YOu can get away with a rather small carbon rod I think I am using 1/8" on my Kougar. Much more stress than the Kadet Just be careful about where you route the antenna. I've heard of some guys having problems with the antenna close to carbon rods. On my Kougar I have the antenna running inside the fuse near the pushrods, and haven't had a problem, but just thought I'd mention it as other have.