11: CHOOSING THE RIGHT PLATINUM MODEL
When we designed the Kaizen Platinum range we wanted to offer rods that covered any fishing situation that you are going to find yourself in, and will comfortably be able to deal with it.
Something for everyone in the Kaizen Platinum range
The different lengths and test curves that we carefully selected mean that there will be a Platinum model that is just right for you, and given how versatile they are will be able to handle a wide variety of different types of carp fishing, as well as fitting in with your personal preferences.
So, whether you prefer a 12ft or 13 ft rod, or even somewhere inbetween as we also offer a 12ft 6in. model, you can choose a length that is comfortable for you to use – a longer rod will always achieve more casting distance potentially, but only if you are able to use it, and some anglers prefer something shorter.
You can opt for more power if you are going to be fishing at long range
When it comes to the test curve of the rod, the higher test curve models such as the 4lb versions have more power and will cast further, but for anglers fishing at shorter ranges or on smaller waters, a 3lb model will do everything that they want and has more action in terms of how much it bends – all of the Platinum rods share the same type of action, but that will vary in terms of how much they bend and how much power they have, based on the test curve.
A large part also comes down to personal preference, and we do have anglers on Team Korda who will use the 4lb model for all of their fishing, even at closer range, and find that it does the job perfectly, even though they could get a lower test curve set if they wanted to, which says a lot about how versatile these rods are.
True all-rounders that justify the price tag
For most people, when they are spending this sort of money on a set of high end rods, they will use them for all of their fishing, so the best way to choose is to consider the most extreme sort of fishing you can see yourself doing in the near future, in terms of the range you are going to be fishing at, or even needing extra power on very weedy lakes, and then going for a model that is capable of doing that, as it will also comfortably handle everything else up to that, and without compromising on performance.
The current models in the range are:
12ft 3lb: if you aren’t going to be fishing at long range – anything up to 100 yards - and playing action is your main priority then this is a great choice as it bends more than any other model, plus will be more accurate at shorter ranges and with lighter leads.
12ft 3.5lb: this is the true all-rounder of the range and is the perfect choice if you’re fishing a wide variety of different venues. This rod is capable of casting 35 wraps if you really need to, but is equally proficient at flicking out rigs on smaller lakes. If you are looking for a rod that will pretty much do everything, and aren’t going to be fishing at real long range often, then this is the one to go for.
12ft 4lb: For anyone planning to regularly fish at really long range, or in other situations where you need a really powerful rod, but doesn’t want to step up to a longer model and prefers to stick with 12ft, then this rod is perfect for that.
12ft 6in. 4lb: if you are looking to cast to the horizon on a regular basis, but don’t feel comfortable with a 13ft rod, then this is the perfect compromise, as it will achieve more distance compared to the 12ft model, but without feeling too long, and especially if you struggle to fully utilise anything longer – some anglers will actually cast further with this than the 13ft rod in the same test curve.
13ft 3.5lb: this is the model to go for if you are looking for a real all-round rod that will do everything, but prefer it to be 13ft. The extra length means that it is capable of casting a very long way, whilst retaining a really nice fish playing action so you don’t have to worry about hook pulls at close quarters.
13ft 4lb: the most powerful rod in the Platinum range, it is capable of putting leads a phenomenal distance in the right hands – with casts over 200 yards having been measured and 140 yards being relatively comfortable with the right set-up. If you are regularly going to be fishing at very long range then this is the one to have. It still has enough give in the tip that you can still play fish properly though.
Spod rods: three different spod rods are available, in 12ft, 12ft 6in. and 13ft, so you can match it to whatever length your set of fishing rods are. These rods have a super fast taper, as the focus is all on the casting power and accuracy, and they will handle even large Spombs and put them a very long way with minimal effort, over and over again, whilst remaining easy to use. They also make very good marker rods as well, as their stiffness and feel through the blank are great for feature finding.
If you are still unsure whether the Kaizen Platinum range offers exactly what you want, then it is worth reading Is Kazien Platinum right for you?
Plus paying a visit to your local Korda stockist to actually handle the different models, and you can find details on our store locator.