Reviews & Where To Buy
The Avid Traction Pro carp rod is actually suitable for a wide range of anglers thanks to its many different versions of lengths and test curves.
For example, the occasional stalker may enjoy the 10ft 3lb test curve model whereas a specimen hunter on a big pit may air towards the 12 ft 3.5lb test curve option.
At an affordable price also, the rod is aimed towards the majority of anglers in the UK with only maybe those anglers looking for a real premium, top-of-the-range carp rod being exempt from this.
| Length | Test Curve | Ideal For | Max Cast Distance |
|---|---|---|---|
| 10 ft | 3lb | Small to medium sized venues. Good all-round rod | 80 yds |
| 10 ft | 3.5lb | Small to medium sized waters where fishing for larger specimens or near snags / weed. | 100 yds |
| 12 ft | 3lb | Medium sized venues. Good all-round rod | 120 yds |
| 12 ft | 3.25lb | Medium sized venues. Good all-round rod | 130 yds |
| 12 ft | 3.5lb | Medium to Larger venue where a little more distance is required and when larger fish are being targeted | 150yds |
The handle
The handle is wrapped in a full Japanese shrink wrap which is comfortable and easy on the hands on both the cast and the fight.
It is though the only material offered by Avid in this model which won’t please the traditional, cork-loving, anglers out there.
The reel seat
The reel seat on the Avid Traction Pro is a standard DPS type that fits in nicely with the rest of the rod’s aesthetics.
I had no issues with the reel seat when testing this rod and my reel remained solidly in place throughout the whole session.
The eyes/guides
Similar to the reel seat, the guides blend in nicely with the overall look of the rod.
They are pretty bog standard in the way that they do the job, however, Avid hasn’t gone to town with this feature for example they aren’t as lightweight as some of the competition.
There is also no anti-frap tip which lets the model down slightly.
The blank
The Traction Pros blank is where the model has moved forward in comparison to the original model.
They utilise the popular 1k weave that you see on a lot of newer rods on the market. It’s finished off nicely with an anti-glare coating and a laser-etched butt cap.
It also boasts a handy line clip on all models.
The Avid Traction Pro carp rod is certainly a step up from the previous version, but for me, not enough of one to make a huge difference compared to the original.
Yes, the blank has improved, and it does cast better. However, by slightly scrimping on the guides, I didn’t feel much improvement when it came to playing fish.
There are some nice touches on the rod, such as the anti-glare, understated finish, which will appeal to some anglers, and I really liked the full shrink handle, which was very comfortable to hold.
The rod comes in many variations, and all of them were nicely balanced. If you’re a fan of fishing with a 10ft carp rod, I can recommend the 10ft, 3lb option. This is my pick of the bunch and, for me, is a credible stalking carp rod.
Overall, the Traction Pro is a solid rod that performs well, though I was left a little disappointed that Avid hadn’t taken a couple more steps further with some of the features compared to the original.
Here is how the Avid Traction Pro Carp Rod compares against other products in its category.
| Name | Overall Rating | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Fox Horizon X3 Carp Rod | 8.5 | £79.99 |
| Fox EOS Pro Tele Fishing Rod | 7.3 | £39.99 |
| Fox Horizon X3 Floater Fishing Rod | 8.1 | £109.99 |
| Fox EOS 10000 | 8.1 | £57.99 |
| Fox FX11 | 8.5 | £104.99 |
| Fox Predator Elite XS Boat Rod | 8.3 | £144.99 |
| Fox Rage TR Reel | 8.3 | £99.99 |
| Nash X Series Carp Rod | 7.8 | £39.99 |
| Daiwa Crosscast XT Carp Rod | 7.5 | £69.99 |
| Avid Traction Pro Carp Rod | 7.4 | £79.99 |
Etackle’s objective is to provide anglers with key information on fishing tackle products to help them make an informed decision before purchase.
We do this by writing about our own experiences of the product being tested as well as researching information from other experts in the field as well as reviews from other users.
This means you have an unbiased review from a number of sources all in one place. For more information on how products are reviewed on Etackle, please visit our dedicated page on the review process.
If you would like to see more fishing tackle check out our full list of featured products below.Â
Copyright 2024 © eTackle | Designed by ‘The Web Page‘
