SONIK SK3SR010 4-6oz

The SK3 from Sonik comes with a bold guarantee - "The best rods for your money or your money back" and having had time to look over and use the range of rods, I don't think they'll be giving much money back. Simply put we don't think you'll find better for your money.

Reviewed: Sonik SK3 13 ft 4-6oz 2 Sections
Reviewed by Lou Edwards

Selling Price £109.99 more info www.soniksports.com

My review of the SK3 was to be on Abbotsbury beach fishing for plaice in April, it was with some frustration that after my second cast with this rod that I discovered the rod tip ring was damaged and was splicing my line. I have every confidence in the rods build quality that after much brow beating and self questioning I came to the conclusion that at some point the rod tip had become damaged without breaking, and the leader knot had probably popped the damaged piece out.

I contacted Tim at Sonik and explained my predicament; he had not received any previous reports on the SK3 top ring failing so this backed up my conclusion of it being me and not the rod at fault. The Sonik product warranty uses the Rapidex lifetime rod replacement service; this enforces the confidence that they have in their product and reassures anglers that there is sound investment in their product. Tim kindly offered to replace the top section, but not wishing to return it just for a rod tip, I agreed that I would fix it myself and the rod tip arrived in the post the next day, a great after sales service, my thanks to Tim and Sonik.

All fixed and ready to go, I set the rod up with a Daiwa Exceler 3500, with 18lb line and 50lb leader, one of the benefits of this rod design for a short armed angler (ok so I am 5ft 5inches) is the adjustable reel seat, which when loosened can be moved up and down the rod to suit your casting stance, I set this to a distance equal from my armpit to my wrist. The fishing venue for the day was South Beach, Studland, and what a great beach to test a rod on. A good force 4-5 blowing in your face, limited space behind with trees and cliffs, definitely not in the casting comfort zone.

After a few overhead casts it was apparent that to reach some good distances no complicated casting techniques were required, letting the rod do the work for you was getting some casts out to the 75-100 yard range into the wind on a 150g lead. Now I know this doesn’t sound like a world record breaking casting distances, but the conditions dictated that pendulum casting or off the beach casting techniques could not safely be employed, so a straight over the head cast punched out at about 60 degrees worked great against the wind, it also ensured that your bait did not get blown off the line with any violent casting techniques.

The rods middle to tip action was extremely smooth ensuring that the rod felt under control throughout the cast. The SK3 feels like it always has some flex in reserve, giving confidence to try that little bit harder and punching it a bit further when the conditions allowed. This rod stood up for itself in the strong onshore winds, coping well with a few mass weed ups, it also reproduced excellent bite detection accounting for a dozen school bass with one to 4lb.

The SK3 has a nice, professional feel, it has a lightweight touch, which is more than capable of the heavyweight job it is required to do. It is comfortable to use with its shrink wrapped handles for secure grip, and at 13ft in length gives you a casting advantage coupled with the SIC guides to get the extra yards if you want them. Some rods you can buy are a struggle to use, you get what you pay for, and over time you accept their limitations. The SK3 is a forgiving rod, it’s not going to cast for you, but it does have its advantages that without compromising on build quality are well worth its price. It looks good, it felt good and it performed excellent in trying conditions.

Lou on the SK3 "Would I marry one, no! Would I sneak off to see it at the weekend? definitely.."