Century CQ 2 piece at £199 or the new Matrix 3k Camo plus 4ft handle at £190 all in?
Anybody got any user experience of the above?
Anybody got any user experience of the above?
In reply to Post #1
I'm not being critical here but is it really worth paying that sort of money on a landing net?
I recently bought a Sonik Vader X landing net for £40 odd quid following a recommendation on here. Well impressed by it.
I'm not being critical here but is it really worth paying that sort of money on a landing net?
I recently bought a Sonik Vader X landing net for £40 odd quid following a recommendation on here. Well impressed by it.
In reply to Post #2
It is if you like nice things.
It is if you like nice things.
In reply to Post #2
you can buy Sonik Vader carp rods for £29 too
you can buy Sonik Vader carp rods for £29 too
Thats the point their , it isn't worth it to some ,me included , but if its what you like then it most definitely is .
In reply to Post #2
Its a funny old game, £200 for a landing net is viewed as being too much yet the same for a Bivvy is seen as cheap.
Its a funny old game, £200 for a landing net is viewed as being too much yet the same for a Bivvy is seen as cheap.
In reply to Post #6
My dymag net cost more and its superb,would I buy another if had to replace it.Yes without a seconds thought,I absolutely love it
My dymag net cost more and its superb,would I buy another if had to replace it.Yes without a seconds thought,I absolutely love it
I've had a harrison one for years.
Only people who have never used a really good net dont think its worth having a really good net !
Only people who have never used a really good net dont think its worth having a really good net !
In reply to Post #8
spot on
spot on
In reply to Post #1
A good net is definitely worth the money imo. Love the century ones. Out in my waders a lot and a proper net makes it easier to land, especially late at night.
A good net is definitely worth the money imo. Love the century ones. Out in my waders a lot and a proper net makes it easier to land, especially late at night.
I'd love to know what a £200 net can do that my £20 and £30 nets can't 
Daz
Daz
In reply to Post #11
That's a bit like asking what's the difference between a top end Audi /BMW and a Vauxhal/Ford, until you have experienced both you'll never know.
That's a bit like asking what's the difference between a top end Audi /BMW and a Vauxhal/Ford, until you have experienced both you'll never know.
In reply to Post #12
Hardly, but perhaps you or someone who has can enlighten me
Daz
Hardly, but perhaps you or someone who has can enlighten me
Daz
In reply to Post #13
Lighter, stronger and more rigid so perfoms better, particularly when fully outstretched.
Better made, a net is the very last thing you want to break mid session.
Customisable.
And if it ever does break I'll be able to get it repaired.
UK built last a lifetime product over imported disposable item.
Gives me confidence knowing I've got the best tool for the job, and I need all the confidence I can get!
Lighter, stronger and more rigid so perfoms better, particularly when fully outstretched.
Better made, a net is the very last thing you want to break mid session.
Customisable.
And if it ever does break I'll be able to get it repaired.
UK built last a lifetime product over imported disposable item.
Gives me confidence knowing I've got the best tool for the job, and I need all the confidence I can get!
In reply to Post #14
Spot on, could say the same about the car's all but the built in the UK bit.
Spot on, could say the same about the car's all but the built in the UK bit.
In reply to Post #15
yeah too right! I would add Dymag to your list mate they're perfection imo.
yeah too right! I would add Dymag to your list mate they're perfection imo.
In reply to Post #7
I agree completely Tony, Dymag for me too.
I agree completely Tony, Dymag for me too.
In reply to Post #17
I'll have a look but need a 2 piece for boat work at times.
I'll have a look but need a 2 piece for boat work at times.
In reply to Post #17
It was your bloody fault I bought one.Bloody glad I did though
It was your bloody fault I bought one.Bloody glad I did though
In reply to Post #18
Dymag Stalker is two piece. It's what I've got. Also got mine with a third extension piece which takes it to nine feet if needed and I use that all the time time when fishing from the bank in awkward swims. When I'm landing from a boat I just use one piece. It does it all.
Dymag Stalker is two piece. It's what I've got. Also got mine with a third extension piece which takes it to nine feet if needed and I use that all the time time when fishing from the bank in awkward swims. When I'm landing from a boat I just use one piece. It does it all.
In reply to Post #14
Lighter, stronger and more rigid so perfoms better, particularly when fully outstretched.
Better made, customisable.
And if it ever does break I'll be able to get it repaired.
UK built last a lifetime product over imported disposable item.
Gives me confidence knowing I've got the best tool for the job
I own 3 nets, none of which cost over £30, none of them have failed to land a single fish that I've guided anywhere near them. One of them is a cheap no name job I've had over 15 years the latest being a 2 piece saber one I paid £20 for, I have complete confidence in all of them and they all do exactly the same job as any other net, in fact the 2 piece saber is more versatile than 1 piece handle nets.
As for UK made being better than any other, well that's another aguement entirely.
Daz
Lighter, stronger and more rigid so perfoms better, particularly when fully outstretched.
Better made, customisable.
And if it ever does break I'll be able to get it repaired.
UK built last a lifetime product over imported disposable item.
Gives me confidence knowing I've got the best tool for the job
I own 3 nets, none of which cost over £30, none of them have failed to land a single fish that I've guided anywhere near them. One of them is a cheap no name job I've had over 15 years the latest being a 2 piece saber one I paid £20 for, I have complete confidence in all of them and they all do exactly the same job as any other net, in fact the 2 piece saber is more versatile than 1 piece handle nets.
As for UK made being better than any other, well that's another aguement entirely.
Daz
In reply to Post #21
In reply to Post #22
No point in saying anything,Deano hit the nail on the head in an earlier post
No point in saying anything,Deano hit the nail on the head in an earlier post
Also recommend the dymag.
In reply to Post #19
And you deserve that net Tony
You have to own one and use it to understand.. There are £20 nets that land fish - but landing fish is an occasion not a chore
And you deserve that net Tony
You have to own one and use it to understand.. There are £20 nets that land fish - but landing fish is an occasion not a chore
In reply to Post #22
Fair enough we all have different opinions I guess.
My Dymag handle is three piece; it does a 3 feet, 6 feet and 9 feet handle. I also bought it with 42" and 52" arms. So covers everything and it'll last me a lifetime. Realy couldn't be arsed mucking about with three different nets.
Had plenty of £50 nets before and all broke after a couple of year's use.
Mostly broken spreader blocks, jammed spiggots or getting trodden on. I've had people (accidently) tread on my Dymag handle twice on concrete (easily done at night on footpath banks) and hasn't caused any damage whatsoever. That would be two new £50 handles gone.
Fair enough we all have different opinions I guess.
My Dymag handle is three piece; it does a 3 feet, 6 feet and 9 feet handle. I also bought it with 42" and 52" arms. So covers everything and it'll last me a lifetime. Realy couldn't be arsed mucking about with three different nets.
Had plenty of £50 nets before and all broke after a couple of year's use.
Mostly broken spreader blocks, jammed spiggots or getting trodden on. I've had people (accidently) tread on my Dymag handle twice on concrete (easily done at night on footpath banks) and hasn't caused any damage whatsoever. That would be two new £50 handles gone.
In reply to Post #26
Nice bit of kit Stu
Nice bit of kit Stu
In reply to Post #20
Just had a look at the web page, whats the reverse taper like? How slim is the fat end?
Not much more than the Century by the looks of it.
Just had a look at the web page, whats the reverse taper like? How slim is the fat end?
Not much more than the Century by the looks of it.
Those who know know eh Tony?
Spinbowler it's quite chunky on the net end, reassuringly so. I'd say about an 3/4 to an inch thick. If you want it measured I'll check tomorrow.
Spinbowler it's quite chunky on the net end, reassuringly so. I'd say about an 3/4 to an inch thick. If you want it measured I'll check tomorrow.
In reply to Post #28
It's not thick at all but bloody lightweight and super rigid even when lifting up to land the fish
It's not thick at all but bloody lightweight and super rigid even when lifting up to land the fish
In reply to Post #29
Is the stalker net handle thicker by the spreader block than the mk3 net.I would not say the mk3 is overly thick but massively strong
Is the stalker net handle thicker by the spreader block than the mk3 net.I would not say the mk3 is overly thick but massively strong
In reply to Post #31
could be mate, the only Dymag net I've seen is my Stalker. Given it's muti piece it may well be thicker.
could be mate, the only Dymag net I've seen is my Stalker. Given it's muti piece it may well be thicker.
I still like the pacman spreader block.
Stu - I did have a guy come running over to land a fish for me at Linear. He scooped the fish up with my Dymag, removed the net from the handle and lobbed the handle up the bank, where it bounced up the gravel. I was kind to him - buried him in one of the swims at St John's - I hope he understood.
Stu - I did have a guy come running over to land a fish for me at Linear. He scooped the fish up with my Dymag, removed the net from the handle and lobbed the handle up the bank, where it bounced up the gravel. I was kind to him - buried him in one of the swims at St John's - I hope he understood.
In reply to Post #25
I always said there is no way I could justify that sort of money on a net.It took alot for me to finally go ahead but I do not regret it one bit.The net is superb but so is the service from Graeme,he built the net exactly how I wanted it and communication throughout was spot on
I always said there is no way I could justify that sort of money on a net.It took alot for me to finally go ahead but I do not regret it one bit.The net is superb but so is the service from Graeme,he built the net exactly how I wanted it and communication throughout was spot on
Brought cheap landing nets in the past and when they do break it's only then that you get to see why and it's because they're poorly constructed underneath the top dressing.
If I had to name one item of tackle that Thought was my best ever tackle buy
I would instantly say My DYMAG MK2 Landing net no question or doubt
and
coincidentally it replaced the WORST item of tackle I have ever bought the Solar Bowlock abortion of a landing net
and this is coming from a huge Solar tackle fan !!
I would instantly say My DYMAG MK2 Landing net no question or doubt
and
coincidentally it replaced the WORST item of tackle I have ever bought the Solar Bowlock abortion of a landing net
and this is coming from a huge Solar tackle fan !!
In reply to Post #33
Crikey Tony I would have been
before spearing him with that perfectly machined pointy end 
Crikey Tony I would have been
before spearing him with that perfectly machined pointy end
In reply to Post #31
Ive owned a mk2 a stalker and mk3 net and they all share the same pole/handle so are the same diameter. Its just the arms, block and cord that are different on the mk3. Its quite thick at the block end as its the reverse taper that gives it its stiffness. I personally prefer the mk2/stalker block over the mk3's block.
Ive owned a mk2 a stalker and mk3 net and they all share the same pole/handle so are the same diameter. Its just the arms, block and cord that are different on the mk3. Its quite thick at the block end as its the reverse taper that gives it its stiffness. I personally prefer the mk2/stalker block over the mk3's block.
In reply to Post #38
So if i order the Stalker which block will i get?
So if i order the Stalker which block will i get?
In reply to Post #39
I think it's mk2 as standard with the stalker.
I think it's mk2 as standard with the stalker.
In reply to Post #40
Yes thats right its a mk2 block on the stalker.
Yes thats right its a mk2 block on the stalker.
In reply to Post #41
yeah from memory I don't think he does a mk3 block on the stalker but don't recall why
yeah from memory I don't think he does a mk3 block on the stalker but don't recall why
In reply to Post #38
The block on the new aqua net looks very similar shape to the mk3.I like how easy it is to assemble and take apart
The block on the new aqua net looks very similar shape to the mk3.I like how easy it is to assemble and take apart
In reply to Post #42
I wonder how he keeps the weight so low? The stalker has the additional metal for the two piece and its tapered unlike the ultra slim handles in the ones i mentioned in my OP.
I wonder how he keeps the weight so low? The stalker has the additional metal for the two piece and its tapered unlike the ultra slim handles in the ones i mentioned in my OP.
In reply to Post #42
Graeme told me the MKIII Spreader block does not fit the two piece handle.
Graeme told me the MKIII Spreader block does not fit the two piece handle.
Look, I understand people like nice things and so why not spend what you like on your hobby!? It's your fishing after all. I have nothing against anyone using expensive or cheap tackle. Each to their own and all that.
I hoped My “what's the point” post ( I should have rephrased my open question And gone deeper I know) would stimulate some discussion on the technical/carp fishing advantages to having a £200 net in your hand when landing a carp vs something massively cheaper having never used a carbon net before. E.g. I would assume that if you trod on a cheap carbon net it would be game over, but you could get away with it on a more expensive net? Is the quality of the actual netting material better and more fish friendly on a more expensive version and so on.
The Vader X I recently bought is my first carbon net. My last was an all glass model which is donkeys years old, completely bombproof (it's been accidently trod on countless times), and was easy to use one handed. I only changed because it's such a pain setting the net up and breaking it down!
I hoped My “what's the point” post ( I should have rephrased my open question And gone deeper I know) would stimulate some discussion on the technical/carp fishing advantages to having a £200 net in your hand when landing a carp vs something massively cheaper having never used a carbon net before. E.g. I would assume that if you trod on a cheap carbon net it would be game over, but you could get away with it on a more expensive net? Is the quality of the actual netting material better and more fish friendly on a more expensive version and so on.
The Vader X I recently bought is my first carbon net. My last was an all glass model which is donkeys years old, completely bombproof (it's been accidently trod on countless times), and was easy to use one handed. I only changed because it's such a pain setting the net up and breaking it down!
In reply to Post #46
Like most things in life - you pay more for something and get small gains compared with the extra money you are spending. The Dymag nets are expensive as nets go but there are real gains there. The whole net is very strong, it is very light, it is very well made, it has a very soft fish friendly mesh, the handle is very stiff and the net goes through the water very easily (low drag) The handle is strong (carbon/fibre glass mix). You can easily hold the net single handed at full stretch. The net comes off the handle easily and yet is secure.
Like has been said earlier anglers that have them would replace them with the same if they ruined their own. That is quite a strong statement. I would have no hesitation in buying the same again .
I've had other nets, and like you I started with a 6' heavy broom handle type which was replaced with a telescpic aluminium handle type (that kept jamming), then a Shimano Tribal net (£120 ish) which was ok. In my mind and other peoples - the Dymag is the ultimate net.
Like you say, it's your money buy what you want and spend what you want on each piece of tackle. There are no rules or laws - all we have said is several of us that have Dymag nets are completely happy with them.
Like most things in life - you pay more for something and get small gains compared with the extra money you are spending. The Dymag nets are expensive as nets go but there are real gains there. The whole net is very strong, it is very light, it is very well made, it has a very soft fish friendly mesh, the handle is very stiff and the net goes through the water very easily (low drag) The handle is strong (carbon/fibre glass mix). You can easily hold the net single handed at full stretch. The net comes off the handle easily and yet is secure.
Like has been said earlier anglers that have them would replace them with the same if they ruined their own. That is quite a strong statement. I would have no hesitation in buying the same again .
I've had other nets, and like you I started with a 6' heavy broom handle type which was replaced with a telescpic aluminium handle type (that kept jamming), then a Shimano Tribal net (£120 ish) which was ok. In my mind and other peoples - the Dymag is the ultimate net.
Like you say, it's your money buy what you want and spend what you want on each piece of tackle. There are no rules or laws - all we have said is several of us that have Dymag nets are completely happy with them.
In reply to Post #47
Don't want to be nitpicking here but when someone was asking about replacing their Dymag mesh they were told it's a standard one that many other nets use. If that's correct you'd think a net of this price would warrant something a bit special?
Don't want to be nitpicking here but when someone was asking about replacing their Dymag mesh they were told it's a standard one that many other nets use. If that's correct you'd think a net of this price would warrant something a bit special?
In reply to Post #48
It's another manufacturers mesh,it's a very high quality mesh,very soft,lightweight and seems to move through the water very very easily.I had a trakker net before and the mesh on that was horrible
It's another manufacturers mesh,it's a very high quality mesh,very soft,lightweight and seems to move through the water very very easily.I had a trakker net before and the mesh on that was horrible
In reply to Post #49
Anyone know who makes it, might be of interest to owners of all types of landing nets?
Anyone know who makes it, might be of interest to owners of all types of landing nets?
In reply to Post #50
I'd also like to know as one of mine is on its way out.
I'd also like to know as one of mine is on its way out.
In reply to Post #51
Don't quote me on this - but it looks similar to the Solar one
Don't quote me on this - but it looks similar to the Solar one
In reply to Post #52
In reply to Post #52
How does the mesh hold up against brambles etc? Is the lightness an issue when it's very windy?
How does the mesh hold up against brambles etc? Is the lightness an issue when it's very windy?
In reply to Post #54
Same as any mesh mate. Not great. You really want to avoid brambles with any mesh.
Like anything light, when the wind gets up you need to keep an eye on it. I had to weigh it down with my bait bucket for Ciara. That said, I'd have had to have done that with any net on the market.
They can't defy physics, they're not magic. They are just very good, very light, very stiff landing nets. Yes they cost a fortune, but as you can see from the posts below, no one regrets buying one. I actually bought a second one to replace my spare net. They're that good.
But if you don't want to spend that kind of money (which lets face it is understandable) they're hardly an essential item. They're a luxury item. Each to their own innit.
Same as any mesh mate. Not great. You really want to avoid brambles with any mesh.
Like anything light, when the wind gets up you need to keep an eye on it. I had to weigh it down with my bait bucket for Ciara. That said, I'd have had to have done that with any net on the market.
They can't defy physics, they're not magic. They are just very good, very light, very stiff landing nets. Yes they cost a fortune, but as you can see from the posts below, no one regrets buying one. I actually bought a second one to replace my spare net. They're that good.
But if you don't want to spend that kind of money (which lets face it is understandable) they're hardly an essential item. They're a luxury item. Each to their own innit.
Talking of replacement meshes does any one know if anyone apart from Gardner produce a 44 inch as I for some reason have 2 44 inch nets both with the mesh on their way out and no one seems to make 44 inch nets anymore apart from Gardner lol, so just trying to find a cheaper option if possible.
In reply to Post #56
Just use a 42 inch mesh, it will fit
Just use a 42 inch mesh, it will fit
In reply to Post #57
Oh really? That's good to know I just assumed it wouldn't. Cheers Ian.
Oh really? That's good to know I just assumed it wouldn't. Cheers Ian.
In reply to Post #58
Just don't get expensive nets. I like my custom rods, nice reels, alarms etc. Have brought a dymag stalker in the past, a Harrison made one on a torrix landing net blank, Chris brown net. However everytime I sell them and go back to a 20 year old jrc 42” net that has a metal spreader block, jrc mesh and a glass pole. It gets thrown in brambles, the pole has been stood on many times and is still in 1 piece and it cost me £30. Have replaced the mesh several times Over the years, however really rate the jrc mesh's (so do mice). I look at expensive nets, think yes they look lovely I just can't justify buying one.
Just don't get expensive nets. I like my custom rods, nice reels, alarms etc. Have brought a dymag stalker in the past, a Harrison made one on a torrix landing net blank, Chris brown net. However everytime I sell them and go back to a 20 year old jrc 42” net that has a metal spreader block, jrc mesh and a glass pole. It gets thrown in brambles, the pole has been stood on many times and is still in 1 piece and it cost me £30. Have replaced the mesh several times Over the years, however really rate the jrc mesh's (so do mice). I look at expensive nets, think yes they look lovely I just can't justify buying one.
In reply to Post #59
But you've purchased 3 over the years.. sorry... could resist..
But you've purchased 3 over the years.. sorry... could resist..
In reply to Post #60
beat me to it but he is the same with alarms too !!
beat me to it but he is the same with alarms too !!
In reply to Post #61
Not alarms only had 3 sets in 20 years. Love my delks, don't get me started on reels though!! Landing nets I abuse them too much, but nice ones and then realise I can't use them for pushing down brambles, using as a baiting pole, even when I dropped an oar in the lake pushing myself back to the bank (shallow lake), even occasionally landing fish! None of which I'd do with an expensive one (except the landing fish bit).
Not alarms only had 3 sets in 20 years. Love my delks, don't get me started on reels though!! Landing nets I abuse them too much, but nice ones and then realise I can't use them for pushing down brambles, using as a baiting pole, even when I dropped an oar in the lake pushing myself back to the bank (shallow lake), even occasionally landing fish! None of which I'd do with an expensive one (except the landing fish bit).
Funny old world, I've barbel fished with a guy that wears thirty year old waterproofs that aren't and probably never were and lost count of the times he has got a soaking yet he will buy a new car every couple of years and loose 30k ish without thinking about it. Funny thing is he never really goes anywhere in it but hey gotta keep up with the neighbours.
In reply to Post #63
I have lost count of the number of nets and handles I have replaced , I am seriously tempted to get one of the dymag nets , they look very durable.
I have lost count of the number of nets and handles I have replaced , I am seriously tempted to get one of the dymag nets , they look very durable.
In reply to Post #50
I asked Graeme about replacing the mesh and he said the old style JRC meshes are similar.
I asked Graeme about replacing the mesh and he said the old style JRC meshes are similar.
In reply to Post #65
When my Dymag mesh went i asked all round for a replacement mesh and the one that was recommended was the Free Spirit. So I bought one, exactly the same size and drop, for £22. I can tell you that it weighed 70g more than Graeme's mesh and is not a patch on it. It seems that not only is the Dymag frame outstanding but the mesh is too.
When my Dymag mesh went i asked all round for a replacement mesh and the one that was recommended was the Free Spirit. So I bought one, exactly the same size and drop, for £22. I can tell you that it weighed 70g more than Graeme's mesh and is not a patch on it. It seems that not only is the Dymag frame outstanding but the mesh is too.
In reply to Post #3
Exactly. I've got Free Spirit S nets in 42, 48 and 55 inch arms, with two handles, second one is the two part 9.5' job which really helps with zigs. Build quality is excellent, they're super light too. Bonus is you can buy all components separately, which is how I've done it - I fish for carp, pike and cats, hence the three sizes I have.
I really don't care how expensive they are, I just like owning good gear, that lasts and can afford it
Reference comments below on Free Spirit meshes - they have only recently gone downhill. The original meshes I had were excellent, but when it came to get a new mesh for my 42" arms, my God was it poor. I actually sent it back to Johnson Ross for a refund. Obviously they have changed supplier and quality has gone downhill. The Century meshes are what I now buy - very good quality.
Exactly. I've got Free Spirit S nets in 42, 48 and 55 inch arms, with two handles, second one is the two part 9.5' job which really helps with zigs. Build quality is excellent, they're super light too. Bonus is you can buy all components separately, which is how I've done it - I fish for carp, pike and cats, hence the three sizes I have.
I really don't care how expensive they are, I just like owning good gear, that lasts and can afford it
Reference comments below on Free Spirit meshes - they have only recently gone downhill. The original meshes I had were excellent, but when it came to get a new mesh for my 42" arms, my God was it poor. I actually sent it back to Johnson Ross for a refund. Obviously they have changed supplier and quality has gone downhill. The Century meshes are what I now buy - very good quality.
Nobody has mentioned CB Products landing nets. I am looking at getting one of his Barbel nets, any users of his carp nets on here?
In reply to Post #68
No but I've got a cb catfish net, fantastic bit of kit
No but I've got a cb catfish net, fantastic bit of kit
In reply to Post #68
Yes, I have the catfish job and the carp version with extention. Built to last quality.
Yes, I have the catfish job and the carp version with extention. Built to last quality.
Got a matrix bulldog 2 net its a good net just a pain in the bum hole to take apart with fish in it
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