Pole Fishing

Since their official release I’ve been lucky enough to get out on the bank, more than once, with the range of Shimano Aero Competition poles. Having reviewed the more expensive Aero Pro, Aero X7 and Aero X5 models it was then a couple of months later that I got to have a close-up look (and fish with) the less expensive X3, X2, X1 and margin models, specifically looking more closely at the 14.5m, £1,000 X3 model.

Fast forward a couple of months and we’re back out with Shimano again – this time to have a proper session with the Aero X2. To make it simpler, the Aero range of poles can be separated into two ‘families’ purely because they use two different mandrels. The Aero Pro, Aero X7, Aero X5 and Aero Pro Margin all share the same mandrel and the Aero X3, Aero X2, Aero X1 and Aero Power Margin then all share a separate mandrel. However, this is no bad thing as the poles have each been designed and tailored to deliver optimum performance at the different lengths they’re supplied at. Also, the poles all share the same brilliant feature set too, such as Aero Joints, Alignment System, Ultra Sound Sanding, Advanced Taper Design and so on. So regardless of the Aero pole you choose you’re getting top level features all taken from the flagship Aero Pro model.Top kits interchange between ALL models right the way from the Aero Pro to the Aero X1 and margin models, which is brilliant for ease of compatibility. All of the poles come ready-fitted with quality PTFE bushes and all poles are also ‘true length’, meaning they are perfectly measured and supplied to the stated length in order to meet FIPSed international rules.

Make no mistake, the entire range of Aero Competition poles, including the X2 of course, are absolutely packed with features to not only improve the durability and ease of use, but also improve the overall enjoyment and user experience. 

The Aero X2 then – it retails at £749.99. Yes, you heard that right. And let me tell you it performs exceptionally. It’s not even just a good pole for the money, it’s simply a bloody good pole full stop! It comes supplied at 13 metres and this is where you can easily differentiate between which model you might want to opt for in the range as it can sometimes be tricky (and confusing) to decide. Shimano has made it easy here and optimised the balance of each pole to the length they’re supplied at. If you don’t fish past 11 metres then opt for the Aero X1. If you need 13 metres then go for the Aero X2 and if you need a little more length then go for the Aero X3, which is supplied at 14.5 metres. If you need to fish longer than that, or have a bigger budget, then consider the X5, X7 or Pro models.So assuming 13 metres is enough pole for you then the Aero X2 is the one to go for. Well, why pay for a longer pole if you don’t actually need it? We’ve set up on Beeches Lake today here at Lindholme, which is home to a wide mix of species – F1s, carp and small tench mainly. We’ve decided that, due to the weather, it’s a day for slapping shallow with 6mm pellets and maybe a bit of edge fishing later on. Slapping is a rigorous test for any pole as it's a particularly strenuous method that can really test a pole’s recovery and overall performance. Fishing at the full 13 metres the first thing to note is how damn good this thing is! It’s plenty stiff enough for most anglers and is an absolute joy to use and ship in/out.

Pinging a few pellets at the pole tip and slapping the shallow dibber rig over to make some noise on the surface, it doesn’t take long for the pole tip to be dragged in by an angry F1. The finish is easy to ship and has been designed to stay that way whether you’re fishing in dry or wet conditions. Importantly there’s a joint alignment system so you can keep the spine of the pole aligned for optimum performance as well. With the first fish in the net it’s time for another… and another… and another! And, as the session progresses, it’s obvious that this is a fantastic pole, especially for the £749.99 asking price.

Spares-wise the pole comes with three spare power top kits and a cupping kit, but of course you can purchase more kits to expand the package if you need. However, I do think it’s important to point out here that this isn’t just an ‘average’ pole covered up with a huge spares package. No, this is a brilliant pole with a modest spares package that I am sure any discerning angler would be more than happy to fish with. I’d certainly be happy to use this pole in open matches if I didn’t need to fish beyond 13 metres.The Aero Power Margin is also compatible with the Aero X2 as well. This means that the sections and top kits will all interchange (if you need them to). This gives you an excellent option to cover all bases as while the Aero X2 is more than powerful enough to handle big carp fishing, some anglers do prefer to use a dedicated margin pole for the job. And at around £250 for the margin pole it’s certainly a worthwhile, compatible addition to add if you are going to opt for an X1, X2 or X3 pole.

The action continues and the F1s and carp are queuing up for the 6mm pellets. Altering the depth keeps the fish coming thick and fast and it doesn’t take long at all to accumulate enough for a catch shot. Keeping track of the depths we’re fishing is easy too, thanks to the depth markers featured on all of the Aero top kits. There’s also a reinforced band on the No2 section where you can fit your own side puller and there’s a short No3 joint available separately if you want to stiffen the pole up even further. You can also purchase a 14.5m extension separately if you decide that you do want to fish that little bit longer. The pole is also supplied with nifty little EVA end caps to keep it safe during transport. Features-wise it’s packing the lot. Performance-wise it’s a winner. What more can you say?

We did get a chance to fish with the 8.5m Aero Power Margin pole on this session too, which you can check out in the next issue. However, if you want more info on the Aero X2 pole then check out the FREE video over on the Match Fishing YouTube channel to see this pole live in action.

What I Like Most:
• Excellent performance
• Top kits come ready-bushed
• Packed with brilliant, flagship features
• True-length poles
• Great price for the performance

Aero X2 Features
• Japanese carbon fibre
• Advanced taper design
• Aero joint diamond finish
• Shimano alignment system
• Aero concept interchangeability
• Elastic rated top kits
• Pure PTFE bushes
• Reinforced banded top kits
• Same length top kits
• Top kit depth markers
• Aero cupping kit supplied with cups
• True length to conform with FIPSed international rules

Pole Package
• Aero X2 Competition 13m pole
• 3 x Spare Aero Power Kits
• 1 x Aero Cupping Kit

RRP: £749.99
WEBSITE: www.fish.shimano.com