Extra Sensory Perception, or ESP, have become synonymous with Terry Hearn and his big carp exploits. Having initially specialised in hook design and patterns ESP now produce a large array of terminal tackle, rods and clothing. Every product in the ESP range is made to exact specifications, nothing is brought in. In-house CAD engineers work in conjunction with polymer experts at ESP’s plastics factory, all rods are then flex tested in Oxford before arriving on the shelves of tackle shops up and down the country – its not hard to see why ESP have become one of the most respected brands in fishing.
The ESP 12ft 3.0lb and 12ft 3.25lb Onyx Rods are the natural replacement for ESP’s Sniper range, finished with a typically understated design featuring; anodised collars and butt cap, a subtle Onyx decal and a small, coloured ESP logo on the moulded line clip whipping. All of which complement the ‘old school’ unground carbon finish.
The slim blank with 50mm long-distance ringing is lined with SiC guides, 50mm in diameter nearest the butt cap, decreasing to just 16mm at the rod tip, buying you a few extra metres when casting. The SiC, or silicon carbide guides themselves are twelve times harder and one-third lighter than stainless steel guides, generating less heat and lower friction allowing you to cast greater distances with improved accuracy. Both models in the range feature a high-quality DPS reel seat and an ergonomically designed shrink rubber handle with a flared casting grip for added comfort during casting.
Both rods in the range have a relatively progressive action, however, the 12ft 3lb test curve variant is slightly more supple and has a softer tip, protecting you from hook pulls. Despite this, the 3lb variant will cast a 2.5 oz lead well in excess of 100 metres. The 12ft 3.25lb rod is stronger and slightly stiffer, to optimise the casting potential of this rod it should be paired with a 3-4 oz lead to ensure you can punch your bait to the horizon.
Key Features
Light, well balanced and responsive, high modulus carbon
SiC Guides in a long range ringing pattern
From 50mm butt guide to 16mm tip
Shrink rubber handle with an ergonomic casting grip
DPS reel fitting along with anodized butt cap and collars
SiC guides
50mm butt guide
Moulded ESP line clip
Subtle branding
'old school' unground carbon finish