I live just up the road from Embryo Norton Disney and hopefully will be going there soon with a mate. Normally I fish for barbel on the Trent and have a mismatch of rods but it would be nice to have a cheap matching setup that I could have ready for when I fancy a change.
I'm no caster and looking at maps of the lakes at ND the max size of the swims is 120yds but most of them are around 65-75 yds so don't need anything too powerful but would like to be able to chuck the odd PVA bag. Only looking to spend £100 per rod max so think the potential contenders are

Sonik VaderX RS
Shimano Tribal TX2
Avid Traction Pro

Would go for the 12ft versions but not sure whether 2.75lb or 3lb TC. Would 2.75lb be OK with a bag

Probably pair these with the Okuma inc6000 reels as they seem to be well liked here.

Any suggestions on which of the rods would be preferable or any others I should consider would be much appreciated

Thanks

In reply to Post #1
Would definitely consider second hand rods, more bang for your buck and there's some good deals to be had. For example, there's 3 x Free Spirit for £275 in Leicester on Facebook Marketplace.

In reply to Post #1
3lb will be better. I would also go second hand as you will get a much better rod for your money. If you do buy new the tx2 would bey choice out of the 3 you mention.

Shimano TX2, have heard nothing but good reviews of them. If I had £100 per rod to spend I wouldn't hesitate 👍

Thanks for the feedback. I did look at second hand but didn't really seem much around. Had seen the those FreeSpirits in Leicester but they're too long and stiffer than I'd like. I'll keep an eye out but if nothing comes up the TX2s may have to go on the shopping list.

In reply to Post #1
The tx2 are well regarded. I would also consider the OKUMA - T-REX 7000 FD as an all round carp reel. I have both them and the smaller 6000 reels.

Well got too impatient waiting to find something decent second hand so went for the TX2s in 3lb, not got a lot of experience to compare them against anything but they look bloody good to me and can't wait to get out and use them!

Thanks to all for the advice

The Okumas are spot on as well, only spooled one up but it's super smooth and line lay is faultless

Take a look at Wychwood, they produce some cheaper rods and are plenty sufficient.

The classics are around £50 a rod.

In reply to Post #1
Shimano TX2 . . .12ft 3.25

I took one with a big pit reel to a recent lesson with Terry Edmonds and chucked 110 yards first cast with a 3oz lead and 0.37 line straight through . . .and I am a cr*p caster! This was a typical 'carpers / girls throw' cast according to TE!

Great value for money . . .(both rod and casting lesson!)

In reply to Post #10
I might have to invest in a TE lesson, even if my distance doesn't get any better it's got to help improve my aim. Sure I'm lucky to hit the lake half the time!

In reply to Post #11
Me too,that's why I love fishing the margins

In reply to Post #1
Shame the TX2 only come in 50mm.

In reply to Post #13
What's the downside of that? Is it just they're more susceptible to damage?

In reply to Post #14
Weight which would be minimal (enough for me to make it a factor), but more so lack of feel on lead, and playing fish.