With huge numbers of fish feeding shallow, probably making the most of the sun that they have not seen all winter. This is, of course, very convenient, as a brand-new set of Ninja EXT float rods have just hit the shops, and found their way into the Angling Times office.
The range consists of a 10ft and an 11ft model – both ideal for pellet waggler work – a 12ft one, which can be used on those bigger pellet waggler venues or for heavier-duty float work, plus a 13-footer to cover all conventional float techniques on both still and running water.
With the 10ft rod in hand, I made my way to probably the most well-kept and landscaped commercial water I know – Wold Farm, near Wellingborough. Heading down to the bottom end of Oak Lake, I found plenty of carp sunning themselves in among the lilies and gently cruising through the open water. With so many fish visible, and little in the way of ripple, I decided on a mugging waggler set-up as my opening gambit.
With plenty of bites to be had from some very hard-fighting carp, I quickly forgot that I was supposed to be reviewing a rod! With the full Ninja line-up being recently revamped and renamed Ninja X, you would be forgiven for asking why four more Ninja float rods have been added.
What makes these different is a short telescopic section of around 1ft near the butt. Once collapsed, each rod breaks down into two equal-length pieces, meaning a shorter total closed length.
While useful for fitting into ready-rod bags or even car boots, the biggest advantage is achieved with the 13ft model, which can now be two-piece rather than three and still pack away into a typical 195cm bag. In fact, at 188cm, the closed length of the 13ft Ninja EXT makes it equal to that of most 12ft rods.
This will please fans of two-piece rods who will have noticed the snappier action you get with one joint fewer. Bargain hunters will be busy looking at the price which, at 13ft, is around £15 cheaper than the X version – plus you get a zip-up bag that will house the rod with a reel attached. Although it’s not a protective hardcase model, it’s still a nice bonus.
Verdict
The Daiwa Ninja EXT 10ft Float Rod strikes an impressive balance between finesse and power, making it a versatile choice for commercial fisheries where you might encounter everything from skimmers to bigger carp. While it may lack in the long range pellet waggler department, it excels in close to mid-range waggler work, offering control and precision where it counts.
The telescopic butt section offers compact storage, although it adds some weight it's balanced out as it's positioned just above the butt. Daiwa has also packed in surprising value for money, with high-quality fixtures that defy the sub-£100 price tag. Add to that its compact pack-down length and the convenience of a zip-up case designed to house the rod ready-made, and you’ve got a brilliantly thought-out tool for the modern match or pleasure angler who’s on the move.
You’ll be pleased to know, the rod has kept that quality action we have come to expect from a Ninja. It may not be in the same league as a top-end model, but it sits well above the budget category and will more than meet the expectations of the average guy on the bank. That is what I believe the Ninja range to be – a rod Mr Average can afford, yet one an expert wouldn’t mind using.
FIND OUT MORE ABOUT THIS PRODUCT AND OTHERS FROM DAIWA HERE.
Tech Spec
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Made using Daiwa’s HMC+ carbon fibre
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EXT feature reduces pack-down length
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Aluminium oxide guides used throughout
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Hard EVA Armlock handle
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Cork/EVA foregrip
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Hook keeper ring
What we all really want is a float rod that’ll boss a pellet waggler when the carp are climbing over each other mid-summer, but still show a bit of restraint when things slow down and it’s time to fish light in winter. There aren’t many that manage it, but Daiwa’s new 10ft Ninja EXT Float has thrown its hat in the ring. First impressions? It’s ticking a lot of boxes.
And then there’s the clever stuff. This thing packs down short, proper short, thanks to a little telescopic wizardry in the butt. This makes it a dream for hatchback anglers who’d rather not tangle their rod tip with the windscreen wipers every journey. The guides are spaced to keep the line running clean in the wet, the handle’s flat where it should be, and there’s enough guts in the blank to stop any big 'un trying to do you in the reeds. All that, and it still looks sharp.
Pros
- Easy to transport wit the retractable butt section
- Versatile enough to use with standard and pellet wagglers
- Flat handle makes it easy to play fish with
Cons
- A little too stiff for all-out silverfish work
Our pick of the alternatives
Best Budget Pellet Waggler
www.fishingtackleandbait.co.uk
Built to handle the demands of modern commercials, the Preston Dura Pellet Waggler rods are right at home with hard-fighting fish and constant casting.
Available in 10ft and 11ft versions, they’ve got a smooth, progressive action that cushions lunges and knocks, making them ideal for avoiding hook pulls, whether you’re just starting out or have done a few seasons on the bank.
Between them, the two lengths cover everything from short-range flicks to longer chucks with bigger floats, giving you solid all-round pellet waggler performance without the fuss.
Pros
- A great smaller commercial fishery rod
- Ideal rod for casting up to islands
Cons
- A little lacking in the power department for larger specimens
Best Pellet Waggler Rod Sub £100
www.total-fishing-tackle.com
The N-Gauge Pro Pellet Waggler rods hit that sweet spot between finesse and firepower. Built on ZERO40 Tensile Carbon blanks, they’re light in the hand but pack enough punch to chuck a waggler to the horizon and handle whatever hits it on the drop.
What really stands out is the balance. Slim, progressive, and responsive, they feel sharp without being twitchy. The Anti-Tangle Sea-Guide frames and Zirconia rings keep everything smooth and hassle-free, even when the wind’s doing its best to ruin your day.
With a rock-solid DPS reel seat, cork Armlock handle and custom Guru EVA grip, the finish is every bit as polished as the performance. It’s a rod that looks the part, and absolutely fishes it.
Pros
- Slim and lightweight
- Progressive through action
Cons
- Not suited to bigger wagglers
Best Commercial Float Rod (2024 National Angling Awards Winner)
www.total-fishing-tackle.com
The Drennan Acolyte Commercial is built for business. Designed with big commercial carp in mind, it’s got backbone where it matters but stays refined enough to be a pleasure, even when you’re under the cosh. It’s not just a brute, there’s a touch of class about it.
With a slim, crisp blank, it casts with laser-like accuracy, and those oversized guides mean line peels off effortlessly, even with heavier wagglers. It’s a step up from the original Acolyte Pellet Waggler, with just that bit more muscle and finesse in equal measure.
If you’re lobbing big floats at big fish, this is the rod for it. No flinch, no fuss, just clean power and the confidence to lean in when it kicks off.
Pros
- Oversized guide and crisp action make it a joy to cast with
- Durability, built specifically for the rigours of pellet waggler fishing
Cons
- Although a sensitive rod, may be slightly over gunned for small carp and more delicate biting F1's
Author Dan Webb first became involved in angling journalism in 2015 and has worked as Tackle Tester at Angling Times since April 2021. He is a fanatical all-round match angler and former England Youth International.