Morning all,

Having been a massive Jag and Cotswold Aquarius fan boy for many years I was fortunate enough to be offered the role as brand manager for Jag, Cotswold Aquarius and the newly launched Atom Ess power banks a brand that we are very excited to market and will compliment our portfolio and ethos of developing the best in class products with a dedicated customer service offering that stands us out from the crowd all stocked and sold via our shop and online through Prolite Explorer.

Its been brilliant for me to see the level of research that goes into the design of the products the expertise of the staff members who assemble the items and the dedication of the customer support team and the lads in the shop to bring it all together.

This has only further enhanced my passion for the brands and and we hope to share some of this insight with you via our socials over the coming months demonstrating some of the workmanship that goes into our products as well as launching a variety of exciting new products.

I also intend to share some exciting offers exclusive to forum members and initiatives such as an exclusive offer of a free plunge lid for anyone ordering one of our new cool bags who is a member here and I hope to meet and engage with you at our Prolite Explorer shop or at shows over time

Take a look at the website prolite explorer and share any feedback Im especially keen to hear thoughts on the new Atom products, Im using one in my camper and love it

We are exhibiting at Dubfest this weekend. Camper Calling, Busfest, Fish N show and The Glamping show where we will be promoting the new range as well as showcasing some great offers and exclusive products from Nitecore, Flip fuel as well as other brands who;s products we love .

Exciting times ahead

Thanks in advance for any engagement and support

In reply to Post #1
Congratulations on the new role.

It’s fantastic to have products available that are made in the UK, especially lightweight products as no one else seems to be offering them.

Also, please keep the new innovations coming, can’t wait to see what’s coming in the future.

Can I make a recommendation? It would be great if the weights of your products were listed on your website.

In reply to Post #2
Thanks for the warm wishes Ill duly pass your comments in regards weights this is exactly the sort of feedback

The main thing that puts me off taking the plunge on the new cotswold gear is the price of the pouches,accessories.Yes im one of them that likes my stuff in a bag in another bag but the prices are crazy,I dont mind paying for the rucksack,rodbag and 26ltr coolbag its when add scales pouch,lead pouch etc.....

We understand that we are selling premium products but feel that they do represent value for money given the R&D that takes place and the time taken to hand make each every item here in the UK, coupled with a 2 year guarantee and a further after care service thereafter will ensure the longevity of your products,

There is lots of innovation and new products in development and we will continue with our molle webbing concept that allows you to add to your luggage as you go and will also ensure that your luggage can adapt as you do during the seasons.

Thanks for the feedback thus far

In reply to Post #5
I thought it was 24 month guarantee on products

Luggage for life guarantee has been in place since October 2025 as below

As part of our commitment to premium British manufacturing and exceptional customer service, Cotswold Aquarius will repair any manufacturing faults or damage free of charge for 24 months from the date of purchase. Beyond this period, we also offer a lifetime repair service, ensuring your equipment remains in use for years to come.

In reply to Post #7
The latest gear does look amazing and as you know im putting an order in but come on please tell me how you justify a £275 rod bag and you have to buy a shoulder strap separately.I think somethings need looking at like that,to me thats crazy and for that price the shoulder strap should be supplied

In reply to Post #1
Dream job mate..

Brand loyalty is massive. Good see some loyalty scheme? Used Jag kit a while now. I was given some Neville stainless threads to replace brass ones for free via here so it made me want to use gear..little things like that can go a long way...

In reply to Post #8
No shoulder strap -FFS. Bit cack that! Way over priced as you mention. The add ons for that ' 'tarty little rucka' is OTT. Whilst I do use JAG stuff the CA stuff wasn't great in past and always over priced. £163 for a roll up cradle matt?!!! 😂
All this 'UK made' banner is fine but there is a cost of living thing going on and being competitive in a very overcrowded market place.

In reply to Post #11
Ive just cancelled my order,the rod bags used to come with a really nice padded shoulder strap.They are not even that padded and at 18.99 a throw it soon adds up.I will stick with what ive got

Gents I appreciate the feedback, I paid full price for my rod bag which you will see from my posts here made before I was an employee - I personally choose to buy the rod bag without the strap as for me it goes on my barrow so not necessary and Ive never personally needed one

In regards the pricing we appreciate its not for everyone and its your money to choose where you spend it but the decision to price seperately was made so the angler has the choice

I dont have a carry strap on my camera bag or on any of my cool bags - its a personal choice and its no different to how we buy most bivvys now with the front, skull cap, groundsheet etc all being additional add ons that some may want and others wouldnt

In reply to Post #13
They should be supplied on a £275 rod bag,I carry all my gear from my house to car i need straps and same at lake no barrows.Its £76 for 4 straps,im stupid most of the time but thats even too far for me.

In reply to Post #14
Stop griping 🙄 get it bought 🤪

In reply to Post #15
Not a chance,I honestly dont mind paying a premium but no shoulder strap on a 275 rodbag 🤔🤣🤣🤣

In reply to Post #16
😂👍

In reply to Post #17
It wont mean much to them but order would of been over £800 and future sales when add stuff to it,oh well never mind

In reply to Post #18
The new rs sleeves look great. Will be getting 3 of those 👍🏻

In reply to Post #19
Have you seen pictures or just the one of it stood up against a brolly

In reply to Post #20
Seen pictures and the ones stood up next to the brolly. If im honest i would of bought them even if i hadnt even seen a picture. I live on the northumberland coast line so there are no shops to look at anything. Its all bought blind.

In reply to Post #21
They do look good,better be quick if want some though

In reply to Post #22
I had the old link sleeves. Love the stripped back simplicity of them but the reel pocket was huge on them. The new rs sleeves look like they have addresses all the original issues. They have a much more compact design and now clip together.

In reply to Post #22
Just ordered the 3 rod version 👍🏻

In reply to Post #24
Anywhere to clip net / sling to?

Rather than using a quiver for example

In reply to Post #25
They are just sleeves. Get the rh holdall if you want to attach a net etc. I had the new holdall when it first came out but it was for me as dont really like pockets, brolly holders etc.

In reply to Post #26
So are these the same concept as the Korda Divide system, that korda seemed to flog off cheap about a year ago?

In reply to Post #26
Hmm okay.

Thought the side ones might have had a little area to slip net into & sling the other side.

Would rather not have the bag with full pockets for everything

Chufty for you Rob, you turned me into a cotswold addict and I still have items I bought off you 10 years ago and they are still in incredible condition even the zips. that new rod bag looks tempting as I've just bought some new rods. Its hard to tell if the rod top sections are padded as I have single legged rings so think they need a bit more protection.

A bit of feedback for you: the older generation are not on the whole into tic Tok or instagram so maybe more YouTube video reviews would help to showcase the products

In reply to Post #29
I bought one and they are definitely padded but it wasnt for me so sent it back. Ive just bought the new RS 3 rod sleeve system though and that is spot on and really streamlined and well thought out. The new cool bag is in a total different league altogether over any other cool bag.

Love to use most of my Cotswold Aquarius bought luggage from the past years.

Did noticed the takeover of Cotwold Aquarius by Prolite Explorer. But also noticed the increased prices of the already expensive luggage. Just checked my in 2020 bought luggage directly from Cotswold Aquarius and the prices of several of these items increased by >52%. That's not just normal inflation in the inbetween years.

In the event of worn luggage will look for some alternative items.

In reply to Post #30
Nice one Stuart I haven't seen the rs3 nice one I will have look. Was the 3 rod one well padded?

In reply to Post #31
Appreciate the numerous comments and even more so the engagement I’ve had direct with many of you here in recent times some who have commented below and I’m hoping to have much more as we grow and try our upmost to understand our audience and encourage new users to the brand and so it’s been great for me to reach out to so many of you here.

If anyone wants a chat direct on any thing related to the brand feel free to drop me a pm and I’ll respond and explain as opposed to clogging up the page or going off track

In regards to the pricing comment I won’t shy away from it

Many people aren’t truly aware of the costs associated with marketing and development and the true costs involved and how we price products some of which just weren’t accurate on the older pieces hence we’ve had to increase them due to a variety of factors but the main one is based on the cost to manufacture - more so than just incremental price rise in line with inflation

We’re determined to keep raising the bar and bringing new products to the fore that anglers and even non anglers want to use in hobbies and past times outside of fishing, we have some unique opportunities that we will be offering to our audience and we are also keen to encourage the next generation of consumer to the brand and so we are extremely excited for some of the upcoming products we have in the pipeline that cater for everyone that we will be launching soon.

We are also trying our best to raise the game with our marketing collateral and the content that’s available and the you tube comments I totally agree with as it’s a much more thorough platform to really show case our products more so than the website does currently and I myself hope to be working of some of the engagement here above sent a few of you my own very poor videos showing how I use my kit in the real world which seems to have gone down well so more to come


We do accept that we are a premium brand in a crowded market but stay true to our standards and are constantly evolving to be the best we can be backed up by best in class customer support.

Thanks for all the positive comments and feedback across the multiple posts up to this point it’s genuinely appreciated and I’ve loved engaging with the forum community

In reply to Post #33
Hi Rob. I spoke to Jamie last week about some custom rod sleeves for 3 piece 9 footers to compliment the custom CA bushwhacker bag with a built in quiver I had made last year, and he mentioned that custom items are currently on hold due to new product development. Is this a service the brand plans to bring back at any point?

In reply to Post #34
Jamie is right in that it isn’t something we will be looking to offer for the foreseeable - never say never but we have a big job on with lots of new products in the pipeline that for now is all encompassing so it’s something we’ve had to put on the back burner.

We totally appreciate that it’s a service a lot of our customers enjoyed and will be disappointed to hear but we really are at capacity for now.

Afternoon all,

I’m curious as to how many here follow the brand on social media?

We have an exciting new product launching soon and have others in the pipeline but I’m keen to hear if people here follow the brand are aware of such launches?

In reply to Post #36
Afraid not Rob but it's more a case of me not 'doing' social media rather than any other reason.

I was forced onto FB by a syndi and now clubs. I did follow Carplounge for a while, and I might be following a couple of others, but I probably go on FB once a month, if that.
I dont allow FB to notify me of anything anymore, it was just too annoying.

Edit, defo not your target audience, maybe like a lot of 50 year old +, yet ironically greater ability to spend, probably!

In reply to Post #36
Yeah I follow most brands on insta

We’re trying to work out how to keep our customers abreast with such launches but the demographic of the CA is probably not engaging on such channels I’d imaging

I don’t do Facebook myself but do follow brands on instagram so I wondered if I was alone

I follow ca jag and prolite explorer, i run the jag selling page on fb and have had some great service from tom and the boys at jag.....only last week I had a rod locker break, one quick whatsapp and they asked for a picture and a new one arrived next day.

ive had nothing but positive experiences with the boys at jag and I would expect CA to be no different...i always champion jag on the selling page down to their excellent customer service and how responsive they are on social media

In reply to Post #40
Agreed, by far the best product's and customer service of any tackle manufacturer.

In reply to Post #39
Subscribe to the YouTube channel.

I’ve had CA stuff for years bought my rod holdhall (trident) in 2008 still going strong 💪

Thanks for the feedback I’ve been away

We’ve been promoting our new 3D Vault - surprised no one on here has commented as yet any thoughts folks?

In reply to Post #43
I like the look of it just waiting on the price of the base model and then the inserts I would like.

I really like the look of it, just waiting for more info....

In reply to Post #43
Just had a look at it, looks a nice bit of kit.

Is it designed around Korda Kit?

Another post has gone out earlier detailing the 3d printing and what’s involved with the vault - we’ll be revealing more details over the coming weeks and to say we’re excited for this is an understatement

Regards the Korda question

There is mouldings to suit every brand and we’ll be show casing more of them over the coming weeks before release

The vault looks like a well thought out smart product.
Quality costs I know, but is this going to end up being north of £150. If so, personally I’d rather ram my kit into a £5 sandwich box.

Saying this, I’d be interested in a well thought out slimmed down version, aimed at shorter session anglers either fishing a overnight trip or day session, as you don’t really need more than 6 leaders, leads & hook lengths. We just end up carrying stuff unnecessarily in most instances.

In reply to Post #48
Something smaller would definitely get my interest also as I mainly do days , the bigger the box the more u tend to fill it with stuff you dont need. Would love to see kit made with day anglers in mind especially rucksack with attachable roll up mat, Yes i know there's the esp jobbie but I didn't get on with the mat at all.
Good to see a 3d printer put to good use though 👍

I quite like CA and Jag gear, but I’m not sure about this tackle vault. The inserts take up all the storage space?!

What happens when you snap a needle and the manufacturer has replaced that shape with something that doesn’t fit?

In reply to Post #50
What happens when you snap a needle and the manufacturer has replaced that shape with something that doesn’t fit?

You buy another insert for the replacement, isn't that the point 😂😉

Only joking, it's one of the reasons I stay away from dedicated mouldings, like Korum etc.

EDIT, at Rob, will there be small (or large) shallow individually lidded accessory boxes in the line

I would have thought the ultimate tackle storage would have maximum useful storage in a container that has minimum size and weight. The dividers seem to reduce the amount of useful storage while also adding weight? Maybe I have it wrong, but looks like the opposite of the ultra lightweight ethos?

In reply to Post #52
If you see the video we’ve just launched it weighs almost half what the majority of other tackle boxes weigh and it’s designed to help keep you organised effectively on the bank

There is definitely scope for a smaller version coming in the future and the configuration of the components is entirely your choice and sold individually so it’s totally bespoke to how you wish to design your vault with interchangeable mouldings to suit everyone’s needs

Keep an eye across our socials as I’m certain you’ll be pleasantly surprised with the pricing and customisation options

just seem the latest media release, £42.99 seems a fair price, assuming that will be the basic tackle box.

In reply to Post #55
And it comes with the cover for that price.

Interested to see how many boxes and trays are needed to fill it and how much they are each.

£42.99 is for the vault in its most basic format and the bag which will suffice for many, the trays are additional extras and are interchangeable I’m using the scissor tray and one of the 150 bits boxes as that suit my fishing.

we’ll be releasing full prices and videos to show the options very shortly.

Wanted to thank everyone who came to the stand at the bigfishnshow that I met always enjoyable putting faces to names, was a great show in general with lots of great feedback from the public regards our latest products from CA and particularly pleased with the engagement regards the vault and even the trade feedback, they come out Wednesday and we think they will be very popular

any idea when the equivolent for the rucksack top compartment may or may not be released?

anyone ordering a vault tomorrow??? im ordering one...with a few of the add on trays and that should see me right.

They will go live around 11am this morning on our web page - feel free to take a look at our site and the video we've shared which we hope will answer all questions as to how to build your vault :)

anyone manage to pick one up?? I know the demand crashed the prolite explorer site and people were having difficulty ordering. I managed to pick one up with some inserts from tackle tavern, and just checked the rpolite explorer site and there was a couple of the inserts I wanted still available in there so ive ordered them.

A tackle pouch with some inserts crashed the internet?

Jeez, some people need to go fishing 😂😂🤡

Is the Cotswold Aquarius luggage still made in the UK?

In reply to Post #64
From their website:


“British Made
We take immense pride in being one of the few remaining brands in the fishing industry that still designs, develops, and manufactures every product right here in the UK. It’s our commitment to craftsmanship, integrity, and tradition that ensures every piece we create carries the mark of true British quality.”

A quick update as its been carnage over the past few days, the launch of the vault blew us all away and as mentioned actually crashed our website !!

The feedback after the bigfishnshow was insane but we were genuinely shocked by the demand - so much so we have doubled the production line overnight and so we expect to be able to replenish stock in regards to being british made that is one of our biggest USP's, if you follow us on our socials across facebook, instagram etc you will see multiple clips of the production line making the products in our factory in the midlands

In reply to Post #66
Is it compatible with the rucksack? Eg clips on the top or?

In reply to Post #67
The vault fits in the front pocket of the rucksack on both the purist and the rs335