Nytro Aryzon Pellet Waggler Rod

How well is it built?

The Aryzon Pellet Waggler Rod comes with a cork handle with EVA grips. The cork has been shaped and flattened that allows it to sit more comfortable on the forearm.

A neat-looking DPS type reel seat that resembles that of the popular Preston Ignition. In the middle of the seat sits the stylish Nytro logo.

The black ionised line guides are well-finished and look great. They also allow for smooth casting and have a solid feel about them.

The blank is made from lightweight 30T carbon and is finished off nicely with touches of red in the branding. My only criticism is that the blank is slightly thicker than some of its competitors.

The finish is tidy throughout, with a half-matt black blank, black guide wraps sealed with epoxy varnish and the Nytro 'N' logo on the butt cap. There is a hook keeper just above the handle, and the rod comes supplied in a rod bag, which is a nice touch at this price.

How well does it cast and feel?

The Aryzon boasts a smooth cast thanks to its well-made line guides. The specs though state that its only suitable for casting weights up to 10g so lacks a bit of power needed if you are looking for a rod capable of casting 20m plus.

Where it is happiest is on commercial fisheries at short to medium range, flicking a light pellet waggler to fish competing for loose feed.

The rod is rated to cast 4 to 10g, and the 10ft is the easier length to handle for close work and snake lakes, while the 11ft gives you a little more reach and line pick-up when the fish back off.

If you regularly fish bigger floats at longer range, a rod with a higher casting weight will suit you better, but for the kind of fishing most of us do with a pellet waggler, the Aryzon covers plenty of it.

Pair it with a 2500 to 3000 sized reel loaded with 4 to 6lb mainline and you have a light, well-balanced pellet waggler setup.

How does it perform when playing fish?

The rod has a nice progressive action on it which plays fish in a way that is sensitive and enjoyable with the option to apply additional pressure if a more powerful fish needs persuading.

That through action is exactly what you want on a commercial, where F1s and carp can charge off the moment they are hooked.

The whole rod bends into the fish, which cushions light hooklinks and small hooks, while the lower section still has enough backbone to steer a carp away from islands and the margins.

On bigger waters with more weed or snags, keep the rod low and use side strain to steer fish away from trouble. The through action takes the sting out of the lunges while you do, which means fewer hook pulls at the net.

Is it good value for money?

Being priced mid-ranged, the Aryzon Pellet Waggler Rod offers affordability to those wanting a decent option without breaking the bank. It is however more expensive than the popular Preston Ignition and the Daiwa Matchman without offering that much more in terms of performance.

Where the Aryzon earns its price is the finish and the extras.

A shaped cork handle, a solid screw-down reel seat, anodised guides, a hook keeper and a rod bag add up to a rod that looks a step above the entry-level options, so if build and presentation matter to you, it is worth the extra few pounds.

Compared with a starter rod, the difference shows most in the handle and reel seat, which are the parts you touch on every cast.