I've never had any issues with esp hooks from the packet. There chod hammers are probably my favourite stiff rig/chod hook although I also use the old Ace Razor stiff rig hooks as I too bulk bought when they went bust.
For bottom baits I think the korda straight point hooks are as near perfect as you can get, I use them with a esp kicker. If anyone from esp are reading this topic, make the shank on your Slammer hooks 2 to 3mm longer, they would also be perfect then.

In reply to Post #5
Cotswold baits have had a bit of a resurrection over the last 18 months. Some of the products mentioned are available again. Check out their web site.

In reply to Post #44
The synchro xt being reviewed pre 2024 is not the same as the xt you will buy now. It has changed.

In reply to Post #8
And me, it's a great bag and as a 68yr old who doesn't do nights in the dead of winter it is perfect.

In reply to Post #1
I have only used garlic powder, but not the one sold for human consumption. I use the powder sold for horses, I've used various brands, they all look similar to me and are of Chinese origin.

In reply to Post #2
Interesting comment, and I think you are correct, if the hook is going to pull out the tc of a rod will not make a difference.

But what if the hook is secure and not going to pull? In this scenario a higher tc rod or a rod that genuinely locks up even if a lower tc (my preference) will allow you to stop fish reaching snags, weeds, etc. This is certainly my experience.

In reply to Post #1
Depends on how close a match you want. I add any ingredients I think add to the taste and colour of my bait such as liver, yeast, spices, taste enhancers, etc to an equal volume of cork granules. I then add this to a proprietary pop up mix. I then add flavours and eggs. I find I use approx one part of my mix to 4 or 5 parts by volume of pop up mix. I look for a paler pop up to my feed baits.

For me a black amnesia or stiff flouro boom is far more reliable than a stripped back coated braid. And you can use different braids depending on your needs. I use really supple when using pva and stiffer when casting with just the hookbait. Coated braid tangles too often when I cast distance even when hitting the clip and sooner or later the coating breaks at the knot.

In reply to Post #4
I still have and use esp vertex carp rods, I may be wrong but I seem to recollect that these were advertised as high modulus carbon which has all the properties you have just described in the acolyte brand.

The vertex rods are very lightweight (the high modulus gives strength with a thin walled blank) and eventually lock up under load, both properties I like.
In theory they should be more brittle and prone to breakage but mine have stood the test of time.

As you say nowadays carp rods are more durable but often heavier. I am sure a professional rod maker could describe this far better than I can.

In reply to Post #1
Gardener Pro line is what you are looking for. Very reasonable price but reliable.

The dark blend is great if you want a line that sinks quickly, if you are expecting to be fishing at range the light blend casts better.