Despite its lightweight build, the Tournament S is no pushover. It boasts a 20 elastic rating when fitted with a Power kit, proving more than capable of handling larger fish. This combination of reduced weight and impressive strength makes it a true all-rounder, suitable for a variety of fishing situations. It is priced similarly to the Airity Pro, another all-rounder in Daiwa’s lineup, but the focus here leans more towards natural water fishing rather than the brute strength required for commercial carp fishing.
Another standout feature is Daiwa’s Diamond Satin Finish on the butt sections, which provides a smooth yet slightly grippy texture that prevents sticking, even in wet conditions. This ensures effortless shipping in and out, a crucial factor when fishing at full length for extended periods. Daiwa’s new Professional top kits also enhance the experience, offering a better balance than the older Power kits. The Commercial kits bridges the gap between Match and Power kits beautifully, providing flexibility across different angling scenarios.
To put the Tournament S to the test, I headed to Pipehill Fisheries, a venue known for its tricky but rewarding roach fishing. Fishing casters long at 13.6 metres, I had to work to figure out the right feeding and presentation approach, but once dialled in, the pole’s lightness made it a joy to use. The ability to react instantly to bites, combined with its effortless handling, allowed me to amass over 20lb of quality roach by the end of the session.
The verdict
One of the first things that struck me when picking up the Tournament S was just how light it is. At 16 metres, this is the lightest pole Daiwa has ever produced, weighing in at 25 grams less than the Air Z Pro. While that might not sound like much on paper, in hand, the difference is significant. The balance and responsiveness are exceptional, making it effortless to use over long sessions. The weight reduction allows for instant striking, without the need to wind up power, which is a game-changer when targeting fast-biting fish like roach.
So, is the Daiwa Tournament S worth considering? Absolutely. This is a serious contender for anyone looking to invest in a top-end pole. It delivers an incredible balance of weight and power, making it equally effective on rivers, lakes, and commercials. While Daiwa markets it as having a natural water bias, it performs just as well in other environments. If you’re torn between this and the similarly-priced Airity Pro, the choice comes down to preference, do you want the lightest possible pole, or do you favour a little extra stiffness and power?
For those who value comfort and precision over raw strength, the Tournament S is a game-changer. With a promotional price of £3,799 for the 16m version, it offers serious performance at a competitive price point. Anglers looking for a pole that excels across multiple disciplines will find a lot to love here. Whether you’re chasing silverfish on natural waters or tackling bigger fish on commercials, the Tournament S is built to perform.
IF YOU ARE LOOKING FOR A NEW POLE, OUR BUYER'S GUIDE HAS SOME EXCELLENT OPTIONS!
Tech spec
-
Super MSG nanoplus
-
V-Joint Alpha
-
Diamond Satin on decorated butts
-
ITS Taping from No4
-
Section Alignment System
-
Pro Match 4.0mm Kit (PTFE bush, No3 nose cone, reinforced wrap)
-
Pro cupping kit and cups
-
Super Light PHEX911 reversible extension with foam nose cones
-
Protective EVA end caps
-
Holdall supplied
www.fishingtackleandbait.co.uk
The Daiwa Tournament S pole is a true all-round option. If you really enjoy your silverfish angling then this pole is absolutely perfect with the benefit of being able to fish for carp when the need arises! A gem of a pole!
Pros
- Incredibly lightweight and stiff
- Great for natural venues and comercials silverifish and f1s
- Finish is sublime
Cons
- Though it wil land big carp, it is not an out and out commercial carp pole
Our pick of the alternatives
www.total-fishing-tackle.com
The new Airity Pro has been re-built from the bottom up, taking into account how, when and where this pole is likely to be used, and what its parameters need to be. It has a sharper response and a better balance than the old Airity. Both are requisite features for targeting big fish using long and/or shallow tactics. It also has power and strength to burn for bagging-up on high catch-rate venues.
The pole comes pre-fitted with a new and improved near-equal length twin-sectioned 2.4m Professional Match Kit which is ideal for silvers, and designed with a pre-bore side puller reinforcement area – but that’s where the silverfish concessions start and end!
CHECK OUT WHEN MARK GOT THE AIRITY PRO OUT ON THE BANK IN THIS VIDEO.
Pros
- Excellent spares package including half extensions throughout
- Designed for commercials but complete all rounder
Cons
- Only supplied with one match kit
www.total-fishing-tackle.com
The G60 is the new flagship pole from the MAP stable and it is impressive to say the least! Designed to be both tough and balanced, it's comfortable to use at its full 16m length, remaining stiff and responsive, making it a superb choice for any angler at any venue!
To be perfectly honest, when it comes to rigidity, I believe MAP has reached a level of optimum stiffness, something never before achieved in any pole. I wouldn't want a pole any stiffer as I would be worried it would snap on the strike!
After four hours at full length, I'd normally have that characteristic aching arm and a sore elbow, not today, though – a true testament to how comfortable I found this pole to be. A subtle but valuable addition is the rippled finish on the butt sections, giving a tactile cue when reaching the end, improving handling instinctively.
The G60 isn’t just a match pole, power pole, or finesse tool, it’s all of them combined. If we had to list our top flagship poles for any style of fishing, the G60 would be on each one. While we won’t call it the best pole ever made, it is undoubtedly the most complete I've ever used. My prediction is that, in a few years’ time, every pole on the market will be incorporating this incredible carbon material.
Pros
- Graphene makes pole stronger and stiffer without adding weight
- Incredibly stiff and responsive
- Rippled finish on butt section for grip and identification when shipping
Cons
- Top kits are on the long side (2.7m)
- Understated graphics make it difficult to identify the 13m, 14.5m & 16m sections at a glance
Author Dan Webb first became involved in angling journalism in 2015 and has worked as Tackle Tester at Angling Times since April 2021. He is a fanatical all-round match angler and former England Youth International.