Anyone using one that had the original ultralite able to give a comparison. Interested in getting a new one after having the original for a very long time. How does the new material compare to original aquatex. What's the verdict on the composite block and poles.
In reply to Post #1
had an ultralite and now got the 150 since release (1st version) done a review on here previously - solid almost over engineered in my opinion ts a bloody big old lump of a bivvy especially with the skull cap and the thickness of the aquatexx is decent however Ive only done 3 nights in it much prefer the ease of my tempest air as I get older I find myself opting for speed and ease of use and I think the pioneer design is almost archaic design given the way the tempest has revoloutionalised the market
Nostalgia and looks wise its spot on but for me there is better options available
had an ultralite and now got the 150 since release (1st version) done a review on here previously - solid almost over engineered in my opinion ts a bloody big old lump of a bivvy especially with the skull cap and the thickness of the aquatexx is decent however Ive only done 3 nights in it much prefer the ease of my tempest air as I get older I find myself opting for speed and ease of use and I think the pioneer design is almost archaic design given the way the tempest has revoloutionalised the market
Nostalgia and looks wise its spot on but for me there is better options available
In reply to Post #2
The 150 is I believe a much bigger and heavier bivvy. According to aqua Web site the new ultralite is only 7.5kg, was wondering how the composite block and poles compare to the original alloy. I'm a fan of the pio because of its shape and the way it performs in a gale.
The 150 is I believe a much bigger and heavier bivvy. According to aqua Web site the new ultralite is only 7.5kg, was wondering how the composite block and poles compare to the original alloy. I'm a fan of the pio because of its shape and the way it performs in a gale.
In reply to Post #1
I have the original ultralite the 100 is a fair bit smaller height wise to low for me. I sold the 100 and got the 150 which is probably a bit to big for my needs but kept it and got use to it👍
I have the original ultralite the 100 is a fair bit smaller height wise to low for me. I sold the 100 and got the 150 which is probably a bit to big for my needs but kept it and got use to it👍
In reply to Post #4
Does your 150 have the composite block and poles and how does it compare weight wise.
Does your 150 have the composite block and poles and how does it compare weight wise.
In reply to Post #1
Are you after getting the new Ultralite or a Pioneer 100?
I have the Pioneer 100 and it is spot on for me even for height and the material drys in no time also the aquatex is heavy and seems like it will be very durable my mate has a 150 it is huge in comparison and funny to watch him erecting it in any sort of wind, I'am considering getting the new Ultralite as it is 15cm taller and half the weight which at my age and state of health will be a benefit on the barrow.
Even took the Pioneer to Rainbow for the week when I would normally take my Armo plus also had the solar wide sleep system in as you can see it is pushing the sides a bit but had the bedchair pushed right back with no front on as we were having frequent showers.
Are you after getting the new Ultralite or a Pioneer 100?
I have the Pioneer 100 and it is spot on for me even for height and the material drys in no time also the aquatex is heavy and seems like it will be very durable my mate has a 150 it is huge in comparison and funny to watch him erecting it in any sort of wind, I'am considering getting the new Ultralite as it is 15cm taller and half the weight which at my age and state of health will be a benefit on the barrow.
Even took the Pioneer to Rainbow for the week when I would normally take my Armo plus also had the solar wide sleep system in as you can see it is pushing the sides a bit but had the bedchair pushed right back with no front on as we were having frequent showers.
In reply to Post #6
Waited for the new ultralite but aqua Web site says dimensions are smaller than the 100 and only hight is greater. The original ultralite was perfect for me size wise and the height doesn't really bother me. I'm near 64 and don't have the strength or agility of past but unsure now what to get. The price of these bivvies now I need to get it right but don't know anywhere with them up to get a proper look.
Waited for the new ultralite but aqua Web site says dimensions are smaller than the 100 and only hight is greater. The original ultralite was perfect for me size wise and the height doesn't really bother me. I'm near 64 and don't have the strength or agility of past but unsure now what to get. The price of these bivvies now I need to get it right but don't know anywhere with them up to get a proper look.
In reply to Post #3
my pal has the 100 and I have the 150 - the150 is a fairt bit bigger and taller - which personally I like the 100 woukld be too small for me personally Im 6#3 so like a higher bivvy
I think it is a very well made bivvy dont get me wrong its a much better quality than my tempests as an example and everything about it is quality, the groundsheet is a beast and the carry bag is also well made
My comment about them being over engineered means that its more than you will ever need for weather in this country and it is as solid as a rock
If you asked me what is the best bivvy I own out of my tempest air, fast and light, tempest xl and pioneer 150 the pioneer wins hands down and is the best looking and most sold but for me its the one that weighs the most and takes the longest to set up - the storm poles are a faff as is the poles wihich go into the block (hence why I feel its an archaic design)
Dont take it wrong its a very good bivvy I just think its overkill personally and as most of my sessions are 24 hours the tempest air is quicker to errect and lighter so is the one I use the most but its not a direct comparison to the 150 and if was to do a session 48+ then id use the pioneer
my pal has the 100 and I have the 150 - the150 is a fairt bit bigger and taller - which personally I like the 100 woukld be too small for me personally Im 6#3 so like a higher bivvy
I think it is a very well made bivvy dont get me wrong its a much better quality than my tempests as an example and everything about it is quality, the groundsheet is a beast and the carry bag is also well made
My comment about them being over engineered means that its more than you will ever need for weather in this country and it is as solid as a rock
If you asked me what is the best bivvy I own out of my tempest air, fast and light, tempest xl and pioneer 150 the pioneer wins hands down and is the best looking and most sold but for me its the one that weighs the most and takes the longest to set up - the storm poles are a faff as is the poles wihich go into the block (hence why I feel its an archaic design)
Dont take it wrong its a very good bivvy I just think its overkill personally and as most of my sessions are 24 hours the tempest air is quicker to errect and lighter so is the one I use the most but its not a direct comparison to the 150 and if was to do a session 48+ then id use the pioneer
In reply to Post #7
I think the reduction in depth and width of the Ultralite wouldn't bother me personally as it would be an overnight/48hr maximum use for my type of fishing (I'm seriously considering one) I think combined with using my compact Trakker bedhair which TBF is lost in the 100 although it would be fine I'd welcome the extra height but find the pioneer 100 fine.
Why they just didn't make them the same footprint as the Pioneer 100 with the weight reduction makes no sense well it does it means you cannot mix and match the accessories like zip in panel, skullcap, groundsheet etc... as mentioned in the photo this is the Solar Sp-C tech sleep system at 205cm squeezed right back, placed centrally it would not have pushed the outer material with the Ultralite at 2450mm across its width I think most standard bedchairs would be fine.
I think the reduction in depth and width of the Ultralite wouldn't bother me personally as it would be an overnight/48hr maximum use for my type of fishing (I'm seriously considering one) I think combined with using my compact Trakker bedhair which TBF is lost in the 100 although it would be fine I'd welcome the extra height but find the pioneer 100 fine.
Why they just didn't make them the same footprint as the Pioneer 100 with the weight reduction makes no sense well it does it means you cannot mix and match the accessories like zip in panel, skullcap, groundsheet etc... as mentioned in the photo this is the Solar Sp-C tech sleep system at 205cm squeezed right back, placed centrally it would not have pushed the outer material with the Ultralite at 2450mm across its width I think most standard bedchairs would be fine.
Cheers Robert and Ian, sounds like the 100 is same size as original ultra, think I'm going to have to get a shop to put them up and put a bed in for a proper look.
Got it.
In reply to Post #11
Not available yet in Holland, like that ..:-)
Not available yet in Holland, like that ..:-)
In reply to Post #12
Just weighed in its bag with everything including the wrap and it's 15.5kg, so not lite weight but that doesn't bother me as it feels very solid and the material is very heavy weight, far more so than my original.
Just weighed in its bag with everything including the wrap and it's 15.5kg, so not lite weight but that doesn't bother me as it feels very solid and the material is very heavy weight, far more so than my original.
In reply to Post #13
I've still got (and use) my original Ultralite but I also own a Pio 150 . . .
Rob Booths description is bang on - its a quality bit of kit but arguably a little too big and heavy for quick session use. If I'm doing 48hours+ and I know the weathers looking dodgy I'll generally opt for the 150 - it takes my standard bedchair easily and gives plenty of footroom - I've not used it abroad yet but would def take it over my 2Man Mk2 Armo these days as I love the headroom / visibility and I've not used the full mozzie front I've got in anger yet.
Hand on heart however and for most carping I still prefer the original Ultralite - have seen the Pio 100 on the bank and its too low for someone thats 6'1" - the only problem is the footroom as a standard bedchair is massive these days and means you can barely zip up if sitting on the bedchair and the rain is piling in - have recently bought a compact bedchair (off OldGeezer!) to remedy this situation so can see the 150 becoming a bit UK redundant this season.
If my original ever snaps (hasn't to date) I'd def be buying a new Pio Ultralite with all the trimmings . . .
I've still got (and use) my original Ultralite but I also own a Pio 150 . . .
Rob Booths description is bang on - its a quality bit of kit but arguably a little too big and heavy for quick session use. If I'm doing 48hours+ and I know the weathers looking dodgy I'll generally opt for the 150 - it takes my standard bedchair easily and gives plenty of footroom - I've not used it abroad yet but would def take it over my 2Man Mk2 Armo these days as I love the headroom / visibility and I've not used the full mozzie front I've got in anger yet.
Hand on heart however and for most carping I still prefer the original Ultralite - have seen the Pio 100 on the bank and its too low for someone thats 6'1" - the only problem is the footroom as a standard bedchair is massive these days and means you can barely zip up if sitting on the bedchair and the rain is piling in - have recently bought a compact bedchair (off OldGeezer!) to remedy this situation so can see the 150 becoming a bit UK redundant this season.
If my original ever snaps (hasn't to date) I'd def be buying a new Pio Ultralite with all the trimmings . . .
In reply to Post #14
Just bought the new ultralite and the material feels superb on it.I can set it up quicker than my Tempest v2 bivvy,might be slightly longer after attaching storm poles.No more connecting poles and wrestling to fan the tempest out,ultralite will be only shelter I use now
Just bought the new ultralite and the material feels superb on it.I can set it up quicker than my Tempest v2 bivvy,might be slightly longer after attaching storm poles.No more connecting poles and wrestling to fan the tempest out,ultralite will be only shelter I use now
In reply to Post #15
Tony, can I ask what bedchair your using with this? And what's the space like inside? 👍
Tony, can I ask what bedchair your using with this? And what's the space like inside? 👍
In reply to Post #16
Solar sp c tech and its got enough room in front for my speero compact rucksack and korda compac coolbag the other side of the door.I have only set it up in the garden so far to check the size out but I was happy with it
Solar sp c tech and its got enough room in front for my speero compact rucksack and korda compac coolbag the other side of the door.I have only set it up in the garden so far to check the size out but I was happy with it
In reply to Post #17
Cheers for that mate.
I've got the fox 8 leg flatliner which I'm sure is similar in size. Just wanted to get an idea of size to make sure it would fit 👍
Cheers for that mate.
I've got the fox 8 leg flatliner which I'm sure is similar in size. Just wanted to get an idea of size to make sure it would fit 👍
In reply to Post #14
My original ultralite was used for everything from one night to five nights and even did two weeks once with ease. I've just alway loved the size and shape of them and have been in some horrendous weather in one with no issues, if this one lasts as long as the first I'll be very happy.
They have changed the sticks to the locking ring style to extend and they seem to lock tight without any slip but the thumb screw that secures the stick to bivvy is not a no loss type so can see these getting lost.
My original ultralite was used for everything from one night to five nights and even did two weeks once with ease. I've just alway loved the size and shape of them and have been in some horrendous weather in one with no issues, if this one lasts as long as the first I'll be very happy.
They have changed the sticks to the locking ring style to extend and they seem to lock tight without any slip but the thumb screw that secures the stick to bivvy is not a no loss type so can see these getting lost.
In reply to Post #15
I was very tempted to get an ultralight as they look great but it will be a bit over kill for my day only sessions so got a camo fast and light instead a couple of weeks ago when jr had there discount code on.
I was very tempted to get an ultralight as they look great but it will be a bit over kill for my day only sessions so got a camo fast and light instead a couple of weeks ago when jr had there discount code on.
In reply to Post #20
If I were doing long session trips staying in the same swim on big venues I would buy the 150 as well. Robert 's write up in post 8 is spot on and I agree it over engineered for short session use but that's probably why I had the original for 25 years and still love the consept.
If I were doing long session trips staying in the same swim on big venues I would buy the 150 as well. Robert 's write up in post 8 is spot on and I agree it over engineered for short session use but that's probably why I had the original for 25 years and still love the consept.
In reply to Post #21
Its a breath of fresh air actually seeing stuff being over engineered for once instead of the usual chinese crap thats not fit for purpose these days.
Its a breath of fresh air actually seeing stuff being over engineered for once instead of the usual chinese crap thats not fit for purpose these days.
In reply to Post #21
Just saying but my Tactical X Standard Bedchair (215 x 86cms) is a squeeze in the Ultralite - I am assuming the new version is the same footprint?
The bed def fits (its as long as a wideboy) but there is a gap at the back of the bivvy (which I stash rod bag and luggage) leaving room at the front left and right for a compact holdall and a few buckets etc. Everything else gets stashed under the bed. i actually angle the bed slightly so there is more room adjacent to the head end of the bed if that makes sense.
Its absolutely fine for summer even with the front on and an open door however when its tipping it and your looking out letterbox style you cannot stretch your legs in front of you if your sitting across the bed etc (unless you are a dwarf!)and my toes touch the bottom of the closed door.
Best used with a more compact bedchair IMO if you've got other tackle items you like to keep undercover etc
Just saying but my Tactical X Standard Bedchair (215 x 86cms) is a squeeze in the Ultralite - I am assuming the new version is the same footprint?
The bed def fits (its as long as a wideboy) but there is a gap at the back of the bivvy (which I stash rod bag and luggage) leaving room at the front left and right for a compact holdall and a few buckets etc. Everything else gets stashed under the bed. i actually angle the bed slightly so there is more room adjacent to the head end of the bed if that makes sense.
Its absolutely fine for summer even with the front on and an open door however when its tipping it and your looking out letterbox style you cannot stretch your legs in front of you if your sitting across the bed etc (unless you are a dwarf!)and my toes touch the bottom of the closed door.
Best used with a more compact bedchair IMO if you've got other tackle items you like to keep undercover etc
In reply to Post #23
The new ultralite is smaller than my original but I used an early nash indulgence in that which was huge and heavy, later used a trakker levelite els which was a little smaller. Not put a bed in my new one yet but I'm 5ft11inch tall and don't want a bed much over 2metres and 80cm wide will be plenty for me. If I'm in my bivvy I'm laying on my bed and never have the door down and normally have the sides tied back.
The new ultralite is smaller than my original but I used an early nash indulgence in that which was huge and heavy, later used a trakker levelite els which was a little smaller. Not put a bed in my new one yet but I'm 5ft11inch tall and don't want a bed much over 2metres and 80cm wide will be plenty for me. If I'm in my bivvy I'm laying on my bed and never have the door down and normally have the sides tied back.
In reply to Post #24
Has it shrunk in footprint then? Did you have the original Aqua Ultralite or the first issue Trakker version?
Has it shrunk in footprint then? Did you have the original Aqua Ultralite or the first issue Trakker version?
In reply to Post #25
Had the very first aqua ultralite before they were in the shops, it was a show one and not really for sale but talk the guy at the show into selling it after several drinks. This new one is a smaller footprint but taller. It's 245cm wide, 200cm deep and 145cm high so a fair bit less depth wise but it think the back is a little flatter so hopefully bed will go back further. The bivvy only is under 5.5kg but with front, ground sheet, sticks, pegs and erection poles 12.5kg and skull cap 3kg.
Had the very first aqua ultralite before they were in the shops, it was a show one and not really for sale but talk the guy at the show into selling it after several drinks. This new one is a smaller footprint but taller. It's 245cm wide, 200cm deep and 145cm high so a fair bit less depth wise but it think the back is a little flatter so hopefully bed will go back further. The bivvy only is under 5.5kg but with front, ground sheet, sticks, pegs and erection poles 12.5kg and skull cap 3kg.
In reply to Post #26
That's heavier than the original Trakker that was 4.5kg 'naked' - maybe the block and arms are sturdier?
As you say its def a smaller footprint - my Trakker is 260cms wide and 210cms deep - if I ever replaced it with the new one its def compact bedchair sized only - think the height is similar at 140cms - new one is 142cms!
That's heavier than the original Trakker that was 4.5kg 'naked' - maybe the block and arms are sturdier?
As you say its def a smaller footprint - my Trakker is 260cms wide and 210cms deep - if I ever replaced it with the new one its def compact bedchair sized only - think the height is similar at 140cms - new one is 142cms!
In reply to Post #27
arms are thinner outer diameter but thicker wall and block is composite supposed to be stronger but lighter, the material is thicker than the original so deffinately heavier.
arms are thinner outer diameter but thicker wall and block is composite supposed to be stronger but lighter, the material is thicker than the original so deffinately heavier.
In reply to Post #28
i'm really tempted to buy one got the pioneer 150 ev and do find it a bit much for after work overnighters, my worry is the 200cm depth, my bed doesn't really go flat against the back at all in the 150. is it different in the ultralite? long as I can get my tackle bag, bag with stove and what not I'm a happy bunny
i'm really tempted to buy one got the pioneer 150 ev and do find it a bit much for after work overnighters, my worry is the 200cm depth, my bed doesn't really go flat against the back at all in the 150. is it different in the ultralite? long as I can get my tackle bag, bag with stove and what not I'm a happy bunny
In reply to Post #29
Bit the bullet and bought the ultralite, fantastic bit of kit and plenty of room. More space than I need in fact
Bit the bullet and bought the ultralite, fantastic bit of kit and plenty of room. More space than I need in fact
In reply to Post #30
Glad your happy.
Glad your happy.
You can get the aqua ultralite 100 ev for £599 from angling 4 less if anyone is interested as they have 20% off at the minute if you spend over £500 and they are showing 3 in stock.
In reply to Post #17
Just got a solar ch08 same size as standard sp c tec, got a carp duvet compact at the old price as well, very happy.
Just got a solar ch08 same size as standard sp c tec, got a carp duvet compact at the old price as well, very happy.
In reply to Post #32
Thats a good price if my pioneer 150 and wrap sells I think ill be downgrading and looking at an ultralite
Thats a good price if my pioneer 150 and wrap sells I think ill be downgrading and looking at an ultralite
In reply to Post #34
Offer ends on the 2nd May Rob, so wont be on for much longer. There still showing 3 in stock. Might be worthwhile buying it now anyway while its still on 👍🏻
Offer ends on the 2nd May Rob, so wont be on for much longer. There still showing 3 in stock. Might be worthwhile buying it now anyway while its still on 👍🏻
In reply to Post #35
Probably be discontinued now the ultra is out.
Probably be discontinued now the ultra is out.
In reply to Post #36
It is the ultra. Its the latest ultralite ev version. I was quite tempted to get one myself but ive just bought a fast and light for my day sessions.
It is the ultra. Its the latest ultralite ev version. I was quite tempted to get one myself but ive just bought a fast and light for my day sessions.
In reply to Post #37
Good price if ordering bivvy and wrap with discount applied to both, think there head office is in Belgium but have a distribution depot in Dorking so maybe they aren't paying UK vat.
Good price if ordering bivvy and wrap with discount applied to both, think there head office is in Belgium but have a distribution depot in Dorking so maybe they aren't paying UK vat.
In reply to Post #38
👍🏻 Not many places offer 20% off these days.
👍🏻 Not many places offer 20% off these days.
In reply to Post #39
Paid £700 for mine with wrap, think RRP is £729 bivvy and £149 wrap from UK based shop.
Paid £700 for mine with wrap, think RRP is £729 bivvy and £149 wrap from UK based shop.
In reply to Post #40
749.99 for bivvy
749.99 for bivvy
In reply to Post #41
And your local price matched.
And your local price matched.
In reply to Post #42
Bivvy and wrap for less than rrp of bivvy
Bivvy and wrap for less than rrp of bivvy
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