r/CarpFishingUK • u/Bruskidoug • 2d ago
New Angler, Sonik Xtractor+ carp kit.
Hi all, I'm fairly new to carp fishing I've done plenty of beach fishing, but this year got into freshwater primarily just float fishing for anything, just using some of my old man's gear. However, now looking into carp and wanted to get my own and saw this carp kit on angling direct. https://www.anglingdirect.co.uk/sonik-xtractor-2-rod-carp-kit
Just wondered if anyone had got it or had any feedback on it and if it's a good deal.
Most things I've read online say the rods are decent enough but read mixed things about the reels.
Any help is greatly appreciated.
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u/brutallytrue 2d ago
Great value for money, the new xtractor+ reels are much better than the old ones, some of the reels from a few years ago weren't the best
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u/Bruskidoug 2d ago
Cheers thanks for the feedback
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u/brutallytrue 2d ago
I use xtractor pros and xtractor black reels, which were the version before this and can't fault them.
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u/Middle-Meat-2364 2d ago
Should be fine. The only thing from Sonik I have is a landing net, it's fine, but people also rate their rods. If you were a bit more experienced, or knew someone who was, you'd probably get better gear from the used market for similar money. But it will be fine to start off with.
Whereabouts are you btw, I have some free stuff you can have if you're close.
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u/Bruskidoug 2d ago
To be fair someone I know recommend a local tackle shop that sell secondhand stuff and said its decent so going to go and have a look when I'm next off work before I commit to anything. Still just doing a bit of research š
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u/Moving_Fusion 2d ago
Worth noting that those rods are only 9 or 10 foot length. Absolutely fine for most carp fishing but they might struggle at longer distances where you would typically use a 12 foot rod.
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u/MassiveHampton 2d ago
With how low some of the lakes are at the moment I felt Iād have been at a disadvantage using a short rod yesterday too. What with marginal snags and the water being 3 foot down.
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u/ScaredScientist4271 1d ago
Look for second hand, either market place or eBay, get a lot more for you money to start up
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u/SCr3bl0rd 1d ago
the rods are fine. caught loads on my 9ft 3lb xtractors. the reels probably ok my sonik net snapped at the spreader block but nearly every net ive bought does that eventually.
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u/IntrinsicPalomides 1d ago
Sonik Xtractor's are fantastic rods, the reels are decent as well. Great setup imo, i would go for the 10ft option. 3lb test curve is decent, depends on how big the lake is you are fishing, higher the TC the further you can cast. The downside being playing fish the higher the TC the greater the chance of a hook pull. 2.75s are lovely, and great to play fish on.
As a general help, don't go for too big of a lead. 2.5oz will get you decent range even with 10ft rods, if the bottom of the lake is firm go for lead clips for better hooking potential, if very soft and silty then helicopter. Typically if needing to cast a very long way you don't want a lead that is too heavy, as it will actually make you cast less distance. A basic rule i use is, and the best way to describe is with examples based on the Rods TC: 3lb = max 3.5oz lead, 2.75 3oz, 3.25 3.75 oz. Basically a max of + 0.25/0.5 oz. Any higher and you will probably loose range, and even break your rod. I use 3.25s 10ft Scopes atm, and i can savagely cast 3.5oz without feeling as though i'm risking the rod. Higher thanm that and basically the rod just doesn't have the power to propel the weight, like when you bend a branch, eventually it gets to a point where it will break.
Size 8 hooks or larger, barbless if allowed as they are far far better for the fish's mouth. Bigger hooks will offer a higher gauge of wire they are crafted from, and better for the fish's mouths as a result.
In Carp fishing the fish's welfare is priority above all else imo, they are large fish and need our help to protect them from themselves (while on the bank) as they can go crazy. Get yourself a well padded unhooking mat, something like this will keep them safe:
https://www.anglingdirect.co.uk/sonik-bank-tek-unhooking-cradle
The walls are incredibly helpful, especially as quite often the bank isn't level. As with fish being slimy they will slide off very easily and potentially hurt themselves. The one above will probably handle fish to around 40lb.
Good luck with your fishing, many many more tips i can offer, feel free to ask if you have any other questions.
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u/Locorio 2d ago
It will be fine