Icon M-Sport XD Ultra 13ft 10In 8oz

• The Icon M-Sport XD Ultra 13ft 10in 8oz is a powerful surfcasting rod designed for anglers who target big fish in demanding, rough-ground fishing conditions. It’s part of the wider Icon M-Sport range, which is known for providing a high level of performance and features at a competitive price point.

  Here’s an in-depth description of its key features and characteristics:

   

  1. Purpose and Application

   

  • Extreme Rough Ground: This rod is specifically built for fishing in the most challenging environments, such as those with heavy kelp, large rocks, and powerful tides. Its strength is designed to handle the abrasion and snagging that are common in these areas.
  • Target Species: The “Ultra” designation signifies its ability to handle large, powerful fish. It is suitable for battling species like large cod, conger eels, and even larger game fish such as sharks and rays.
  • Heavy Casting: The rod is rated to cast weights up to 8oz, with an optimum casting weight often cited as 7oz plus bait. This makes it ideal for punching heavy leads and large baits through strong winds and currents to reach distant marks.

   

  2. Blank and Construction

   

  • High Modulus Carbon Blank: The rod is constructed from a high-modulus carbon blank, which provides a great combination of strength, power, and sensitivity. This material allows for a lightweight feel while retaining the backbone needed for long casts and fighting powerful fish.
  • Two-Piece Equal Section: The rod is a two-piece design with equal sections, which helps with transport and storage.
  • Fast Progressive Action: The rod features a “stepped up fast action taper.” This means it has a responsive, quick-recovering tip for excellent bite detection, which then flows into a powerful mid and butt section. This progressive action allows the rod to load up smoothly during the cast, transferring energy from the powerful butt section to the tip for impressive casting distance.

   

  3. Fittings and Components

   

  • Guides: It comes with high-quality, corrosion-resistant Sea Guide SiC guides. These are three-legged guides designed for durability and smooth line flow, which is crucial for achieving long casts and preventing line friction, especially with multiplier reels. The rod is specifically rung for use with a multiplier reel.
  • Handle and Reel Seat: The handle is covered in a Japanese shrink wrap, providing a secure and comfortable grip. The rod is supplied with genuine Breakaway coasters, which allow the angler to position their reel exactly where they want it on the handle, whether they prefer a reel-up or reel-down style.
  • Reinforced Butt Section: The lower butt section is reinforced, which allows for the use of a reducer (sold separately) to increase leverage and power when fighting very large fish.
  • Finish: The rod has a durable, high-gloss finish that protects the blank from the harsh saltwater environment. The graphics are noted for their “stunning” and “impeccable” finish.

   

  4. Performance and Feel

   

  • Casting Ability: While it’s a powerful rod, it’s designed to be manageable. Anglers can still achieve a good cast with a simple off-the-ground style, but to get the best out of it, a more powerful casting technique like a pendulum or a hard overhead thump is required. It’s often said that this rod has the potential to raise eyebrows on a tournament casting field due to its sheer casting potential.
  • Lifting and Fish-Playing Power: The rod’s primary strength is its lifting power. The powerful butt and mid-section allow the angler to exert significant pressure on a fish, helping to steer it away from snags and kelp beds. This is a critical feature for success in rough-ground situations.
  • Bite Detection: Despite its immense power, the rod has a surprisingly sensitive tip. This allows for good bite detection, even with smaller fish, ensuring the angler doesn’t miss a take.

   

  5. Summary of Specifications

   

  • Length: 13ft 10in (4.2m)
  • Casting Weight: 6-8oz (Optimum 7oz + bait)
  • Action: Fast, progressive action with a powerful butt section.
  • Sections: 2 equal sections
  • Blank Material: High Modulus Carbon
  • Guides: Sea Guide SiC (Silicon Carbide), 3-legged, rung for multiplier reels.
  • Handle: Japanese shrink wrap with Breakaway coasters.
  • Special Features: Reinforced butt section for reducer, supplied with a heavy-duty rod bag.

  In essence, the Icon M-Sport XD Ultra is a heavy-duty, no-nonsense surf rod built to tackle the toughest fishing scenarios the UK coastline has to offer. Its combination of a powerful blank, quality components, and a surprisingly sensitive tip makes it a serious contender for any angler looking to fish on rough ground.

Specifications:
• Length: 13ft10 (4.2m)
• Two-piece construction
• Constructed from High Modulus carbon
• Reinforced lower butt section
• Compatible with reducer attachments
• Fitted with premium Sea guides
• Japanese shrink wrap handle for secure grip
• Casts 5-8oz+