Sonio 93M Type R: a different kind of sports car

This is a comparison between the original Sonio 93M and the Sonio 93M R.

The first thing I noticed when I picked up the new version was how beautifully it swings through a cast. It has enough suppleness that I could imagine using it as a seabass rod.

• 12 guides, compared with 13 on the original.
• A slimmer butt section and a slightly slimmer grip.
• A supple tip, with strong recovery through the belly.
• A more delicate, almost feminine silhouette, yet roughly 20 g more weight.
• A balance point about 4 cm closer to the hand.

It is slender and supple, but the firmness in the belly suggests it could handle a broad range of targets.

If the original is a manual sports car, the R feels like a luxury sports car with a semi-automatic gearbox.

It makes me think this could be the best rod in its middle-weight territory. Once I narrow the target down to one particular fish, however, I might choose something else.

I still feel that the revised reel seat is an improvement. Even so, people accustomed to tightening their reel seats hard might damage this one. It is already securely tightened at the point where it stops. Adding another firm turn “just to be sure” could hurt what is a delicate structure. A caution notice is included.

If this excellent design philosophy can be combined with greater strength, I would have little left to ask for.

Something can seem wonderful at first and feel different later. I try to remain attentive to that.