Hi guys,
First Post, but thought I would post a review thread as they have helped me a lot on here browsing as a guest. I sold all my carp kit in March when I lost my job, which included scopes, titan t2, Fox alarms etc so not top of the range, but a fair amount of decent kit. I have only just been able to get back to fishing due to a new job and having the surplus to replace all my kit, so thought I would give a comprehensive review of everything new for those looking to buy kit on a budget.
Daiwa Crosscast Rods 3.25lb
My god, these things are lovely. I wasn't sure how I was going to find going back to 12ft rods, but now have no idea why I paid triple the amount for Scopes. They cast like a dream and can really pump a lead out there, yet feel more than soft enough when playing fish. The only obvious advantage to the scopes is the ability to easily transport them.
Riot Big Pit Black 65
They are what they are, I had FX9s with my Scopes, which I loved, but being on a budget this time around I can't complain. They feel solid enough, although obviously somewhat heavy. They look good and come with a shallow spool which is useful. These will probably be the first thing I replace however as I honestly believe reels to be the most important piece of kit to spend money on.
Prologic SMX Black
These have been my biggest surprise. They are compact, they look great and have all the settings I reasonably need. They do not feel robust as my Fox alarms, and I can't speak for the longevity yet, but for £130 for 3 Plus receiver you can't go wrong
JRC Contact Pod
Solid, can also be used as goalposts. Not much more to say
Fox R-Series 1 Man XL
The good - if you are tall, the height is immense, there is also loads of space and I personally think it looks great. It comes with separate fronts and a ground sheet, which with the Titan Hide Xl, which is roughly the same price, you have to pay extra for. There is also an inner capsule, reasonably priced, which I shall be buying for winter.
The bad - stuff me, the weight of this thing!!! I am coming from a Titan T2 which was a behemoth, I think this thing is a similar weight, although smaller package. This is NOT a bivvy for the mobile angler.
Sonik sk tek recliner
Lovely chair for the money, comfy, large enough to hold me and feels very sturdy.
Trakker Levelite Lumbar Bedchair
This I would say is the star buy. How have I lived without it. I previously had a Nash indulgence ss4, and this thing beats it hands down. I have slept like a baby the 3 or 4 times I have been out and unlike the Nash I don't need a forklift to move it around. Would recommend to anyone.
Hope this helps anyone looking at budget gear.
First Post, but thought I would post a review thread as they have helped me a lot on here browsing as a guest. I sold all my carp kit in March when I lost my job, which included scopes, titan t2, Fox alarms etc so not top of the range, but a fair amount of decent kit. I have only just been able to get back to fishing due to a new job and having the surplus to replace all my kit, so thought I would give a comprehensive review of everything new for those looking to buy kit on a budget.
Daiwa Crosscast Rods 3.25lb
My god, these things are lovely. I wasn't sure how I was going to find going back to 12ft rods, but now have no idea why I paid triple the amount for Scopes. They cast like a dream and can really pump a lead out there, yet feel more than soft enough when playing fish. The only obvious advantage to the scopes is the ability to easily transport them.
Riot Big Pit Black 65
They are what they are, I had FX9s with my Scopes, which I loved, but being on a budget this time around I can't complain. They feel solid enough, although obviously somewhat heavy. They look good and come with a shallow spool which is useful. These will probably be the first thing I replace however as I honestly believe reels to be the most important piece of kit to spend money on.
Prologic SMX Black
These have been my biggest surprise. They are compact, they look great and have all the settings I reasonably need. They do not feel robust as my Fox alarms, and I can't speak for the longevity yet, but for £130 for 3 Plus receiver you can't go wrong
JRC Contact Pod
Solid, can also be used as goalposts. Not much more to say
Fox R-Series 1 Man XL
The good - if you are tall, the height is immense, there is also loads of space and I personally think it looks great. It comes with separate fronts and a ground sheet, which with the Titan Hide Xl, which is roughly the same price, you have to pay extra for. There is also an inner capsule, reasonably priced, which I shall be buying for winter.
The bad - stuff me, the weight of this thing!!! I am coming from a Titan T2 which was a behemoth, I think this thing is a similar weight, although smaller package. This is NOT a bivvy for the mobile angler.
Sonik sk tek recliner
Lovely chair for the money, comfy, large enough to hold me and feels very sturdy.
Trakker Levelite Lumbar Bedchair
This I would say is the star buy. How have I lived without it. I previously had a Nash indulgence ss4, and this thing beats it hands down. I have slept like a baby the 3 or 4 times I have been out and unlike the Nash I don't need a forklift to move it around. Would recommend to anyone.
Hope this helps anyone looking at budget gear.
In reply to Post #1
decent review thanks, was looking at the prologic smx alarms.
decent review thanks, was looking at the prologic smx alarms.
In reply to Post #2
Well worth the money. No idea on longevity, but cant ask for more for the price.
Well worth the money. No idea on longevity, but cant ask for more for the price.
In reply to Post #1
Really good reviews, you have put a lot of time into that.
I do like a good review of fishing gear
Cheers.
Really good reviews, you have put a lot of time into that.
I do like a good review of fishing gear
Cheers.
In reply to Post #4
I agree , very detailed.
I agree , very detailed.
In reply to Post #1
Really good review, was just what I was after
Really good review, was just what I was after
In reply to Post #1
Total fishing tackle the smx blue edition is 109.99 with free hangers. The multi colour are 114.99 with free hangers.
Total fishing tackle the smx blue edition is 109.99 with free hangers. The multi colour are 114.99 with free hangers.
In reply to Post #1
In reply to Post #1
Hows your smx alarms going?
Bought mine in August and had to send them back in January as damp and wet getting in 8 weeks later I get my replacements then lock down. First time out I find out no sound from the receiver. Really not happy now.
Hows your smx alarms going?
Bought mine in August and had to send them back in January as damp and wet getting in 8 weeks later I get my replacements then lock down. First time out I find out no sound from the receiver. Really not happy now.