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In reply to Post #80 Handle mod
I found the handles to be quite wobbly and because the thumb screw presses on the corner of the tube inside they don’t last long. I didn’t want to use an index plunger as I wasn’t sure if it would weaken the handle inserted, because you are drilling on to the corner metal. Also the index plungers don’t pinch the metal so it would still be wobbly.
All I did was one wrap of gorilla tape this made a more snug fit when inserting the handle. There is also the added befit of cushioning the head of the thumb screw so doesn’t get as damaged easily and you don’t need to tighten it as much as it grips onto the tape.
Occasionally you will need to replace the tape.
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In reply to Post #80 Thumb screw mod
Because of the my perceived issues with the thumb screw I thought I would swap them with an indexing plunger/pin.
I just went for a straight swap based on M6 thread, but i may change these to a larger thread by replacing the nut on the frame with a larger diameter. The reason being it is possible to bend the index plungers and a larger diameter will be more robust, also slightly shorter. The indexing plungers I used had a locking nut and a rest position (some don’t have a rest position)
The current index plungers in the photo stick out the same amount as the thumb screws.
With regards too fitting I took off the locking nut then attached the indexing plunger and wound it all the way in with with the wheel on for example, this then marked where I needed to drill. Take wheel off punch and drill then set indexing plunger so it is flush with the inside of the frame and lock in position with locking nut and super glue.
indexing pin
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In reply to Post #80 Front upright M frame mod.
I was getting annoyed because it would always stay upright and would collapse down, so I wanted to lock it in position.
So I purchased a push spring pin ( V shaped piece of metal with pin at one end) the button was 6mm I think. So I put the M frame up in the position I wanted it to lock then used a metal punch to mark where to drill the hole and stop the drill bit moving about. Then I took off the M frame and drilled it and inserted the push button then re assembled, I also need to slight enlarge the groove where the M frame folds down.
Also I added some paracord to the top of the M frame as I didn’t like my rods bouncing up and down when in transit as I only use and open quiver.
It will make the M frame sit slightly hire due to the push spring.
push spring pin
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In reply to Post #80 Sorry for the poor explanation. Right please bear with me as I have never put web links or photos on before, hopefully I get it right. I have a fox explorer deluxe barrow, for reference. These are all fairly simple mods as I didn’t want to totally mascara the barrow from the off.
I have done a few mods to the barrow as overall I like the design of it, but for me there are a couple of issues that are easily resolved.
For me these are the thumb screws and wobbly handles, the handles are sort of linked to the thumb screws, also the front M frame rod rest bar docent lock in place.
The thumb screw have a small plastic cap on them that gets damaged when tightened, once this is damaged the thread of the thumb screw gets damaged. Once the thread is damaged it can then damage the thread in the nut welded to the body of the barrow.
At this point you have a couple of options to repair the issue. 1) grind the m6 nut off and weld a new one on. 2) use a tap and dye to either repair or make the thread larger. if you make the thread larger you will obviously need a larger thread on the thumb screw.
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In reply to Post #80 I reckon they are like the pins you get on extending gazebo legs, when you slide the leg out it's locked into place by a pin that springs out from the inner leg. You then depress it to move the leg again mate.
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In reply to Post #79 Hi Joe
sorry but I have no idea what you mean by mini index pins ? sounds interesting
any chance you can explain or better yet some pictures Im sure that would help a few people
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In reply to Post #78 I have taken all the thumb screws off mine and replaced them with mini index pins, with the exception of the handles. Much quicker to set up and pack down with these on, but I did have to drill some holes in the tubes on the inside.
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In reply to Post #77 I now have the screw thread gone 2 thumbscrew holes - 1st on the wheel folks and now also on one of the handles. Both just turn and dont tighten. Never had this with prestige barrows.
I’m considering upgrading to a Explorer deluxe model (should they ever come in stock) but this is really putting me off. Spoke to other guys on the lake with explorers and they have the same issues.
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In reply to Post #62 these do fit as said i use mine , much sturdier.
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In reply to Post #75 Cheers mate... I need to go lighter then!
Portalite seems to be the obvious choice but it's only about 2.5KG lighter than what I already have!
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In reply to Post #74 I did weigh one a while ago. Think it was something like 4kg heavier than a porterlite2.
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In reply to Post #73 Does anyone know what this barrow weighs as I can't see it anywhere on the Fox website...
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In reply to Post #72 I can't say I have ever had any water get into the bag,I do use a barrow cover if it's really chucking it down though
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In reply to Post #71 How have you found it with regards to the waterproofness with the zips being in the side, just thinking of things like a change of clothes?
Thanks
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In reply to Post #70 Yeah the wobbly front is normal,I just lift the barrow bag out and put that in my bivvy
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In reply to Post #69 Hi guys, my new deluxe had just come and it looks great. The one thing I noticed was that the front up bar to rest your rods on seems to be a bit wobbly when pointing up. Is it meant to be like this? I don't think it will be a problem when the beds on there but seemed odd.
I love the under barrow storage but it got me thinking, rather than using the fox under barrow storage and having to get 2/3 different bags out, is there a carryall that would fit in it? This way I can just lift it out and put it in my bivvy. It also means that when I don't need my barrow I can just use the carryall rather than having 2/3 bags. I know id loose the quick access side zips but that isn't much of a problem for me.
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In reply to Post #66 when I fitted mine I found if I tighten the nuts up it did not spin too good I slackened them off so they were loose then drilled thru them and fitted split pins perfect now I did grease the shaft and bearings before assembly
If you tip the barrow up can you give the wheel a good spin mine goes for ages
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In reply to Post #65 the thread has Now gone in one of the thumbscrew holes to secure the wheel also.
I reckon if you contacted Fox you could get a new bit may even send it free ??
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In reply to Post #58 This is a top tip, been doing it a while now and its so much easier, thanks!
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In reply to Post #65 Been using the carp porter puncture proof wheel for a while now youre right, it does seem harder to push
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In reply to Post #64 Loved my explorer for 2 years, now not so sure.. i had to replace the wheel with a carp porter puncture proof after the tyre blew up. Since then ive found it harder to push. Also the bigger wheel has rubbed against the barrow bag putting holes in it.. - I’d have bought another fox wheel but none were in stock and i needed the barrow.. the thread has Now gone in one of the thumbscrew holes to secure the wheel also.
Apart form that it was great for 2 years.
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After fitting the puncture proof wheel it seems wider and the Nyloc wheel nuts were not going on as far as before
so I bought a couple of stainless split pins and drilled thru the fitted nuts and fitted the split pins just for extra safety
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In reply to Post #62 Brilliant thanks,total fishing tackle told me they are a different diameter so don't
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Cant seem to work out how to post pics, but can assure you the mk2 fatboy handles do fit 100%
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In reply to Post #58 Don't know why I didn't think of it myself! You saved me a fair amount of swearing this afternoon.
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In reply to Post #59 Brilliant as the ones in your link that I ordered 10 x 7.6 x 5.7 inches so will be bang on you legend !!
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In reply to Post #53 Nash 5L bottle = 5.5 x 7.5 x 10 in or 14 x 19 x 25.4 cm only approximate cause i had a quick eye up with a kids ruler !!!
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In reply to Post #57 for the guys struggling with the barrow bag when full if you put the bag on the floor and lift the barrow over the top of the bag and just edge the top of the bag over the lip of the barrow were it sits its really easy to get in even if full, not sure why I struggled for so long trying to lift the bag out when could just go from underneath
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In reply to Post #40 I can assure you that they do, I’ll get a pic put up when I get home from work over the weekend
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In reply to Post #39 It’s just a cheap unbranded clear water container that came with an old prestige barrow I had some years ago
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In reply to Post #53 I'm sure you will be ok
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In reply to Post #52 nash dont say what size theirs are though ?
the ones I have ordered are Height (mm) 255
Length (mm) 195
Width (mm) 145
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In reply to Post #51 If they are same size as Nash ones they fit deluxe barrow.The deluxe has wider front mesh pockets
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In reply to Post #41 update thanks gary I have ordered 2 and even with the £5.99 delivery still saved a few quid on the Nash ones
but I must say you should click on this link if they dont fit LINKY POO
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In reply to Post #47 yes your right I should have gone to specsavers lol
they also do a tap to fit LINKY POO
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In reply to Post #47 Yes it does say food grade at the bottom in the specifications.👍
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In reply to Post #36 No barrows on the Avid site that come with a front bag and cost the same as the Fox?
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In reply to Post #46 I scrolled down the page has a chart,I'm sure it says on that.Its under specifications
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In reply to Post #45 I can only see UN Approved product that has many applications including the storage and transportation of chemicals, oils and other liquids
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In reply to Post #44 It says on there that they are mate
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In reply to Post #41 Thanks Gary
I just sent them a msg asking if its food grade plastic and suitable for drinking water just in case
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In reply to Post #42 That will be the mk3 super deluxe
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In reply to Post #38 Agree with the lift in out bag, so mine stays in. Can’t help but think how nice a drop in plastic box with a couple of draws would be.
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In reply to Post #39 https://oipps.co.uk/5-l-plastic-black-stackable-jerrycan-un-approved-3
These should fit Gerry
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In reply to Post #38 I was told by a shop the braced handles by carp porter don't fit the explorer deluxe
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water bottle ? is there a cheap ebay type water container that fits the mesh bag ? does anyone know dont care what colour as it stays in the bivvy anyway
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Have been using my explorer deluxe for over a year now. Fish mostly 24-48hr sessions. Manage to get all my tackle and cooking gear into. 4 x standard storage bags underneath and use a low level cooler for food etc. I find the barrow the perfect size for the amount of gear I take (brolly, 3 rod bag, bed with bag inside, Fox easy mat, 2 x buckets,5 ltr water, low level cooler).
Like others I have made a couple of mods
1. changed wheel for carp porter puncture proof
2. Swapped the handles for the braced mk2 carp porters, absolute revelation. Makes the barrow much easier to bush for someone of my height than standard handles (5ft9).
Only bad points, the lift in/out bag on the deluxe has a front pocket for a rain cover which in itself is a good thing but it makes it near impossible to lift the bag out when full. Only other bad point is slight wheel rub on the bag but I think this is because the puncture proof wheel is slightly larger than the standard fox.
Before this barrow I had a mk2 puncture proof, of the 2 in standard form I would prob favour the mk2 purely down to personally finding it easier to push around, that said now the Fox has the mk2 handles on I would take that all day long, not quite as good pushing position but the storage space and compactness makes up for it
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In reply to Post #36 Well it seems owners of it are very happy with theirs,so it's money well spent.Not like it's even alot of money either
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In reply to Post #30 Comes with the avid transit really don’t get the whole fox barrow thing just seems to be an utter con for a barrow that costs a fortune. Crack on lads spend your money wisely.
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In reply to Post #34 To be honest they are a pain in the arse to get on the frame anyway.I have trapped my fingers a few times doing it
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In reply to Post #33 m8 Im a hard up pensioner these days ? sod all wages coming in !
these days every £ is a prisoner lol
I have seen a couple of the Fox ones on Market place for around £40 but they are all up norfff
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In reply to Post #30 Fox camolite one on tackle trader £60 still with tags on
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In reply to Post #30 I use a Nash small hold-all with the shoulder strap adjusted right down and slipped over the bar. At the weekends I attach a Sabre cool bag the same way which sits nicely on top of it.
I’m too tight to buy the proper fitted bags
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In reply to Post #30 There's one on Ebay for £50 at the moment, he's called it a Chub Medium "Bartow bag" though...
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In reply to Post #29 very nice but these front barrow bags are so overpriced ? I think I will just use any bag and a bungy
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In reply to Post #27 I use a Chub Vantage medium barrow bag that fits perfectly on the front. You can get a tonne of gear in it and it makes it a dream to push when it's loaded up.
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In reply to Post #27
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Thanks Tony & Barry
I have ordered one as bit paranoid about getting stuck down the river bank I will look round for a front bag now when the winter fuel payment come
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In reply to Post #25 Glad you're happy with it
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In reply to Post #24 I replaced the standard wheel with that Prestige one on Braders recommendation, it fits perfectly
Had my explored deluxe 18 months now and aside from the wobbly handles which I'm now used to, its a great barrow. I get all my actual fishing bits in the under bag and hang a small bag off the front with cooking bits in.
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In reply to Post #23 That's the one,it fits my deluxe version perfectly
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In reply to Post #18 Is it this one m8 ? >>>>LINKY POO
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In reply to Post #21 The handles being longer feel like got a bit of flex in them.I contacted fox about it,to see if can design a bracing bar.They said they will see what the design team say but have had no issues.I really do rate mine for days and long sessions
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In reply to Post #20 Any bad points I should no about bud? I dont take alot of stuff either me so was hoping it would be alright
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In reply to Post #19 I have the deluxe and it's spot on
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I have been looking at getting the deluxe version recently but like mentioned before I've heard a few bad things about it so was torn between the fox deluxe and the carp porter mk2 don with puncture proof tire
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In reply to Post #17 Prestige carp porter puncture proof on mine
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In reply to Post #14 this business with the tyres exploding in the heat what have people changed them too ????????
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In reply to Post #15 They maybe on the way
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In reply to Post #14 been using the explorer deluxe this season
highly rate the barrow and you can get alot of gear on it for a barrow with not the largest of frame
Could do with a stabliser bar for the handles as they are a tad wobbly but nothing that bad
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In reply to Post #13 Used one for 2 years i like it but beware the rubber on tyres is super thin, my tyre blew up and i know at least 2 others on my syndicate who had their tyres blow up. The barrow bag also has holes worn in it. Other than that i rate it
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Another +1 on the explorer. Fantastic for day sessions!
Literally the only negative i can give it is my fox flatliner bedchair doesent seem to sit on there 'just perfect' but i can get it on there well enough so that everything is still stable and easy to push even with a weekends worth of gear on there
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In reply to Post #11 That is fantastic review. I have been looking at this barrow for a while,and after reading your in-depth review,I have just ordered it. Thanks very much
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I've been using the explorer barrow and the camolite barrow bag since they came out and rate them very highly.
Originally, I wanted a small barrow so I could fit everything I needed for a day or overnight session (except the rods) in the boot of the car and this has worked out perfectly even with a relatively small boot.
It’s small and compact but still has a steel frame, sure an aluminium one would have saved some weight but this is already quite small and has done away with the unnecessary side frames so the extra weight of the steel isn't a problem. The finish is excellent, much better than the one on my previous carp porter barrow and is showing no signs of wear even on the moving parts.
The hand wheels are a three-sided design and perhaps a little on the small side as I struggle with grip strength and sometimes wish I could tighten them more for use over rough ground but for most people that wouldn't be an issue. The plus point is I haven't lost any yet, I guess they are nylon tipped to help prevent them coming out. They are also located on the edge of the tube not the face which helps to locate the inner tube tight into the corner of the outer tube giving a much better fit and preventing any movement.
The three bags it comes with are great for stowing extra kit. I currently use the two mesh bags for bait and water which keeps a fair amount of weight around the wheel for easy pushing and balance. These bags do have a lot of velcro straps for fixing to the frame so I find it best to leave them on permanently which isn't a problem as when empty they just fold up and fit within the frame. The large third bag has a rigid frame around the top edge which neatly fits into a lip on the barrow so this bag can literally just be dropped in, as and when required although it must be fitted from above so you can't add it on after loading the barrow. This is where I now stow my sleeping bag and clothes.
I did also buy the barrow bag which houses a reasonable amount of gear and is a good addition. It can sit either side of the front bars and is held in place with a single strap, it can be a little tricky to fit the strap with a fully laden bag but it soon loosens up and becomes easier to fit. The rigid top section makes it a decent low table to work from and the neoprene grab handles are showing no sign of wear. My only negative point for this bag is that I thought it came with a large front pocket to house a tackle box separate to the main compartment. Unfortunately, this is actually a zipped flap allowing front access to the main compartment which I don't particularly like but this is a minor point. The materials and zips on all the range seem to be excellent and I've not had any issues with the zips at all.
Finally, the barrow can be extended by pulling out the front shelf to support the barrow bag giving you more room behind the front bars for a bedchair and bivvy etc. This is a great idea and means this is the only barrow I need for any length of session I do in the UK. At first I did have some balance issues with the barrow using the bag sat at the front but I soon got round this by re-positioning certain items
In summary if you are looking for a compact barrow for shorter sessions or just don't want to take huge amounts of tackle with you its great and should last you for many years however if you are a long session angler who takes loads of gear you may struggle. The barrow bag is a great addition and I wouldn't be without it. Without doubt this has been a great purchase.
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In reply to Post #9 They are not as light as the prestige barrow, and are slightly bigger after pack down then the porterlite. But in saying that the extra weight is worth sacrificing. The explorer barrow is brilliant. The handles are designed well so it's easier to push, and the under bags are extremely useful. The only thing I may change is straps. I do prefer to use a spider bungee instead.
Overall highly recommend getting one
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In reply to Post #8 I dont think you'd be disappointed with it.
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In reply to Post #7 Oh dear.. I'm getting tempted with this barrow and low level bag now.. Its never ending . lol
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In reply to Post #6 I've not officially weighed it, (a google may answer) but my mate has the porter lite and the feel pretty similar in weight to me.
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In reply to Post #5 Are these barrows as light as a prestige Porter-lite?
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In reply to Post #1 Update: Got the Fox Explorer Barrow last week, used it for the first time this weekend. Its absolutly fantastic!!
Time will tell but it feels extremely well made, better than the Prestige. Being smaller and lower its lighter, easier to push and far more stable. The under barrow bag is great and massive, takes loads of stuff. I got the low level front bag too, easily big enough for what I need.
Can only agree, this is one of the best things I've bought in a while. Very highly recommded
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In reply to Post #1 I've had mine for a good while now it's superb best thing I've bought for a long time
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In reply to Post #2 Awesome, thank you.
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In reply to Post #1 I've had one for nearly a year, and I have to say I have been impressed with it. I have used it mainly for day sessions, but it can be adapted to take a bedchair for nights. I like how the under-barrow bag simply slots into place without any fiddly straps or buckles. The front bag is fine - I used to use a large barrow bag, but like many people, I was carrying about too much gear! It suits my needs just fine. It also folds down nicely to fit in my car, but the only problem I have had is with the detachable wheel - I sometimes forget to take it with me! I would recommend the Fox Explorer.
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Hey guys
I've searched the forum for review of the Fox Explorer barrow and seen some positive reviews. Just wondered if there was any update on these since they all seemed to be first use type impressions and from a while back.
Considering selling my Carp Porter Mk2 for one, think it will fit my needs a little better. Also looking to get the front bag, any reviews on that?
Many thanks
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