Modern margin poles were created to cope with the strain that increasingly heavy commercial carp can exert. Although modern fishing poles are stronger than they’ve ever been, they do have their limitations, so when it comes to extracting the biggest of fish from the snaggiest of margin homes, many pole anglers will reach for their dedicated margin pole.
With thicker and stronger sections coupled with bigger bore top kits, they are much better suited to this brutal kind of fishing and reduce the risk of costly breakages. As an added bonus, many manufacturers’ margin poles are interchangeable with their range of long poles, meaning you can share a cupping kit or even top kits between them.
The best margin poles at a glance:
Being stronger and often cheaper than a standard pole, margin poles are also an ideal first-time pole. So, whether you are an experienced pole angler looking to upgrade your summer margin gear or a novice to the pole market, here’s our guide to the best margin poles out there!
How we test the best margin poles

These margin poles were tested by experienced members of the Angling times team. We have been using and abusing these styles of poles since their conception, and have tamed some truly huge fish from the snaggiest pegs imaginable!
Team members, Mark Sawyer and Tony Grigorjevs have been testing a variety of margin poles, for the biggest commercial fishery carp, to see how they perform and give them a thorough workout.
Our decision process of what makes the best margin poles takes into account various factors including price point, overall strength, weight and packages to ensure we can give you the best advice, so you don't have to worry about breaking an expensive pole when fishing for big margin fish.
The following list includes a mixture of the best available for all types of margin fishing to help find a reliable length of carbon for you. Find out how we test our gear, HERE.
Be in no doubt, the Aero Power Margin is an incredibly strong 8.5m carp cruncher, made to cope with the largest of fish in any situation.Ideal as a stand-alone margin pole when strength is of the utmost importance, it is also compatible with Shimano’s latest and affordable Aero X3, X2 and X1 poles, which are ideal should you require extra length.
The pole is built from a high-quality lightweight carbon that makes the Aero Power Margin easy to use at its full length for extendedspells without causing arm ache or back pain. Its awesome power is made possible by a clever combination of high-tensile carbons, advanced tapered section design and some serious joint reinforcement. Moving on from the build technology, there’s a range of features that emphasise Shimano’s commitment to producing the very best.
Aero Joint is a reinforcement that improves longevity, the Aero Alignment System maximises stiffness, while Shimano’s Ultra Sound Finish delivers super-smooth shipping under all conditions.So that you can choose your preferred puller kits, a reinforced band is positioned on the second section of all the top kits.
For me, this is the pole’s only fault – I really would have liked a pre-fitted side puller kit. However, it’s not a deal breaker, and your local tackle shop could have it sorted out for you in a jiffy.
As for performance, this super-modern and super- lightweight margin pole is one heck of a lot better than anything that went before! If I was a regular on any small commercial water where it’s all about filling your boots, I would definitely buy this pole. It’s easy to fish with, and bulletproof.
CHECK OUT OUR REVIEW OF THE SHIMANO AERO POWER MARGIN 850 HERE!
Pros
- Lightweight and very easy to use
- Bucketloads of pulling power
Cons
- Needs fitting with a side puller slot, although reinforcing band is built in
The Guru N-Gauge XS Margin pole is a versatile and powerful tool designed for anglers who need a shorter pole for extreme fishing situations. At 10.0 meters, this pole is ideal for those who prefer fishing at closer range, such as on commercial fisheries.
Would this pole live up to its expectations? I was about to find out during a session on Laurels, at Lincolnshire’s Lindholme Lakes.The first thing that caught my eye, once the bag was opened, was the sheer amount of carbon it contained!Along with the main pole, there were two 5.8mm Carp Power kits, that can handle the thickest tow rope elastic available... and a cupping kit.
All the Power kits are pre-bushed to take thick elastics without the need to trim them back further.No side pullers are installed, but there is a carbon wrap that can be drilled out to install one without fear of destroying the top kit. There are also two ‘true’ extensions made from the same bulletproof carbon as the rest of the pole to reach the exact distance stated. They’re another sign of how seriously Guru has taken its quest to make this pole the best it possibly can be, for the money.
There were plenty of overhanging branches close to the island in front of me, and I’d laced a Carp Power kit with a grade 16 hollow elastic that was set quite tight to (hopefully) help me land everything I hooked. I wanted to see if the pole’s weight registered with me, as often, during quiet spells, you start to recognise these things! It didn’t. I could have sat it out for hours at 10m without any discomfort whatsoever, I was surprised at just how manageable the pole was at this full length, considering its price.
Guru promised something that would be a stand-out performer in its market, and it’s certainly come up trumps with this amazing pole.
Pros
- Strong pole designed to compliment the N-Gauge & Aventus Pro 16m poles
- Top kits are pre bushed and fit all other poles in the Guru range
Cons
- Its fast taper means it can feel bigger in the hands than other poles
Daiwa Matchman Power Margin 7m Pole, is a tool specifically designed to tame those big margin dwelling carp in commercial fisheries all over the country.
If you need a pole that can stand up to the rigours of commercial carp fishing then the Daiwa Matchman Power Margin is a cracker. This pole is great value for money and you would have to go some to break it. If you only use a pole occasionally or just want something cheaper to catch big fish in the margins or short on prolific commercials, this may well be the pole you have been searching for.
On testing I caught carp to over 20lbs using red Hydro and to be honest, as much as the carp wanted to give an account for themselves, the Matchman Power pole embarrassed them a little bit. Even if you are faced with an overly snaggy peg, I can't see a situation where this pole would struggle, and it gives you the confidence, even when in full battle curve that you are in control and its not going to explode into a thousand shards or carbon. The only minor niggle is the length, I think a 10.5m version would rival any of the other longer margin poles on the market, but for what it is, a short beast tamer, it is perfect.
Available in 7m and 9m models, they come supplied with 2 x 5.8mm power kits and a cupping kit in a holdall, so you have everything you need to get going, by the time you elasticity the kits, you are fishing the pole for less than £200.
Pros
- Exceptionally strong and responsive
- Includes a cupping kit
Cons
- Because of its strength, its not particularly light weight
The 8.5m Edge Monster Margin has been designed to hook and land big fish at short range with ease. It’s much more than just a heavy handed power tool, though. Strength is certainly one of its many attributes and if any carp in your local fishery takes the hookbait when this pole is in use then it is likely to be on the end of a losing battle.
The walls of each section ooze muscle power and no matter how much force you exert when trying to get the upper hand against your quarry, you can rest assured you aren’t going to suffer breakages, even when using the thickest elastics.
Hook a fish close to a snag and you’re going to need quick reactions to prevent it from delving into the maze of sunken branches. In order to do that you need a pole that slides through your hands in a quick and fluid manner. The gloss finish on the butt section and mini extension does exactly that and the transition into the rest of the sections is smooth. Put simply, you can ship the Edge Monster Margin back in a flash, rain or shine!
TAKE A LOOK AT OUR REVIEW OF THE PRESTON INNOVATIONS EDGE MONSTER POLE HERE!
Pros
- Ridiculously strong pole.
- Perfect for any situation where big fish are involved.
Cons
- Package could be slightly bigger.
The Preston Dura Carp 600 Margin Pole is a robust 6-meter pole engineered for durability, balance, and stiffness.
When I first heard that the Dura Carp 600 was due to be released, I expected a very basic package. I’m talking a top kit and the sections that go with it, and nothing else. But Preston has also installed a side puller and PTFE bush in the top kit which, when you consider the pole has an RRP of £69.99, you wouldn’t expect to be included.
Once out of the bag and put together, a quick squeeze of the sections revealed the inevitable – they’re super strong! It instantly felt like something that a newcomer could put in some weird and wonderful shapes, or drop off the roller on to concrete, without fear of a breakage. There’s no reason why an experienced angler wouldn’t lean on one in the right situation. After all, who wants to use their expensive pole in a snag pit, or at somewhere like Larford’s Specimen Lake where you’re likely to encounter 20lb lumps? I know I wouldn’t!
I headed to Birmingham’s Marston Fields to put it through its paces, settling for Sycamore Pool, where I'd heard that any bite down the edge could lead to a 10lb-plus donkey going into the net.
But there were no signs of the pole struggling. I even hoisted it in the air a few times and held it in position, allowing the thick and well tensioned elastic to put plenty of strain on the sections. Again, it didn’t flinch and, once back to the top kit, I used the side puller to tighten the elastic further. Yes, you’ve guessed it, the strength shone through.
At just 6m, it isn’t heavy, and stiffness doesn’t come into the equation at such short lengths. The finish is decent and, for the price, you’ll struggle to be critical.
Pros
- Super strong, lightweight and compact
- Budget friendly margin pole
Cons
- The sections don’t interchange with Preston’s longer poles
The Guru A Class Margin 800 8m margin pole is a fantastic pole for those who just want an out-and-out bagging pole and don't tend to fish far out. It will cope with the biggest of fish on commercials thanks to its 400 tensile carbon sections, it has been designed for durability, strength and performance.
The strength and fish playing action of Guru’s 8m Power Margin pole is great and this all-carbon wonder proved to be tough as old boots, able to handle commercial carp of any size. What was surprising is that the section joints all come apart without sticking, even when soaked through, which is a massive plus when playing big carp.
The pole’s stiffness is much as you’d expect from one at this price point, it's by no means saggy, but don't expect it to be poker straight at full length either. However, it’s easy to ship and handle thanks to the super glide paint and friction free matt tape finish and it comes with a spare Power Carp top kit to boot!
The pole only weighs 335g and performs really well, it is also available in an 5.5m version for those who like to fish a little closer in.
Pros
- Very strong
- Ideal for beginners
Cons
- Not the most extensive package
To complement the new range of Preston Superium X Poles, The Superium 8.5m Margin pole is a super-strong option, perfect for catching big weights in matches or for anglers who don't require a longer pole. This premium margin pole is a great companion to any other Superium X pole, as the top kits are fully interchangeable.
Dura wrap technology and strategic reinforcements ensure exceptional durability and longevity, ensuring that your Superium pole will stand the test of time. The Superium X top kits feature updated depth markers in 1-inch increments, allowing for precise rig tuning on the bank.
Pros
- Well balanced pole
- Rated to 20 elastic
- Easy to hold at full length
Cons
- Due to the improved fishing performance, the pole isn't quite as strong as some others.
Best handling margin pole

www.total-fishing-tackle.com
Built on the same mandrel and using the same advanced carbon technologies as its illustrious MTX V2 stablemates, Matrix’s seven-sectioned powerhouse MTX2 V2 Margin 2 11m pole is strong enough for any commercial fishery.
With MST layering technology, Glide anti-friction taped sections which lock reassuringly together, reinforced 1k carbon weave joints and protective nose cones in the No3 and No4 sections, it also comes with a mini extension. The three top kits are pre-fitted with PTFE bushes and Revolve Side Pullers. Carry sleeve included.
At 11m, this is not just a margin tool but a complete power pole and a perfect partner to complement any other MTX packages.
Pros
- Great finish, aids shipping back quick to draw fish out of snags.
- All sections reinforced for added strength.
Cons
- Does lose a bit of rigidity at its full length.
Best in class margin pole

www.total-fishing-tackle.com
Daiwa’s Tournament Pro X Margin 9m was designed as a compatible section ‘power partner’ for all of the company’s UK-built poles. With a high wall strength in its lower sections to ensure the no-nonsense treatment of big carp, it comes with two spare 5.8m Interlastic Cloud Kits that can be used with elastics as heavy as Red Hydro. One of the longer margin models on the market, it can reach along to the next platform with ease.
If you already own a UK-built Daiwa pole, then this is this is the choice for you! Not only can you share top kits and a cupping with your main pole, but also the bigger sections should you suffer a breakage.
Pros
- An exceptional margin pole.
- A perfect option to back up top-end Daiwa poles.
Cons
- Comes at a hefty price and is the most expensive margin pole on offer.
What to look for in a margin pole
Margin poles all offer increased strength, compared to normal poles, in order to tame large fish that can often put severe strain on more expensive tackle. Depending on how far out you want to fish, how big the fish are and what other features you require from a margin pole will dictate which is the best option to choose.
If you have a pole already, most of the manufacturers have built their margin poles on a similar mandrel, so the top kits and generally no4 and no5 sections will fit (do check first) so you have spares. If you just want the strongest available to build a big weight, aim for the poles with the strongest rating.
If you're a beginner or want a pole that will perform well, we recommend going for somewhere in between a pole that is fairly long (8-11m) but sacrifices some strength for rigidity and response, making it easier to hold and use, as it will be far more enjoyable to handle and more efficient all round.
Glossary
Top kit: The last 1 or 2 sections that you place on the end of your pole that contains the elastic that you attach your rig to. Most poles will come with a variety of top kits, allowing you to choose which elastic to fish with and enable you to set up multiple rigs.
Cupping kit: A separate top kit specially designed to attach a pole cup, allowing you to deposit a large amount of bait right where you are fishing.
Side puller: A small hole in the side of your top kit with a bush or roller fitted inside, used instead of a bung to anchor your elastic. The bottom end of the elastic is threaded through the puller and anchored by a bead on the outside of your pole. This allows you to grab the bead and pull some elastic out of the pole, changing its tension when playing a fish. This is useful when a larger fish has pulled a lot of elastic out of your pole, making it difficult to net.
Mini extension: A half-size or smaller, extra-strong piece of pole that goes into the back of a section. This helps protect the bottom end of your pole from damage whilst also allowing you to fish slightly further out when a full-length section would be too much.
Elastic rating: The elastic rating gives you the manufacturer's recommendation of the largest elastic you can safely put in a pole before you risk breakages from over-exertion.
Margin pole: A generally shorter pole of around 8-10m in length that is designed with stronger carbon, reinforced joints and improved wall strength to create a very strong pole to tame even the largest fish.
Margin pole frequently asked questions
What is the difference between a margin pole and a match pole?
A margin pole is a shorter, often 9m or less, super strong pole designed for fishing for very big fish that live close to near bank features. A power or carp pole is almost as strong but designed to be used at longer lengths of up to 16m. A match pole is a lighter, more rigid and easier-to-handle pole that can also be used for big fish and carp, but with care due to their decreased strength.
What do the numbers mean on pole elastic ratings?
The bigger the number, the more powerful the elastic. As a rough guide, elastics from 2 to 10 are best used in match kits for smaller fish. More powerful elastics, up to a 20, are best used in power kits. Elastics over a 20 are normally only used in margin poles. Always check the rating on your top kits and pole first though.
What is a margin pole?
A margin pole is a fishing pole designed to be much stronger than an ordinary pole as it is used to catch the biggest fish from a lake, such as carp. They were created to fish heavy at short ranges.
What is the difference between a pole and a whip?
A pole is generally put over sections that slide into one another, a whip will be telescopic in design.
What is the best pole elastic for carp fishing?
When fishing for big carp, we recommend a hollow or hybrid elastic with a rating between 14-20.
Author Mark Sawyer holds the position of Tackle Editor at Angling Times, boasting more than thirty years of experience working within different fields of the angling industry.