JRC Classic Carp Rods

Long Term Test

In these modern times we live in where everything has to have a techno image and digital features. It made a refreshing change when I opened a rod tube up to reveal these stunning new Classic rods from JRC. They have had a look at the market and discovered a huge majority of anglers including myself are basically technophobes who like thing traditional and basic. We don’t need all the latest chequered carbon wrap finishes, nor do we need regurgitated vegetable drainers as reel seats. All we want s a rod that is fit for purpose. So it gives me great pleasure to introduce you to these glorious rods and take you through there traditional yet authentic features.

Vital Statistics

There are three different test curves available in the new for 2011 Classic range of carp rods, you have 2.5lb, 2.75lb and 3.00lb, we opted for the 2.5lbs to keep thing just that little bit old school. This rod has all the characteristics of the classic carp rods from days gone by. You have a slim full calk handle that feels perfectly comfortable under the forearm when you are in a fish playing situation. Incorporated into this you have wood veneer effect 20mm reel seat, that has a polished metallic screw thread that enables reels of all sizes including centrepins, baitrunners and mini big pit reels to be mounted to the blank securely with zero movement.

Now let’s have a look at the rods furniture. Located just above the elegant full cork handle, you have a functional carbon line clip that will comfortably hold lines up to 0.40mm diameters without over gripping and damaging the line (as many do on numerous other rods I have reviewed and used). As you move down the matt brown blank you come to the first of the Classic rods seven SIC guides. The 40mm butt ring is located just far enough away from the reel to eliminate the potential of line slap, which can greatly reduce the rods casting potentials. All whippings are finished to a very high standard in brown and give the blank an understated traditional appearance.

My favourite feature about the Classic rods is the superb through parabolic action that is created by this slim and incredibly responsive blank. Over the past 5 months, the team at UKMA have had some exceptional sport using these angler friendly rods, landing fish to low twenties with comfort. The reason we chose to use the 2.5lbs test curve was to put some excitement back into our fishing. This rod made it possible to use smaller hooks, lighter hooklinks and allowed us to actually play the fish and totally enjoy the experience. Even small doubles made the rod and us as anglers work for our keep making fish of all sizes a joy to play.

Final Thoughts

Being a lover of fine tackle has made my review of these superb rods a joy to do. From the first time I took them out of there protective rod bags to landing the first fish on them, these rods just ooze class. I love playing big fish on lighter balance tackle so the 2.5lbs test curve was right up my street but if you like to give your fish a bit of teddy on heavier gear then I recommend you try using one of the beefier options available in the Classic range. When they were first released these rods carried a hefty price tag of around £230 a piece which I felt they rightfully deserved. The good news is if you shop around you can pick them up on-line for much less. UKMA highly recommend you have a look at these fantastic fish playing tools.

For information on the JRC product range, please click the image below to visit the website