I used to use carp rods for piking, and they'll do as long as you dont over-tax 'em by trying to cast heavy baits more than quite short distances. With good technique, you'll stretch the distance out a bit. As always, practice makes perfect. It's the only way to get to get a feel for the rod's limitations.
I've got two Diaiwa "Whisker" pike rods, and 3 of the carp version. They are about ?80 each, all 12 footers, carp 2.75lb tc, pike 3lbs. The difference? The carp version has six rings, the pike has nine. The extra rings really stiffen the rod up for casting. It will really chuck out a quite heavy deadbait, though I'm from the keep it smallish school as deadbaits go.
The carp version is a really subtle tool - it's delicate and forgiving, but extremely powerful at the same time. I love them all!