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Retractable recommendation (11 posts / 1,323 views)
0nslow 0nslow
Posts: 1,619
Post #1 28 May 2025 09:13
0
After being quite cynical of them for some time, I've decided that the time has come to have a dabble with some retractables for a couple of smaller water I fish rather than 3 piece rods.

I've narrowed it down to a couple of budget options - ultra bionic 3lb tc (2 for £110) or sonik xtractor 3.25tc (2 for £90)

The internet tells me both are reasonable for the price - any positive or negative experience with either of these that would make me lean towards the other?

Cheers

finbob finbob
Posts: 3,466
Post #2 28 May 2025 11:54
0
In reply to Post #1
Whatever you deicide on go 10ft rather than 9ft. Collapsed difference is barely much but the difference in the feel of the rod is worth it. High test shorter rods can feel a bit pool cue ish! Extra length can cast a bit more than lob type cast on shorter version.
0nslow 0nslow
Posts: 1,619
Post #3 28 May 2025 11:58
0
In reply to Post #2
Thanks,

Yes was planning on 10ft and where these are for, casting a 2.5oz lead will be 30 or 40 yards tops.

Fish on average will be around twenty (mostly high doubles) with 4 or 5 bigger ones lurking about.
LochLondon
Posts: 194
Post #4 28 May 2025 13:48
1
In reply to Post #1
I've got 3 of the Sonik Xtractors in 10ft 3.5lb TC & have had them since they came out. They get absolutely battered fishing the canals here in Holland, thrown on the back of the bike trailer etc. and large water trips in France and they've never skipped a beat, they've been solid on carp to 50lb from long distance in the boat all the way through to big cats.

You won't go wrong with them, great value for the money
0nslow 0nslow
Posts: 1,619
Post #5 28 May 2025 15:30
0
In reply to Post #4
Thanks, that's what I was hoping to hear
Rarebit Rarebit
Posts: 228
Post #6 28 May 2025 20:22
0
I've got the insurgents in 9ft 3.25 and absolutely love them. I only bought them as small water rods but use them for anything up to 100 yards now. My dad has 10ft scopes in 3.5lb which are finished better (and cost a lot more) but they do feel a bit pokey in comparison.
HarrisonCarp HarrisonCarp
Posts: 387
Post #7 28 May 2025 20:37
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Another vote for the 10ft Sonik Xtractors.

Had them 4yrs now and love them.
0nslow 0nslow
Posts: 1,619
Post #8 28 May 2025 20:48
1
Thanks, there was only one set of the Soniks left at £90 so I've bagged them along with a recon net for £40 👍.


HarrisonCarp HarrisonCarp
Posts: 387
Post #9 28 May 2025 20:51
0
In reply to Post #8
Good purchase that

Another good deal I got was the rod bag made by Cult.... Cheap but good quality and specifically for the Sonik rods 👍
0nslow 0nslow
Posts: 1,619
Post #10 28 May 2025 21:11
1
In reply to Post #9
Thanks, funnily enough I picked up one of their 3 rod bags for 30 quid. Figured the spare rod section can carry sticks and a few other bits and provide a bit of extra space.
HarrisonCarp HarrisonCarp
Posts: 387
Post #11 28 May 2025 22:07
0
In reply to Post #10
Exactly what I did before I got the 3rd rod 👍

Got 3 of these too, they fit perfectly:

https://a.aliexpress.com/_EziGexo
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