On the bank with MAP’s new Dual Feeder rod range
Tony Grigorjevs reviews MAP’s latest feeder, bomb and waggler offerings
WHEN you pull a top-end rod out of the packaging it’s instantly clear that you’re holding an elite product.
The finish is immaculate, the carbon appears expensive and the subtle design of things such as reel seat and rod rings have clearly been carefully considered and all add to the classy feel.
But every now and then a product is released and you are pleasantly surprised at the price.
MAP’s latest rod launch fits perfectly into that category. The moment I got my hands on them I thought I was going to be testing something that would only favour those with a bulging wallet.
That assumption was blown out of the water when the paperwork revealed they were in fact priced in the region of £125-£160... a midrange ticket for something that on first glance seemed as if it could command a much higher fee.
There are seven rods in the brand-new Dual range – three feeders, two bomb rods and a couple of waggler rods. Together they cater for a wide range of angling styles.
It was the feeder rods that were scurried into the car for a live test, heading off to the immensely popular Barston Lakes.
In my eyes, this is the ideal venue to put a new piece of kit through its paces. One chuck could yield a big skimmer and the next a 20lb carp – this would certainly show just how versatile these rods were.
The rods come in 11ft, 12ft and 12ft 9ins lengths, with the latter geared towards distance casting.
A 35g Method feeder was rigged up on the 11ft and 12ft versions, and from the first cast there was no doubt they could handle punching it out.
As far as the distance rod was concerned, I always approach products like this with caution.
I have seen several rods over the years claiming to be ready to chuck a big feeder to the horizon that struggle to handle the strain.
That certainly wasn’t the case with the 12ft 9ins MAP Dual, and a 55g Hybrid plopped in at 70 yards with minimal effort required on
my part for it to reach that zone.
The experience continues to be a pleasure when you finally hook a fish. The soft tips – of which each rod has three – will prevent hook pulls as a bream lolls around, but latch into a lump and there is still plenty of power through the bottom end of the rod to keep you in control.
Price: £125-£160