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Terminal tackle · Lead-free leaders · Our take
Rigmarole Leadcore Leader
Carp fishing leader material
A supple, lead-free leader material built to hug the lakebed without the faff of traditional leadcore.
- Lead-free leader material using a micro brass chain braided construction.
- 45lb breaking strain for modern carp end-tackle applications.
- Designed to follow lakebed contours and remain incredibly supple.
- Can be spliced and is available as bulk spool material or ready-made leaders, depending on the version supplied.
Make sure it’s the right one. This review covers the RigMarole LinkteQ® leader material, sometimes listed as the RigMarole Leadcore Leader. It’s the lead-free, micro brass chain braided version.
Tackle Index Score
Tackle Index score
A well-thought-out lead-free leader for carp anglers who don’t mind putting in a little preparation.
Desk-research score from specs, price and fishing fit · How we score
- Product Quality9/10
- Performance8.9/10
- Impact on Fish Catching8.7/10
- Ease of Use7.8/10
- Value for Money8.6/10
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Who it suits
Is it right for you?
Great for
- Carp anglers fishing waters with leadcore restrictions. The lead-free construction is designed for modern lake rules while still giving you a supple, lakebed-following leader.
- Anglers who like tying and customising their own leaders. The material can be spliced, so you can make leaders to suit different rigs, spots and presentation jobs.
Maybe skip if
- Anglers wanting instant, ready-to-fish leaders. Splicing is neat once mastered, but it’s still a little more involved than clipping on a finished leader.
- Fisheries with very specific leader rules. Always check the venue’s exact requirements before using any leader material, even when it’s advertised as lead-free.
The lowdown
Introducing the Rigmarole Leadcore Leader
A supple, lead-free leader material built to hug the lakebed without the faff of traditional leadcore.
- Lead-free leader material using a micro brass chain braided construction.
- 45lb breaking strain for modern carp end-tackle applications.
- Designed to follow lakebed contours and remain incredibly supple.
- Can be spliced and is available as bulk spool material or ready-made leaders, depending on the version supplied.
Quick verdict
A clever bit of leader for modern carp waters
LinkteQ gives you the familiar lakebed-hugging job of leadcore, but without a traditional lead core. The micro brass chain construction keeps it supple, discreet and well suited to tricky modern lake rules.
It does need proper splicing and a bit of patience, but once you’ve got the hang of it, this is a cracking option for building tidy, fish-friendly carp end tackle.
A well-thought-out lead-free leader for carp anglers who don’t mind putting in a little preparation.
Desk-research score from specs, price and fishing fit · How we score
- Product Quality
- 9/10
- Performance
- 8.9/10
- Impact on Fish Catching
- 8.7/10
- Ease of Use
- 7.8/10
- Value for Money
- 8.6/10
The micro brass chain braid and supple construction are well suited to a modern carp leader.
It’s designed to settle naturally and follow lakebed contours across a range of carp-fishing spots.
A discreet, flexible leader can improve presentation, particularly on uneven or lightly pressured bottoms.
It’s versatile, but splicing and checking the finished leader takes more effort than using a ready-made option.
Bulk material can offer good flexibility for regular rig makers, while ready-made versions keep things convenient.
Head to head
How it stacks up
Side by side with the closest kit we've reviewed. This updates as we add more reviews.
Rigmarole
Rigmarole Leadcore Leader (this one)
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 Rigmarole Leadcore Leader
There’s been a proper shift towards lead-free end tackle on carp waters, and RigMarole LinkteQ is built bang in the middle of that change. It’s a leader material designed to give you the low-down, lakebed-hugging behaviour of leadcore, without using a traditional lead core. Handy stuff when your venue has tightened up its rules, mate.
The clever bit is the construction. LinkteQ uses a micro brass chain braided into the leader, rather than relying on a solid lead centre. That gives the material some weight while keeping it incredibly supple. In plain English, it’s made to follow the contours of the lakebed instead of bridging over little dips and bumps like a stiffer leader can.
That matters when you’re fishing a clean gravel spot, a silty dinner plate or the margins where the bottom rises and falls all over the place. A leader that settles properly can help keep the business end tucked away, rather than leaving a suspicious-looking section stood proud. It won’t turn a messy rig into a stunner by itself, but it gives you a strong starting point.
The 45lb breaking strain puts LinkteQ firmly in modern carp territory. This isn’t delicate bits-and-bobs material for light float work. It’s intended for serious end-tackle jobs, whether you’re building a lead clip arrangement, a helicopter-style presentation or another safe carp setup suited to your water.
Colour-wise, the green/black and brown/black options make sense for the sort of lakebed shades most of us come across. Greeny, weedy bottoms call for one approach, while brown silt or darker gravel may suit the other. Don’t get too hung up on matching it perfectly, though. A well-presented rig in the right spot will always beat fancy colour theory dropped in the wrong swim.
One of the main advantages here is that you can splice the material. That opens the door to making leaders at the length you actually want, rather than accepting whatever a ready-made version gives you. Short and neat for a clean spot, or a touch longer when you want the leader to settle away from a heavy lead arrangement — there’s room to tailor things.
Of course, custom leaders bring a bit of faff. You’ll need to learn the splicing process, keep your loops tidy and inspect the finished connection carefully. It’s not difficult once you’ve got the knack, but it’s not a five-second job either. If you’re tying rigs beside the lake ten minutes before bite-time, a ready-made leader might be the less stressful option.
LinkteQ is available as bulk spool material or in ready-made form, according to the maker’s promotional material. That’s a decent touch because it covers both camps: the angler who wants to build everything from scratch and the one who just wants a reliable leader ready to fish. Just make sure you know which format you’re buying before checkout.
The sensible bank tip is simple: keep the whole finished setup safe, smooth and suited to the fishery. Check the rules, use a proper splice, and pull everything firmly before it goes out. Used that way, RigMarole LinkteQ looks like a cracking lead-free alternative for carp anglers who want supple leader material that behaves properly over the contours.
For anglers fed up with rigid leaders, or those needing to move away from traditional leadcore, this is a bob-on option. It’s discreet, strong enough for its intended job and flexible enough to fit different approaches. There’s some learning and preparation involved, but the payoff is a tidy bit of end tackle that sits naturally on the deck.
Specifications
The nuts and bolts
- Product
- RigMarole LinkteQ® leader material
- Type
- Lead-free micro brass chain braided leader
- Breaking strain
- 45lb
- Construction
- Micro brass chain braided material
- Use
- Carp-fishing end tackle
- Colours
- Green/black and brown/black options are available
Specs checked with Rigmarole, Oct 2026.
Spot a model or spec change?
Our take
Why the lead-free design matters
The big draw is the combination of a lead-free construction and a supple braided profile. It’s made to follow contours rather than sit proud across the bottom, helping your leader blend into the swim.
That makes it especially handy when you’re fishing clean spots, choddy margins or silty areas where a rigid leader can look a bit naff. It’s not magic camouflage, mind, so colour choice and a tidy presentation still matter.
The material
A supple, lead-free leader with a bit of cleverness inside
RigMarole LinkteQ uses a micro brass chain braided into the leader material. That construction gives it a weighted feel without a traditional lead core, while the braid keeps it very supple. It’s designed to follow the lakebed contours, which is exactly what you want when the bottom isn’t billiard-table flat.
The 45lb breaking strain makes it a carp-focused choice for leaders, rather than a general-purpose coarse-fishing material. Green/black and brown/black colours give you sensible options for weedy, silty and darker lakebeds.
Worth knowing. Lead-free doesn’t mean rule-free. Fisheries can have their own requirements around leaders, knots, sleeves and lead systems, so check the exact local rules before clipping up.
On the bank
Best for anglers who want control over their end tackle
LinkteQ suits carp anglers who like building their own leaders and want to move away from traditional leadcore. Splicing lets you choose your own finished length and create a tidy, tailored connection for different spots and rigs.
It’s also handy when you’re fishing a venue that expects lead-free tackle. A supple leader can settle nicely across gravel, silt and uneven margins, helping your rig look less out of place when the fish are on the munch.
It’s less ideal for anyone who wants instant simplicity. If you hate fiddly preparation or only fish occasionally, a ready-made version may be the better shout. The material itself isn’t complicated, but sloppy splicing is a proper headache.
Quick answers
The bits anglers usually want to know
Yes. It’s made for carp-fishing end-tackle applications and has a stated 45lb breaking strain. Pair it with a safe, venue-compliant lead system and a rig suited to the bottom you’re fishing.
It’s designed as a lead-free alternative for anglers who want similar leader behaviour. The micro brass chain construction helps it settle and follow contours, while avoiding a conventional lead core.
Bulk is the better route if you enjoy making leaders and want to control the length. Ready-made is more convenient when you want to get fishing with less faff.
On paper
Pros & cons
What we like
- Lead-free construction suits waters with modern tackle rules.
- Very supple and designed to follow the lakebed nicely.
- 45lb breaking strain gives it a reassuringly robust carp-fishing role.
- Spliceable material lets you build leaders to your preferred length.
Worth knowing
- Splicing takes more time and care than simply tying on a ready-made leader.
- You’ll need to check your venue rules and make sure the finished setup is safe and correctly assembled.
- Bulk material means extra faff if you only want leaders straight out of the packet.
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Your questions answered
What anglers want to know
The stuff you’d ask your mate on the next peg. Straight answers, no waffle.
01Is RigMarole LinkteQ actually lead-free?
Is RigMarole LinkteQ actually lead-free?
Yes. LinkteQ uses a micro brass chain braided construction rather than a traditional lead core, making it a lead-free leader material.
02What breaking strain is RigMarole LinkteQ?
What breaking strain is RigMarole LinkteQ?
The stated breaking strain is 45lb, making it aimed squarely at carp-fishing end-tackle applications.
03Can you splice RigMarole LinkteQ?
Can you splice RigMarole LinkteQ?
Yes, it can be spliced. Take your time, keep the finished loop tidy and check every connection before casting or fishing.
What anglers say
The word from the bank
Our read: a clever bit of leader for modern carp waters. The strongest reasons to choose it are lead-free construction suits waters with modern tackle rules. and very supple and designed to follow the lakebed nicely.; the main trade-off is splicing takes more time and care than simply tying on a ready-made leader..
Our take on the feedback
Why it appeals
Checked Sept '26 — “Lead-free construction suits waters with modern tackle rules.”
Best fit
Checked Sept '26 — “Carp anglers fishing waters with leadcore restrictions: The lead-free construction is designed for modern lake rules while still giving you a supple, lakebed-following leader.”
Worth knowing
Checked Sept '26 — “Splicing takes more time and care than simply tying on a ready-made leader.”
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 Rigmarole Leadcore Leader
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Owner reports
Own this? Help the next angler.
Quick multiple-choice reports from people who say they own the Rigmarole Leadcore Leader. Not verified purchases, and kept separate from our score.
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