Rods, Reels & Poles

As it stands, these are Middy’s flagship rods. However, I have been reliably informed that Middy has some even greater rods that they are just working on finalising as I write this. There’s absolutely no doubt that these two Reactacore XZ rods are really very good for the money, so it begs the question… “Just how good is the next generation of Middy rods going to be?”

We’ve come to Packington Somers Fishery today to give both the 10ft 6in Reactacore XZ Mini Commercial Feeder Rod and the 10ft 9in XZ Mini Commercial Waggler a bit of a test. The day is met with a mostly frozen lake so we’ve sat in an area that, for some reason, is ice free. At least we can wet a line and give ourselves a chance of a bite or two, but I expect the day to be anything other than ‘easy’ on the fish-catching front.

Let’s see what Middy has to say about the two models first: “We have created this pair of rods using Quad four-layer carbon technology. Four individual layers of high modulus carbon are layered together at different unique angles to form one compounded sheet; providing excellent strength and rigidity, while also creating a short reactive parabolic action to subdue commercial carp. The carbon itself undergoes a VC-X extreme pressure vacuum curing to force out any tiny air imperfections. This also aids the strength of the rod and creates a real consistency in the action. Both rods also benefit from special Maximus weave wrap joints; these prolonged-life joints increase the strength even further and enable a little less overlap, which in turn makes the rod very lightweight. It has an exceptionally slim feather-light blank and handle, accompanied by top class fittings such as SCX smooth cast guides and hook retainer, and S-Line style ergonomic reel seat. These superb rods have a 10lb main line rating and an 8lb hooklength rating. Casting weight guide for the feeder rod is between 7g and 56g, and 4g to 20g for the waggler rod. Both come supplied with a high quality fully-padded rod case from the Middy MX-Series luggage range.”

Both models are packed full of the features you’d expect from the current range-topping Middy models, then. Both also come in a two-piece design, which makes for easy transportation if you like to take your rods to the bank ready-made. This is a perfect pair of rods to carry to pretty much any commercial fishery where you’re going to need to fish a feeder, bomb or a waggler. The pair complement each other perfectly and will do absolutely everything you need at this sort of fishery. Personally, I really like the 10ft 6in and 10ft 9in lengths these rods are supplied at. I know many anglers prefer slightly longer rods for float fishing, but this Mini Waggler version is lovely and crisp and, again personally, I think the length is absolutely ideal. 

The rods are finished in a lovely grey colour with a nice section of carbon weave on display. The reel seat is a nice design and there’s a hook keeper ring so you can easily keep your rig safe when not in use. The feeder model comes supplied with two motion-sensitive reactive carbon quivertips so you can choose the right strength for the application. All in all these are two great rods at a great price that will serve any angler well for all manner of commercial water disciplines, right the way from catching small carp to those proper units that frequent many of today’s commercial venues.

KEY FEATURES
• Built using Quad four-layer carbon technology
• Excellent strength and rigidity
• Short reactive parabolic action to subdue commercial carp
• VC-X extreme pressure vacuum curing
• Special Maximus weave wrap joints
• Exceptionally slim feather-light blank and handle
• Accompanied with top class fittings
• SCX smooth cast guides and hook retainer
• S-Line style ergonomic reel seat
• Two motion-sensitive carbon quivertips (feeder model only)
​• Supplied with a high quality fully padded rod case

10ft 6in Middy Reactacore XZ Mini Commercial Feeder Rod. RRP: £209.99
10ft 9in Middy XZ Mini Commercial Waggler RRP: £159.99

WEBSITE: www.middytackle.com