14: KAIZEN PLATINUM IN THE FIELD
When it comes to choosing the length and test curve of Kaizen Platinum rod that is right for you, a lot will come down to the type of venues that you are going to be fishing, as well as personal preference.
Even amongst our Team Korda anglers, if you asked them which was the best model in the range, you’d get a variety of different answers as everyone has their own idea of what makes a perfect rod for catching carp with, even if they all agree on the overall attributes that all of the Kaizen Platinum rods share. To find out more detail about exactly how each model in the range differs and what carp fishing situations they are best suited to, have a look at Choosing the right Platinum model.
Here various members of the team give their reasons why they are big fans of specific models within the Platinum range, and why they use them for their own fishing.
Korda Europe angler Kevin Diederen is a big fan, despite many associating European fishing with high test curve rods, as he explained: “Most of the fishing that I do in Benelux is short to medium range, so there isn’t a need for me to use absolute casting ‘weapons’ and I prefer a slightly softer rod with a nice playing action. I’ve been suing the 3lb model for some time now and it is really crisp, light and fast, and whilst I’m not fishing at range, if I needed to I could put a baited rig over 100 metres.”
Korda boss Danny Fairbrass: “After field testing a heavier version it was nice to go back to my set of 12ft 3.5lb Platinums as they are the all-rounders in the range. If you want to fish anywhere from one yard to 140 yards, with pinpoint accuracy, then these are the ones to have.”
Darrell Peck: “When it came to deciding which rod I would use from the range it was a bit of a no-brainer. I prefer a 12ft rod for my general fishing, whether that be short, medium or even medium to long range – a rod that I’m going to use for 90% of the fishing situations I find myself in. I picked the 4lb model as I like a stiff rod that is capable of casting a 4.5oz lead over 140 yards. It’sonly when I am fishing at extreme range that I’ll use a 13ft rod, as I find them a bit unwieldy for general purpose fishing.”
Tom Stokes: “For most of my angling life I’ve used middle of the range rods, but for the past two years I’ve been using and testing the new Kaizen rods and it has really opened my eyes to how much a real top end set of rods can improve your casting. Initially I was using the 13ft 4lb model, as I’ve used 13ft rods in the past, but since trying the 12ft 6in. version I’ve been completely sold on this length of rod and truly believe I can cast just as far as with the 13ft model. A 4lb test curve may sound a bit heavy to some, but they’ve still got a lovely playing action under the tip, whilst giving you the power to get heavy leads out there at extreme range.”
Neil Spooner: “To make fishing ranges of over 100 yards easy, I switch up to the 13ft 3.5lb Kaizen. I’m not the worlds best caster, but on a recent trip to Croatia they certainly played their part in fishing at 140 yards consistently all week. If you’re looking for a rod that will help you gain those extra yards then this is the model for you.”
Tom Dove: “If you are going to fish at extreme range then you need to have kit that won’t hold you back and will gain you extra yards and I’ve been using the 13ft 4lb model for all my ling range fishing for a few years now.
“I always struggled with compressing the ‘heavy’ distance rods on the market as they felt too stiff and cumbersome, but these are the complete opposite – light to hold and easy to compress, meaning that fishing at 35 wraps (140 yards) feels like casting 80 yards with my normal rods. My maximum fishing range is about 170 yards now, something which I never thought I’d have in my locker.”
Hearing about what other anglers use each model for and why they like them is useful, but the best way to pick the Platinum rod that is just right for you is to visit your local Korda stockist, and details can be found on our store finder.