Shimano's Next Generation - 05/03/2010

Tackle giant Shimano will this month unveil its long-awaited pole range involving its GenX concept.

These have taken three years to develop, with the critical input from Alan Scotthorne and Steve Ringer. In fact, Shimano told us that it has been through 30 to 40 samples to get to the finished stage! The first three poles to hit the shops will be the Super Ultegra, Fire Blood and the top-of-the-range Aspire Ultra. Each will come at 16 metres as standard and be rated to No20 elastic.

Product manager Richard Griffiths told Pole Fishing: “Steve and Alan have not just helped perfect new poles, they have helped to perfect a completely new mandrel. The key factor for us was a pole that is not just stiff and not just light but a perfect balance of the two. The GenX concept also means that a comprehensive list of extras are available, from top kits starting at £50, power No4s, half extensions and stiff, high-quality cupping kits.

“The poles will also carry big spares packages with the Aspire and Fire Blood coming with nine kits and the Super Ultegra having seven.”

Expect to see a full On Test with these poles very soon!