Shakespeare Mach3 XT 11ft Pellet Waggler Rod

RRP £ 96.99

 

Vital Statistics

The complete MACH range of rods was launched back in 2007. Since then they have proved to be extremely successful with great sales and acclaim within the industry. For 2010 we have added some new models into the range and also improved the graphics and specifications. We are sure these upgraded rods will continue to impress the coarse angling fraternity.
The high specification MACH 3 XT match rods are constructed from 36-ton carbon blanks and display a crisp through action. This produces a blank that has a powerful progressive action combined with a sensitive hollow tip.

• 36T Carbon blank construction
• Screw lock down reel seat
• Fuji Alconite guides
• AAA grade cork handle
• Overslide joints
• Supplied in quality rod sleeve + PVC Tube
• Recommended Hook Line 1.5 – 6lb

 

 

UKMA's Thoughts

I first used to the original Shakespeare Mach3 Micro back in 2007 after it was recommended to me by Shakespeare backed Dave Britton who had a hand in its development. That rod proved to be a revelation, light, crisp and forgiving but with reserves of power when needed it rapidly became my 'Go To' rod for commercial waggler fishing. Now Shakespeare has launched a new model, The Shakespeare Mach3 XT 11ft Pellet Waggler, and I was delighted to get the opportunity to try it out as I've been such a fan of the original rod. Thankfully they haven't seen fit to radically change the rod just for the sake of it. It's still basically the same superb rod with a few subtle changes.

The graphics have obviously changed, it still comes supplied with a high quality ready sleeve and 2 neoprene rod bands, but for those that don't want to carry it ready assembled there's now a decent PVC rod tube supplied to keep it safe in transit. A nice touch is the addition of a keeper ring, something I always felt the original lacked.

So what is it like to fish with? I popped down to local water with a decent head of match sized carp to put it through its paces. I chose a peg that offered the corner of an island at about 25mtrs and normally produces well.

Rigged up with 3lb reel line and a 3AAA styro pellet waggler the rod proceeded to put it right on the money every time and I was soon into a run of carp around the 2 - 3lb mark, the crisp action of the rod setting the hook every time. The rod has such a delightful action, the blank effortlessly soaking up every run and lunge of the fish, while at no time risking loosing the hook hold, leaving you with a feeling of total control, and being just 11 feet long has the advantage that the fish pops up at a comfortable netting range when the time comes. The lightness of the rod belies the power available and while most of the fish were of a similar stamp a couple around the 8 - 9lb mark were still handled with ease, demonstrating the reserves of power that this rod has hidden away in the blank.

In conclusion, the original Mach3 Micro was a standout success for Shakespeare with a devoted following, Have no fear Shakespeare haven't been tempted to change a winning formula, they've just embellished it a little. If you're in the market for a short waggler rod take a look at the Shakespeare Mach3 XT pellet waggler. It's a rod that offers fantastic value for money and feels so good that you'll want to use it again and again.

Peter Morton for UKMA

 

For more information on the Mach 3 rods of any of the other products in the Shakespeare range, please click the image below.