Korda Kaizen Green Rod
The Kaizen Green Journey Explained
Following on from the hugely successful launch of our first rods under the Kaizen banner, we’ve followed that up with a more affordable, yet still high performance, range called Kaizen Green.
The Kaizen Green sits below the flagship Kaizen Platinum rods, but still shares many of the same attributes and design features which set those rods apart, but at a much more affordable price.
Our first foray into the rod market was a huge success, but we also realised that not all anglers can afford a set of Platinums, or possibly they don’t need that level of performance and aren’t fishing often enough to justify the price tag, so we got to work on a model that will still do everything that you require it to, apart from maybe in the most extreme situations and which is priced at a level which makes the Kaizen Green available to anybody.
The actions of the various models in the Kaizen Green range are almost identical to those of the corresponding Platinum models, with the main difference being that they are built using a more affordable grade of carbon.
The main difference performance-wise is that they won’t transfer power into the cast to quite the same degree; won’t recover quite so quickly after the cast; and are slightly more susceptible to the blank twisting during casting, which will marginally reduce accuracy.
But for many anglers and unless pushing the rods to the extreme, you won’t even notice the difference.
The full range of Kaizen Green rods – which includes eight different models of fishing rods plus two spod rods – has been extensively tested on a wide variety of different venues and in different angling situations, both at home and abroad, and from the bank as well as fishing with boats, and has involved many of the Team Korda anglers using the rods and providing feedback on them, in order to get them just right.
The fact that these anglers have been more than happy to use them for much of their own fishing, despite having access to the more expensive Platinum models, also says a lot about just how good the Kaizen Green range is.
For the Kaizen Green, we’ve used a similar fast-tapered profile mandrel to that which the Platinum range is made on.
This gives a taper that consistently goes all the way from butt to tip, and produces a very ‘tippy’ action, with most of the flex being at that end of the rod until it comes under more extreme loading, such as when casting.
This action improves power transfer during casting and will enable you to cast further when you utilise the very fast tip speeds which this helps to create.
It also allows for faster line pick up, which can be a big advantage, but also has enough give in the tip that the rod will absorb the lunges of a fish at close quarters without fear of pulling the hook due to the rod being too unforgiving – even in the hands of a relative novice carp angler, the Kaizen Green rods will still be a pleasure to play fish on, whatever type of water you are fishing.
Due to popular demand from anglers fishing on big European lakes where rigs are dropped, and fish are played, from a boat; as well as in the UK where people are fishing on waters where there is no need to cast any distance; or even for younger anglers who struggle with a 12ft or 13ft rod, we have introduced our first ever 10ft rods, with three different test curves to choose from, and which will cover any situation you can think of where a shorter rod is advantageous.
To complement the fishing rods, we have also designed Kaizen Green spod rods in a choice of 12ft or 13ft, both of which are capable of hurling even the largest Spombs and spods – weighing up to 8oz - a very long way, and certainly as far as you can cast a baited rig with the fishing rods.
Whilst the main reason for buying a rod should be its performance, as carp anglers we also spend a lot of time looking at our rods motionless on the rests, and so it is important that they look good cosmetically, as long as that ideally also enhances performance, and certainly doesn’t detract from it.
All of the 12ft and 13ft models feature 50mm butt rings and a 16mm tip ring, whilst the 10ft model has a 40mm butt ring and 12mm tip guide.
The guides chosen are the Sea-Guide TDG twin leg/foot stainless steel ones, which are lightweight whilst also being very strong and durable.
These features a special ADAMAN coating which is ten times tougher than stainless steel and which ensures smoother line passage across it, as well as improved abrasion resistance.
In Europe, the 10ft models are also available with Sea-Guide BXTLSG guides, which feature a ceramic insert that is even more abrasion resistant and suitable for use with heavier braided lines being constantly run across it under extreme tension, whilst still feeling smooth to the angler, as well as being a little less susceptible to being damaged when they are bounced around in when laid in a boat as you motor to or from your spot.
Cosmetically, the Kaizen Green range has a custom built, minimalist look, with a low glare, matt finish to the blank, black whippings and just a subtle green logo.
The handle is covered in black Japanese shrink wrap and with a flared end to it, which offers better grip during casting and allows you to confidently pull the rod through with maximum force without fear of your hands slipping.
That is finished with an injection moulded butt clap featuring a green Korda logo.
Your reel is attached via a top quality Sea-Guide DPS style reel seat.
Danny Fairbrass is very proud of what has been achieved with the Kaizen Green rod range, enthusing: “We knew that not everyone could afford to spend £1,300+ on a set of rods, so we wanted to make something more affordable but which still had almost identical performance.
You could pick a Kaizen Green up and think it was a 300 or 400 quid rod, they’re that good.”
“The main difference you’ll find between the Green and the Kaizen Platinum is the modulus of carbon that is used – the Green has a lower modulus carbon so you need more of it to create the same strength.
This makes the blank slightly heavier and ever so slightly slower in terms of the recovery after casting, but the action of them is almost identical.”
“These rods make long range fishing, and very accurate fishing, more available to more people, because it’s at such an affordable price.
I like rods to be as minimal as possible so they look custom built, and there aren’t any garish bits of colour or stainless all over them, they are really toned down.
They’re the same rings as on the Platinum, but a three-legged version, which is more durable and forgiving.”
“We’ve done 10-footers for the first time and I’ve been using those quite a bit, for dropping rigs from a boat on some really big lakes out in Europe.
I really like them, having not used 10-footers before, as they have a shorter handle and are really good for manoeuvring around on the boat, and you can get the fish closer to the boat as they’re shorter, and they’re nicer for dropping a lead over the side.”
“The 12-footers are probably going to be the most popular and I’ve used the 12ft 3.5lb and 12ft 4lb in testing and have caught loads of nice fish on them.
They’ve got a great battle curve, a really fast recovery, they cast brilliantly, and they’re still very light in your hands.
The taper means that you’ve still got that forgiving tip but the power is there to cast a long way.”
“With the whole of the Kaizen Green range, we’ve tried to bring you the highest performance products at the most affordable prices, that pretty much anyone who goes carp fishing, can afford to have a set of rods plus a spod rod.
I’m extremely proud of what we have achieved and think that they’ve taken rods in that price range ahead by years, and you’re going to be absolutely blown away.”
Avid Carp Exodus Carp Rods
Exodus rods are built on a high modulus, lightweight carbon blank and finished with a 3k weave to make them THE best performing, as well as the looking rods available for those on a tight budget.
All Exodus rods are finished with the same high quality fittings, understated graphics, Laser etched Butt Caps & high grade carbon, so quality no longer has to come at a price. Exodus rods have a crisp casting action and fast recovery which up to now, has only been found on rods twice the price, whilst the fish playing action is responsive and forgiving, even under the rod tip where most hook pulls happen.Product Features
Lightweight carbon blank
Crisp casting action
Fast recovery
Quality fittings, understated graphics
Nash X Series Rod
Hardcore blanks with cult styling, the new Nash X Series offer superior casting, playing actions and cosmetics for next level value.
1K finish carbon
Satin black Nash reel seat with tapered EVA trim
American Tackle Vortex Air reversed ringing
Anti-frap tip guide
50mm butt rings on 12 and 13 foot models
Tapered Japanese shrink butt grip with profiled butt cap
Gloss back whippings, reinforced at the spigots
Carbon line clip
Fox Horizon X4 Rod
The Horizon X4 rods all have anti tangle guides throughout and a fuji 18mm DPS reel seat.
A gloss finish on the blank provides a touch of class, excellent action.
The new Horizon X4 rods benefit from a high modulus, multi-directional carbon construction with a full 2K weave wrap, resulting in a lightweight, crisp action.Product Features
Anti-tangle guides
Fuji 18mm DPS reel seat
Gloss finish
Understated cosmetics
40mm butt ring on all 10ft models plus both 12ft 2.75lb models - 50mm butt ring on all other models
Fox Horizon X3 Rod
With anti tangle guides and a 18mm DPS-style reel seat the X3 rods are a great low profile and sleek design.
High performance blanks and understated graphics.
The new Horizon X3 rods offer unbelievable value for money and are ideal for anglers on tight budgets that still want unrivalled Fox quality.
High modulus, lightweight carbon blank construction that provides superb all round performance.Product Features
Anti-tangle guides
18mm DPS-style reel seat
Black fittings and whippings
Understated graphics
Greys AirCurve MKII Rod 12ft
How can we upgrade a rod that is already held in such high regard?
These were comments used when we discussed bringing out a new AIIRCURVE.
How can we upgrade a rod that is already held in such high regard?
If its not broken don’t fix it right?
These were comments used when we discussed bringing out a new AIIRCURVE. We knew there would be push back both internally and externally as this rod has such a great following, but we also knew, that with some small changes it could the best carp rod you've ever owned.
The New AIIRCURVE from Greys IS Carp Fishing.
Toreon Nano Composite
Carbon Armour Blank Finish
Lightweight Low Resin 1k Carbon Construction
Lightweight PacBay KTV Minima Guides
Anti-frap Tournament Tip guide
Fuji DPSM18 Reel Seat
40T/46T Carbon Blank
3 Handle options - FJS, Abbreviated and Cork
Intergrated Carbon Line Clip
Supplied with Neoprene Tip and Butt Protectors
Wychwood Riot 3 Rod Deal
Our awesome new Riot range of entry level Carp Rods offer exceptional value for money while giving you performance, power and reliability.
They have been tested and designed to suit the majority of modern day carp angling styles. The 9ft and 10ft versions have been designed with the short to medium range angler in mind.
Whether you are targeting canals, rivers or small waters; these rods are sure to make your intimate angling approach even more enjoyable.
Complete with custom guide spacing and anti-frap tip rings, these rods are available in Full slim Cork or EVA handle options.
Slim, lightweight matt black carbon fibre blank with progressive casting action.
Double leg black SIC guides and anti-frap tip.
Full slim Cork and EVA options available.
Fold friendly ringing pattern.
Black DPS reel seat.
Line friendly clip.
Black anodised laser etched butt cap.
Korum Opportunist Rod
Fishing for a few moments here and there and making the most of every opportunity is part of modern coarse fishing.
Stalking, roving and hunting your target fish demands a certain style of rod that's designed to go anywhere and catch anything.
That's why we've designed the Korum Opportunist range, a super slim, lightweight and compact range including rods that feature PacBay Minima guides, which are robust and ceramic-free, to offer crisper actions and greater longevity when tackling overgrown fishing spots.
Like most Korum rods, each rod can be used for multiple applications, from stalking big carp, to lure fishing or chasing bigger species from rivers and streams. Includes compact carrying strap.Opportunist 8ft two-piece 2lb - Lends itself perfectly to tight spots and snaggy situations. Packs down neatly for quick moves between spots. At home on stillwaters and rivers. Includes carrying strap.Opportunist 10ft two-piece 2.25lb - Perfect for floater fishing in the summer and predator fishing in the winter. We've caught carp, barbel, eels and big pike on these during the testing stages. Includes carrying strap.
Super slim
Lightweight and compact range
Ceramic-free rings
Fox Camo Neoprene Tip & Butt Protectors
Unique Fox Camo print Neoprene protectors that tip and butt sections slot into for secure transportation. Wider protector for the butt grip, whilst narrower ones goes at tip end and velcro fastening to secure protectors in place.
Unique Fox Camo print Neoprene protectors that tip and butt sections slot into for secure transportation
Wider protector for the butt grip, whilst narrower ones goes at tip end
Velcro fastening to secure protectors in place
Nash Scope Cork Rod
The proven performance of the 1K Scope carbon blend blanks, now with classic cork handle style, updated for 2020 and now in a wider range of test curves thanks to the addition of the neat 6 foot 1lb, plus 2.25lb for floater fishing and 2.75lb models for light work with finesse.
Options for more power come from the 3.5lb stepped up blanks which handle solid PVA bags, heavy leads, flowing water and huge carp with ease.
Full cork handle
Matt black Fuji Gold Label reel seat
Reversed American Tackle Vortex Air Guides
50mm butt rings on 3.5lb and 3.25lb models
40mm ringing on 2.75 and 3lb models
30mm ringing on 2.25 models
Anti frap tip rings on all models
Laser etched compass butt cap detail
Scope compass logo reel seat detail
Carbon line clip with scope detailing
Blank alignment markers for retracting butt and central overfit
Korda Kaizen Platinum 12ft Rod
The Kaizen Rod range has been under development for more than four years and came about as we felt that we could develop high end rods that were even better than those already on the market - despite this being a first for Korda, we have utilised the extensive knowledge and experience of our Team Korda anglers and product development staff to produce an exceptional range of rods.
Danny Fairbrass has a long association with rods bearing his name, and which he was involved in developing.
It was a natural progression for Korda to develop a range ourselves that had all the attributes that he, and our other anglers, would be looking for from the ultimate carp fishing rods.
The objective was to design a range of premium rods that would cover pretty much any carp angling situation at home or abroad, allowing you to not only accurately reach the fish if they were out at range, but which would also feel nice to play them on.
All our high-end Kaizen rods are built on a fast-tapered profile mandrel – meaning that the taper of the rod consistently goes all the way from the butt to the tip.
This produces rods with a very 'tippy' action, and with pretty much all the flex being towards the tip end.
Of course, when under extreme pressure such as casting, the rod will still bend all the way through to some extent.
This type of action allows for better power transfer and the generation of very fast tip speeds, which in turn allows you to cast further.
That same action also allows much faster line pick-up as well, and whilst most of the bend is in the tip, the power is transferred progressively enough that the rod will absorb the lunges of a big fish at close range without fear of it causing hook pulls, it also ensures that it is still a pleasure to play fish on any of the Kaizen rods.
The taper of these rods isn't the only factor in determining the action and attributes that it displays, and just as important is the type of carbon that has been used in the manufacturing process – for the Kaizen range the only real choice was the best super tensile, high-grade Japanese carbon that we could get our hands on!
This ZERO90 carbon is used in just two layers and with very little resin content, and the result of that is lighter, stiffer blanks.
Not only will this allow more power to be transferred into the cast and with less effort than you'd find with a cheaper grade of carbon, but it also aids enhanced accuracy as it reduces the ability of the blank to twist and cause your lead to go off-target during the cast.
Over a long distance even tiny improvements in accuracy make a big difference to your rig landing exactly where you aimed.
It aids tip recovery after casting, which is basically the length of time that the tip continues bouncing up and down after the cast, and the crisper this action the better – if you flick the tip of one of these Kaizen rods it will come to a stop almost immediately, with all the power having been transferred into that action, this is exactly what you require when trying to cast a long way.
The Kaizen range have been given a custom-made look, with the type of high grade components that you would expect to find on a rod of this price.
The blank is finished in durable clear matt paint, which shows off the carbon and has been extensively tank tested to ensure it is perdurable - basically meaning it is incredibly durable and will take a long time to show any signs of weathering due to exposure to sunlight and moisture.
There is of course no point in developing a rod that is incredibly light compared to its power, and then adding heavy components to it, so all of the Kaizen range is fitted with lightweight Sea-Guide TDG rings, with a 50mm butt and 16mm tip – allowing the line to 'cone' off of a big pit spool in a way that minimises resistance as it passes through the butt ring, and providing a tip ring that is big enough to allow leader knots to smoothly pass through it.
The reel is attached via a superior quality Fuji DPS seat and the handle is finished fully in Japanese shrink grip – the use of which is more than just cosmetic and allows for a good grip even when your hands or the rod are wet.
The aluminium trim and an etched butt cap made by JAG completes the extremely desirable custom look.
In terms of the models in the high-end Kaizen range, currently there are seven, with 12ft 3lb, 3.5lb and 4lb fishing rods, plus a 12ft spod rod; a 12ft 6in 4lb version for those who really want an extreme range rod but find a 13ft model just a bit too long; plus 13ft 3.5lb and 4lb models.
This will cover pretty much any angling situation, with the lightest model being perfectly suitable for fishing at closer range, but where you want the power to control and stop a big carp if you need to, plus can chuck a rig a long way when required.
The 4lb models which are our specialist "long range" tools and have the ability to put a lead and rig incredible distances when in the right hands – as demonstrated by the likes of Terry Edmonds and Darrell Peck.
In real fishing situations we have measured casts in excess of 200 yards and which feature in our forthcoming Long Range Masterclass chapter, filmed at Iles3 in France.
Danny Fairbrass, who has been involved in rod design for many years and was one of the driving forces behind the Kaizen range, enthused: "They are an absolute joy to use, such lightweight, but powerful, and with really light rings, so they move through the air so easily, and cast so perfectly straight. They also look absolutely gorgeous as well."
So, whatever your casting style and ability, you'll find a Kaizen rod that suits you, and allows you to fish at longer ranges, and more accurately, than ever before.
12ft 3lb:If you’re not looking to fish at long range and playing action is your priority, then the Kaizen Platinum 12ft 3lb test curve rod is the best model for you.
It is still capable of putting a baited rig well over 100 yards if the need arises, but being the softest in the range, it allows the most accurate casting at shorter ranges.
It still has plenty of power through the butt and middle part of the rod when it comes to controlling very big fish at close range, or hit-and-hold snag fishing, and its slightly more forgiving action means that you can really pile the pressure on when you need to without fear of pulling the hook.
Recommended casting weight: 1-3oz.
Korda Koach Rob Burgess: “It’s extremely light and responsive, and a joy when playing fish, especially under the rod tip.” Korda Europe’s Kevin Diederen: “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 using the 3lb model for some time now and it is really crisp, light and fast, and whilst I’m not fishing at range, I’m sure if I needed to I could put a baited rig over 100 metres.”12ft 3.5lb:The Kaizen Platinum 12ft 3.5lb test curve rod is the perfect all-rounder and the best option for carp anglers who want as much versatility as possible from just one set of rods.
The lightweight, perfectly balanced, blank can accommodate the most delicate of precision flicks on an intimate venue, all the way through to a 35+ wrap blast on a lake of ‘Gigantica’ proportions.
This is ideal model if you want one set of high-end rods that will do it all.
Recommended casting weight: 2-4oz.
Danny Fairbrass: “I’ve been using a heavier version during field testing, but it’s nice to go back to the 12ft 3.5lb rods as they are the all-rounders, if you want to fish anywhere from one yard to 140 yards, with pinpoint accuracy, then these are the ones”12ft 4lb:The 4lb version of the 12ft rod is designed as a long-range casting tool, but for those who don’t want to step up to a longer rod. It is incredibly powerful, and some anglers will find it easier to fully utilise this than they would do with a longer rod, and whilst it is an out-and-out casting tool, it still retains some degree of fish playing action as well and is by no means a ‘broomstick’. Recommended casting weight: 3-5oz.
Darrell Peck: “When it came to deciding which rod I would use from the Kaizen Platinum 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 per cent of the fishing situations that I find myself in.
So for that reason I picked the 12ft 4lb, as I like a stiff rod that’s capable of casting 4 or 4.5oz leads over 140 yards, and it’s only when I turn to extreme range fishing that I’ll look to be using a 13ft rod, as they can be a bit unwieldy forgeneral purpose fishing.”12ft Spod:Very fast recovery, super-fast taper, very lightweight and easy to move through the air, the handle is the right length, ceramic tip ring designed for use with braid, good up to around 140 yards (in testing Terry Edmonds cast it 51 wraps with a medium spomb).
Danny Fairbrass: “It’s been designed to be really easy to use for the average angler.
I’m not the biggest caster in the world, but with the right length handle and a really lightweight rod, that is really powerful, like this one, it goes absolutely miles with no effort whatsoever”12ft 6in 4lb:Danny Fairbrass personally designed this rod by adapting one of his favourite blank designs – shortening both the tip and butt slightly to create a 12ft 6in rod with a slightly higher test curve of 4lb.
This rod is incredibly powerful and is designed as a long-range casting tool first and foremost – it is quite possibly the most powerful rod in the Kaizen range, and unless you prefer the extra six inches that the 13ft model provides, it is the best choice for an extreme range rod.
Recommended casting weight: 3-5oz.
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 extremerange.”13ft 3.5lb:If you prefer a 13ft rod and want something that can be used to blast a rig towards the horizon, but which also has a forgiving enough tip that it is nice to play fish on and is equally at home casting leads accurately at less extreme ranges, then this 3.5lb test curve model is definitely the one for you.
Unless you’re looking for a real extreme range tool, then this is the one that most people will go for in 13ft.
Recommended casting weight: 2-4oz.
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.”13ft 4lb:Out of the whole range, this rod achieved the longest casts during testing, measured at over 200 yards and using a 4oz lead with a 15mm hookbait and rig. It’s rated at 3-5oz casting weight but has been optimised for use with 4oz leads.
If you’re looking for the ultimate, high-end casting rod and nothing else really matters, then this is the model for you, but it will take practice and technique to achieve the best results from it.
Recommended casting weight: 3-5oz.Tom Dove put this rod through its paces in Croatia, catching lots of big fish at extreme ranges, he explained: “I wouldn’t consider myself a long-range caster, but 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.
I’ve been using the 13ft 4lb model for all my long-range fishing for two years now and have honestly seen a massive improvement in my distance.
“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.”
Trakker Neoprene Rod Bands
Neoprene Rod Bands are a simple, lightweight means of binding individual rod sections together for convenient transportation.
Constructed from high quality neoprene, the textured backing grips the blank well, whilst the soft padded nature of the fabric provides cushioning between each rod section.
The addition of a unique elasticated loop on each Band provides secure attachment; place the loop over a rod ring, wrap around a single rod section and then around both sections.
They can be used as the sole means of securing your rods together during transportation or in conjunction with our individual rod sleeves, Quiver, Rod Holdalls or Compact Rod Holdalls.
Using Neoprene Rod Bands is the first step to ensure your rods are well protected between sessions.Product Features
Protective neoprene construction
Unique loop attachment
Supplied as a pair
Dimensions: 200mm (l) x 60mm (w)
