I've been thinking about getting the XK55 myself but it is widely touted the flagship XZ65 will be launched this year. I'm going to hang on a bit to see if this encourages the price of the XK55 to drop a bit.

How are people getting on after year of usage??
still thinking about gettin one,thanks j

Dissapointed. Broke sections 4 & 5 on second use and cannot get replacements anywhere. Interchanged with the cheaper pole (xm10?) but loses all stiffness at 14.5 & 16m (as you might expect). I have mailed Middy and received no response- really really disappointed with service and spares. So come on Middy - £1200 is a lot of money and with most the summer match scene nearly gone, I've been found wanting with a pole that bounces like a budget price pole. WHERE'S YOUR CUSTOMER SERVICE MIDDY? Anybody else know where I can get replacement sections?

Absolutely the best VFM pole anywhere. It was worht the 1250 just for the finish. It's the only pole i've ever held that does not stick at all when shipping back. wet or dry, it glides back through your hands. Best purchase i've ever made. If you can find one at 16m anywhere, go and get it. You will not be disappointed at all.

i'm with ben on this, i've had mine since january and i don't regret it one bit! it is not an airity but i don't think for one minute that the airity is twice the pole either as it is twice the price. there are only 5 kits with the pole plus a cup kit but i've just bought 2 spare karp kits brand new on ebay for £50 with free delivery. i've managed a few double figure carp without any dramas so far but i wouldn't try dragging lumps out from snags with it either. horses for courses. if you want a really good pole that doesn't break the bank, you've just found it!

Been using using my xk55 for about a month now and can say I dont regret buying it prob not quite a flagship pole but certainly beats every thing at that price range had it up against a g20 and was stiffer and the wall strengh was better the g20 was maybe a touch lighter at 16m but the xk was alot stiffer and sturdy havnt had a monster on it yet but had fish to about 8lb and was not a problem and will def handle bigger fish if you want to break the bank for a 2000pound plus pole be my guest but if u want a pole u can compete with and fish long all day the xk is great value for money

if its that good, why is a middy match angler in last weeks angling times using a daiwa airty 2010 model....if i was sponsoring anglers and they was using other manufacturers flagship gear in the angling press, id kick arse.... or maybe its that good hes got it in a display cabbinet and takes it out and polishes it weekly.

Brilliant piece of kit, why are people moaning at the package, the deal is very cheap & spare top kits are for nothing, give Middy a break :-)

How can people moan about the spares package you get with these? You can get them for £1200 and probably a bit cheaper if you shop around.<br />
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The other top end poles are all double that. If top kits are £40 each then buy 10 and you've still only spent £1600!

best pole ever had better than my maver match this 5 .yes short on top kits but you can buy more for 25-40 pounds,had 18 pound carp and pole handeld it very well.