don’t know about reached it’s pinnacle as technology will always move on but I hope 19m is never the norm cos I’m wrecked if i have to fish 16m for half a match.
I wish they’d go the other way and make the limit in the UK 13m, then we’d have to do more rod and line fishing.

Trouble is with the pole length limit idea the horse has bolted and too many venues now are designed with 16m or 14,5m islands in mind. In Europe most fishing has traditionally been on wide open natural venues. Also in Europe the match fishing governing bodies seem to have the clout to implement nationwide rules. In Japan you are not even allowed to match fish for money – they fish for TVs, stereos etc – food for thought.

With the pole limit of 16m in the NFA rules, i cant see them wanting to make longer poles, or anyone wanting to buy longer poles either if you cant use it.

I can’t see tackle companies being prepared to invest major money to produce useable 19 metre poles, surely common sense and a rod and line should take over at these lengths!

Personally I don’t think pole technology has improved massively in the last ten years – I saw an angler using an old Daiwa Tournament X the other day, still a quality pole that’s not far off some of the current flagship poles.
Where things have improved is definitely the lower and mid priced end of the market, buyers have never had it so good.