Daiwa Matchman Power Pole

How well is the Daiwa Matchman Power Pole built?

The Matchman Power Pole range showcases Daiwa's expertise in creating poles that can withstand serious punishment.

Built using HMC+ (High Modulus Carbon Plus) technology, each pole features reinforced walls and specially strengthened joints to handle the strain of playing large fish. What's particularly impressive is the level of thought that's gone into the functional elements.

The Section Alignment System ensures optimal strength by allowing you to perfectly align the spine of each section, while the ITS taping on non-decorated sections enables smooth shipping even in wet conditions.

The finish quality is excellent throughout the range, with the understated graphics adding a touch of class without compromising performance.

All joints fit together with reassuring precision, striking the vital balance between secure connection and easy shipping that's essential when fish are feeding confidently.

While these aren't the lightest poles on the market, this is a deliberate design choice rather than a compromise.

The additional wall strength provides the durability commercial anglers need, with the carefully considered balance ensuring they remain comfortable to use despite their power-oriented construction.

How does it perform and handle?

In use, the Matchman Power Poles deliver precisely what commercial anglers need most: reliability when the pressure is on.

When connected to a double-figure carp, these poles respond with authoritative power, providing the confidence to apply serious pressure even when fishing tight to snags or features.

The longer models (14.5m and 13m) maintain impressive rigidity given their length and strength-oriented design, with minimal tip bounce when striking and good recovery after playing fish.

During testing of the 14.5m model, the pole responded in style when extracting hard-fighting carp from close to a set of snags and also when hitting fast bites in shallow water.

The range's margin specialists (9m and 7m) offer exceptional power in compact packages, with the 9m model providing enough length to fish open water while margins are being primed before switching to edge fishing when the time is right.

Their lightweight construction belies their incredible strength, with the 7m model weighing just 555g at full length. What unites all models is their ability to handle heavy elastics without complaint.

The 5.8mm bore top kits will accommodate the heaviest elastics on the market, while the 4.7mm kits (supplied with the 13m and 14.5m models) provide options for more balanced setups when targeting F1s or smaller carp.

What are the kit and spares options like?

The kit packages across the Matchman range are particularly impressive, especially given the price points. The flagship 14.5m and 13m models come with five top kits in total: two with a 4.7mm bore for standard elastics and three with a 5.8mm bore for heavier setups, one of which

comes fitted on the pole. All kits come pre-fitted with appropriately sized PTFE bushes and Interlastic side pullers, meaning you can install your chosen elastic and be fishing within minutes.

This ready-to-fish approach adds significant value and convenience, particularly for anglers who may be upgrading from more basic equipment.

The margin models aren't short-changed either, with both the 9m and 7m versions coming with two 2.4m power kits featuring a 5.8mm bore, PTFE bushes and side pullers.

We find that most poles of this length and in this price bracket only have one top kit - this has two, plus a cupping kit and padded holdall! All models also include a cupping kit with cups, allowing for precise feeding right from the outset.

The compatibility between kits across the range is another thoughtful touch, providing flexibility for anglers who might own multiple models or wish to expand their collection in the future.  

Is it good value for money?

When you consider the comprehensive packages on offer, with multiple pre-fitted top kits, cupping kits and holdalls included, these poles represent exceptional value. I can honestly say we would struggle to find a better package for the money on the market!

This value proposition is particularly impressive when you consider that many competing poles at similar price points offer fewer top kits and often require additional purchases before they're fully ready to fish.

For this reason, we have featured it in our guide on the best fishing poles as the best budget pole available. The inclusion of side pullers and PTFE bushes on all top kits adds further value, saving both time and additional expense.

For anglers looking to upgrade their equipment without breaking the bank, or those requiring a dedicated power pole for specific commercial venues, the Matchman range offers performance and features typically found on much more expensive models.