We are pleased to bring you advance news of our new ultra long-range carp rod Century FMA (Force = Mass x Acceleration). The radical new design of this rod has been achieved through close cooperation with Frank Warwick-one of the biggest hitters in carp angling, together with a significant technical transfer from our experience in competitive casting where we hold the World Records for casting 4oz, 5oz and 6oz.

The FMA departs from conventional thinking by a quantum leap. We have started from a position that we require a neutral taper in the butt section: the butt is therefore parallel and incredibly just over ½” in diameter at its base. This allows us to position the power bands in exactly the areas that will generate maximum tip speed. The design of the rod is now governed by the materials and is less reliant on a fixed taper, which hitherto had a disproportionate influence on design and performance. This is one of the reasons why all our World Records have been achieved with parallel butts.

We use a complex series of ultra high modulus, high modulus and intermediate modulus carbon patterns cross-linked in the axis of the rod. The hoop strength is increased with the use of 1K-1K carbon twill and special cross wrap carbon fibre interply which we call AT-T. The new action in the tip blends into the butt with a flowing arc when under compression and acts like a pretensioned spring. The rod is incredibly quick in recovery and the virtues of braided line can be used to the maximum. Conventional line is well protected and the revised action really helps prevent hook pulls. Casting distances in excess of 200 yards have been a regular feature of our development programme and the tip has many of playing characteristics of the Century FBS range. A truly remarkable combination fused at birth in the autoclave for action retention and total integrity.

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FMA Rod Line-up

• F1=MA 12' casting 3-4 oz T/C
• F2=MA 12' casting 3-5oz T/C
• F2=MA 13' casting 3-5oz T/C

Every so often a rod comes along that represents genuine advances in materials and design technology. It truly delivers benefits and advantages previously not available. It stems from expert angler input and cutting edge manufacturing. The Century FS is such a rod.

Century had already established critical development work on FoCal System in UKSF Tournament casting scene. This casting arena is internationally recognised as the toughest and most demanding test of rod design and technology. Rods are hammered and proven: many have tried to succeed but only a few UK manufacturers can claim to belong to the exclusive club of consistent winners. This experience was miniaturised and then optimised in a carp rod. Frank Warwick took the design principal and over several prototypes honed the Century FS carp rod into the most effective PVA bag and Method rod. It features a complex but rewarding action that is progressive, forgiving and still capable of yielding breathtaking distance. Anglers have reported back significant distance improvements with little or no change in casting technique with conventional rigs and bags.

A slim parallel butt with FoCaL compound multi modulus carbon fibre patterns – precision cut on a Swiss derived CAD CAM machine and rolled on the very latest multi gimballing electric rolling table. Autoclaved for maximum life and resistance to Test Curve decay. Complex but rewarding action that is progressive, forgiving and still capable of generating huge casts. Incorporating the new Century round stainless butt cap. Built up composite butt grip elegantly covered in black polymorphic black rubber.

Strategic inserts of cross ply carbons for axial torque resistance and to aid accuracy. Clear epoxy finish.

Discreet and understated.

The early Armalites set a standard and trend that were regarded as truly legendary by specialists. The parabolic fighting curve and ease of use enabled us to use the expression “Perfect Players Rod” TM. There are still thousands of Armalites in use world-wide however we have been frequently approached by devotees who have requested that we capture the sprit of the original but bring the technology bang up to date.

Much has progressed in modern composite technology and although the prey species has not evolved dramatically since the originals – tactics and expectations – certainly have moved on. The MK3 brings a fresh look at the principle of addressing the margins and middle distance. For smaller lakes where the conditions dictate a player’s rod the new MK3 fits the bill very well.

Using modern rod building techniques including Autoclaving and complex curved carbon fibre patterns – we can deliver an edge to the new MK3, optimising for that little bit more distance capability, resilience and resistance to test curve decay but still retain the action and “retro” look. To remain true to the original design we still utilise spigot joints – accurately fitted on our centreless grinder. The look and feel of the Armalite MK 3 with Al20 reel seat is visually very pleasing.

The performance – is by any standards acceptable based on the heritage of a “Ten Ton Armalite” – not a reference to its weight but a 2 ¼lb T/C rod that accounted for over 10 tons of carp averaging 30’s, in a single season from St Lawrence – USA!

If you are a specialist – you will almost certainly have come across or heard of the Century NG carp rod. The design was first introduced in late 1990’s when we undertook the original development with Frank Warwick. Since then – the rod has achieved cult status and Frank has spent thousands of hours fishing NG’s and we have feedback from every conceivable scenario likely to be encountered.

Over the past decade there have been several technical advances in composite fibre and resin matrix technology and the best of these have been incorporated into the NG. The carbon patterns are cut using a CAD CAM machine that holds extremely tight tolerances and this ensures the action and T/C is faithfully reproduced from rod to rod. Additionally NG’s are subject to our Autoclave Technology curing process which significantly reduces test curve decay. New to the latest generation of NG’s is Century’s Anti Twist Technology – ATT - which involves winding very fine carbon fibre prepreg around the internal circumference of the blank which radically assists ring alignment during the cast. We have used this technology to generate the longest casts ever made with a rod at International tournaments.

The 12' and 13’ NG 3lb SU (Stepped Up) are extremely effective for medium to long range – without the use of shock leaders. The revised action protects the line during the casting cycle to reduce the chance of crack offs, gives good shock absorption with braided line and also gives added control when snag fishing.

The Century NG is fitted with the SB20 engraved, part stainless custom reel seat and features woven 2k-2k carbon below the seat and 1k-1k above the seat - up to the first ring on the tip. The surface finish is matt and sealed with PTFE/Silicone. All rods are supplied with size 40 ringing configurations unless size 50 is specified. Size 50 is standard

The New Century Speed carp rod is a well-proven tool with a fine pedigree. Frank Warwick and Danny Moeskops have been the primary field testers evaluating and refining the rods.The design concepts have been derived from the work we have pursued with Danny Moeskops - a passionate carp angler and the finest caster in the world and Frank Warwick - now recognised as the leading angler from the new generation of legends in the sport.

We have selected the best raw materials to balance the requirements for performance, low weight and diameter with a reliable ongoing supply. The architecture of the blank is a combination of machine cut cross ply 35gsm carbon, intermediate and high modulus carbon with a woven 1k-1k twill outer sheath. Century has optimised the carbon patterns to generate a classic mid to tip action that will assist in super smooth casts and effortless playability. The rod is subject to our unique Autoclave Technology for action retention.

The NCS action sits in between the Century NG and SP ranges. We have developed a process and carbon pattern configuration that delivers additional tip speed but retains a progressive C curve. Hence the name New Century Speed. All constructed in UK on the most advanced rod building machinery and in conformance with certified quality and environmental systems.

The NCS incorporates the new Century HB20 reel seat as a standard fit. This reel seat is made from a Fuji NPS with a modified 6262-T6 aluminium winch and screw. The winch is castellated to ensure long term durability and resist torsional forces when locking up the reel.. It is available in two colours - hard anodised clear or gunsmoke. The Century logo is laser engraved in the top of the reel seat

The Fat Boy Slim is Century’s ultra low diameter rod with a glorious sweeping parabolic curve that will tame and control. The design is incredibly complex to give the profile, action and weight that will appeal to the carp angler who does not need extreme range but wants the response and control element of his fishing totally sorted. The FBS has already seen extensive action and has hundreds of trophy fish to its credit. The over riding reports coming back from anglers is the fishing range of 140 metres on the higher test curve (3.50lb) is more than adequate and the action makes playing – perfect. The lower test curves are ideally suited to smaller venues where casts of 100m are typical. The FBS is capable of controlling the ferocious runs and imparts confidence throughout the battle. We have an account of just such a situation where a struggle with a 40 turned into a battle with something much bigger!

The ColourMatic livery is subtle, understated and flips in sunlight between ebony bronze to green. Below the reel seat the special 2x2 woven carbon twill influences the action and resists torque, as does the GripFast handle. The new lightweight Century guides from size 40 to 12 compliment the curve. Etched stainless collar and cap.

FBS Rod Line-up

• 12’ (3.65m) 2 ¼lb (I.00kg ) T/C
• 12’ (3.65m) 2 ½lb (1.14kg) T/C
• 12’ (3.65m) 2 ¾lb (1.25kg) T/C
• 12’ (3.65m) 3 ½lb (1.60kg) T/C
• 13’ (3.96m) 3 ½lb (1.60kg) T/C

“An SP in the right hands compresses into a lovely arc and the raw power in the butt and middle give the experienced carp angler the means to hit spots he could not reach with other rods. The SP adopts a very satisfying curve when a carp is captured and it doesn’t loose its power but it is compliant enough so you can enjoy the fight and not worry about hook pulls”. Not just our words but a sample of the many reviews and significant anglers’ comments made over the recent past.

Christian Baldermairs’s World Record 82lb from Raduta, Romania was taken on the SP design. The SP design has also achieved World Record distances using a fixed spool reel. A couple of simple facts that in combination add up to a very complex and satisfying design.

The evolved ringing pattern uses a size 50 SiC butt, features lightweight size 40-16 intermediates and 16 tip guide that are spaced for line deconing and distance. The rod blank is chevron wrapped in 6.0 ballistic nylon and the special resin matrix is consolidated under ultra high pressure in the autoclave for durability and a super dense wall. Gunmetal finish with GripFast handle and etched stainless collar and cap. High tensile carbon fibre spigot joint.

The Full Metal Jacket - FMJ has established a design protocol that many are now trying to emulate.
Originally reviewed as “Stunning”,"Brilliant" and “Five Star” - the evolution to the current model brings further benefits by subtle changes in the precision manufacturing process based on improvements available from new technology and investment. The FMJ still leads the pack.

The design is radical and user friendly. It is engineered on the basis of the feed back loop from constantly pushing World Record distances forward. The longest recorded and officially measured cast on an FMJ is 237 yards using 125gram (4oz) weight on 0.29mm line. These sorts of ranges are possible because there are over 27 complex carbon fibre patterns used in the construction – all wrapped up in 24 chevron 6.0 ballistic nylon and set in a special resin matrix. This is all bonded together using Century’s high pressure autoclaving curing system.

The butt is parallel and ½” in diameter. This adds up to a superb long-range casting and monster specimen rod. We have worked closely with our ring manufacturers and invested in tooling to create our special size 50 SiC butt guide, lightweight size 40-16 inters and size16 tip guide.

The benefits are quicker tip recovery, better deconing of the line from the reel, reducing line slap resulting in extra distance. All without increasing weight! Measured casts up to 237 yards and fish to 70+. The tip is responsive and the whole rod subtly changes in action when deflected to absorb lunges.

Gunmetal grey finish, special braided carbon handles and Frank Warwick’s brilliantly designed stainless steel ball butt cap. Etched stainless steel trim bands around reverse fit precision ground spigot joint. Frank has repatedly commented on how user friendly he finds his FMJ's

The Century FG is made entirely in UK – under our ISO 9001 Quality and ISO 14001 Environmental management systems. We have carefully selected a UK produced low density resin carbon prepreg system that yields a great battle curve and is blended to give optimum casting performance. These carbon systems work in unison: 1k-1k materials that dominate the tip playing zone work sympathetically with 3k-3k materials in the rod’s power zones. These materials are at the cutting edge of modern composite technology. Our direct manufacturing interface with high performance applications has given us unique insights into using the correct carbon fibres and matrix combination. At the same time our experience at the very highest levels of casting – designing rods for the winner of  UKSF and CIPS World Casting Champions for the last ten years – gives the experience necessary to design a competent casting rod.

The whole balance of the rod is ergonomic and delivers a perfect combination of cranking power and playability.  The rod’s appearance is a very minimalist, matt carbon finish with understated black whippings and a very subtle logo, making the rod “look like a government stealth project” The whole package just exudes quality.

We have been very mindful of the price point and balanced this target with economic lean manufacturing and placing maximum value in the blank and hardware. We are introducing our silicon based blank surface finish for durability and matching reel seat with carbon and stainless steel trim bands. The butt grip is a composite swell style – covered with durable Japanese shrink rubber. All guides are Century SiC patterns.

The range is made in the following lengths and test curves.

• FG12'2/4                (Size40buttguide)
• FG12'3l                  (Size40buttguide)
• FG12'31/4l            (Size50  buttguide)
• FG12'31/2l            (Size50  buttguide)
• FG 13' 3 1/2 lb      (Size50 butt guide)

The blank undergoes our enhanced oven cure process however we have optimized the cure cycle and taping process to keep rod wall inter ply porosity to the very minimum possible -using this system. The very best outside of full autoclave.

The field testing and development process has been rigorous and documented. Frank Warwick, Ronny de Groote, George Loughlin and Cash Farnon have all field trialled the many prototypes and fully approved the final models.