Vigor is the rod that all our Select Baits anglers view as the ideal carp fishing tool which embodies a perfect balance of high quality materials, light medium, test curve, smooth action and raw casting power. In order to fully appreciate a carp rod one should start from assessing the materials used in its construction. Type of carbon weaves, rings, reelseat and design elements all should come together in creating a quality carp rod. Our Vigor's entire length is made from the very best high-modulus low resin carbon fibers available - T300-1K straight from the Japanase giant TORAY. The main features of this particular fiber are its low weight, high density and time-tested durability. The 1k carbon strand weighs up to three times less than its competitiors (for instance 66gr for the 1k vs 198gr for the 3k). The rod action is semi-fast allowing for great long distance casting potential, which we immediately found in our tests when our anglers constantly went over the 180m line (197 yards). We went for this semi-fast action instead of classical fast one because we wanted a "tamer" rod which allows even anglers whose casting technique is not perfect to succeed in getting the distance they need. This makes Vigor an actually quite "friendly" and versatile rod that will cover basically all the situations you will ever encounter on the bank. The rod comes equipped with a Fuji DPS 18mm reelseat fixed with all-black metal collar. The butt section is nicely closed off by a stylish all-black metal cap. The rod has a matte finish, with the carbon blank itself being exposed. This has a range of advantages: it does not allow water to creep up the superficial layer which in time would create white stains on the rod; it is much more durable because it cannot be easily scratched; to the trained eye this highlights more clearly the quality of the carbon fibers themselves. By contrast, quite a number of very popular rods don't actually use the premium 1k or 3k carbon wave, but go for unidirectional fibers given a cheap painting designed to immitate the higher quality materials. We also paid minutious attention to details and we've highlighted all important elements of the rod with red-metallic weaving straight from the US market leader Gudebrod. All of these areas are covered with varnish. The metallic shinnings and the overall apparent color tones of the rod actually change with different lightings, which really makes Vigor's elegance stand out.The rigs are double-legged, grey SiC titanium ones. The top ring itself is a 16mm anti-tangle model which will give you that extra bit of security when you need to really push your casts. As a rog with a 3.5 lbs test curve, the recommended casting weight is 4oz (110gr). Whenever you need longer casts our first suggestion is to try and refine your technique first and foremost rather than just going for a heavier lead as many are tempted to do. As your technique improves you will notice significant casting gains without exerting extra strain on your rods. Please be aware that constantly relying on overly heavy leads will lead to what rodbuilders call "premature blank aging" which is in no way a manufacturing defect, but rather the result of improper use. Select Baits Vigor 12' (3.6m) is available in two standard ring configurations: 40mm - 30mm - 25mm - 20mm - 16mm - 16mm antitangle (tip); 50mm - 40mm - 25mm - 20mm - 16mm - 16mm antitangle (tip); The weights of the two 3.6m models are: Vigor 12' 40mm first ring - 375 gr; Vigor 12' 50mm first ring - 390gr; The length of the handle for the 12' (3.6m) rod is 520mm, and the width of the grip is 17mm.