Fox EOS X Telescopic Rod

Features

The lightweight low resin carbon construction is the first thing you notice. Fox has stiffened the blank on the EOS X for a more responsive feel, and it makes the rod simple to hold and lessens fatigue when you are on your feet stalking for long spells.

The minimally styled Slik guide system, with a 40mm butt guide on the telescopic version, makes sure the line casts smoothly and minimises tangles. The high quality 18mm reel seat is another item to value, holding even the biggest reels securely in place.

The telescopic version also comes with a protective guide cover for transport, which is a sensible touch on a rod that will spend a lot of time in a car boot.

Appearance

The matt black finish and understated cosmetics give the rod a sleek, polished appearance that many carp anglers appreciate.

There is nothing flashy here, just a clean blank with minimal guide styling and a full Japanese shrink wrap handle finished with an ergonomically tapered butt grip. It looks like a more expensive rod than it is.

How well does it cast and feel?

The stiffened blank and 40mm butt guide with an anti-frap tip make sure the line casts smoothly and tangles are kept to a minimum.

The full shrink wrap handle is easy to use even with wet hands and offers a firm grip, and the tapered butt grip sits nicely under the forearm when you punch a lead out.

It is a telescopic rod, so it will not match a two-piece for outright distance, but for the fishing this rod is aimed at it does the job well.

How does it perform when playing fish?

The 3lb and 3.5lb test curves give a good level of power to handle a variety of fish, and the 18mm reel seat offers a solid and robust foundation for playing them.

As with the previous EOS Tele, the action is not as responsive as a premium retractable rod, and you feel that when a fish kites at close range. For the price, though, it plays fish perfectly well on the small to medium venues most anglers use it on.

Is it good value for money?

Fox has really thought about anglers' needs with the EOS range, and the telescopic version is not just any telescopic version but a strong and versatile one.

It is available in three of the most popular lengths used in carp angling today, 10, 12 and 13 foot, and it is one of the cheapest ways to get a proper telescopic carp rod. Whatever version you choose, you will not be disappointed, especially at such an affordable price point.