Kodex KX-i Carp Rod

Well, we didn’t see it coming either guys– this is one hell of a drop from our friends at Kodex, in the form of their new top-end KX-i rod. So confident are they that this is the best carp rod on the market that they’ve released just two models the 3.25lb and 3.5lb 12ft/13ft. This is a cutting-edge launch in every way, right from the uber-tech materials used to build the thing, to the on-point, understated looks of the rod. It’s even got an extension for God’s sake! Here are five reasons that mean the KX-i is going to the top of your shopping list if you’re in the market for a top-of-the-range rod…

The carbon isn’t just epic - the action is truly stunning

1. The materials

Okay, so to really make an impact at the very top end of the market, and at £475 this is right at the top end, you need to have your ducks in a row when it comes to technology. Kodex has used 55-tonne airforce-grade, high-modular mesh, and the latest Zepto-X carbon technology for this range. That’s right, they make planes out of this stuff, so it’s not going to fail you! So, in picking materials from the aerospace industry, Kodex has made a big statement of intent – these rods mean business, and they’re built to last, and last, and last.

2. The performance

We’ve heard about the materials then, but do they add up to a rod that justifies that price tag? Well, those materials, when combined the way that Kodex has here produces a rod with one hell of a lot of backbone, and the crucial bit? That backbone resists twist with every fibre, which means that not only is power translated directly into forward motion, but your casts will go where you want them to, consistently. The rings are lightweight, which helps you to cut that rod through the air quickly, but also anti-frap too, which gives you that little bit more confidence when going for broke on a big chuck!

They certainly look the part!

Kodex has included an extension with each KX-i, which transforms the rod from the standard 12ft into a 13ft version

3. The fittings

As you’d expect, no expense has been spared here. We’re talking the best Fuji fittings, such as the DPS reels seat and ultra-light, titanium, TG16, matt-black guides. The butt ring is a fashion-conscious 50mm and the specially contoured handle is sheathed in the finest Japanese shrink rubber.

4. That extension!

Put simply, Kodex has included an extension with each KX-i, which transforms the rod from the standard 12ft into a 13ft version. Now, on the face of it, this is a pretty useful all-round feature, although Kodex do stress that it’s to aid Zig fishing in particular. That said, we can certainly think of a few more applications for a slightly longer rod, and with the KX-i, you needn’t be left wondering whether you’d have preferred the 13ft version! It’s definitely a feature that you’d struggle to find on another rod in this price bracket, and for that reason it scores highly for innovation.

The all-round brand has released just two models: the 3.25lb and 3.5lb 12ft/13ft

5. The cosmetics

In order to command a position among the very best rods out there, a rod has to look good; very good in fact. In this regard, Kodex has struck a nice balance. The development team certainly hasn’t overreached itself by throwing the kitchen sink at the KX-i, which surely would have been the temptation. Rather, they’ve kept it understated, with subtle graphics, smart stainless collars and etched butt cap, and subtle whippings. These are therefore not extrovert, ‘showy’ rods, they’re self-confident, smart and tailored, and we know that will appeal to lots and lots of you!
“GIMME”: £475; kodextackle.com

The styling is minimal with subtle graphics, smart stainless collars and etched butt cap and subtle whippings