A TOUCH OF KODEX CLASS

Mark Sawyer tests Kodex’s new KX-i rods and finds a perfect marriage between performance and build quality…

“The super-slim KX-i blanks are wickedly responsive, and there is zero recoil after casting”

KODEX is known for producing high-quality carping accessories at very competitive prices.

So it’s something of a departure, not to say a bit of a shock, to find that the company has launched two top-end carp rods.

The new 12ft KX-i models in 3.25lb and 3.5lb test curves push the envelope of modern rod design. Kodex claims they are the world’s best carp rods, and this obviously has to be open to debate… although their quality is not. Nothing cheap and cheerful here!

Zepto-X carbon weave technology, combined with a super-expensive 55 tonne aerospace grade carbon cloth, totally eliminates twist and distortion when the rods are compressed.

And it doesn’t stop there. You can add to its list of impressive endowments ultra-light TG16 matt black titanium guides dressed with classy carpy green silks, original Fuji reel fittings, machine engraved butt caps, Anti-Frap tip guides, tapered EVA abbreviated butt grips, and handy foot-long zig extensions as standard.

On the bank the super slim KX-i blanks are wickedly responsive, and recover so fast that after casting there is zero recoil and precious little bounce, if indeed any at all.

There’s nothing of the broom handle about these rods – but the progressive fighting curve and their cushioning effect when a big girl is lunging away from the net cord are hugely reassuring.

I can happily report that when using hefty fluorocarbon shockleaders, the anti-frap tip ring proved to be worth its weight in gold. The blanks are all so light to handle that I would choose to use the 3.5lb rod if I was doing a lot of solid PVA bag or distance work.

In any event, for normal straight lead, stringers, and even PVA mesh tactics, you’d have to go an awfully long way to improve on the performance and build quality of both these superb Kodex KX-i rods. In fact I’m saving up to buy a couple of my own...