Fox Horizon X3 & X4 Carp Rods

Sometimes fishing is an industry out on its own, with a peculiar set of rules and traditions, but every now and then it follows much more mainstream trends. The introduction of the Horizon X3 and X4 ranges is an example of the latter. This is trickle-down technology in action - in the same way that an Audi A1 is part of the same lineage as the R8, this is Fox’s way of welcoming you to the Horizon family without forking out on the range-topping X5s.

The Big Questions

So these are Horizons, but without an Horizon price tag?
The Horizon X5s burst onto the scene last year billed as Fox’s greatest-ever distance rods, and they proved a massive success. That same mould-busting Horizon ethos has now been extended to two new ranges that start at £169.99 (X4) and £79.99 (X3).

Isn’t this just a branding exercise?
Sure, rods at different price points are naturally going to have different qualities, but both the X3s and X4s look staggering for the money. We are willing to wager you’d think they had been priced up wrong if you saw them beside much more expensive models.

So they look pretty good?
They look delicious. After years of matt black dominance in the UK rod market, the X4s are unashamedly glossy and it’s a real breath of fresh air. Both ranges are also incredibly slim with understated graphics.

But it’s the performance that counts, right?
Fox aren’t going to risk the hard-won reputation of the Horizon brand on any old tat. These new rods boast a high-modulus, lightweight carbon blank and quality rings. The X4s have Fuji reel seats and a full 2k carbon weave wrap.

What are my options?
Both ranges can be bought with abbreviated or slim cork handles and the mix of lengths and test curves is extensive. There are 10ft, 12ft and 13ft models, plus a matching spod/marker rod, in each price bracket.

X3s from £79.99
X4s from £169.99

Get more out of your rods

We know how good the Mark Bartlett/Fox Horizon X5 combination is - we filmed him casting that rod over 220yds at Linear’s Brasenose (just scroll to the bottom of this page to see for yourself). Whilst he blew our brains that day with those huuuuge casts, what he didn’t do during the video shoot was explain how he does it. Below he discusses picking the right rod for you and reveals some edges/tricks to ensure you get the most casting potential from your lengths of carbon….

Pick the right one
“Get the right rod to cover the situations you will be faced with and what you want to use it for.”

Make sure you ask
“Don’t be afraid to ask if you are unsure on which rod you need. For example, speak to someone from the Fox team; there are plenty of consultants which all fish different ways so they will be able to point you in the right direction.”

Heavier leads
“Generally speaking, for distance, the heavier the test curve, the heavier the lead you will be able to use which in-turn will cast further. So ideally you will be looking at the 12 and 13ft 3.5lb TC models for real distance work.”

The right reel
“The right rod has to match the right reel. A decent sized reel like the EOS 12000 with a 13lb Exocet line (I would drop down to 10lb if the lake was snag-free or weedless), a 30lb braided Armadillo Shockleader or tapered mono leader if braid was banned and a finger stall is just the ticket when it comes to achieving the balanced set-up for range fishing.”

Technique is King
“Have a look at your technique on casting. Fox have a lot of videos and articles where they show different set-ups for different situations, especially on balanced set-ups for distance work and these will really help you. Even if you only take one small thing away from them, it could well be the “missing piece of the puzzle” that you were looking for.”