Daiwa says its Matchman Method Feeder rods were developed in response to the ballooning size of carp in commercial match waters. Big-name anglers, including Will Raison, have had lots of input into the design of these rods which, despite being as strong as shirehorses on steroids, deliver a crisp, sweetly progressive fish-playing action.
There are 9ft, 10ft, 11ft (on test) and 12ft versions to choose from, depending on how far you want to cast. In common to them all are two graded push-in carbon quivertips – which, for the 11ft model, means a 1oz orange-topped tip and another of 1.5oz in fluoro yellow.
The fast-taper blanks are made from a high-quality carbon cloth, and are quick off the blocks when it comes to picking up the line on longer casts.
The quartet of two-piece rods all have equal-length sections with the tips fitted, making them easy to carry around. Key features include a classy-looking gunmetal grey gloss-coated blank, dressed in black with red-tipped whippings, and good length cork and EVA handles with screw-down reel seats.
Furnishings are simple and functional, with premium grade low-profile ceramic-lined guides and a simple fixed keeper ring as a nice finishing touch.
It carries a maximum recommended casting weight of 50g, but by my reckoning you’d be safer casting loads of up to 40g, using reel lines of 5lb-8lb.
On test I teamed it with a standard inline 30g flatbed Method feeder, which flew 40 yards arrow-straight and bang on target. Once I’d clipped up, I was confident of it easily hitting 50yds with just a bit more ‘push- pull’ on my part, but anything much over the 40g mark and I was concerned it might struggle to go the distance or maintain its accuracy.
What the Matchman Method Feeder rod does have going for it in spades, though, is a superb fish-playing action, the result of some serious scrutiny and field-testing by the Daiwa consultancy team.
These new Daiwa rods not only punch way above their weight, but represent superb value for money. You have my word on that!
THE VERDICT
Sweet as a nut, back of the net, and more fun than a day at the fair, it’s little short of commercial carp heaven at a super bargain price. The rod bends exactly how, when and where it should, and has more than enough backbone to heave a reluctant lump over the rim of the landing net.
These Daiwa rods not only punch way above their weight, but represent superb value for money. You have my word on that!
FIND OUT MORE ABOUT THIS PRODUCT AND OTHERS FROM DAIWA HERE.
TECH SPEC
- HMC carbon blanks
- Stainless steel guides with ceramic linings
- Cork foregrip and reel lock
- EVA rear armlock grip
- Down locking DPS reel seat Hook Holder
- Two DCF carbon graded quivertips
www.ebay.co.uk
Pros
- Seamless flat spot-free progressive action.
- Easy and accurate casting.
Cons
- A tad heavy in the hand.
Our pick of alternatives
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This feeder rod comes with two spare quivertips and has a mellow action ideal for junior or newbie anglers.
Pros
- Spare quiver tips.
- Very forgiving action.
Cons
- Not ideal for casting bigger feeders.
www.tradeinn.com
This model has a little more power than many similar length feeder rods, making it ideal for big fish.
Pros
- Lots of power to play big fish.
- Great for casting.
Cons
- Can be a little too powerful for small carp and f1's
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Sublime high performance feeder rod constructed using the finest carbons and dressed to thrill....what a beauty!
Pros
- Super lightweight and balanced.
- Will do everything you ask of it.
Cons
- It is very expensive.
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.