ZHU CHE

Zhu Che (竹澈) is a crucian carp pole styled as a modern take on bamboo: a matte bamboo-imitation finish over a slim, thick-walled blank, with a woven grip and weighted butt plug completing the retro presentation. Under the styling the construction is current, using SNVC carbon and the NET-V II process, and the maker enlarged the blank taper specifically to cure tip-heaviness, so the pole balances in the hand rather than nodding forward. The resulting action is pitched at long, unhurried crucian sessions where fatigue matters as much as power.

Three telescopic models cover 3.6 m (87 g, four sections), 4.5 m (126 g, five sections) and 5.4 m (169 g, six sections), all in 99 percent carbon and all closing to 115 cm. It sits in the lineup as a light finesse pole rather than a battle rod.