How do you improve on what many people regarded as the best pole on the market? After two years of tweaking the orignal design we have now taken the award winning performace pole and made it even better. Changing the materails and resigns on the three butt sections we have created a pole thats not only stronger on these key sections, but its now better balanced and even more rigid that its predecessor. Ulilising the exculsive carbon for the production for this pole, we have retained the orignal 901 mandrel, so this new model will still interchange with the orignal 901. Without a doubt, the new 2G 901 has taken pole design to a totally new level.
Standard package includes:
1 x Pre-Bushed Puller Match Kit Fitted
8 x Pre-Bushed Puller Match Kits
4 x Pre-Bushed Puller Power Kits
3 x Short No 4 sections
1 x Rigid Cupping Kit with Cups
1 x Reinforced Mini Extension
1 x Deluxe Holdall
12 month guarantee
Features:
Ultra-high modulus carbon, which is exclusive to the 901
Anti friction finish throughout
Sleek, understated artwork
Reinforced joints
Section alignment system
1,362g @ 16.0m
Joe Carass Review
You should all know by now that here at Match Fishing, we are big fans of the MAP TKS pole range and particularly theflagship 901. I’ve used mine for over 30 months now and to say I have been impressed with its performance is an understatement. But I have written enough about that pole over the years, so let’s not dwell on the past.
At the Tackle
Guns Trade Show in October last year, MAP released the new 2G TKS range, an upgraded range with some lovely new touches, but interestingly there was no 901. In fact, I was blown away by the 801 and was struggling to see the difference between that and the original 901! I was told not to worry, though, and that something good was on its way.
This week I had the pleasure of a visit from MAP’s brand manager, Mike Robinson, and in his arms was the new 901 2G in all its glory. I didn’t get to the ICE tackle show where the pole had been launched to the trade, so was keen to see what improvements had been made.
Straightaway you will notice that the lovely, simple, understated graphics are back. These were a real hit with the punters and I notice how several other companies are now following a similar route. Less is often more, and in the case of high-end graphics it couldn’t be more true!
But what about the performance? As those of you who have held a 901 will be able to corroborate, making a pole much stiffer would be a pretty hard task. In fact, I would say at 13 and 14.5 metres there is little difference between the second generation 901 and the original model. Both are incredibly stiff. Add the 16m and 17.5m extensions (supplied at 16m - extentions available seperatly), though, and that’s when the difference and improvements are noticeable. The rigidity at these lengths really sets the 2G model apart (although the 901 was hardly bad), with barely any movement through the pole and the tip recovery is just second to none. This pole will help you hit more bites, there is no doubt about that in my opinion.
But it’s not just about the rigidity. The sections themselves have received a facelift. The butt sections have been beefed up considerably to prevent any wear and tear that happens through a tough season. Reinforcements have been made in all of the key areas to prevent elbow damage when striking. The rest of the sections are also considerably stronger and I was surprised I wasn’t holding a carp pole, to be honest, such was the wall strength of the sections. I know how strong the 901 is, I have had mine in all kinds of shapes when trying to pull fish away from snags and the fact that this is stronger can only be a good thing.
The package has also had a facelift. The 2G comes with an incredible 14 top-kit package (13 top kits and a cupping kit), as well as various short fours, half butts and tubes. But the really nice touch is the new side puller bushes that come prefitted to the top kits. These are the popular curved puller bushes that MAP produces. They are a firm favourite of mine, to be honest, and the fact that they are now factory fitted is a big plus.
Another key point that is well worth a mention is the PTFE bushes in the top kits. My main gripe with the 901 was the quality of these, as I didn’t feel they were good enough. MAP has listened and the bushes that are pre-fitted now are excellent quality, so it’s great to know that this is a brand that take criticism on board the right way.
It really is hard to fault the 901 2G. Having fished with the old model for so long I can really see the improvements in the pole. I read on some Facebook posts that people have had problems with MAP’s customer service when it comes to getting spares for the poles, but I must say that whenever I have ordered anything the delivery has been very prompt, and it does make me wonder where these rumours get started.
I can only speak from personal experience and I believe the 901 2G is a big improvement on the original pole. You just have to check it out! |
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