Kodex CX-i Carp Rods

Of all the segments of the carp rod market, competition for a place in our hearts is most fierce in the mid-price bracket. It used to be the domain of a few key players, but Kodex looks set to impose itself too now, with the release of the CX-i. It comes in at a shade under £140, which means that you can have a set of three for the same price as a top-end rod, and we all love a bit of bona fide value for money, don’t we? Now, in order to cement its place in the hierarchy of the mid-price rods, the CX-i has to do a lot more than simply make our wallets feel slightly more comfortable. So, is it the right rod for you?

1. Who is the CX-i aimed at?
Well, all of us really. Technological advances of the sort that Kodex has taken advantage of to perfect this range mean that you can get one heck of a rod for your money here, even if that money won’t stretch too far! The CX-i is billed as the rod that can do it all, with a crispness that promises to help you launch leads, or even heavy PVA bags, while retaining enough subtlety of action to make playing fish pleasurable, rather than an experience to dread. So, whether you’re an experienced angler on a budget, or you’re making the step up to serious carping from entry-level kit, the CX-i rods will suit you admirably.

2.What have we got in the range?
Wisely, Kodex has kept the range small, and focused on the most popular test curves out there: 3lb and 3.25lb, both of which are available in 12ft. Now, it doesn’t really matter whether you’re fishing in the UK or abroad, these two models will cover you for 90% of your fishing, and we really mean that. There’s just no need to go up to 3.75lb test curve, unless you plan to fish at 120yds plus regularly, which is a vanishingly small number of carp anglers when you break it down! So, yes the range is small, but as far as we’re concerned, it’s perfectly thought out.

3.It’s not a thick-walled, cheap blank, right?
That’s right, because Kodex has been able to take advantage of the very latest in carbon technology, the rod that we have before us is far from clumsy and heavy. It is, of course, a full-carbon blank, but crisp and lightweight too, belying its punching power. The design team at Kodex chose super-lightweight guides for the CX-i too, which helps the blank snap back straight after the cast, dramatically cutting friction on the line, thus ensuring you cast to your fullest potential. In other words, when you need to go long, the CX-i won’t be found wanting.

4. What about the aesthetics?
The rods possess an understated cool that’s exactly how we like our rods, right? We’re talking a classic DPS reel seat, married with those lightweight, matt black guides (they look incredible), which include a 50mm butt ring and anti-frap tip ring into the bargain. The special, ergonomic handle has been sculpted to give you unwavering grip when you’re going for the big casts, which is kinda good to know! We like the look that Kodex has plumped for, and we reckon that plenty of you will too.
£139.99