X Hits The Spot!
Nash’s capable tools have plenty to offer: crisp, responsive and very good-looking. Here are our five key takeaways...
Relative newcomers to the carp world might be surprised to learn that Kevin Nash—the man who presides over an empire of tackle that includes groundbreaking semi-telescopic short rods, lightweight reels and an almost endlessly extendable baiting pole—is one of the pioneers of long-range casting. Blanks bearing his name and the Japanese sea reels he helped import in the early 1990s shaped the big-chuck scene—so it’s clear to see the evolution that has led to the X Series rods from the Nash stable. Here are 5 things we love about this range of rods…
1. Casting power
Nash themselves describe the X Series range has having ‘hardcore blanks combined with cult style’. What that means in practice is you get a great-looking rod with plenty of casting backbone. The blanks are crisp and responsive, allowing you to push single hookbaits a very long way, or chuck bags and method feeders without any fear of failure.
2. Quality guides
Nash are one of an expanding number of brands to put their faith in American Tackle’s rings, and on these rods you can really see why. The ‘reversed’ Vortex Air guides are incredibly minimalistic and help feed into the whip-crack action of the blanks. They also look stunning, too. Nash’s own satin-black reel seat completes the look.
3. Functional features
In terms of a technical specification, the X Series rods fulfill modern carp anglers’ desires. The blank has a 1k carbon finish with gloss-black whippings reinforced at the spigot. The butt of the handle is wrapped in Japanese shrink rubber and all the 12ft and 13ft models have 50mm butt rings. Anti-frap tip rings are also present throughout the range.
4. Flexible range
The bulk of the X Series range is centred on three 12ft models. These come in 3lb, 3.25lb and 3.5lb test curves. If you really want to push your distance casting then there’s also a 13ft 3.5lb option, while at the other end of the scale there are a pair of 10-footers. These have test curves of 3lb and 3.5lb
5. Incredible value
Perhaps the best thing about the X Series range is the cost. They really do perform like rods with far higher price tags. The 12-footers have an RRP of £109.99, while the 10-footers are £98.99. The 13-footer is priced at £126.49, but shop around and you’ll find all three options for a few quid less, making them exceptional value for money.
