Daiwa Powermesh Carp Rods

The Powermesh name is one that many of us will be familiar with, but might have forgotten about! In the 1990s they were among the finest mid-price rods available, and Daiwa has relaunched a version that’s much, much better even than its renowned predecessor!

Of course, technology has moved on, and the Powermesh is very much the result of that, but the facts remain: the 2018 incarnation of the Powermesh is a crisp, steely customer, with classic Daiwa looks and performance. So who will they appeal to? Well, their performance won’t be left wanting, even in the hands of the most hard-nosed veteran, but perhaps they’re most suited to the guy who’s serious about their angling, but don’t have the budget to lay out £400 on one rod. Thanks largely to the efforts of the likes of Daiwa, the quality of blanks and build that are now accessible for under £200 are, frankly, phenomenal.

All of the rods in the range have substantial reserves of power through the butt and middle, which allow them all (apart from perhaps the 9ft stalker) to chuck in excess of 100yds. The action has been carefully calibrated to cushion those
hook holds close in; even the beefier models have an assured ‘feel’ that leaves you well and truly in charge of the fight.

With black whippings, subtle graphics and a matt finish the Powermesh is a thing of understated beauty, a feat that Daiwa seem to pull off with peerless regularity. The high-grade blanks are 1K carbon and they’ve been married with reliable LS ceramic rings, a classic Fuji DPS reel seat and a slim-profile, shrink-wrapped handle.

There are seven rods in the range, which build from the 9ft stalker, which has a crisp 2.75lb test curve that’s perfect for extracting carp from tricky spots, through four 12ft versions (2.25, 2.75, 3 and 3.5lb) to a 13ft 3.5lb beast, and a dedicated spod rod.

If you search online you can find some excellent multi-rod deals that make the Powermesh an even more affordable option, if your budget isn’t endless.
From £99.99