Century C2 Mk2 Review
Last Updated on 12 July 2023 by James Bevan
Designed and manufactured entirely in the UK, the C2 MK2 is a staple in Century’s lineup. It is a popular rod amongst carp anglers looking for a top-of-the-range rod.
But is it worthy of all its hype?
Are there better rods out there that offer better value for money?
Well, in this Century C2 Mk2 Review, I take a closer look, with the help of some carp rod experts, at the C2 Mk2 and see how it compares to similar rods on the market.
I also delve into the different versions available, the rod’s pros and cons, and how it performs generally overall. So let’s get straight into this…
Overall Ratings
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Comparison To Similar Rods
| Name | Overall Rating | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Nash Scope Black Ops Carp Rod | 9.2 | £359.99 |
| Nash Scope Black Ops Sawn Off | 8.6 | £229.99 |
| Greys AirCurve Carp Rod | 9.1 | £289.99 |
| Century C2 Mk2 Carp Rod | 9.2 | £530.00 |
| Daiwa Infinity X45 | 9.4 | £379.99 |
| Daiwa Basia X45X Carp Rod | 9.3 | £494.99 |
| Century Stealth Graphene Carp Rod | 9.4 | £459.00 |
| Harrison Torrix Carp Rod | 9.4 | £374.00 |
| Free Spirit Hi-S Carp Rod | 9.3 | £522.50 |
| Shimano TX-9 Carp Rod | 8.6 | £239.76 |
| Daiwa Longbow X45 | 8.7 | £359.99 |
| Korda Kaizen Platinum Carp Rod | 8.9 | £449.99 |
How The Rod Compares To The Averages
Quick Summary
In summary, the Century C2 Mk2 is a fantastic, top-quality rod that is up there with some of the best.
Century does however boast another premium rod in the form of the Century Stealth Graphene. In our testing, the C2 Mk2 falls ever so slightly behind its sibling in terms of an overall rating which is maybe why the updated version of the C2 hasn’t proven as popular as its predecessor.However don’t let this put you off, as we are talking very narrow margins when you are dealing with the best and this rod is certainly worthy of that title.
Pros & Cons
The Century C2 Mk2 is an elite carping rod with plenty of strengths and very few weaknesses. I’ve outline what I believe to be the rod’s pros and cons below:
Pros
- Designed and manufactured in the UK
- Rod blank strikes incredible balance between strength and lightness
- Century’s autoclave technology keeps blank lightweight and highly durable
- The C2 Mk2 is available in multiple lengths and test curves, so carpers of every style can find the perfect rod for them
- Incredible casting power (Century is a world record holder in this area)
- Industry-leading build quality
- Boasts quality Minima Black 4 TiCH guides in both 40-12 and 50-16 sizes
Cons
- The Century C2 Mk2 undeniably comes at a less-than-accessible price point
- Placement of the Century logo in multiple places might be off putting to some, though the effect is fairly subtle
Introducing The C2 Mk2 Carp Rod
Available in 10, 12, 13 foot lengths, the Century C2 Mk2 Carp Rod is one of the staples in Century’s lineup. It’s easily one of the manufacturer’s most highly-regarded and sought-after models, and for good reason!
Who’s it ideal for
It would be hard not to recommend the C2 Mk2 to any dedicated carper thanks to the rod’s fantastic performance, the variety of test curves and lengths that it offers, and the remarkable durability that this model boasts.
One group that the C2 Mk2 is ideal for is anglers looking for one of the best carping rods that money can buy. There’s very little to critique with how the rod casts, plays fish, feels in the hand, and looks.
Thanks to Century’s PTFE/Silicone ‘low scratch’ matte finish and autoclave method of treating their blanks, I’m confident that this rod is one that, if taken care of properly, should have zero issues with durability or longevity whatsoever. If you’ve got the budget for the C2 Mk2, then it’s certainly a worthwhile investment.
I’d especially recommend the rod to carpers searching for a rod with great sensitivity and responsivity. The blank on the C2 Mk2 is ultra lightweight, thanks once again to Century’s autoclave system of treating blanks. Overall, this is a rod that feels exceptionally well balanced and fantastic in the hand.
With that being said, anglers on the lookout for a budget-friendlier option will find it hard to justify the C2 Mk2’s price tag.
Where Did The C2 Mk2 Originate From
Century is a UK-based carp rod manufacturer known for utilising the most cutting-edge technology when crafting its rods. The C2 Mk2, like Century’s other models, is designed and manufactured entirely in the UK.
Following the success of other Century rods like the Armalite and NG, the C2 Mk2 aims to combine advanced rod-making technologies with an ultra lightweight blank, balance, and fantastic fish-playing action.
The Different Versions Of The C2 Mk2
There are 9 versions of the C2 Mk2 in 3 lengths of 10, 12 and 13 feet. The range available has multiple test curve options with 3lb, 3.25lb 3.5lb and the SP versions that come in 3.6lb, and 3.75lb.
The standard versions are good all-round carp rods with the SP designed for more extreme casting distances.
Check out the following table that summarises the different versions available and what fishing circumstances they are best suited to.
| Length | Test Curve | Max Cast Distance | Ideal For |
|---|---|---|---|
| 10 ft | 3lb | 80 yds | Stalking or fishing tight swims with overhanging trees |
| 10 ft | 3.5lb | 100 yds | Stalking, tight swims and those that prefer fishing with a shorter rod at distance |
| 12 ft | 3lb | 120 yds | Small to Medium sized waters |
| 12 ft | 3.25lb | 130 yds | Good all-rounder |
| 12ft | 3.5lb | 150 yds | Good all-rounder Medium to Large sized waters |
| 13 ft | 3.5lb | 160 yds+ | Good all-round use, popular for large European venues |
| 12 ft (SP) | 3.6lb | 170 yds | Good all-round use and where large casts are sometimes needed |
| 12 ft (SP) | 3.75lb | 180 yds | Good for large waters where huge casts are needed |
| 13ft (SP) | 3.75lb | 200 yds | Good for large waters where huge casts are needed |
The 5 Attributes The Rod Was Tested Against
As mentioned previously in the article, there are 5 key elements that carp anglers look for in the best rods. These are as follows:
- Features
- Appearance
- Casting & Feel
- Playing Fish
- Value For Money
For more detail on the review process please visit the designated review explanation page that outlines how products are reviewed on eTackle.
The Century C2 Mk2 Review
So having set the scene with where the rod came from and what criteria the rod was tested against let’s now get into how it performed.
First off, let’s see how an expert at HF angling rated the rod:
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The Key Attributes Scrutinised
Features & Specifications
The handle
The Century C2 Mk2 features a highly balanced full shrink handle. Using a comfortable, plush-feeling rubber, the handle is very comfortable and grippy without feeling cheap or having too much give.
The reel seat
Featuring a Century 1k1k carbon reel seat, the C2 Mk2 does a fantastic job of keeping reels secure and feeling rock solid. The reel seat also boasts Black Metal hoods which keep it durable without making it overly heavy.
The eyes/guides
With Minima Black 4 TiCH guides, casting with the Century C2 Mk2 is smooth and very reliable. The guides are available in sets of both 40-12 and 50-16, with the 50s doing an especially good job of minimising line frap.
The blank
The Century C2 Mk2’s blank is crafted using Century’s High Performance Resin system and cured in an autoclave, keeping it strong and durable without needing to be heavier than it is.
With a matte black finish and 1k1k carbon weave from tip to tail, the blank on the Century C2 Mk2 looks sleek and will last a lifetime.
Features & Specifications Summary
- Available in 10, 12 and 13-foot lengths
- Test curves available include 3lb, 3.25lb, & 3.5lb
- High-performing resin system that allows for a lighter blank without compromising strength and playing action
- Minima Black 4 TiCH guides alow for smooth casting
- Durable, low scratch, matt blank finish.
- Century carbon reel seat with matt black metal hood
- Autoclave technology used which allows for long life, peak performance
Here’s what the experts said about the rods features:
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Appearance
The C2 Mk2 has a sleek, stealthy look. Some anglers may find the inclusion of the Century logo in multiple locations a bit much (you’ll find it both on the blank and etched into the butt cap), but I’d argue that this is a fairly subtle effect.
Otherwise, the blank boasts a 1k1k carbon outer weave from top to tail and a matte black finish. Combine this with the C2 Mk2’s all-black hardware, and you have a very sleek looking rod indeed. Century also seals its rods with a PTFE/Silicone low scratch finish, ensuring that its good looks have plenty of longevity.
Here’s what the experts said about the C2 Mk2s appearance:
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Casting & Feel
To put it simply, I found the C2 Mk2 could cast for days non-stop. Century are world record holders in cast length, and the innovative technology they use to craft their blanks is no doubt a big part of this.
By using an autoclave to cure their blanks, Century reduces the amount of excess air trapped in the blank. Not only does this improve the blank’s longevity, but it also helps it transfer power more evenly, which is crucial for casting performance.
This is what the experts said about how the rod casts and feels when handled:
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Playing Fish
Playing fish with the Century C2 Mk2 is an absolute joy, thanks in large part to how balanced the rod is.
The 1k1k carbon blank is sensitive and responsive while still delivering plenty of power. With an equally comfortable handle and incredibly solid carbon reel seat, there are few rods that feel as good when playing fish as the C2 Mk2 does.
Here are some quotes from the experts on how the rod performs when playing fish:
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Value For Money
On the whole, I’d argue that the Century C2 Mk2 represents good value for money. It’s an exceptionally well made, highly balanced rod that feels fantastic in the hand and will simply last a life-time.
The range of test curves and rod lengths available also allows carpers to be discerning in purchasing a rod that will best suit their angling style and preferences.
Naturally, such attributes and build quality in a rod will come at a cost. While great, the C2 Mk2 is also one of the most expensive carping rods on the UK market today.
As far as I’m concerned, the Daiwa Infinity X45 is the best overall carp rod available today, and it retails for around £100 less than the C2 Mk2 does, depending on merchant. While both of these rods obviously have their own strengths and unique qualities, I thought this was worth pointing out; there are more affordable rods out there than the C2 Mk2 that will be just as good, if not better, in some respects.
Here’s how the experts scored the rod on value for money:
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Final Thoughts & Conclusions
This full Century C2 Mk2 Carp Rod review has concluded that the rod is a highly balanced, well-made carp rod that comes in enough lengths and test curves that most anglers will be able to find a variation that suits their preferences. It looks great and feels fantastic in the hand when playing fish.
For those with the budget, the C2 Mk2 is a worthy investment; especially for those who prize durability and a lighter weight in their rods. However, its price tag will undoubtedly be a deterrent for some.
Thanks for reading.
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The Infinity X45 Carp Rod, Is This The Best?