budget Big Pit Reels or the Best Budget Carp Fishing Reels
Key Features of a carp fishing rod
When recommending a carp fishing rod we have taken into account the following features and points which we believe are key to ensuring you get the best carp fishing rod for your needs.
- Test curve and action - this is essentially the amount of force, measured in lbs, to bend a fishing rod 90 degrees. An example and common test curve for a carp fishing rod would be 3.75lbs. Generally speaking, the higher the number the stiffer the rod, the stiffer the rod and the further you can cast your carp rig. I would advise a test curve of around 3lbs for everyday carp fishing, this will cover 99% of your fishing. If you are fishing large lakes and need to cast greater distances, then up this to around 3.75lbs and perhaps consider a big pit carp reel to assist with this.
- Playing the fish - when you hook a carp you want to feel the fight and this is provided by the 'action' of the rod. Many carp rods are designed to provide a lovely action that makes playing the fish as enjoyable as possible whilst ensuring you hopefully land the fish. The majority of fishing rods are made from carbon fibre and provide superb strength whilst maintaining a soft action, the perfect balance.
- Price - You can spend a small fortune on a carp fishing rod and if you purchase multiple rods, which many of us do, this can add up quickly. This article is going to highlight there are some quality fishing rods on the market that are also very reasonable and will not break the bank.
- Suitability for your fishing - Do you need a stiff, larger test curve rod? How far out are you going to be fishing? How big is the carp to are planning on catching? These are all great questions to consider when choosing your carp fishing rod.
- Casting distance and accuracy - Same applies to the previous point, try to choose a fishing rod fit for your purpose.
- Overall build quality - Again, there are some really top quality fishing rods available that are excellent value for money and we are going to help you with this.
Let's get started so you can choose your next carp bivvy.
Don't miss out - Check out the Best carp bite alarms under £100
Daiwa Black Widow G50 Carp Fishing Rod
★★★★★
The Daiwa Black Widow carp fishing rod range offers a great all-rounder, that provides power and distance when casting and also a delicate touch when playing fish.
The rod action allows for any anglers to cast good distances with accuracy, a key when carp fishing. The Daiwa Black Widow rod has a soft touch when playing fish to ensure you land the carp.
Aesthetically, the Daiwa Black Widow rod looks superb and would not be out of place next to a rod of twice the cost. A perfect beginner carp fishing rod and for the carp anglers on a budget.
You cannot go wrong with the excellent Daiwa Black Widow carp fishing rod.
Features
- Lightweight Carbon blanks
- Aesthetically very pleasing
- DPS reel seat design
- Stainless steel frame guides
- 50mm butt guides
- Superb action for distance casting and accuracy
- Soft-touch under the rod tip
- Perfect for the beginner carp angler
- Unbeatable value for money
Amazon Customer Review:
Excellent rod. If you're after a strong sturdy rod for carp fishing this is the one. With a great value, great brand you can't go wrong.. Check Price on Amazon
Fox EOS Carp Fishing Rod
★★★★★
The Fox EOS carp fishing rod is built to a very high standard without costing a fortune, making these rods very desirable with many carp anglers. Perfect for beginner carp fishing or for anyone on a budget. The Fox EOS carp fishing rods are made from carbon meaning they are very light but also incredibly strong and suitable for all types of carp fishing.
Features
- Lightweight and very string
- 12 ft
- Slik rings and DPS reel support
- Available in a very stylish matte black finish
Amazon Customer Review:
Fantastic carp rods for the price, used for short day sessions.. Check Price on Amazon
Shakespeare Cypry Carp Rod
★★★★★
The Shakespeare Cypry carp fishing rod is hugely popular with carp anglers on a budget and it is very easy to see why. Many carp anglers across Europe swear by these carp rods and they are becoming more and more popular in the UK. The carp rods are made from full carbon providing great strength whilst remaining lightweight. The Shakespeare carp fishing rods have a lovely progressive through action which makes them ideal for beginner carp anglers or as a general all-round rod.
Features
- Slim, lightweight full carbon blank construction
- Superb price
- EVA thumb grips with a screw-down reel seat
- Ceramic quality line guides
- Sleek black finish
Amazon Customer Review:
Excellent rod with a beautiful finish.. Check Price on Amazon
Wychwood Riot Carp Fishing Rod
★★★★★
The Wychwood Riot carp fishing rods are perfect for any modern carp angler. Great for anyone on a budget or a beginner looking to start carp fishing. The blanks are very lightweight and slim complete with line clips and a slick matte finish. The Wychwood Riot rods are incredible value for money and cant handle almost any situation you want to fish.
Features
- Lightweight, slim, matte black carbon design
- Incredible value for money
- A comprehensive range of length and test curve
- Perfect for beginner carp anglers
Amazon Customer Review:
Great rods, couldn't ask for better. Check Price on Amazon
Shimano Tribal TX2 Carp Fishing Rod
★★★★★
The Shimano Tribal TX2 carp fishing rod is another top quality product made using a proven manufacturing process using XT60 carbon, resulting in slim, lightweight and very powerful blanks. The TX2 blanks can cast great distances thanks to their construction and will suit carp anglers who fish at range on larger venues. These powerful carp rods also have a lovely action allowing for a secure hook hold when landing carp. The Tribal TX2 carp rods also have a very aesthetically pleasing finish.
Features
- Lightweight, slim and very powerful carbon fibre blank
- Distance casting with ease
- A soft medium through action for secure hook hold
- High-quality look and feel
Amazon Customer Review:
Fantastic light rod that can handle monsters. Check Price on Amazon
TF Gear Banshee Carp Fishing Rod
★★★★★
The TF Gear Banshee was designed to catch carp from any venue and be a true all-rounder for any carp angler. The 10 ft carp rod is more compact than the usual 12 ft and offers better manoeuvrability, increased casting distance and more control when playing a fish.
The blank is made from carbon fibre providing good strength and action allowing for this rod to be one of the most versatile on the market and great value for money from a well-known brand.
Features
- Long-distance casting
- Shorter rod at 10 ft
- Easy fish control when playing
- Carbon fibre blank construction
- Premium grade components
- Truly adaptable for multiple fishing types
Amazon Customer Review:
I already have the 3lb version and decided to try these out, you just can't beat them for the price. Great action, and for those tackle tarts out there, they look like they cost £100
Shimano Tribal XS1 Carp Fishing Rod
★★★★★
The Shimano Tribal XS1 carp fishing rod range contains one of the highest contents and quality of carbon fibre available on the market today. This structure provides a super-strong carp fishing rod that is perfect for targeting big carp or hard-fighting fish. The action of the Shimano Tribal XS1 can handle anything you throw at it making it a true specimen carp fishing rod.
The Shimano Tribal XS1 rod has been designed in conjunction with the worlds best long-distance casters meaning this rod can cast your carp rig serious distance with ease and accuracy. Playing fish is also a great experience with the rod offering a soft tip whether playing fish at range or under the rod tip.
The Shimano Tribal XS1 carp fishing rod is a true all-rounder that can cover any venue and size of carp. A truly high-quality piece of carp fishing equipment that does come at a price but it performs as you would expect at this level.
Amazon Customer Review:
I bought the Shimano Tribal XS1 12FT 2.75lb test curve carp rod and it is brilliant. Casts very well but it is definitely a player's rod. No problem with hook pulls as it's forgiving enough under the tip but has plenty of power from the middle and lower part of the rod. I would be happy to play any Carp with this superb rod. Shimano quality as always.. Check Price on Amazon
Sonik Vader X Carp Fishing Rod
★★★★★
The Sonik Vadar X Carp Fishing Rod is a lightweight, slim design with a progressive casting action to allow for distance casting with ease and accuracy. Finished in matt black to provide a wonderful aesthetic look giving these carp rods a premium look. The Sonik Vadar rod offers a light soft tip when playing fish and are suited for a variety of different size venues and carp.
Features
- Lightweight carbon fibre blank
- 40mm butt guides
- Slim Japanese shrink wrap butt grip
- Black anodised butt cap laser etched with 'S' logo
Amazon Customer Review:
Love my Sonik Vader x rods and reels brilliant performance. Check Price on Amazon
Verdict
There are a number of superb carp fishing rods on the market regardless of your budget. Each year the carp manufacturers improve their range of carp fishing rods and it really is incredible what you can get for your money. Whether you are a beginner carp angler, on a budget or are simply looking for the best you can get, our recommendation will cover all aspects you need.
Whichever of these rods you choose, they will make you very happy on your next session and hopefully assist you in catching more carp!
Fancy a new carp fishing bivvy? Check out our Best Budget Carp Fishing Bivvy
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