SUB X COTSWOLD RODS
Premium Hand-Built Carp Fishing Rods – Designed for Performance, Built in Britain
Three exceptional carp rods. One uncompromising approach to quality.
The SUB X Cotswold Rods collection brings together the distinctive styling of SUB with the specialist rod-building expertise of Cotswold Rods.
Designed for discerning carp anglers who demand more from their tackle, this exclusive collection combines beautifully engineered carbon fibre blanks, premium components and meticulous British craftsmanship.
Whether you’re searching for a compact 10ft retractable carp rod, a versatile 12ft all-rounder or a powerful 13ft distance casting rod, the SUB X CR range delivers an exceptional balance of performance, durability and refinement.
Every rod is individually assembled and finished by hand in our UK workshop, ensuring the same attention to detail and build quality found throughout our bespoke rod-building range.
The result is a collection of carp fishing rods that look outstanding, cast beautifully and, most importantly, offer exceptional control and enjoyment when playing fish.
At the heart of every SUB X CR carp rod is a bespoke carbon fibre blank, developed exclusively for this collection.
Manufactured using a carefully selected blend of carbon fibre materials, these blanks have been designed to deliver a responsive, progressive action without sacrificing the power required for modern carp fishing.
Rather than focusing purely on stiffness and casting distance, we have placed considerable emphasis on achieving the correct balance between casting performance and fish-playing characteristics.
The result is a range of rods that load smoothly during the cast, recover efficiently and retain a forgiving, responsive action when under pressure.
This makes them equally enjoyable when playing carp at close quarters or controlling powerful fish at distance.
Every blank features a beautiful full-length 1K carbon weave finish, extending from butt to tip.
This distinctive finish provides a refined appearance while offering a durable, scratch-resistant surface suitable for the demands of regular carp fishing.
Three Models – Built for Different Styles of Carp Fishing
SUB X 10ft 3.5lb Retractable Carp Rod
Compact Design. Serious Performance.
The 10ft 3.5lb retractable model is an exceptionally versatile carp fishing rod, combining the convenience of a compact transport length with the power and performance normally associated with considerably larger rods.
Designed for anglers who value mobility without compromising capability, it is particularly well suited to:
- Mobile carp fishing and stalking
- Small and medium-sized lakes
- Fishing from boats
- Tight swims and restricted casting areas
- Anglers travelling with smaller vehicles
- European carp fishing and boat-based bait placement
- General-purpose carp fishing where versatility is essential
Despite its compact design, the 10ft SUB X is a remarkably capable rod.
The powerful yet progressive 3.5lb test curve blank comfortably handles leads in the 3–4oz range, with casting distances up to 90-100 yards.
However, outright casting performance is only part of the story.
One of our principal design objectives was to produce a shorter carp rod that remained genuinely enjoyable when playing fish.
The progressive blank absorbs sudden lunges beautifully, providing the cushioning and control needed when playing powerful carp under the rod tip.
At the same time, there is ample reserve power available when steering fish away from obstacles or applying pressure at distance.
This combination makes the 10ft retractable an excellent choice for UK carp fishing while remaining capable of tackling demanding European venues.
A compact carp rod with the versatility to handle considerably more than its size might suggest.
SUB X 12ft 3.5lb Carp Rod
The Ultimate All-Round Carp Fishing Rod
For anglers seeking one rod capable of covering almost every aspect of modern carp fishing, the 12ft 3.5lb SUB X CR is an outstanding choice.
Developed to provide the ideal balance between casting distance, accuracy, responsiveness and fish-playing enjoyment, this model is the natural all-rounder within the collection.
Its 12ft length offers excellent line control and casting leverage, while the progressive 3.5lb test curve provides sufficient power for a wide variety of carp fishing situations.
Whether fishing at moderate range on intimate UK waters or casting towards distant features on larger lakes, the SUB X 12ft delivers consistent, predictable performance.
The blank loads progressively during the cast, helping anglers achieve smooth power transfer and accurate bait placement.
Once a fish is hooked, the responsive action provides excellent feedback, cushioning sudden movements while retaining the backbone required to control larger carp.
Ideal for:
- General UK carp fishing
- Medium and larger lakes
- Fishing with PVA bags and conventional lead arrangements
- Accurate casting at medium to longer ranges
- Anglers seeking one versatile set of carp rods
- European carp fishing where a balance of power and playing action is desirable
The 12ft 3.5lb SUB X CR is particularly appealing to anglers who appreciate powerful modern carbon rods but prefer a progressive, enjoyable playing action rather than an excessively stiff blank.
An exceptionally capable all-round carp rod, equally at home on intimate waters and expansive gravel pits.
SUB X 13ft 3.75lb Distance Carp Rod
Maximum Casting Potential. Precision at Range.
The 13ft 3.75lb SUB X CR has been developed for carp anglers who require additional power, greater casting leverage and improved performance when fishing at longer distances.
Featuring a specially refined blank design, this model offers increased casting potential while retaining the progressive characteristics that define the SUB X CR collection.
The additional length and 3.75lb test curve make it particularly suitable for anglers targeting distant features, fishing larger venues or regularly using heavier casting arrangements.
Its powerful carbon construction provides the backbone required to load the rod effectively during demanding casts, while the responsive tip section helps maintain control and accuracy.
Unlike overly rigid distance rods, the SUB X CR 13ft has been designed to retain an enjoyable fish-playing action.
This makes it a particularly attractive option for anglers who want additional casting performance without sacrificing sensitivity and control once a carp is hooked.
Ideal for:
- Long-range carp fishing
- Large gravel pits and reservoirs
- Distance casting with heavier leads
- Anglers requiring additional casting leverage
- Large European carp fishing venues
- Experienced anglers seeking a powerful, responsive 13ft carp rod
A refined distance casting rod combining serious power with the craftsmanship and progressive performance expected from Cotswold Rods.
Premium Components & Exceptional Build Quality
Every component used throughout the SUB X CR collection has been carefully selected for its performance, reliability and appearance.
American Tackle Vortex Air Guides – Shadow Black finish.
Ideal for modern mono lines.
These advanced guides combine lightweight construction with excellent strength and durability, making them ideally suited to demanding carp fishing applications.
Guide configurations are matched to each rod’s intended application:
10ft Retractable: 40mm butt guide
12ft and 13ft Models: 50mm butt guide
Full High-Density Duplon Handles
The SUB X CR range features beautifully finished full-length high-density Duplon handles, providing excellent comfort, grip and durability.
Inspired by classic carp rod styling, the handles incorporate a distinctive old-school flared front grip, creating an elegant transition between the reel seat and handle.
A subtle flare towards the rear provides additional comfort and a secure grip during casting and fish playing.
The dense Duplon material offers a practical, hard-wearing finish while maintaining the understated appearance that makes these rods so distinctive.
Carbon Line Clips
Every SUB X rod features a discreet carbon line clip, providing a convenient solution for retaining the main line when the rods are not in use.
These clips complement the carbon weave finish and maintain the clean, minimalist styling of the collection.
Custom Laser-Engraved Aluminium Butt Caps
Finishing each rod is a bespoke aluminium butt cap featuring precision laser-engraved detailing.
These custom components provide a subtle but distinctive finishing touch, reinforcing the exclusive identity of the SUB X CR collection.
Understated SUB Graphics
Rather than relying on excessive branding or elaborate decoration, the SUB X collection adopts a clean, refined appearance.
Discreet graphics, carefully coordinated components and the beautiful full-length carbon weave create a timeless design.
Hand Built in the UK by Cotswold Rods
Every SUB X CR rod is individually assembled and finished by our experienced team in our UK workshop.
From accurately positioning the guides to carefully finishing the whippings and fitting the handles, each stage of the build receives the same care and attention that goes into our fully bespoke fishing rods.
This hands-on approach allows us to maintain excellent standards of workmanship and consistency throughout the collection.
SUB X Cotswold Rods – Technical Specifications
Available Models
- 10ft 3.5lb Retractable
- 12ft 3.5lb
- 13ft 3.75lb
Blank Construction: Exclusive carbon fibre blank developed for the SUB X collection
Blank Finish: Full-length scratch-resistant 1K carbon weave
Action: Progressive, responsive action with excellent reserve power
Guides: American Tackle Vortex Air
Guide Finish: Shadow Black
Butt Guide: 40mm on 10ft models; 50mm on 12ft and 13ft models
Handle: Full high-density Duplon
Handle Styling: Traditional flared front grip with subtle rear flare
Line Clip: Carbon
Butt Cap: Custom laser-engraved aluminium
Graphics: Exclusive understated SUB detailing
Assembly & Finishing: Hand built in the United Kingdom by Cotswold Rods
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