Photos: Drennan · supplied retailer imagery
Coarse match · Float rods · Our take
Drennan Vertex Float Rod
MK2, available in 13ft, 14ft and 15ft models
Slim, nicely balanced and built around a fast tip, the Drennan Vertex Float Rod MK2 covers everything from silverfish and F1s to chub and smaller carp. Here’s where it fits on the bank.
- Available in 13ft, 14ft and 15ft models.
- The MK2 is slimmer and better balanced than the original Vertex Float Rod.
- Fast tip action with a recommended reel-line range of approximately 3lb to 6lb.
- Designed to cast floats up to 10g or more and handle species from silverfish and F1s to chub and carp.
Make sure it’s the right one. This review covers the Drennan Vertex Float Rod MK2 range, including the 13ft, 14ft and 15ft models. The 14ft version carries product code RMVB02 and the 15ft version is RMVB03.
Tackle Index Score
Tackle Index score
A versatile, well-balanced float-rod range with a strong middle-ground brief.
- Product Quality9/10
- Performance8.9/10
- Impact on Fish Catching8.8/10
- Ease of Use9/10
- Value for Money8.6/10
If you buy through our links, we might get a small kickback, but it won’t cost you a penny extra. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. The full story
Who it suits
Is it right for you?
Great for
- Match anglers wanting one versatile float rod. The fast tip and useful line range cover a broad spread of rigs, swims and target fish without making the rod feel overly specialised.
- Pleasure anglers fishing mixed stillwaters and rivers. It has the reach for bigger water, enough control for float presentation and the backbone for the odd F1, chub or carp.
Maybe skip if
- Anglers chasing tiny fish on ultra-light tackle. A fast, versatile blank with a 3lb to 6lb line recommendation is more general-purpose than a delicate whip-style float rod.
- Carp anglers needing serious big-fish power. This is a float rod for sensible mixed fishing, not a substitute for a dedicated carp rod when the fish are properly hefty.
The lowdown
Introducing the Drennan Vertex Float Rod
Slim, nicely balanced and built around a fast tip, the Drennan Vertex Float Rod MK2 covers everything from silverfish and F1s to chub and smaller carp. Here’s where it fits on the bank.
- Available in 13ft, 14ft and 15ft models.
- The MK2 is slimmer and better balanced than the original Vertex Float Rod.
- Fast tip action with a recommended reel-line range of approximately 3lb to 6lb.
- Designed to cast floats up to 10g or more and handle species from silverfish and F1s to chub and carp.
Quick verdict
Verdict
The Drennan Vertex Float Rod MK2 looks a cracking choice if you want one float rod that can handle a proper mix of match and pleasure-fishing jobs. Its fast tip, slim build and broad line range make it nicely versatile.
Pick the length around the venues you fish most. The 13ft is the nippy option, the 14ft is the best all-round compromise, and the 15ft gives you extra control and reach when you’re fishing further out or needing to mend line.
A versatile, well-balanced float-rod range with a strong middle-ground brief.
- Product Quality
- 9/10
- Performance
- 8.9/10
- Impact on Fish Catching
- 8.8/10
- Ease of Use
- 9/10
- Value for Money
- 8.6/10
The slimmer MK2 build, balanced design and clear multi-length range give it a polished, purposeful feel.
The fast tip and ability to cast floats up to 10g or more suit a broad spread of coarse-fishing situations.
Good float control, line management and species versatility can help you react properly when conditions and fish change.
The light approximate weights and choice of three lengths make it easy to match the rod to your swim and fishing style.
As a flexible rod for several species and venues, it offers strong practical value, though specialists may prefer separate lighter or heavier tools.
Head to head
How it stacks up
Side by side with the closest kit we've reviewed. This updates as we add more reviews.
Top scorer
Top scorer
Scores are our own, out of 10. Best in each row is in green. Prices change, so check the latest before you buy.
The full rundown
Everything you'll want to know about the Drennan Vertex Float Rod
Float rods have to do a lot, don’t they? One minute you’re nicking out tiny roach on a light waggler, and the next there’s a chunky F1 charging across the swim. That’s where a proper all-rounder earns its keep. The Drennan Vertex Float Rod MK2 is built for exactly that sort of mixed coarse-fishing graft.
The MK2 range comes in 13ft, 14ft and 15ft versions, so you can choose the amount of reach that suits your usual swims. The 13ft measures 3.96m, the 14ft 4.27m and the 15ft 4.57m. That’s a useful spread, covering tighter canals and commercial lakes right through to wider water where line control matters more.
There’s a clear change from the original Vertex here. Drennan has made the MK2 slimmer and better balanced, which should make a difference when you’re holding the rod for hours. Float fishing can be surprisingly tiring when you’re constantly lifting, laying line, striking and repositioning. A lighter, better-balanced setup is dead handy when the bite-time really kicks in.
The weights are pleasingly modest too. The 13ft model is approximately 195g, the 14ft around 199g and the 15ft about 204g. Those figures aren’t wildly different between lengths, so even the longest version shouldn’t feel like a proper lump in your hands. That’ll appeal to match anglers fishing long sessions, especially when every little bit of comfort helps late in the day.
Action-wise, the Vertex MK2 uses a fast tip. That gives the rod a crisper, more responsive feel than a deep, through-action float rod. For you, that means cleaner float control, positive line pick-up and a more direct response when you need to mend line or hit a quick bite. It should also help when you’re casting a waggler accurately towards a far-bank feature or island edge.
The fast tip doesn’t mean it’s only for speed merchants chasing silverfish, either. The recommended reel-line range is approximately 3lb to 6lb, and the rod is designed to cast floats up to 10g or more. That puts it in a useful middle ground. You can fish light enough for roach and skimmers, but still have the authority for F1s, chub and sensible commercial carp.
That versatility is probably the biggest attraction. On a canal, the 13ft model could be bob on for keeping a long line tidy without feeling cumbersome. On a larger lake, the 14ft gives you a touch more control and casting distance. The 15ft comes into its own when you need to hold line off the water, fish deeper or keep a float tracking properly in a bit of tow.
There’s also a practical bonus to having three lengths in the range: you can match the rod to the venue rather than trying to force one tool to do everything. A shorter rod is easier in restricted swims and around bankside cover. A longer rod helps when the margins are awkward, the near bank is shallow or you need to mend line across a wide surface.
Of course, no all-round float rod is going to be the perfect specialist for every job. The Vertex MK2’s fast tip may feel a little lively if your preference is for a really soft, forgiving action that cushions the smallest hooks. And although it’s suitable for carp, this isn’t a dedicated big-fish tool for hauling proper lumps away from snags. Keep the tackle balanced and it makes most sense as a versatile coarse and match rod.
Overall, the Drennan Vertex Float Rod MK2 looks like a smart bit of kit for anglers who want one float setup that can move between species and venues. Choose the 14ft if you’re unsure, go 13ft for compact waters and lighter handling, or step up to 15ft when reach and presentation are the priority. It’s a flexible platform for getting the float fishing done without loads of faff.
Specifications
The nuts and bolts
- Models
- 13ft (3.96m), 14ft (4.27m) and 15ft (4.57m)
- Approximate weights
- 13ft: 195g; 14ft: 199g; 15ft: 204g
- Action
- Fast tip action
- Recommended reel line
- Approximately 3lb to 6lb
- Float range
- Designed to cast floats up to 10g or more
- 14ft / 15ft codes
- 14ft: RMVB02; 15ft: RMVB03
Specs checked with Drennan, Oct 2026.
Spot a model or spec change?
Our take
The angle
This isn’t a soft, floppy float rod aimed only at delicate silverfish work. The fast tip and ability to cast floats of 10g or more give the Vertex MK2 a bit more poke, while the light weights keep it comfortable through a long match.
That makes it a useful bridge between a classic light float rod and a more powerful waggler or bigger-water tool. It should feel at home on commercials, canals, rivers and stillwaters where the target list can change through the day.
Closer look
A lighter, sharper float rod for mixed coarse work
The MK2 keeps the Vertex Float Rod’s all-round float-fishing purpose but brings a slimmer, better-balanced build than the original. That matters on the bank. A float rod spends plenty of time in your hand, not just resting on a front rest, so balance and manageable weight can make a long match feel far less wearing.
Its fast tip gives the rod a crisp response. You get a more direct connection when casting, striking and lifting line clear of the surface. That suits wagglers, positive float rigs and situations where you need to make quick corrections. The rod is designed for floats up to 10g or more, so it has enough range for more than just tiny dibbers and delicate canal work.
The approximate weights are 195g for the 13ft, 199g for the 14ft and 204g for the 15ft. The recommended reel-line range of around 3lb to 6lb sums up the intended use nicely: versatile coarse fishing, rather than extreme finesse or heavy carp bashing.
Worth knowing. The 14ft model is the RMVB02 and the 15ft is the RMVB03. If you’re comparing listings, check the length and product code carefully, as the three models are close in weight but behave differently on the bank.
Who it suits
Pick your length around the water you fish
The 13ft is the most nimble option. It makes sense on smaller lakes, canals and tighter swims where a longer rod could become a bit of a faff. It should also appeal if you like staying mobile, moving between pegs and fishing close to features without carrying a massive wand around.
The 14ft is the safe all-round choice. You get extra reach and line control over a 13ft rod, without stepping into the full length of the 15ft. For mixed commercial work, general pleasure fishing and matches where the venue can throw anything at you, it’s probably the easiest model to live with.
The 15ft is for anglers who regularly fish bigger or deeper water, need to keep more line off the surface or want extra control at range. It’s also useful when the near bank is shallow and you need to hold the float further away. Just remember that the extra reach can feel awkward in cramped swims or under overhanging trees.
Worth knowing. For rigs, pair the rod with a reel and line that suit the fish rather than simply chasing the upper end of the rod’s range. A lighter waggler and fine hooklength can cover silverfish and F1s; step up sensibly when carp or chub are likely to crash the party.
FAQs in full
The quick answers before you choose
Can it handle commercial carp? Yes, within sensible float-fishing limits. The Vertex MK2 is designed for a mixed species list that includes carp, but it’s not a heavy-duty carp rod for bullying fish away from snags. Use balanced tackle, a sensible drag setting and the right hooklength.
Is the fast tip good for beginners? It can be. The crisp response makes casting and float control straightforward, although a very soft action can feel more forgiving while you’re learning. If you like a rod that reacts quickly rather than feeling floppy, the Vertex should make sense.
Which model is the best bet for most anglers? The 14ft is the obvious middle ground. It gives useful reach and control while staying lighter and less cumbersome than many longer float rods. Go 13ft if your venues are compact, or 15ft if long-range presentation and line management are regular parts of your fishing.
On paper
Pros & cons
What we like
- Slimmer and better balanced than the original version.
- Fast tip gives crisp float control and positive casting.
- Broad enough remit for silverfish, F1s, chub and carp.
- Three lengths make it easy to match the rod to your usual venues.
- Light weights should help keep arm fatigue down during long sessions.
Worth knowing
- The fast action may feel a touch lively for anglers who prefer a very soft, forgiving float rod.
- A 15ft rod can be more of a handful in tight swims, under trees or on cramped canals.
- The wide remit means it won’t be the specialist choice for extreme light-float work or genuinely heavy-duty carp fishing.
Want one?
Add it to your Wanted list or join a Group Buy — shops see anonymous totals only.
Your questions answered
What anglers want to know
The stuff you’d ask your mate on the next peg. Straight answers, no waffle.
01Which length of Drennan Vertex Float Rod MK2 should I choose?
Which length of Drennan Vertex Float Rod MK2 should I choose?
The 13ft is the handiest option for smaller venues, close-range work and swims with limited room. The 14ft is the safest all-round pick for many anglers, giving you useful reach without feeling excessive. Go 15ft when you regularly fish wider water, need more line control or want to keep line clear of the surface.
02What sort of floats can the Vertex Float Rod cast?
What sort of floats can the Vertex Float Rod cast?
It’s designed to cast floats up to 10g or more, so it’s not limited to tiny waggler work. The exact choice depends on the swim, wind, depth and target species, but the rod should cover a broad range of float fishing from lighter work through to more positive wagglers.
03What fish is the Drennan Vertex Float Rod suitable for?
What fish is the Drennan Vertex Float Rod suitable for?
It’s aimed at mixed coarse fishing, with small silverfish, F1s, chub and carp all within its intended remit. Match the line, hooklength and elastic or reel drag sensibly to the fish in front of you, and it gives you plenty of flexibility across a season.
What anglers say
The word from the bank
Our read: verdict. The strongest reasons to choose it are slimmer and better balanced than the original version. and fast tip gives crisp float control and positive casting.; the main trade-off is the fast action may feel a touch lively for anglers who prefer a very soft, forgiving float rod..
Our take on the feedback
Why it appeals
Checked Sept '26 — “Slimmer and better balanced than the original version.”
Best fit
Checked Sept '26 — “Match anglers wanting one versatile float rod: The fast tip and useful line range cover a broad spread of rigs, swims and target fish without making the rod feel overly specialised.”
Worth knowing
Checked Sept '26 — “The fast action may feel a touch lively for anglers who prefer a very soft, forgiving float rod.”
Tackle Index’s take from the product details and fishing fit we checked. We haven’t found enough independent public feedback to call this an angler consensus yet.
Angler score
What our readers rate Drennan Vertex Float Rod
No angler score yet — nobody's reviewed Drennan Vertex Float Rod here. Be the first and get the score started.
Owner reports
Own this? Help the next angler.
Quick multiple-choice reports from people who say they own the Drennan Vertex Float Rod. Not verified purchases, and kept separate from our score.
No owner reports yet.
Alternatives & go-withs
