New Rod Recommendation?

[peakoverload]

I'm after a new rod but none of my local tackle shops have a very good selection so I'm probably going to have to buy online but the trouble is that the technical descriptions used by many online shops is more than a little vague so I'd really appreciate any recommendations.

I'm looking for a new float rod that will be used almost exclusively for Carp in the 4 - 8lb range but needs to have enough grunt to also cope with the occasional bigger fish that sometimes decides it likes the taste of my baits.

Now I already have the John Wilson Avon Quiver which has a float top section that apparently has a 1.2lb TC and this is very good but occasionally I find it's action to be a little too soft for bigger fish, I can land them (well, generally) but a couple of swims I fish are quite snaggy and I sometimes don't have enough control to steer them away.

So I'm looking for:

A 12ft or 13ft float rod (would prefer 13ft as sometimes I fish at distance and need the extra line pickup of a 13ft rod but will sacrifice length for strength).

Capable of using 6-8lb main line

As I sometimes find the 1.25lb TC of my existing rod to be a little too soft sometimes I guess I'm then looking at something like 1.5lb if such a thing exists.

Ultimately I'm not sure if the 'problem' I have with the John Wilson rod is the TC of it's float top or that it's simply a 'jack of all trades' and that a dedicated float rod with the same TC would be what I'm after.

Budget: Up to £180 Max (would prefer to keep it in the £120-150 range or cheaper if poss but want to get the right rod so am prepared to pay)

Any ideas?

[fullcreel]

I have the John Wilson Avon, but the newer, Barbel model, I have had carp to 17lb and it coped very well. Still seemed to have some power in reserve.

[twindadx2]

I have a leeda 13ft waggler, landed carp to twelve lb on it, seemed to have plenty to spare. think it takes 4-6 lb line. find it a good balanced rod. Hope this is some help

[twindadx2]

sorry it should read power waggler!

[HyperRod]

I have a Thesus 13ft Power Match. I Think You could easily Land quite big fish with it, i use 8lb Line And i Pulled this up with ease



It was from http://www.fishingrepublic.org/

Thanks, You may want to go to the shop, The one is in scunthorpe.

Regards,

Rob.

[CLOMP]

have you seen the ad in Improve your coarse fishing, issue 218, for a CARP power Float rod lines 5-15lb TC 2LB, FOR £69.99, +post, PLUS you get a 11' pellet waggler rod free try www.kombat-tackle.co.uk

[Portland Pirate]

I would reccomend the TFG Grunt. Ideally suited for exactly what you are asking for and you can find them online at a reasonable price. I have a lot of respect for Matt Hayes and his gear is very good value for money.