i use an older model the aero specimen in 13 3.5 and they are rather stiff rods not much use for general piking but something worth having for those times when more control or range is needed

 i wouldnt buy a set just get the one and use more standard rods for the majority of your piking

 if they are not too dissimilar (which i doubt) they will cast half a (tescos)  mackeral and a four ounce lead but they are unforgiving and will cast baits off if your not carefull mine is used purely with lamprey eel launce etc for distance stuff and drifter fishing wher the extra foot does help with control and the pick up

Fox currently do some tremendous rods for heavier/long range fishing in their Predator Elite range.

I'm not sure an extra foot will help you cast any further but the 3.25 tc version has immense power and a more progressive action than a carp rod.

I chuck big baits and weights about with mine on the rivers I fish and after a season's use reckon they're the best rods I've used for heavier fishing. I don't fish that far out though, 30yds is a long chuck for me even when I'm bank fishing.

I had some Shimano Symetres when they were trendy and never got on with them, thought they were too tippy for anything other than big lead/small bait.

Getting the distance isn't just down to the rod, you can get a few more yards using the right bait/rig.