Description
CARP RODS
Compact Freedom. Engineered Control.
Stalking rods have always had a loyal following, but shorter carp rods are now firmly part of mainstream fishing—especially when you’re travelling light, moving swims regularly, or making the most of short, opportunistic sessions around work. A compact CTX gives you the freedom to stay mobile without giving up the crisp response and control you’d expect from a full-length blank, and they come into their own on tight banks, under overhanging cover, or anywhere a longer rod becomes a hindrance.
They’re also an excellent tool for boat work—whether you’re rowing baits out, netting fish at the side, or even fishing directly from the boat, as is popular on big European waters such as Chantecoq. The 10’ models are particularly well suited here, offering a sweet balance of leverage and manoeuvrability when space is limited but performance still matters.
Just like the longer CTX rods, the compact range is built around a sophisticated blank construction that blends Japanese 40t and 30t carbon with resin content kept below 25%. Layers are wrapped alternately at 0° and 90° for stability and strength, then reinforced with 3mm bi-axis carbon tape at 45°, creating the signature X structure that keeps the blank slim and light, yet impressively robust. The result is a short rod that recovers cleanly, stays composed under pressure and punches above its length when you need to steer fish with confidence. Finished in a modern matt blank, it retains that understated CTX look while resisting sun fade and unnecessary glare.
CTX compact carp rods are produced to the same exacting standards as the longer models, with a choice of abbreviated, full cork and full EVA handle options to suit your style. Both 10’ models are also available with either 30mm or 40mm butt guides, allowing you to tailor line flow to your reel choice and approach. Built with Fuji DPS M18 reel seats and stainless steel butt cap and collars for reliable use over many seasons, they’re finished off with an attractive copper trim around the logo to tie the range together.
X-Structure
Reinforced Stability. Clean Recovery.
Compact
Mobile Fishing. Full Performance.
Key Features
Constructed from blended 40t and 30t Japanese carbon with 45° bi-axis reinforcement, Fuji DPS M18 seats and ceramic-lined guides, delivering slim, fast-recovering blanks with stability and control in a compact 10’ format.
Japanese 40t & 30t carbon with <25% resin for a stronger power-to-weight balance
Alternating 0°/90° wraps plus 45° 3mm bi-axis X-Tape for stability and reduced twist
Slim, ultra-light blank with fast recovery and confident fish-playing control
Matt blank finish for a tough, glare-free look
Fuji DPS M18 reel seats with stainless collars and butt cap for durability
Handle options: abbreviated, full cork, and full EVA
10’ models available with 30mm or 40mm butt guides
Builds
Alongside our full custom service, we aim to keep stock builds in an array of guide options, and we stock a vast array of components to bring genuine individual character to each rod. We hold large stocks of these components and also keep additional parts in stock such as the most popular ALPS reel seats, so both stock builds and bespoke projects can be delivered with the finish you want.
We build Hi-‘S’ in several established formats—classic, modern and ultra-modern—without losing the Hi-‘S’ feel.
Stock build options
Original S-Lite
Reel Seat & Hoods:
Clone seat with Fuji Natural Silver hoods, 1k match finish, integrated isotope slot.
Guides:
Gun smoke ceramic-lined S-Lite guides.
Tip:
Kigan anti-frap tip ring.
Hardware:
Stainless steel butt cap and collars.
Character:
Classic Hi-‘S’ feel – crisp, refined, and built for long-term durability.
Full Black
Reel Seat & Hoods:
Clone seat fitted with black hoods.
Guides:
Black framed S-Lite guides.
Tip:
Kigan anti-frap tip ring.
Hardware:
Black Acetal butt cap and collars.
Character:
Clean, modern and understated with a stealthy overall appearance.
Black + Seaguide TDG
Reel Seat & Hoods:
Clone seat with black hoods.
Guides:
Seaguide TDG guides with Adaman coating and stainless steel liners.
Tip:
Kigan anti-frap tip ring.
Hardware:
Black Acetal butt cap and collars.
Character:
Lighter in hand with a sharp, contemporary look and feel.
Black + Ti-Forged Air
Reel Seat & Hoods:
Clone seat with black hoods.
Guides:
American Tackle Ti-Forged Air guides, forward-facing configuration.
Tip:
Kigan anti-frap tip ring.
Hardware:
Black Acetal butt cap and collars.
Character:
Ultra-modern, distinctive, and progressive with a premium performance edge.
Handle notes:
For Full Cork and Full EVA builds, grips are specially tapered to suit individual blanks so the fit is exact—avoiding ‘hollow spots’ under the handle. We also keep a selection of Full Shrink for those wanting a more minimalist, harder-wearing full handle.
Recommendations
Tightest swims, under-tip work and pure mobility
CTX 9’ 3lb is the compact specialist—ideal for close-range fishing, stalking, snaggy edges and short sessions where speed and control matter more than casting distance.
Classic feel for roaming and bank work
Choose the 9’ 3lb Cork (RCTXM564) if you prefer a traditional grip and a little extra comfort during long hours with the rod in hand.
Wet-weather practicality and hard-wearing grip
The 9’ 3lb Full EVA (RCTXM565) is perfect for travelling light, frequent moves and boat use where easy-clean handling is a real advantage.
Best all-round short rod
The 10’ 2¾lb Cork (RCTXM566) balances playing action with surprising casting ease—ideal for mainstream carping on smaller waters, margin work, and short-to-medium range leads and bags.
Big pit reels, thicker leaders, and cleaner line flow
Pick the 10’ 2¾lb Cork – 40mm (RCTXM566-40) when you want smoother casting with larger spools or heavier mainlines.
More authority in a short format
The 10’ 3¼lb Abbreviated (RCTXM567) is the choice for solid PVA bags, heavier leads, more demanding venues, or when you want maximum steering power at close range.
When you want that extra power plus 40mm flow
The 10’ 3¼lb Abb – 40mm (RCTXM567-40) suits bigger reels, thicker shockleaders and harder casting, while keeping the compact handling that makes short rods so effective.
SPECIFICATIONS
Weight note: Blank and rod weights may vary slightly from those quoted. Stainless steel collars and butt caps are used for durability; they add a little to the rod’s overall weight, but because that mass sits in the handle area it should not adversely affect balance.
