Leeda Icon M-Sport XD Beach Rod

Description

The Leeda Icon M-Sport XD Ultra 13ft 10in 8oz is a powerful surfcasting rod built for anglers targeting big fish in demanding, rough-ground conditions. It sits within the wider Icon M-Sport range, which is known for delivering a high level of performance and features at a competitive price point. The rod is designed for extreme rough ground — heavy kelp, large rocks and powerful tides — where strength is needed to cope with abrasion and snagging. The "Ultra" designation reflects its ability to handle large, powerful fish such as big cod, conger eels, and larger game fish including sharks and rays. It is rated to cast weights up to 8oz, with an optimum casting weight often cited as 7oz plus bait, making it suitable for punching heavy leads and large baits through strong winds and currents to reach distant marks. The blank is built from high-modulus carbon, combining strength, power and sensitivity while keeping the rod light enough for long casts and fighting powerful fish. It is a two-piece equal-section design, which helps with transport and storage. The stepped-up fast action taper gives a responsive, quick-recovering tip for bite detection, flowing into a powerful mid and butt section. This progressive action lets the rod load smoothly during the cast, transferring energy from the butt to the tip for casting distance. Fittings include corrosion-resistant Sea Guide SiC three-legged guides, chosen for durability and smooth line flow — important for long casts and for reducing line friction, particularly with multiplier reels. The rod is specifically rung for use with a multiplier reel. The handle is covered in Japanese shrink wrap for a secure, comfortable grip, and the rod is supplied with genuine Breakaway coasters so the reel can be positioned exactly where the angler wants it, whether reel-up or reel-down. The lower butt section is reinforced, allowing a reducer (sold separately) to be fitted to increase leverage and power when fighting very large fish. A durable high-gloss finish protects the blank from the saltwater environment. In use, the rod is powerful but manageable. A simple off-the-ground cast will still produce a good distance, though a pendulum or hard overhead thump gets the best out of it. Its primary strength is lifting power: the butt and mid-section allow significant pressure to be exerted on a fish, helping steer it away from snags and kelp beds. Despite that power, the tip is surprisingly sensitive, so bite detection remains good even with smaller fish. - 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.