Akios AIRPOWER 435 RXP Black Edition

At Gerry’s Fishing, we don’t throw the term “legendary” around lightly, but the Akios Airpower RXP—better known as the “3-Piece Beast”—earned that title within months of its 2018 debut. This isn’t just a continental rod; it is a heavy-duty casting tool designed for the angler who refuses to choose between the portability of a three-piece system and the raw, winching power of a traditional beach caster.

The Black Edition takes this modern classic to a new level. It features a refined all-black livery with subtle blue and black trim, but the real upgrades are under the hood. Constructed from a new grade of nano-carbon for even greater tensile strength and featuring a Spyrowrap butt section, the RXP is stiffer, faster, and more powerful than ever. If you are looking to launch 8oz leads into a gale or pull a specimen fish through a kelp forest, the Airpower RXP is the ultimate weapon of choice.

Extreme Power Meets Exquisite Detection

While the Airpower is built for EXTREME casting capabilities, it isn’t a “poker.” The genius of this rod lies in its progressive action. As you load the rod, the power moves seamlessly through the nano-carbon blank, culminating in a hybrid tip that offers world-class bite registration. You get the casting distance of a tournament rod with the visual feedback of a sensitive match rod—a combination that has made the RXP a cult favourite among shore anglers across the UK.

With its lightning-fast recovery, the blank snaps back into position instantly after release, minimizing line vibration and maximizing every yard of your cast.

Technical Specifications

Examples of Where to Use

• Rough Ground & Rock Marks: The Spyrowrap butt section provides the “grunt” needed to bully large fish away from snags and kelp.

• Winter Cod Fishing: When you need an 8oz grip lead and a large “cocktail” bait to hold bottom in a racing tide, the RXP handles the load without breaking a sweat.

• Extreme Distance Casting: Perfect for reaching those distant sandbars on open beaches where the larger specimen Rays and Smoothhounds patrol.

• Mixed Ground Competition: The hybrid tip ensures you can still “scratch” for smaller species during a match while having the power to land a “match-winner” if one shows up.

Gerry’s Pro Tip

“The RXP is a true ‘beast,’ but to get the best out of it, you need to understand its recovery speed. Because the nano-carbon is so responsive, it rewards a smooth, progressive cast. Don’t ‘snatch’ at it; let the rod load up fully through that Spyrowrap mid-section. Also, because this is the RXP (fixed reel seat) version, it’s optimized for a high-mount fixed spool or multiplier setup. If you’re fishing in the rain or cold, the Sure Grip System (SGS) is a lifesaver—those textured zones make pulling the sections apart effortless when your hands are wet!”

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the Airpower RXP too stiff for small fish?

Surprisingly, no. While it is a powerhouse, the hybrid tip is incredibly sensitive. You will easily see the ‘rattle’ of a Whiting or Flatfish, even if the rod is capable of winching a 15lb Ray.

What is the benefit of the ‘Spyrowrap’?

Spyrowrap is a specialized carbon winding technique that reinforces the blank’s structural integrity. It prevents the rod from ‘ovalling’ under extreme pressure, which means more power is directed into the cast and the rod is much less likely to fail under a heavy load.

Can I use a Multiplier on this rod?

Yes. The Fuji KWAG Alconite guides are specifically spaced and sized to handle the line flow from both large-capacity fixed spool reels and high-speed multipliers. The anti-tangle frames are essential for preventing ‘crack-offs’ when using braid.

Does it fit in a standard holdall?

As a 3-piece rod, each section is approximately 1.45m (under 5ft). It will fit comfortably in almost any standard rod holdall, including the Akios Sea Trek 150cm models, making it the perfect travel companion for the mobile angler.