Xtractor+

The Xtractor+ is the current generation of Sonik's retractable compact carp rod, the design the brand is best known for. The butt section retracts rather than the rod breaking down, so the 6ft model transports at 74cm and the 10-footers at 127cm. The range runs eight builds: a 6ft 3lb at 127g, the 8ft 3lb Recon, 9ft models at 2.75lb and 3lb, 10ft models at 3.25lb and 3.5lb, plus 4.5lb spod versions at 9ft and 10ft so a baiting rod can match the fishing rods in length and transport size.

Blanks are high-modulus C6 carbon with a raw carbon finish, and the plus generation is lighter and quicker to recover than the original sub-£50 Xtractor. Guides are super-light Seaguide TDG with ADAMAN coating; the 8ft and longer models take a Seaguide XUT seamless-weld anti-frap tip ring and 40mm butt rings on the bigger builds. Handles are Japanese shrink rubber with a flared grip over matt black DPS reel seats.

The brief is stalking, small waters, boats, and travel: rods that live made-up in a car boot or on a barrow and still handle proper carp. The 2.75lb 9ft suits close work and lighter leads, while the 3.5lb 10ft covers PVA bags and solid leads at sensible range.