Lightweight Delights | Sonik SK Rods and Reels

At CARPology, we’re always eager to explore new and extreme offerings, but this combination from Sonik has truly impressed us. Let’s start with the reel—the SK-47 Carbon 7000. Sonik’s marketing team describes it as “a new breed of hybrid carp reel that combines significant casting performance in an ultra-light package.” We’ll come back to the performance part in the moment and instead focus on the ‘ultra-light package’. This carbon and black gloss-drenched reel weighs just 454g. To put that into perspective, a renowned lightweight reel from another manufacturer weighs 505g and costs an extra £665! And whilst we’re talking cash, the SK-47 Carbon retails for just £69.99! Seriously, that reel you’re admiring right now is under seventy quid! Okay, performance now.

So, how have they achieved this remarkable feat? It all begins with the phenomenally lightweight carbon body (hence its name) and rotor construction. Further weight-saving measures are taken with the long-stroke aluminum spool, which also makes casting at distance an easy task. And for those who are going ‘really long’ on the Orient, you’ll be pleased to know the spool holds 300m of 0.38 (that’s roughly 18lb), 360 of 0.35 and 430 of 0.32. Moreover, it retrieves line as quickly as it disappears on a big chunk, thanks to boasting a retrieval rate of 0.95m per turn.

To ensure that mono or braid is perfectly distributed on the spool, the Carbon 7000 is equipped with a super-smooth worm shaft system, complemented by multi-washers for micro-adjustable front drag, which incorporates Sonik’s tried and trusted ‘Quick Torque Drag’ system. Additional reel tech includes a floating rotor line guard, twin line clips, and an oversized, twist-free line roller.

To go hand-in-hand with the rods, Sonik has introduced the SK-47 Carp Rods, priced similarly to the reels and boasting comparable performance. This collection is designed to cover various angling scenarios, from close-quarter battles to long-distance casting, and that’s thanks to the high modulus carbon construction, which results in exceptional power while remaining forgiving at close range.

Aesthetically as pleasing to the eye as the reels, these feature a classy axial armoured-carbon finish paired with super-light M Series DL black guides, including an anti-frap tip ring. The rods are equipped with a slim Japanese shrink-wrap handle and a line-friendly custom-contoured Sonik line clip.

All models, except for the 10ft versions, come with 50mm guides as standard. The range includes two 10ft models, three 12ft models, a 13ft model, and a 12ft Spod/Marker rod to complete the set.