I was fortunate enough to spend an entire day with the MAP G60 at Alders Farm, putting it through its paces in real match conditions. Let me start by saying this: the G60 isn’t just a slightly improved version of its predecessor, the 901. It’s a completely different beast. Built on the same mandrel as the popular 601 through to 901 range, the G60 retains kit compatibility and familiar handling, but that’s where the similarities end.
The most significant upgrade is the introduction of graphene into the pole’s construction. This wonder material, stronger than steel and lighter than carbon, adds strength and stiffness without any additional weight. MAP has published lab test results that show the G60 is 20% stronger than the 901 and around 10% stiffer, but these figures barely scratch the surface of what you feel when fishing with it.
From the moment I assembled the pole and extended it to 16 metres, it was clear something was different. Even without a dolly butt, the G60 showed less droop than any pole I’ve used at that length. On a calm day with the occasional breeze, I could hold a float still without the usual overcorrections and tip flicks that ruin presentation. As the wind dropped, the pole straightened with a smoothness I’ve never experienced before.
The real test came with shipping in and out repeatedly during a five-hour session. Normally, I’d expect aching arms and a tired elbow by the halfway mark. Not with the G60. Its balanced feel, even at full length, meant I could keep fishing comfortably right to the end. The textured grip at the base of each butt section helped me instinctively locate my hand position when shipping out, a small touch, but one that made a big difference.
Catch-wise, the pole felt just as comfortable with 6oz skimmers as it did with proper carp. A flick of the float, a confident strike, and the G60 absorbed every lunge and kick with assurance. Its rigidity is so finely tuned that I believe MAP may have achieved what every pole manufacturer dreams of: the perfect balance between stiffness and forgiveness. Any stiffer, and it would become a liability in a crosswind. Any softer, and it would lack precision.
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The Verdict
The MAP G60 is not just a flagship pole, it’s a pole that sets a new benchmark. Strong, stiff, and incredibly well-balanced, it offers the best of both worlds: the finesse needed for natural venues and the muscle required for commercial carp. Whether you’re targeting silvers at full length or dropping short for edge dwellers, the G60 handles it all with ease.
MAP has also nailed the top kit setup. The pole comes with three different types, match, power, and shallow, all of which now feature built-in roller pullers as standard. Section alignment markers and an anti-friction finish throughout make shipping as smooth as you’d hope from a flagship model.
There are some minor niggles. The section labels are printed in grey, which makes spotting lengths like 13m, 14.5m and 16m trickier than it needs to be. And the 2.7m top kits are slightly long for some commercial carp situations, though this won’t be a dealbreaker for most.
This might not be the outright lightest pole on the market, nor is it pigeonholed into one specific style of fishing. But that’s exactly why it’s so impressive. It’s the most complete pole I’ve ever fished with – a true all-rounder that excels in every area. With graphene now entering the pole game, expect this to be the first of many innovations to come.
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Tech Spec
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Built on the same mandrel as the MAP TKS 601–901
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Full compatibility with all MAP TKS top kits
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Graphene-reinforced carbon construction
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Anti-friction finish throughout for smooth shipping
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Raised grip areas at the base of butt sections for tactile section control
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Depth markers pre-printed on all top kits for accurate plumbing
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Sleek, understated graphics and section alignment system
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Side puller slots fitted on all top kits
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Top kits measure 2.7m
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Pre-bushed DM Match kit fitted
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Three additional pre-bushed DM Match kits
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Four pre-bushed DM Power kits
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Four short shallow kits
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Rigid cupping kit with cups
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Reinforced mini extension
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Deluxe holdall
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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
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
Identical to the top-spec Guru Aventus 900 but made from a lower-grade compound of Japanese carbon. This increases the strength of the Guru Aventus Zero 700 pole even further, making the pole exceptionally strong but slightly heavier than the Zero 900 in terms of weight.
The Aventus 700 poles have the some great specifications – Super Glide smooth paint finish, performance points for optimal linear stiffness and rigidity, rigid joint sections, friction-free matt tape finish, and built around the same ultra-fast-taper mandrel, which aids its responsiveness.
Pros
- Loads of package options to choose from.
- Super strong with incredible stiffness at 13m.
Cons
- Loses a bit of finesse beyond 13m (try the Zero 900 at this length).
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
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.