THE SKY'S THE LIMIT! SONIK'S GRAVITY RODS

In the world of carp fishing rods, the name ‘Gravity’ means big things. The originals were a classic piece of rod engineering from 2014, recognised as one of the best casting rods of all time, but because of their high RRP, they only ended up in the hands of a select few. That’s all set to change from mid-January, as Sonik unleashes a brand-new version of the Gravity. However, this time it carries a price tag which means its wondrous casting and fish-playing abilities can be enjoyed by all…

Corr, they look nice!
Not ’af! Cosmically, they’re most definitely one of the most refined rods CARPology’s laid its hands on, but that’s only half the story. Like the original Gravity rods, it’s in the performance where these rods win, and that’s largely thanks to them being manufactured from a high modulus, low-resin carbon blank.

What does that actually mean, though?
For all the techno-minded rod buffs, lower resin content means the resin pockets are much smaller and better dispersed through the blank. This makes it virtually immune to the softening process that’s common in rods made with inferior carbons. And for the rest of us mere mortals, that basically translates into the fact that Sonik can now produce a lighter, slimmer, stronger, and faster recovery blank.

So does this mean they’ll sling a lead a long way?
It sure does! Combining that carbon fibre with Sonik’s new ‘Anti-Torsion-Core’ (ATC) handle construction provides more power for casting, with an ultrafast tip recovery, meaning you’ll fire that 3.5oz lead further than you’ve previously had whilst retaining outstanding accuracy. And to ensure you really can cast further using these rods, Sonik has fitted each blank with ultra-light Seaguide TDG PVD-coated DL black guides. In the right hands, the sky’s the limit with these rods!

What are the fixtures and fittings like?
Spectacularly good. The rod itself is finished with a sleek, semi-matt armoured carbon, which, when combined with the slim Japanese shrink wrap handle, really puts this new version of the Gravity in a class of its own. Other features include a seamless weld anti-frap tip guide and a DPS 17mm reel seat which will complement most modern-day big-pit reels.

Lush! What about test curves and lengths?
There are two 10ft models, which come in 3lb and 3.5lb TC, three 12ft versions in 3lb, 3.25lb, and 3.5lb TC, and a 13ft 3.75lb for out-and-out distance work. All models, with the exception of the two 10ft versions, carry 50mm guides. There is also a dedicated 12ft Spod/Marker rod available.

Do I want a set?
Definitely. In our eyes, this new version of the Gravity promises to reset the benchmark for mid-range rods. And talking of cash, here comes the really good part: they are virtually half the price of the original Gravity’s! The 10ft models are £119.99, the 12fters and Spod/Marker £129.99, and the big 13ft beast is £139.99. Outstanding, Sonik—take a bow.