SONIK’S NO-BRAINER
These incredible introductory shore rods offer performance at a price you’ll like
Top shore rods at a price you’ll like.
SONIK VADER XS SHORE ROD - PRICES: £54.99; £64.99 & £79.99
Be honest…did you find yourself doing a double-take at the prices above? I reckon you probably did, and now you’re wondering if it’s a huge mistake.
Well, I’m happy to report that there’s nothing wrong with your eyesight and the prices are unequivocally correct.
The latest batch of blanks to enter Sonik’s remarkable stable of shore rods is the Vader XS range, an updated model that sees them replacing the popular SKS rods. So, if you’re a newcomer to shore fishing and in need of a quality outfit, be prepared to rub your hands at the thought of using a rod that doesn’t cost the Earth to buy.
There are three rods to choose from, with a single three-piece outfit accompanied by a couple of two-piece blanks. The three-piece is a 15-footer rated at 4-7oz, while 13ft and 14ft rods rated at 4-6oz and 4-7oz are your two-piece options.
All models are incredibly pleasing on the eye, and the build quality and finish is
impressive. Built using multi-modulus carbon fibre, the casting action is more progressive, rather than quick.
The guides are larger and boast XD frames, meaning the ceramic inserts possess a far greater impact protection, just in case you accidentally knock the blank or it falls to the floor. There’s even an anti-frap tip ring to eliminate those annoying casts when a fast-moving mono inadvertently decides to wrap itself around it.
Other notable features include a highquality DPS reel seat and a highly visual white tip section for instant bite spotting.
COMFORTABLE
The full range of blanks are designed to be used in conjunction with either a fixed-spool or multiplier reel. I decided to use a multiplier on the two-piece rods, and a fixed-spool on the three-piece version.
With a reel attached, the balance feels really comfortable, and each blank is nice and lightweight. Plus, the reel seats are fixed high on the butt section and their positioning was just right.
For a rod costing less than 60 quid, I wasn’t expecting much in the way of highperformance, but I was pleasantly surprised, to say the least. Simple off-the-ground casts fired my lead weights easily. Although the loading up process wasn’t instant, it was clear to me from the start that I could actually hit it slightly harder.
It’s not the type of rod for you to perform pendulum swings – the emphasis is certainly not on power, but on performance, which is a winner for anyone starting out.
The three-piece rod is utterly impressive. I’ve used Continental outfits costing 10 times the price of this and have to say, it’s a bit of a gem.
As I prefer to use my reel low on the rod, I found the two-piece rods incredibly easy to get along with. From overhead thumps, layback-style and off-the-ground casting, their performance is simply outstanding.
Although the butt sections are a tad soft, you need to remember these are introductory outfits. Any junior angler learning the ropes will certainly master casting abilities using these until it’s time to upgrade and move on to a more substantial beachcaster.
Plus, if you’re a first-time shore angler looking to purchase a superb outfit without overstretching your budget, the Sonik Vader XS shore rod is a no-brainer.