Hi, I started back up carp fishing this year and my current setup is 2 12ft Advanta Discovery CSX rods 3lb TC and my reels are TFG Black edition Speed runners (bait runner reels). Someone has offered me a different set up that all in all will cost me little more however I wanted some advice on whether this new setup would be an improvement (I do want to make the shift to Big pits). The setup is Sonik Vader 8000 reels and Nash KNX rods (same length and TC).

Any advice gratefully received,

Thanks Paul

In reply to Post #1
I would say the sonik reels are an upgrade on TFG, but I dont know enough about the rods to comment.

In reply to Post #1
My advise is to buy some Sonik vader x RS rods paired with okuma LS 8k big pit reels if you want a very good budget setup

In reply to Post #3
Thanks have looked at those rods and reels, not considered them as a combo though. This is specifically about this set up though as I have an opportunity effectively to swap setups and I just want to know if it's a good idea or not? Eventually I would like some TX5's and Ultegras but can't justify the outlay yet!!!

In reply to Post #4
I would just keep fishing with what you have and save up for the Shimano setup you want

In reply to Post #4
If it's a straight swap, and they're in good nick, I'd go for it. The Sonik/Nash combo would be more saleable when you want to sell them on.

In reply to Post #1
Some sonic reels get a bad press. Check out the reviews on the ones you have been offered.

In reply to Post #7
Just not a carpology review

In reply to Post #1
I don't think that it would be a big step up at all. The reels may be slightly better but I am now nothing about either of those rods. As has already been suggested, I would keep with what you have for now and save for the Shimano set-up you have your eye on

Daiwa black widow 25A or Daiwa Emcast 25A are the 2 reels you want to look at in lower price range.

I wouldn't go for sonik reels, was a mistake when I decided to buy one a couple months ago, the line has gone behind the spool too many times to count, much better reels out there

In reply to Post #10
Looked at both these reels and they are on my list of possibilities, along with the crosscast QD

I bought 3 Sonik Tournos 6000's back in 2017 as I wanted some "Baby Pits" and I could not believe how good they was. Straight away, I bought another 2, and then a couple of months later bought a set of 3 x Tournos 8000's. They have to be the best reels that I have used since my Mitchell 300's back in my early carp fishing days in the 60's. Brilliant reels. A friend also uses the 6000's and he thinks the same about how good they are.

But, recently, I needed a new spombing reel and as Sonik do not make Tournos anymore it appears, I opted for the Vader 8000 filled with braid. But, compared to the Tournos, it does not seem as good for some reason, it seems to be a cheaper build with a bit of play in it and not as smooth. But, I have had no issues with line or braid getting behind the spool of either type of reel or any other issues.

Even the price of the Vader reels are far cheaper than what the Tournos were and about half the price of the Tournos brand new which tells me that they are of a lower quality.