Fox Conqueror Multi Match Rod - 11/03/2010
Roger Mortimore took another look at the Fox 5m Multi Match and reports on its performance after two years of use.
It’s more than two years since I first got my hands on the Conqueror Multi Match rod and, while it’s not my ‘go-to’ weapon, it does score well when winkling out small fish in calm conditions. For those of you who didn’t see the initial test, the Conqueror is a three-piece, 5m rod with three different push-in tips for ultra-sensitive bite detection. It has a forgiving action that is ideal for casting soft, delicate baits without ripping them off the hook during a cast. It’s not designed as a mega-distance rod but it will cast the rated 2oz to 5oz a long way when necessary, with fixed-spool or multiplier reels.
One of its main advantages is when you’re using rigs of eight to 10 feet long, where you can fish one bait on or near the sea bed, one just off the bottom and another in midwater for garfish, mackerel and scad. This tactic wins matches as you can target most species with the same rig on the same cast and the choice of push-in tips will register the gentlest of bites.
Having fished with both fixed-spool and multiplier reels, it’s difficult to say if one is better than the other, but a fixed-spool will give you a faster retrieve – this is vital where speed can win a match. My latest session with the Multi-Match – coupled with a Fox Stratos reel loaded with 20lb braid – resulted in several whiting that gave unmissable bites; even the bite from a tiny rockling clearly showed on the sensitive tip.As far as plus points go, good distance can be easily achieved with a simple overhead cast due to the greater arc of a 5m rod. It can be also used with fixed-spool or multiplier reels and bite detection is superb.
On the minus side – it can be hard work in a strong crosswind.
INFORMATION
- Blank Material: Carbon
- Overall Length: 5m
- Casting Weight: 2oz to 5oz
- Sections: Three, plus three tips
- Rings: 16, plus tip ring
- Whipping: Black, tipped with silver
- Reel Seat/Coasters: Sliding screw-winch
- RRP: £199.99
ROGER'S RATING
Appearance: 8
Fishing: 9
Fishing: 10
Value for Money: 9
Contact: Fox Int Group on 0208 559 6500
Website: www.foxint.com
