Century FMA Carp Rod

Is there such a thing as the ultimate all-round carp rod? The true unicorn of carp rods. A rod that can cast huge distances, handle the heaviest of leads while retaining the playing action of a short-range rod. Up until now it’s been a pretty tall order to make such claims, but enter the Century FMA (Force = Mass X Acceleration)

The FMA is an interesting and unique tool to say the least and is available in two different versions. The FMA1 which comes as a 12ft only option and is suitable for use with leads of 3-4ozs and the big brother FMA2 which boasts both 12 and 13ft options and will work perfectly with leads of 3-5ozs.

The butt section of the FMA is based on the hugely popular parallel/neutral taper principal of the original FMJ and is incredibly slim and aesthetically pleasing, especially considering the huge reserves of power that this rod possesses. The rear end of this rod is so potent that the guys at Century strongly recommend the use of either very heavy mono or ideally shockleaders when distance casting to help to avoid crack-offs.

The main change from FMJ to FMA however is in the updated tip section design. The original FMJ was a real powerhouse from tip to butt whereas the new FMA benefits from a cleverly thought out and constructed new tip section on all models which somehow manages to behave like a 3lb test curve rod once a fish becomes hooked. What is also extra impressive is that not only does the new tip provide the user with a much-enhanced playing action and reduce any risk of hook pulls by a considerable margin, it does so with minimal loss of power. In fact, numerous casts of over 200yds have been recorded with the FMA2.

As with all of the updated Century models, the finish really is something special with an impressive list of key features including a full slimline Japanese shrink wrap handle, complementing black aluminium butt cap, custom APLS Matt black reel seat and laser etched black aluminium trim band at the reverse spigot. The classic 1k-1k weave, 50-16mm Century SiC ring set and subtle deep cherry red tippings are pure class and complete the proceedings perfectly.

We could rattle on all day about the industry leading Autoclave curing process, Anti Twist Technology and complex series of ultra high modulus, high modulus and intermediate modulus carbon patterns cross-linked in the axis of the rod, but we think you get the picture.

Yet another masterpiece from the northern based kings of carbon.

“GIMME”: Prices start from £394.00; centurycarp.co.uk

Century Media Manager, Dave Springall with a recently caught brute – assisted by the FMA