Map Tks Carp 2 Pole

Carpy Class…. Joe Carass checks out the latest pole from the MAP stable that is built to handle even the largest carp!
Producing quality poles is something that MAP does well these days. Every pole that comes out bearing the TKS name really is a brilliant bit of kit, and for the past three or four years they have been gaining a great reputation.

It all came to a head last year when the awesome 901 was released, a pole we simply couldn’t believe at the time. What is nice, though, is that MAP has not forgotten its roots and the poles at the lower end of the range have received just as much love and attention as their more expensive brothers.

I was particularly interested in the launch of the TKS Carp 2 pole. There seems to be a trend towards producing separate carp poles these days and I actually think it is a great idea. We would all love a 901 and then another as backup, but for the majority this simply isn’t viable. A quality backup pole is a must in my opinion and the Carp 2 is just what is needed – a fully interchangeable pole that won’t break the bank.

First and foremost, though, this pole is not some kind of sideshow for the main event. It is a great pole in its own right. A super-strong pole that will literally cope with everything you throw at it. As soon as you assemble it, you know it is going to be strong. The walls barely have any give in them and every section feels as tough as old boots.

The pole is supplied at 13 metres and at that length it is excellent. It interchanges with the 701, 801 and 901, so in theory you could put the butt sections off those up the back of it, but I don’t think I would recommend it. I would have no hesitation in using the thickest of elastics through the Carp 2 but I would also happily use it for canal and river work (where I believe a stronger pole is required).

As with all of the MAP poles, the top kits that are supplied with the Carp 2 are pre-bushed with sensible sized bushes. This ensures that you retain the full length of the pole. They also feature a reinforced area that can be drilled to accommodate a puller bush (MAP is releasing its own curved version). I have used these top kits for over a year now and, let me tell you, they are strong!

The package is decent too and the pole is supplied with three power kits, a match kit, a half extension, deluxe holdall, 12-month warranty and a full set of protective tubes.

I have to say I have been very impressed with the Carp 2. It is easy in our job to get carried away with flagship poles (we see them day in, day out) but really the poles at the cheaper end are the ones improving most. This will be the ideal way to carry a backup for your more expensive carbon, but for general commercial work you will be hard pushed to find a better tool than this for the money.

Super Strong
The Carp 2 really is a strong pole, more than capable of handling anything you can throw at it. It is rated to a 20 elastic and I believe it will handle that with ease.

Great Finish
The anti-friction finish is a tremendous asset to this pole and makes it a joy to use. It is very smooth and easy to ship.

Interchangeable
The TKS Carp 2 is fully interchangeable with the 701, 801 and 901, making it the ideal backup pole for anglers with any of these models.

RRP: £549.99




X