TECH SPEC

Pole: 16m 2EX-S 50#1 pole with top kit inside (also available at 14.5m)
Package: Five spare pre-bushed top-2 kits, extra third section, cupping kit, Square Pole Protector
Weight: 1,477g at 16m

PAY AROUND

£999.99

German tackle giant Browning has launched some stunning poles over the years, such as the Xitan range which came with features that were a revelation to UK match anglers.

The poles had single length pre-bushed top kits, intermediate dolly sections and elongated butt sections. These days all these features, novel in their time, can be found on virtually all top-end poles from a number of manufacturers.

Then, last year, came Browning’s Euro-inspired Hyper Carp rods, a pair of carbon enforcers with enough grunt to halt a charging rhino and more than capable of landing the largest of carp when teamed with the right elastics.

That brings us nicely up to speed, so what have the Germans got in store for us this season? Well, in keeping with what’s happening here in the UK, where there’s been a resurgence in silverfish matches on natural venues, Browning has introduced its new

four-model 2EX-S range. These are all-round poles, at prices to suit most pockets.

The one likely to generate the most interest among UK match anglers, I reckon, is the sub-£1000 2EX-S 50#1 16m pole. I can’t begin to fathom how or why Browning came up with this mightily forgettable name, but I’m sure anglers will come up with their own – ‘To Excess’, maybe?

However, it’s what’s going for it in the fishing department that’s important. Allow me to enlighten you as to its technical attributes.

This 10-section 16m pole is built from a mix of graded carbons which have allowed Browning to keep it light and stiff without sacrificing too much power.

Each one of its numbered sections has handy alignment points, as well as overwrapped joint ends which add to its longevity. Browning has also incorporated strengthening stress points, and visible grip areas towards the tops of the fourth, fifth and sixth sections. These help with shipping out and breaking down.

To that little lot you can add a revolutionary Square Pole Protector section which makes it more comfortable to hold at longer lengths, and five pre-bushed top kits (plus one inside the pole) which require no cutting back. Just add elastic and go fishing, which is exactly what I did at the picturesque day-ticket Stretton Lakes just off the A1 north of Peterborough.

With the wind trying its damnedest to blow it from my grip, its wasn’t ever going to be easy to judge how good or otherwise the 2EX-S 50#1 was at its longer lengths. I’d be fibbing if I said it was as easy to fish with at its full 16m as at 13m or 14.5m lengths. That said, it fairly zipped through my hands, which was handy, because a string of small roach that had become more of a hindrance than a help were able to be dealt with in double-quick time.

When the odd carp did start putting in an appearance, though, the added security of the reinforced sections definitely engendered a feeling of confidence.

And as the winter sun dipped below the horizon I was glad I had stayed on fishing till the close of day – something that only happens when you’re really enjoying yourself!

VERDICT

What’s not to like about this pole? it looks good, has great technical features, and comes with an impressive spares package of pre-bushed same-length top kits that don’t need cutting back. It’s equally at home on natural venues and commercial carp fisheries, making it an ideal buy for the serious club match angler who gets to visit lots of different venues over the course of a season.

Mark Sawyer