These new mats from ESP look great.
Link
Link
In reply to Post #1
Love ESP stuff, they just get it right imo and i will be getting one at some point .... i do fear the snowflake angler may suggest it doesnt look thick enough ... I hope not, because im sure they will be fine and mats/cradles were just getting stupid bulky and big in size and weight
Love ESP stuff, they just get it right imo and i will be getting one at some point .... i do fear the snowflake angler may suggest it doesnt look thick enough ... I hope not, because im sure they will be fine and mats/cradles were just getting stupid bulky and big in size and weight
On my shopping list 👍
Will be getting one of these they look very good,I like how they can clip to the rucksack too
Love the look of these but I have 1 concern. If the draw cord starts fraying or gets chewed by a mouse or something, you are left with a flat mat. Can't imagine it would be easy to replace?
In reply to Post #5
You could thread a wire through,tie some paracord on to the end and pull it through.
You could thread a wire through,tie some paracord on to the end and pull it through.
In reply to Post #3
Same as, like the look of these
Same as, like the look of these
In reply to Post #1
Look good, something practical and useful by the looks of it, not something that you need a separate barrow for, give me a simple sling type mat anyday
Look good, something practical and useful by the looks of it, not something that you need a separate barrow for, give me a simple sling type mat anyday
In reply to Post #1
Size of mats to meet fisheries rules have got totally out of hand . My new mat takes up more room than the bivvy
Size of mats to meet fisheries rules have got totally out of hand . My new mat takes up more room than the bivvy
They look fantastic,
On my list that is...👍👍👍👍👍👍
On my list that is...👍👍👍👍👍👍
In reply to Post #6
wonder if they'll clip on the speero rucksack?
wonder if they'll clip on the speero rucksack?
In reply to Post #11
Nothing a couple of Carabina clips wouldn't sort out no doubt.
Nothing a couple of Carabina clips wouldn't sort out no doubt.
In reply to Post #11
I was thinking that
I was thinking that
If your using a barrow,couple carabiners in the folding front bar,as well,its where I put my Korum transition, but this ESP,looks better..
Anyone know price,or have I missed that ?
Anyone know price,or have I missed that ?
In reply to Post #11
Was thinking the same mate...
Was thinking the same mate...
I like the look of these, well thought out. I prefer a flat mat. But with a lot of fisheries now insisting on cradle type mats. These would be ideal. I believe there also doing one under the Drennan Specialist range for those liking something a bit smaller and green..
In reply to Post #16
. . .ESP / Drennan Specialist range is top luggage . . .hope they do bring out an even more compact with draw string 'sides' as will be ideal for barbel / rivers.
. . .ESP / Drennan Specialist range is top luggage . . .hope they do bring out an even more compact with draw string 'sides' as will be ideal for barbel / rivers.
In reply to Post #17
They are
They are
Also like the look of these. Great for roving. No prices yet though?
In reply to Post #20
Think I read they are £49.99/69.99. I'll be having one.
Think I read they are £49.99/69.99. I'll be having one.
In reply to Post #21
I have been using a Korum Fast Mat for my carping which clips to my Korum compact ruckbag. I don't fish big carp waters but like the look of this ESP one as I could clip it on my bag.
I have been using a Korum Fast Mat for my carping which clips to my Korum compact ruckbag. I don't fish big carp waters but like the look of this ESP one as I could clip it on my bag.
And a 30 fits in the small one with room to spare from the pictures I have seen
Nice bit off kit .
In reply to Post #24
Just sold my Saber cradle and pre-ordered this in the Compact size. Due end of March.
Just sold my Saber cradle and pre-ordered this in the Compact size. Due end of March.
In reply to Post #25
Do you mind me asking where you pre ordered from?
Thanks
Do you mind me asking where you pre ordered from?
Thanks
In reply to Post #9
Totally agree. Had to buy a cradle for a trip. Takes up so much room. Good to lay in for a day time nap though Haha. Will definitely be ordering one of the ESP ones!
Totally agree. Had to buy a cradle for a trip. Takes up so much room. Good to lay in for a day time nap though Haha. Will definitely be ordering one of the ESP ones!
In reply to Post #25
Where did you pre order from ? Thx 👍
Where did you pre order from ? Thx 👍
In reply to Post #25
Same here, where did you pre order from ?
Same here, where did you pre order from ?
Send you a PM
In reply to Post #30
can you pm me too?, why not just post it here??
can you pm me too?, why not just post it here??
Secret squirrel about an unhooking mat 
In reply to Post #30
Pm And me
Pm And me
In reply to Post #30
Could I have a pm too please 😁
Could I have a pm too please 😁
In reply to Post #30
Can't you just say where you pre-ordered buddy?
Can't you just say where you pre-ordered buddy?
In reply to Post #32
In reply to Post #34
Had a good look on net all the big shops couldn't find anyone taking pre orders could of missed it
Had a good look on net all the big shops couldn't find anyone taking pre orders could of missed it
*phones local tackle shop*
Hello ***** When are you getting the new esp matts in?
Hang on to one for me please, I'll pay now if you like
OK cheers, see you then
In reply to Post #34
Can I have a pm please...
Then I can post it on here. 😊
Can I have a pm please...
Then I can post it on here. 😊
Anyone brave enough to reveal the tackle shop that you can preorder these from?
In reply to Post #40
Just contact the shop you normally use that stock ESP and ask them to put you one on backorder.Its like some secret sect for a bit of material to put a fish on
Just contact the shop you normally use that stock ESP and ask them to put you one on backorder.Its like some secret sect for a bit of material to put a fish on
this has turned into the strangest of threads .... who would of thought an unhooking mat required security clearance to get stock info about
though to be fair, unless its ESP themselves creating the mystery ..... then its genius marketing
though to be fair, unless its ESP themselves creating the mystery ..... then its genius marketing
In reply to Post #42
I've just taken delivery of 100 ESP matts all sold on eBay for £150 a piece
In reply to Post #44
PM me
PM me
In reply to Post #16
I prefer flat mats as well, I don't like the stiff bars on cradles but this design I do like
I prefer flat mats as well, I don't like the stiff bars on cradles but this design I do like
In reply to Post #46
Anyone got the new mat yet ?
Anyone got the new mat yet ?
In reply to Post #47
No waiting for you to get yours first mate 😁... So I can have a look at it first...
No waiting for you to get yours first mate 😁... So I can have a look at it first...
In reply to Post #48
😂😂😂
😂😂😂
In reply to Post #49
ESP = Quality never had a bad product
ESP = Quality never had a bad product
Any news on when these are going to be in shops?
In reply to Post #51
they said a month when I asked on faceache last week so 3 weeks maybe
they said a month when I asked on faceache last week so 3 weeks maybe
Maybe a bit later if coming via the Suez Canal
They are going to sell like hotcakes these mats!
I have a feeling a few will go on Ebay for a few quid over RRP, once they sell out everywhere in a few days lol.
I have a feeling a few will go on Ebay for a few quid over RRP, once they sell out everywhere in a few days lol.
In reply to Post #54
They would have been the perfect mat if they had a retaining flap
They would have been the perfect mat if they had a retaining flap
In reply to Post #53
I'm so excited
I'm so excited
Bump.
Anybody using these, any feedback
Looking at fishing a venue and it says I must have a cradle type mat
I'm looking at two. This mat or the Gardner Asylum, any feedback on either appreciated. Really like the look of the Gardner one, are the zips a problem, can you put fish back with it easy enough?
Anybody using these, any feedback
Looking at fishing a venue and it says I must have a cradle type mat
I'm looking at two. This mat or the Gardner Asylum, any feedback on either appreciated. Really like the look of the Gardner one, are the zips a problem, can you put fish back with it easy enough?
In reply to Post #57
Pretty sure the ESP mats aren't out yet mate! Been looking myself
Pretty sure the ESP mats aren't out yet mate! Been looking myself
Middle of May along with the retainers I believe
In reply to Post #59
That's interesting lads, seen a couple where you can add them to the basket, in stock!
That's interesting lads, seen a couple where you can add them to the basket, in stock!
In reply to Post #58
Think I'm going to go with the ESP one, looks better at carrying fish
Saying that, the Gardner one looks a tidy piece of kit and the price is right
Think I'm going to go with the ESP one, looks better at carrying fish
Saying that, the Gardner one looks a tidy piece of kit and the price is right
In reply to Post #61
That Gardner one looks huge packed down... that put me off.
That Gardner one looks huge packed down... that put me off.
In reply to Post #62
It does, but it's flat, so could be just chucked at the bottom of the barrow for me? Suppose in the tent, under the bed chair?
Can't say I'm a fan of all these cradles myself, some of them are ridiculously sized and stupidly expensive
It does, but it's flat, so could be just chucked at the bottom of the barrow for me? Suppose in the tent, under the bed chair?
Can't say I'm a fan of all these cradles myself, some of them are ridiculously sized and stupidly expensive
In reply to Post #63
I liked the jrc hi care matt I had, but once it started perishing it took on loads of water and weighed a ton! What I liked after giving up folding it, you could just use it as a carryall. Bulky as hell on its own but was a really handy bag, and could take rods net and shelter on a day session. The price has shot up in recent years so I'd pay the extra few quid for the cotswold graviers matt if I needed that type.
I'll get the esp one when available but I suspect the thinking anglers matt will be the one I use most
I liked the jrc hi care matt I had, but once it started perishing it took on loads of water and weighed a ton! What I liked after giving up folding it, you could just use it as a carryall. Bulky as hell on its own but was a really handy bag, and could take rods net and shelter on a day session. The price has shot up in recent years so I'd pay the extra few quid for the cotswold graviers matt if I needed that type.
I'll get the esp one when available but I suspect the thinking anglers matt will be the one I use most
In reply to Post #64
I have a couple of sling type mats, a JRC euro and a trakker one, my preferred choice every time
Like most things, it's gone mad, It's a cradle type mat that I am looking for, cheap and reliable, no stupid metal frame or like the size of a small boat when packed down
I have a couple of sling type mats, a JRC euro and a trakker one, my preferred choice every time
Like most things, it's gone mad, It's a cradle type mat that I am looking for, cheap and reliable, no stupid metal frame or like the size of a small boat when packed down
In reply to Post #64
I have the high card mat. Fantastic mat, it is bulky but as u said, I use mine as a carryall on the barrow. It's showing signs now but as it's 4 yrs old I think it's done well
I have the high card mat. Fantastic mat, it is bulky but as u said, I use mine as a carryall on the barrow. It's showing signs now but as it's 4 yrs old I think it's done well
In reply to Post #66
I think I paid £60 for mine and got nearly ten years out of it, although it was ridiculously heavy towards the end. The ta one isn't much smaller but is about a third of the original weight, and stays that weight if it's left out in the rain
After having 2 of the most protective matts going for so long the esp looks a bit like those £10 roll up matts in terms of protection
I think I paid £60 for mine and got nearly ten years out of it, although it was ridiculously heavy towards the end. The ta one isn't much smaller but is about a third of the original weight, and stays that weight if it's left out in the rain
After having 2 of the most protective matts going for so long the esp looks a bit like those £10 roll up matts in terms of protection
In reply to Post #66
But it's only had one fish in it
But it's only had one fish in it
In reply to Post #68
2 actually
2 actually
In reply to Post #69
I see Kent tackle have had a delivery 👍🏻
In reply to Post #71
Just ordered the compact from there 👍
Just ordered the compact from there 👍
In reply to Post #72
What do you guys think of the thickness being 35mm.
In think with all the brain washing over the years that we have to have thicker and thicker mats it makes me question it.
Looking at 35mm it does seem thick enough. Putting it on grass would be fine but I would have it on platforms .
What do you guys think of the thickness being 35mm.
In think with all the brain washing over the years that we have to have thicker and thicker mats it makes me question it.
Looking at 35mm it does seem thick enough. Putting it on grass would be fine but I would have it on platforms .
The Padding is more than fine on them, no worries at all imho.
Just purchased one off eBay. Limited numbers by the looks of it.
In reply to Post #75
Just got my one from Harefield tackle.
Last one in stock.
You can buy the Drennan compact one which is the same as the ESP but is green rather than camo at £50.00
Just got my one from Harefield tackle.
Last one in stock.
You can buy the Drennan compact one which is the same as the ESP but is green rather than camo at £50.00
In reply to Post #76
the same, does it transform into a cradle as well?
Do you have a link? The drennan compact mat I found doesn't transform into a cradle
the same, does it transform into a cradle as well?
Do you have a link? The drennan compact mat I found doesn't transform into a cradle
In reply to Post #77
I cant find it either.
The guy at Harefield had some in boxes.
Best give them a ring
I cant find it either.
The guy at Harefield had some in boxes.
Best give them a ring
In reply to Post #77
It does . Just seen it advertised on Facebook
It does . Just seen it advertised on Facebook
In reply to Post #77
This is the mat you enquired after...
https://www.drennantackle.com/products/luggage/specialist-luggage/specimen-unhooking-mat/
It will have the same features as the ESP mat apart from the cammo material.
ESP is the "specimen" branch of Drennan , just as Korum is the "specimen" branch of Preston Innovations.
This is the mat you enquired after...
https://www.drennantackle.com/products/luggage/specialist-luggage/specimen-unhooking-mat/
It will have the same features as the ESP mat apart from the cammo material.
ESP is the "specimen" branch of Drennan , just as Korum is the "specimen" branch of Preston Innovations.
In reply to Post #80
green is better than camo
green is better than camo
In reply to Post #81
Never
Never
anyone tried clipping it to a speero rucksack or are the fittings different
In reply to Post #83
Ordered mine off ebay last night. Forgot to see if they were in stock on thursday when i popped into Yateley angling and won't be going back there for a few months so got impatient as not many around at the moment.
Ordered mine off ebay last night. Forgot to see if they were in stock on thursday when i popped into Yateley angling and won't be going back there for a few months so got impatient as not many around at the moment.
Johnson Ross have them In stock !
In reply to Post #85
i just picked one up from there about a hour ago, but i think they said they only had a couple of large ones left when i ordered it at 1ish ?
so might be worth ringing them if anyone wants one.
i just picked one up from there about a hour ago, but i think they said they only had a couple of large ones left when i ordered it at 1ish ?
so might be worth ringing them if anyone wants one.
Got mine and very impressed with it.
Johnson Ross sold out already....ordered mine Saturday, will be here tomorrow...
In reply to Post #87
How are they for size? Just wondering whether to get the compact or large. Primarily for travelling light. Obviously being optimistic with the fish sizes
How are they for size? Just wondering whether to get the compact or large. Primarily for travelling light. Obviously being optimistic with the fish sizes
Mine turned up yesterday, larger version. Very impressed, padding is plenty thick enough, light as a feather and rolls up nice and compact, ticks a lot of boxes...
Only thing I will be looking for is a waterproof stuff sack, don't fancy sticking a soaking wet stinky one back in the motor....
Only thing I will be looking for is a waterproof stuff sack, don't fancy sticking a soaking wet stinky one back in the motor....
Is the "Drennan Specimen Unhooking Mat" as good / the same
In reply to Post #90
Trakker do the sanctuary welded stink bag if you want a sealed waterproof bag to put the mat in
Trakker do the sanctuary welded stink bag if you want a sealed waterproof bag to put the mat in
In reply to Post #91
Saw one in Cheam Angling yesterday. Looks the same as the standard size ESP one. Looked like they had them all in stock if anyone is struggling to find one.
Saw one in Cheam Angling yesterday. Looks the same as the standard size ESP one. Looked like they had them all in stock if anyone is struggling to find one.
In reply to Post #93
In reply to Post #92
They do mate, forgot about that...just ordered one
They do mate, forgot about that...just ordered one
In reply to Post #93
The Drennan one is slightly smaller than the compact I think but not much in it.
The Drennan one is slightly smaller than the compact I think but not much in it.
Looks like Tim at England Angling has 7 large and 1 compact in stock if anyone is in need
I'm in, needing to de-metal my carp gear, the weight is killing me. Bye Nash cradle
Future Fishing have plenty in stock of both sizes...
In reply to Post #100
tackle warehouse in crawley also.
tackle warehouse in crawley also.
In reply to Post #95
Does the trakker welded stink bag fit the mat? What size did you go for?
Does the trakker welded stink bag fit the mat? What size did you go for?
In reply to Post #102
What size fish can the compact take?
What size fish can the compact take?
In reply to Post #103
Upto 30 is the recommendation
Upto 30 is the recommendation
Recently received mine and I have to say the padding does seem a bit thin.. not sure if I'd be happy with a 30/40lber in it
In reply to Post #90
Army Andy might do something
Army Andy might do something
In reply to Post #102
Just mate, on the large anyway!
Just mate, on the large anyway!
Are those walls of the mat, just a token gesture of a way round a ruling 🤔
In reply to Post #107
Thanks mate
Thanks mate
In reply to Post #106
That was my next port of call
That was my next port of call
In reply to Post #105
Plenty thick enough in my opinion although obviously there is always a trade off with weight/packdown size and padding.
I own a trakker sanctuary cradle and it's as big as my bivvy and I'm over carry it about. I'll probably keep it for when fishing out the back of the car or French trips but when I think what we used to use with no problems then I think the esp one is more than upto the job.
Plenty thick enough in my opinion although obviously there is always a trade off with weight/packdown size and padding.
I own a trakker sanctuary cradle and it's as big as my bivvy and I'm over carry it about. I'll probably keep it for when fishing out the back of the car or French trips but when I think what we used to use with no problems then I think the esp one is more than upto the job.
In reply to Post #1
. . I bought the Drennan Version for rivers mainly and as it fixes to the buckles on my Specialist rucksack . . .nice bit of kit, plenty big enough for pike / carp to 30's . .
May be worth checking the ESP version of the Compact (which it the same size) as according to local tackle shop the buckles are a different size to fix to ESP rucksacks . . .
. . I bought the Drennan Version for rivers mainly and as it fixes to the buckles on my Specialist rucksack . . .nice bit of kit, plenty big enough for pike / carp to 30's . .
May be worth checking the ESP version of the Compact (which it the same size) as according to local tackle shop the buckles are a different size to fix to ESP rucksacks . . .
In reply to Post #112
The buckles on my large one fit my esp rucksack. Also had a good few weeks fishing with a number of 30's up to just shy of 40 and I'd say the mat is plenty big enough. Couple of small gripes, eyelets that let the water out rusted slightly- just on service and rubbed off, not sure it will be a problem or not in the future, and the toggles struggle to hold the sides up as high as I'd like, especially when wet (the cord slips)
The buckles on my large one fit my esp rucksack. Also had a good few weeks fishing with a number of 30's up to just shy of 40 and I'd say the mat is plenty big enough. Couple of small gripes, eyelets that let the water out rusted slightly- just on service and rubbed off, not sure it will be a problem or not in the future, and the toggles struggle to hold the sides up as high as I'd like, especially when wet (the cord slips)
In reply to Post #108
They very well could be but are also strong enough to stop a fish sliding off a flat mat on a sloping bank....in addition, the sides are not rigid therefore there's no danger of doing any damage like a walled or framed cradle...
They very well could be but are also strong enough to stop a fish sliding off a flat mat on a sloping bank....in addition, the sides are not rigid therefore there's no danger of doing any damage like a walled or framed cradle...
In reply to Post #113
. ..that's my point - the buckles on both the ESP models fit the ESP rucksack . . .the Specialist Compact (which is the same albeit green not camo as the ESP Compact) has smaller, different buckles that only fit the Specialist Rucksack . . .
Just sayin if you want a green only compact but have an ESP rucksack . . .you'll have to live with the camo if you want to attach it . . .
. ..that's my point - the buckles on both the ESP models fit the ESP rucksack . . .the Specialist Compact (which is the same albeit green not camo as the ESP Compact) has smaller, different buckles that only fit the Specialist Rucksack . . .
Just sayin if you want a green only compact but have an ESP rucksack . . .you'll have to live with the camo if you want to attach it . . .
In reply to Post #108
. . .for big carp I agree . . wouldn't use it on anything other than a flat bank. For rivers / barbel / smaller specimens the wall is fine . . .
. . .for big carp I agree . . wouldn't use it on anything other than a flat bank. For rivers / barbel / smaller specimens the wall is fine . . .
Looks a nice compact mat that rolls up well. Personally those sides don't look up to much. Don't look
Like they'd keep a turd in let alone a fish
Like they'd keep a turd in let alone a fish
In reply to Post #117
Having used one I disagree, the sides are plenty good enough and certainly better than a flat mat...
Having used one I disagree, the sides are plenty good enough and certainly better than a flat mat...
118 posts on an unhooking mat 😳 I cant see what all the hype is about. Its just another mat with a drawer cord. The padding looks very thin. Not that long ago everyone wanted the thickest mats going now its one with hardly any padding at all. Surely its inadequate for lying on anything but soft grass.
In reply to Post #117
I have the compact mat. I do agree that if a fish really kicks off it could go over the sides, obviously covering and not leaving the fish is a help here. However I've found on flat ground and slightly uneven ground they do work fairly well to keep the fish on the mat. I normally peg the handles to help keep the sides more rigid. The compact is decptively big as a flat mat as well and adequately padded I would say. It's really designed for mobile anglers in my opinion, if I was taking the barrow I would probably opt for my JRC hi care instead.
I have the compact mat. I do agree that if a fish really kicks off it could go over the sides, obviously covering and not leaving the fish is a help here. However I've found on flat ground and slightly uneven ground they do work fairly well to keep the fish on the mat. I normally peg the handles to help keep the sides more rigid. The compact is decptively big as a flat mat as well and adequately padded I would say. It's really designed for mobile anglers in my opinion, if I was taking the barrow I would probably opt for my JRC hi care instead.
In reply to Post #119
Make that 120!
Make that 120!
Cant comment as to whether its any good, but at a minimum it should have a fish retaining flap
In reply to Post #122
Shame there isn't a flap , being mobile isn't any excuse for fish safety IMO
Don't get me wrong I used to unhook on long grass back in the day
Shame there isn't a flap , being mobile isn't any excuse for fish safety IMO
Don't get me wrong I used to unhook on long grass back in the day
In reply to Post #122
But if you leave the fish in the weigh/retention sling there's no real need for a flap...
But if you leave the fish in the weigh/retention sling there's no real need for a flap...
From the greatest mat ever to a flapless flop in a few weeks. Brilliant 😂
In reply to Post #125
I was actually thinking of getting one of these but after much umming and ahing settled on the Thinking Anglers one which I'd had my eye on for a few years, seems perfect to be honest
I was actually thinking of getting one of these but after much umming and ahing settled on the Thinking Anglers one which I'd had my eye on for a few years, seems perfect to be honest
In reply to Post #126
Shame that the thinking anglers one doesnt have those side walls.
It's a rule where i fish.. Im just gonna buy the ESP one and see how it goes. Waiting for them to come out in Belgium.
Shame that the thinking anglers one doesnt have those side walls.
It's a rule where i fish.. Im just gonna buy the ESP one and see how it goes. Waiting for them to come out in Belgium.
In reply to Post #124
But if you leave the fish in the weigh/retention sling there's no real need for a flap..
Steady on! .... you are using common sense .... that wont do at all
But if you leave the fish in the weigh/retention sling there's no real need for a flap..
Steady on! .... you are using common sense .... that wont do at all
In reply to Post #125
second hand esp,s 4 sale enybody, I'm sure there great
second hand esp,s 4 sale enybody, I'm sure there great
In reply to Post #127
Im from Holland, bought one of Ebay. Esp doesnt supply these mats outside the UK until at least October. (phoned esp)
Im from Holland, bought one of Ebay. Esp doesnt supply these mats outside the UK until at least October. (phoned esp)
In reply to Post #130
How much did you pay on eBay? The shipping costs tot Belgium are above 12 euro..
How much did you pay on eBay? The shipping costs tot Belgium are above 12 euro..
In reply to Post #129
Someone was selling one on here a week or 2 back
Someone was selling one on here a week or 2 back
In reply to Post #132
Yes was me sold it last week
Yes was me sold it last week
In reply to Post #133
Any reason why you got rid
Any reason why you got rid
In reply to Post #134
Just was an impulse buy and after receiving it thought I would stick with my solar quick mat instead
Just was an impulse buy and after receiving it thought I would stick with my solar quick mat instead
In reply to Post #135
Cheers
Cheers
In reply to Post #128
I personally prefer a flap to secure the fish , I've grown used to one
A sling does help , I can see that,
So I won't be changing from my quick mat just yet
Nothing wrong with the esp , a very good idea, a good product by the looks of it
I probably wait for the copy with a flap👍🏻😁
I personally prefer a flap to secure the fish , I've grown used to one
A sling does help , I can see that,
So I won't be changing from my quick mat just yet
Nothing wrong with the esp , a very good idea, a good product by the looks of it
I probably wait for the copy with a flap👍🏻😁
In reply to Post #131
It cost me in euros 65+ 10 euros shipping, plus 15 import costs
so 90 euros altogether, cheaper is nearly impossible.
Its a lot of money but i really wanted it.
It cost me in euros 65+ 10 euros shipping, plus 15 import costs
so 90 euros altogether, cheaper is nearly impossible.
Its a lot of money but i really wanted it.
In reply to Post #137
Good decision was just about to buy one before my mate said have look at mine first .Well glad I did as not that impressed at all it didn't look secure for putting a fish back as was proven with a flapping fish that slid over the flimsy edge and ended up on the grass and to think I was going to buy both sizes
Good decision was just about to buy one before my mate said have look at mine first .Well glad I did as not that impressed at all it didn't look secure for putting a fish back as was proven with a flapping fish that slid over the flimsy edge and ended up on the grass and to think I was going to buy both sizes
In reply to Post #139
With all due respect to your mate that is just extremely poor fish care.
I can't understand why anyone would attempt to return a fish in any unhooking mat that couldn't be zipped up....why would you even consider it, asking for trouble in my opinion....
By all means leave the fish zipped up in a weigh sling and return it in the mat that way whilst holding the handles of both mat and sling but anything else is just careless.
In all fairness though the ESP You Tube video isn't a great help as it clearly shows Alfie Russell returning a fish in the same way....
With all due respect to your mate that is just extremely poor fish care.
I can't understand why anyone would attempt to return a fish in any unhooking mat that couldn't be zipped up....why would you even consider it, asking for trouble in my opinion....
By all means leave the fish zipped up in a weigh sling and return it in the mat that way whilst holding the handles of both mat and sling but anything else is just careless.
In all fairness though the ESP You Tube video isn't a great help as it clearly shows Alfie Russell returning a fish in the same way....
I had a look at a friend's one this weekend. The MOST important part everyone is ignoring is the fact they look absolutely cack in pictures
I know that sounds like a joke, but personally i very very rarely take a fish out the water unless its to take a picture so i wouldn't want this matt cluttering up the shot obviously you would compromise if it was way safer than other mats, but i really dont think it is.
The pack down size is very very apealing, but the smaller mat really isnt that big, i wouldn't want much more than a scraper 20 on it.
I know that sounds like a joke, but personally i very very rarely take a fish out the water unless its to take a picture so i wouldn't want this matt cluttering up the shot
obviously you would compromise if it was way safer than other mats, but i really dont think it is.The pack down size is very very apealing, but the smaller mat really isnt that big, i wouldn't want much more than a scraper 20 on it.
In reply to Post #141
If your photographer is getting the mat in the pictures i would change your photographer....
If your photographer is getting the mat in the pictures i would change your photographer....
In reply to Post #140
Agree mate taking the fish back to the water in this mat is poor fish care just because I know him I ain't going to defend his actions.He got the impression thismat was ok for this and it definatley isn't .Either way I happen to think it looks better on film than it actually is my personal opinion is its pile of cack
Agree mate taking the fish back to the water in this mat is poor fish care just because I know him I ain't going to defend his actions.He got the impression thismat was ok for this and it definatley isn't .Either way I happen to think it looks better on film than it actually is my personal opinion is its pile of cack
Let's see if Terry is using one of these in tomorrow's latest offering on you tube
Heard from a couple of people the drawstring toggles keep loosening. Anyone else had this?
In reply to Post #145
Nope...
Nope...
Does anyone know a source for the female side of the attatchment buckles for the large mat? I would like to make a couple up to hang off the front of my barrow. I've tried a few similar sized ones I have, but none fit. ESP can't/won't supply them.
In reply to Post #141
You need to change photographers if you're getting the mat in it!
I like mine a lot, the toggles are pretty solid, material is thick...
Negatives for me are that i think it could do with a touch more padding and I had a mid 30 in the std size mat last week and the mat wasnt really big enough. I'll be ordering the large
You need to change photographers if you're getting the mat in it!
I like mine a lot, the toggles are pretty solid, material is thick...
Negatives for me are that i think it could do with a touch more padding and I had a mid 30 in the std size mat last week and the mat wasnt really big enough. I'll be ordering the large
In reply to Post #148
I like mine, the only concern I have is that the stitching in the base is not sealed. I noticed it bubbling as I rolled the mat up. I'm a bit worried it will take in water over a period of time.
I like mine, the only concern I have is that the stitching in the base is not sealed. I noticed it bubbling as I rolled the mat up. I'm a bit worried it will take in water over a period of time.
In reply to Post #148
Not really, it depends how you hold the fish, or compose the photo.
If you want a cropped picture of just your upper torso and the fish thats fine.
Not really, it depends how you hold the fish, or compose the photo.
If you want a cropped picture of just your upper torso and the fish thats fine.
In reply to Post #150
What other things do you need in the picture
What other things do you need in the picture
In reply to Post #151
What ever you wish. I can think of some of the most iconic capture shots that show the mat.
What ever you wish. I can think of some of the most iconic capture shots that show the mat.
In reply to Post #152
But you think that your mat looks rubbish in photos? Yet you're pointing out why you compose the photo with a mat in it.
If a photographer is even remotely competent, they can take a shot without a mat in it
New mat or a new photographer are the only ways around your conundrum
But you think that your mat looks rubbish in photos? Yet you're pointing out why you compose the photo with a mat in it.
If a photographer is even remotely competent, they can take a shot without a mat in it
New mat or a new photographer are the only ways around your conundrum
In reply to Post #153
But you think that your mat looks rubbish in photos? Yet you're pointing out why you compose the photo with a mat in it.
what?
But you think that your mat looks rubbish in photos? Yet you're pointing out why you compose the photo with a mat in it.
what?
In reply to Post #152
I prefer getting the fish and my camo mankini,I just have to make sure one of the curly twins ain't popping out
I prefer getting the fish and my camo mankini,I just have to make sure one of the curly twins ain't popping out
In reply to Post #1
Now these have been out a good while - anyone got decent long term feedback?
thanks in advance for any replies.
MH
Now these have been out a good while - anyone got decent long term feedback?
thanks in advance for any replies.
MH
In reply to Post #156
I've had mine over a year and I'm pretty happy with it (large one). Yes, the eyelets have rusted a little and the walls aren't the strongest, but suits me fine. No problem with the draw cords slipping. IMO the base padding is perfectly adequate, it inflates slightly when unrolled due to the stitching not being sealed. I roll mine up with the walls opened out with my retainer sling and weigh tripod inside. It makes it a bit long, but about the same length as my V2 brolly, so sits on top of it on my barrow without taking up too much room. I've only used flat mats previously so can't compare to other walled mats.
I've had mine over a year and I'm pretty happy with it (large one). Yes, the eyelets have rusted a little and the walls aren't the strongest, but suits me fine. No problem with the draw cords slipping. IMO the base padding is perfectly adequate, it inflates slightly when unrolled due to the stitching not being sealed. I roll mine up with the walls opened out with my retainer sling and weigh tripod inside. It makes it a bit long, but about the same length as my V2 brolly, so sits on top of it on my barrow without taking up too much room. I've only used flat mats previously so can't compare to other walled mats.
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