the M-Sport is back… and it’s better!
Icon launches the third generation of its flagship two-piece shore rod range…
When I reviewed the original Icon M-Sport range of beach rods six years ago, I recall being totally impressed by its looks, performance and price. Three models labelled Ultra, Power and Match meant there was a rod to suit a huge variety of ground and conditions.
It wasn’t long before Icon decided to work on a few tweaks and soon launched a second phase of rods.
The good news for shore anglers is that the third generation of the Icon M-Sport is here – and the latest rods are every bit as good as the originals.
Icon has simply gone back to basics, while adding improvements and noticeable changes. The trio of models Ultra, Power and Match remain, but have now undergone a full cosmetic change.
The Match model is now five per cent stiffer in the tip section than the original. This brings it more into line with the Power version.
All of the rings have been improved too. Seaguides are now fitted throughout the full range, and all models are compatible with a single reducer that is available to purchase separately.
If I was to have a grumble, I would aim it at the plain and simple fact that a sliding screwwinch reel seat is missing. The rods do come equipped with a set of adjustable coasters, but from a personal point of view, I really dislike these for securing a reel to the rod.
For a rod that is more or less aimed at fishing into rougher ground, where tactics are basically crude, pumping a decent specimen through an obstacle of snags can be brutish, to say the least. The last thing I want is the reel twisting and moving on the blank, which can happen occasionally when using coasters.
Adjustable sliding reel seats aren’t particularly expensive (I’ve seen some for as little as a fiver) and the first thing I’d be doing is ditching the coasters for one of these.
The blanks aren’t lightweight by any stretch of the imagination, but what they lack in the weight department, they certainly make up for in appearance and looks. They are simply stunning and finished impeccably with a neat Japanese shrink wrap on the butt section. No bells and whistles, but simple white bitespotting tips and definitely none of this “hey, look at me” dazzling livery that some outfits now carry. In short, they are simply sharp, to the point and ready for business.
SIMPLY STUNNING
On the beach, I was eager to get going, and with a stiff easterly wind blowing, it would be a true test for mine and the rods’ casting capabilities.
I fastened my 6500-sized multiplier reel loaded with 16lb mainline and tapered shockleader in the low position on to the match model and went straight into a full pendulum cast.
It’s incredibly easy to handle and the loadup process is pleasingly slower than I had imagined it would be.
As I came around through a flat arc, the reaction from the blank was delightful. The whole power transfer is gradual and the ‘feel’ of the rod working and flexing before I went for a powerful hit certainly enabled me to time everything to absolute perfection.
After around a dozen hard pendulum casts, I began to get into my groove and loved every minute of my time with the M-Sports – as I did six years ago with the original models.
The Match blank is certainly the more forgiving of the three, with a wonderful, notso-soft tip action. The Ultra is definitely a rod for using in fast tides and mixed ground.
Finally, the Power rod is a beast, and rough ground, deep water and cliff anglers will get the most from this one.
I switched reels from multiplier to one of the Icon FXD fixed-spool reels that I’d loaded with a heavy braid. Although the rods did handle and cast well with it, a fixed-spool reel attached to a blank with coasters is an utter nightmare. It’s uncomfortable and difficult to maintain a decent grip at the reel, especially if you intend on performing a powerful cast.
Overall, the rods are simply top performers and won me over in every department and that includes the price too. Each model of the M-Sport will set you back a nifty £179.99. To me, that’s an awful lot of rod for my cash. Just get rid of the coasters… they’re pointless, in my opinion. ■