Best Throwing Sticks

Avid's Extremity is a carbon throwing stick in two lengths, an 80cm standard model and a 120cm XR for extreme range. Both are 24mm in diameter, so they take baits up to 22mm and cover the popular boilie sizes.

The carbon is super lightweight with a 3K weave, so it should build speed without wearing out your arm. A speed loader, an X-wrap shrink grip and a printed neoprene sleeve make it a complete package straight away.

Anyone after one quality stick for most of their range work should start with it. Next to the Daiwa Infinity Evo, it gives up a little outright distance, but the choice of lengths makes it far more flexible, and it scores higher on value.

To be fair, the 24mm tube rules out bigger boilies, and the XR takes practice to throw well. For anglers who want one carbon stick to cover mid and long range, though, I think it's the best all-round choice.

Built on the design of the first carbon fibre throwing stick ever made, the Infinity Evo is a curved carbon stick in 22mm and 25mm diameters. It weighs a shade over 50g, which makes it very light for its job.

Lightness and rigidity together let you build throwing speed fast, and that's where the extra distance over plastic and straight sticks comes from. It's made in the UK, and it's easy on the arm and wrist over a long baiting session.

Committed long-range anglers who bait week in, week out are who it's built for. Next to the Avid Extremity, it's a pure distance tool rather than a two-length all-rounder, while the Fox Horizon Carbon 120cm chases range through extra length instead of low weight.

To be fair, it's the dearest stick in the guide, and the curve rewards practice. For serious long-range baiting, though, I think it's the one to aim for if the budget allows.

At 120cm, Fox's Horizon Carbon is made extra long for maximum distance. It comes in two sizes, one for baits up to 20mm and one for baits up to 24mm, so you can match it to your boilies.

A Cobra-shaped neck speeds the bait through the stick, and the high-modulus carbon keeps all that length stiff. A bottom loading port, an anti-twist grip, an anti-crush EVA bung and a neoprene sleeve complete the package.

On big pits where the spots are well out, it comes into its own. Next to the Daiwa Infinity Evo, it finds range through length rather than very low weight, and compared with the Fox Rangemaster C20, it's the long-range tool where the C20 is a one-piece 20mm stick.

To be fair, all that length takes practice, and it's awkward in a tight swim. For reaching distant spots at a mid price, though, I think it's very hard to beat.

Made for 20mm boilies, the Rangemaster C20 is a one-piece carbon stick that's lighter than plastic and throws baits further. With no joints, it should stay stiff and true for years of baiting.

Loading is quick, thanks to a port just above the grip, and the oval handle section gives a firmer hold and more accuracy. It comes in a protective case, with understated cosmetics, and there's a 26mm version for bigger baits.

For me, it's a natural fit for anglers who bait with 20mm boilies at short to mid range. Next to the Fox Horizon Carbon 120cm, it trades reach for easier handling, and against the Sonik Airdrop Carbon 24mm it suits a smaller bait, where the Airdrop takes boilies up to 22mm.

To be fair, it only suits one bait size, and it's one of the dearer carbon sticks. For a tidy, light stick that's easy to load, though, I think it's a smart choice.

One of the cheaper carbon sticks around, the Sonik Airdrop Carbon 24mm is 92cm long, weighs 92g and takes baits up to 22mm. That covers most of the boilies you're likely to fish.

Under its tough 3K weave outer sits ultra-lightweight C6 carbon with a low-resin core for stiffness. The Triangulator grip helps comfort and accuracy, while the base loader lets you reload without taking your eyes off the spot.

First-time carbon buyers and anglers fishing boilies up to 22mm at mid range are the obvious fit. Next to the Fox Rangemaster C20, it takes slightly bigger baits and loads from the base, while the Sonik Airdrop Carbon 29mm is the same stick sized for baits up to 28mm.

To be fair, it can't match the 120cm sticks for outright reach. For carbon performance at a friendly price, though, I think it's a superb buy, and the padded sleeve and tip stopper are a welcome bonus.

If your baits are 24mm or bigger, the Sonik Airdrop Carbon 29mm is the carbon stick to look at. It's 92cm long, takes baits up to 28mm and weighs 99g, which is light for such a wide bore.

Inside there's a low-resin carbon core for stiffness and control, with a tough 3K weave over the top. The Triangulator grip is shaped for accuracy and comfort, the base loader speeds up reloading, and a padded sleeve and tip plug come with it.

Its natural home is mid-range baiting with 24mm to 28mm boilies. Next to the Sonik Airdrop Carbon 24mm, it's the same design with a wider tube for bigger baits, while the Gardner Pro-Pela Carbon is lighter and longer but stops at 22mm baits.

To be fair, 92cm won't match the reach of the 120cm sticks, and the bore is too wide for small baits. For anglers who feed big boilies, though, I think it's the carbon stick to get.

Light weight is the whole point of the Gardner Pro-Pela Carbon. Each 96cm stick weighs about 70g, so you can build stick speed without the arm ache, and you choose between one for 18mm boilies and one for 22mm.

Both are high-modulus carbon with a matt 3K finishing wrap and a shrunk rubber grip that stays non-slip when wet. The 18mm stick adds a loading port at the base of the handle, so several boilies go in at once.

Range work with standard-sized boilies is where it shines. Next to the Sonik Airdrop Carbon 29mm, it's lighter and longer but won't take big baits, while the Fox Rangemaster Plastic 26mm is tough plastic that gives up some range to carbon.

To be fair, it's one of the dearer mid-range sticks, and nothing bigger than a 22mm bait will fit. For long-range baiting with 18mm or 22mm boilies, though, I think it's a light, quality choice.

Plastic still has a place on the bank, and the Fox Rangemaster Plastic 26mm makes a good case for it. It's moulded from lightweight, flexible plastic that's very robust, with a shape CAD designed for maximum distance.

This size is designed for 20mm and 26mm boilies, and a 20mm version covers 14mm and 20mm baits. The non-slip rubber handle keeps your hold secure when your hands are wet, and there's nothing to set up or look after.

As a first stick or a tough spare, it makes a lot of sense. Next to the Gardner Pro-Pela Carbon, it gives up the lightness and stiffness of carbon but takes bigger baits, while the Trakker Propel is a similar plastic stick built for quiet feeding.

To be fair, plastic flexes more than carbon, so it won't reach as far as the carbon sticks. For a tough, simple stick that throws big baits, though, I think it's an easy recommendation.

Quiet feeding is the Trakker Propel's job, aimed at waters where carp have grown wary of spods. It's a lightweight polycarbonate stick, 87cm long, with a classic curve designed for ease of use and accuracy.

There are two sizes, a 20mm stick for 14mm to 20mm boilies and a 26mm stick for 20mm to 26mm baits. The non-slip rubberised grip has a drainage hole, which is a thoughtful touch on a stick this cheap.

Beginners will find it an easy first stick, and it's a cheap backup to leave in the car. Next to the Fox Rangemaster Plastic 26mm, it's a similar plastic stick in the same two sizes, though the Rangemaster's shape is CAD designed for distance, and both give up range to carbon sticks like the Sonik Airdrop.

To be fair, it's a basic plastic tube that won't reach as far as a carbon stick. For anglers who want an easy, accurate stick for very little, though, I think it's the best budget buy around.