The ESP Onyx Twistlock Handle is a well-thought-out bit of kit for carp anglers. It sits at a decent price point for the quality you're getting. What I really like is how compact it is when collapsed. At just 44 inches, it's dead easy to transport and fits perfectly with ESP's Quick Draw rod system.
The quarter turn twistlock mechanism is brilliant - just twist, pull out to your desired length anywhere between 6ft and 8ft, and you're sorted. Much quicker than messing about with threaded sections.
The high modulus carbon keeps it stiff and lightweight, and there are black chevrons marked on the inner section to show you where to stop extending. Don't go beyond these or you'll compromise the overlap strength between sections.
The standard 3/8 BSF thread means it'll work with most carp landing nets, though it's obviously designed to pair with the ESP Onyx 42 inch net. It's particularly handy for boat fishing or situations where you need to vary your reach quickly. You can have it fully extended for long range work, then collapse it right down if needed in tight swims and/or stalking situations.
The 8ft maximum reach covers most carp fishing situations you'll encounter. If you're fishing big pits or venues with steep margins, this gives you plenty of length to work with. It represents solid value for a quality carp landing net handle.
If you're trying to decide what length handle suits your fishing, our best landing net handles comparison breaks down all the options from compact designs to longer reach handles. For carp anglers wanting a versatile handle that packs away small but extends when needed, the ESP Onyx Twistlock is a good choice. The build quality is solid and the twistlock system works well.
| Feature | What this means |
|---|---|
| High Modulus Carbon Construction | Built from high-grade carbon fibre that keeps the handle lightweight and stiff. This gives you good control when netting fish without the handle flexing too much, even when extended to the full 8ft. |
| Compact Design (44 Inches Collapsed) | Collapses down to just 44 inches, making it dead easy to transport and store. It's the same length as ESP's Quick Draw 9ft rods when retracted, so they fit together perfectly in the Quick Draw quiver system for compact transport. |
| 6ft to 8ft Extension Range | Extends from 6ft minimum to 8ft maximum reach. The twistlock design means you can use it at any length between these two points, giving you flexibility for different fishing situations from tight swims to longer range work. |
| Quarter Turn Twistlock Mechanism | Just a quarter turn unlocks the mechanism, then you pull the inner section out to your desired length. Black chevrons are marked on the inner section - don't extend beyond these or you'll lose the strength from the overlap between sections. |
| Standard 3/8 BSF Thread | Features a standard 3/8 BSF screw thread that's compatible with any spreader block or landing net head using this common fitting. Works perfectly with the ESP Onyx 42 inch net but accepts most standard carp landing nets. |
| Stainless Steel Spreader Block | Comes with a stainless steel spreader block made in ESP's own factory. It's a smaller, more compact version of the block used on Terry Hearn's signature net, built to last and resist corrosion. |
Here is how the ESP Onyx Twistlock Handle compares against other coarse fishing tackle. This table uses eTackle review ratings and current exported product prices.
| Name | Price | Overall Rating |
|---|---|---|
| ESP Onyx Twistlock Handle | £69.99 | |
| Guru Aventus R Pellet Waggler Rod | £374.99 | |
| Guru Aventus R Waggler Rod | £474.99 | |
| Matrix Horizon X Ultra Pro Pellet Waggler Rod | £214.99 | |
| Matrix Horizon X Ultra Pro X-Light Waggler Rod | £224.99 | |
| Preston Supera X 14ft Power Float Rod | £289.99 | |
| Preston Supera X Superlight Float Rod | £218.99 | |
| Daiwa Theory Speci Float Rod | £119.99 | |
| Shimano Specialist TX Float Rod | £119.99 |
Tracked shop prices over time.
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It is a coarse fishing tackle, chosen for the situations that style of fishing calls for.
Built from high-grade carbon fibre that keeps the handle lightweight and stiff. This gives you good control when netting fish without the handle flexing too much, even when extended to the full 8ft.
Collapses down to just 44 inches, making it dead easy to transport and store. It's the same length as ESP's Quick Draw 9ft rods when retracted, so they fit together perfectly in the Quick Draw quiver system for compact transport.
Extends from 6ft minimum to 8ft maximum reach. The twistlock design means you can use it at any length between these two points, giving you flexibility for different fishing situations from tight swims to longer range work.
Just a quarter turn unlocks the mechanism, then you pull the inner section out to your desired length. Black chevrons are marked on the inner section - don't extend beyond these or you'll lose the strength from the overlap between sections.
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