I used to always use a running rig but recently started using a bolt rig. I feel a little more confident with the bolt for whatever reason. How about everyone else? And if you use circle hooks or a baitfeeding reel does that influence what rig you use?

I haven't gotten that into the various carp rigs yet.  Pretty much just use the standard hair rig with a slip sinker.  Wouldn't mind buying a carp specific rod so I can launch some heavier rigs or experiment with method baits.

I use both with no real rhyme or reason as to why. The thing is, I feel a lot of time when I cast out a slip rig, the sinker fowls, turning it into a bolt rig anyway. At least with the way they run some times it feels that way. Seems with a bolt, an automatic hook set is more likely, Unless you're leaders really short. I don't have much specialized tackle either. I use sz 6 or 8 2x strong scud fly tying hooks for my hair rigs. Only hook other than eagle claw bait holders that have the eye turned the right way for a hair rig. At least that I've found locally.

For my hair rigs I use size 4 Gamakatsu Octopus hooks.  Super sharp, haven't had many fish come off with them.

While I'm not trying to say there's something wrong with your rig, all the reading and searching I've done always shows the hair rig tied with a hook that has the eye turned the opposite direction as a gamak octo hook or straight. I did some shopping around on some euro carp online tackle places and found more of the same.

http://forums.fishusa.com/Message/476686-boilie-stops/ accordbw comments on it here. He's got a YouTube channel with lots of great carp tackle reviews BTW

Thanks for posting that FishinGuy, I was also using the Gamakatsu octopus circles. Since reading that I put in an order for some new hooks. Brian is a wealth of knowledge.