Hi Gents,
I'm looking for user reviews, good and bad on this brolly. I know there's threads on this but it seems every thread has massively side tracked away from actually talking about the Aqua fast and Light, instead suggestions on other cheaper or 'better' options, which I'm not interested in. Any contribution is greatly appreciated 👍
I'm looking for user reviews, good and bad on this brolly. I know there's threads on this but it seems every thread has massively side tracked away from actually talking about the Aqua fast and Light, instead suggestions on other cheaper or 'better' options, which I'm not interested in. Any contribution is greatly appreciated 👍
In reply to Post #1
Love mine, expensive but quality is superb which it should be at that price mind. Dead easy to put up and take down and stacks of space under it. I prefer it to my tempest air i had before it. I only use mine for day sessions though as my wide solar bed wouldnt fit under it for a night session. You will get a standard sized befchair under it no problem though.
Love mine, expensive but quality is superb which it should be at that price mind. Dead easy to put up and take down and stacks of space under it. I prefer it to my tempest air i had before it. I only use mine for day sessions though as my wide solar bed wouldnt fit under it for a night session. You will get a standard sized befchair under it no problem though.
In reply to Post #2
Good to hear mate. Will it fit inside a quiver in its bag would you say or would you need to remove it to make it fit?
Good to hear mate. Will it fit inside a quiver in its bag would you say or would you need to remove it to make it fit?
In reply to Post #1
im on the fence with them, they are a very nice brolly, well made and plenty of head room.
my only gripe is, i don't find them particularly fast to put up or light to carry.. I've been using an original aqua 60 for donkey years, it fits in a quiver, goes up fast and uses 4 pegs at the minimum.
the fast and light needs its own bag, its far more bulky and because of the extra front bits you're now looking at using 6 pegs (if you're fussy like me) that being said, i will probably get another down the line as they are a solid bit of kit. i initially got my F&L so that i could potentially prolong the life of the 60 inch 😂
im on the fence with them, they are a very nice brolly, well made and plenty of head room.
my only gripe is, i don't find them particularly fast to put up or light to carry.. I've been using an original aqua 60 for donkey years, it fits in a quiver, goes up fast and uses 4 pegs at the minimum.
the fast and light needs its own bag, its far more bulky and because of the extra front bits you're now looking at using 6 pegs (if you're fussy like me) that being said, i will probably get another down the line as they are a solid bit of kit. i initially got my F&L so that i could potentially prolong the life of the 60 inch 😂
In reply to Post #1
Had 2 one was nicked far to expensive for a brolly as said bulky and not quick to put up and the aquatex is not that robust lot selling second hand with holes in have a look at the wychwood or solar undercover
Had 2 one was nicked far to expensive for a brolly as said bulky and not quick to put up and the aquatex is not that robust lot selling second hand with holes in have a look at the wychwood or solar undercover
Had a couple over recent years, sold them both.
Not particularly fast and not that light.
Certainly not worth the new price. Much better options available. Nash groundhog brolly is 1.3 kilo lighter and much better coverage. Only available second hand now I think.
Not particularly fast and not that light.
Certainly not worth the new price. Much better options available. Nash groundhog brolly is 1.3 kilo lighter and much better coverage. Only available second hand now I think.
Had a couple over recent years, sold them both.
Not particularly fast and not that light.
Certainly not worth the new price. Much better options available. Nash groundhog brolly is 1.3 kilo lighter and much better coverage. Only available second hand now I think.
Not particularly fast and not that light.
Certainly not worth the new price. Much better options available. Nash groundhog brolly is 1.3 kilo lighter and much better coverage. Only available second hand now I think.
In reply to Post #1
Wouldn't be without mine had my 1st one quite a few years and sold it on and got the MK 2 which l have now, l don't find them long to put up or take down but are quite bulky and probably need there own bag which isn't to bad if it's on the barrow, just hope it last as long as my 1st one did but that comes from someone who's only ever used a brolly for my fishing never own a bivvy, anyway hope that helps
Wouldn't be without mine had my 1st one quite a few years and sold it on and got the MK 2 which l have now, l don't find them long to put up or take down but are quite bulky and probably need there own bag which isn't to bad if it's on the barrow, just hope it last as long as my 1st one did but that comes from someone who's only ever used a brolly for my fishing never own a bivvy, anyway hope that helps
No quality issues with mine at all. Not sure why people think it takes a while to put up as i can put mine up in seconds. It is quite heavy though which isnt an issue as it goes on a barrow. I dont think it will fit in a quiver.
In reply to Post #1
Thanks all mixed reviews and the consensus that the brolly isn't actually that fast to put up or light is swaying me back to the small bivvy style brollies. Currently have a tempest brolly and it seems for overnighters it's hard to beat.
Thanks all mixed reviews and the consensus that the brolly isn't actually that fast to put up or light is swaying me back to the small bivvy style brollies. Currently have a tempest brolly and it seems for overnighters it's hard to beat.
In reply to Post #10
I have one that I use for days only. I did have the overwrap, mesh, sticks etc but they were just too much bother compared to some of the more modern bivvies. I also fish on platforms quite a bit and I dont find it easy to set up on wood. Its not overly light nor fast, I used to have a wychwood tactical brolly that if I am honest was better and cheaper.
I have one that I use for days only. I did have the overwrap, mesh, sticks etc but they were just too much bother compared to some of the more modern bivvies. I also fish on platforms quite a bit and I dont find it easy to set up on wood. Its not overly light nor fast, I used to have a wychwood tactical brolly that if I am honest was better and cheaper.
In reply to Post #1
Mine survived storm Eunice over 80mph winds mate they're solid as anything. Within a minute you can have it put up even if you use the 2 front and 2 side storm poles. Proper waterproof material. I have a tempest brolly which I use in the winter as I have the front for that.
Only main downside to the F&L is that it's not supplied with storm poles you have to buy them separately.
Not used many other brollys as this one was an upgrade to my Nash Profile X which I had for nigh on 10 years. Prefer my F&L so that says a lot.
Mine survived storm Eunice over 80mph winds mate they're solid as anything. Within a minute you can have it put up even if you use the 2 front and 2 side storm poles. Proper waterproof material. I have a tempest brolly which I use in the winter as I have the front for that.
Only main downside to the F&L is that it's not supplied with storm poles you have to buy them separately.
Not used many other brollys as this one was an upgrade to my Nash Profile X which I had for nigh on 10 years. Prefer my F&L so that says a lot.
In reply to Post #12
That's good to know mate, I think they look great and the material is a big plus. It's a shame they didnt design it with a zip on front for driving rain as I've never been a fan of overwraps
That's good to know mate, I think they look great and the material is a big plus. It's a shame they didnt design it with a zip on front for driving rain as I've never been a fan of overwraps
In reply to Post #13
Just get a tempest brolly, I don't think anything comes close to that style of shelter, lighter, faster to put up, much more sturdy in winds and more useable space, literally better in every way.
Just get a tempest brolly, I don't think anything comes close to that style of shelter, lighter, faster to put up, much more sturdy in winds and more useable space, literally better in every way.
In reply to Post #13
It does look good but £300 for a brolly is ridiculous you would think at the very least they would supply 2 short poles with it and as I said the material is not that robust see lots with repair patches on and don't ever pack it away wet dry it out asap because it all sticks together
I bought a Aqua aquatex second hand it had been packed away wet I had to pull it hard to get it apart almost ripping it then it left dozens of creases looked terrible tbh
tempest is far better imo
It does look good but £300 for a brolly is ridiculous you would think at the very least they would supply 2 short poles with it and as I said the material is not that robust see lots with repair patches on and don't ever pack it away wet dry it out asap because it all sticks together
I bought a Aqua aquatex second hand it had been packed away wet I had to pull it hard to get it apart almost ripping it then it left dozens of creases looked terrible tbh
tempest is far better imo
As below. Just get a tempest brolly.
It's a luxury compared to the basic oval design.
It's a luxury compared to the basic oval design.
In reply to Post #16
I agree the oval style brolly is old hat now but some still like them fair enough
the tempest free standing no poles design zip for front and all the extras you can go from a summer no frills brolly to a winter bivvy with cap or wrap you can even make it bigger with the extended front
I agree the oval style brolly is old hat now but some still like them fair enough
the tempest free standing no poles design zip for front and all the extras you can go from a summer no frills brolly to a winter bivvy with cap or wrap you can even make it bigger with the extended front
In reply to Post #16
I have a tempest brolly as said below guys
I have a tempest brolly as said below guys
I do wonder why people use brollys nowadays with far lighter superior design alternatives available...... 
In reply to Post #18
Just use the tempest
Just use the tempest
In reply to Post #20
Fancy a change mate. I'd like something that will fit in my quiver
Fancy a change mate. I'd like something that will fit in my quiver
Depending on what quiver you have the f&l should fit in it mate. Even if you have to take it in the bag, there's plenty of room in there you won't have to spend 5 mins cramming it into the bag to zip it up like I found with my tempest brolly.
Ironically, the f&l is actually the same weight if not slightly heavier than my v2 tempest brolly I think. The beauty of the f&l over the tempest is the footprint, I bought mine primarily to fit in smaller swims on the lake I was fishing. I know a few people that have had the internal rods rust but touch wood I haven't had any issues with mine whatsoever.
Just bear in mind if you do buy one, the thumbscrews where you screw your poles onto do come off so make sure when you pack away to give them a tighten. They're good bits of kits mate and can always give it a few sessions then stick it up for sale if not your cup of tea but they're as good as the tempest brolly in my opinion.
Ironically, the f&l is actually the same weight if not slightly heavier than my v2 tempest brolly I think. The beauty of the f&l over the tempest is the footprint, I bought mine primarily to fit in smaller swims on the lake I was fishing. I know a few people that have had the internal rods rust but touch wood I haven't had any issues with mine whatsoever.
Just bear in mind if you do buy one, the thumbscrews where you screw your poles onto do come off so make sure when you pack away to give them a tighten. They're good bits of kits mate and can always give it a few sessions then stick it up for sale if not your cup of tea but they're as good as the tempest brolly in my opinion.
I had an old V1 tempest and in its later years I cut out the mud skirts and outer side wings.
It was very fast to put up and very light.
It was very fast to put up and very light.
In reply to Post #19
could not disagree more
I have had most shelters original Pioneer , tempest, fox easy dome`s continental and euro, jrc quads various chub shelters ovals etc loads and
now gone back to a brolly a Solar Undercover brolly system perfect size for my river fishing only practised putting it up and down in my garden due to health issues but it goes up and down super fast brilliant headroom great rear vents built in drop-down rib extensions on the sides remove the need to fit short storm poles on the side of the brolly
but should a really big storm come you can quickly just drop it down low and you can fit front storm poles if you wanted to great headroom 150cm h
could not disagree more
I have had most shelters original Pioneer , tempest, fox easy dome`s continental and euro, jrc quads various chub shelters ovals etc loads and
now gone back to a brolly a Solar Undercover brolly system perfect size for my river fishing only practised putting it up and down in my garden due to health issues but it goes up and down super fast brilliant headroom great rear vents built in drop-down rib extensions on the sides remove the need to fit short storm poles on the side of the brolly
but should a really big storm come you can quickly just drop it down low and you can fit front storm poles if you wanted to great headroom 150cm h
In reply to Post #21
My tempest Brolly fits in my Cotswold aquarius quiver mate
My tempest Brolly fits in my Cotswold aquarius quiver mate
In reply to Post #24
I have owned my fair share too G........I can get a Tempest Brolly set-up quicker than any other shelter on the market and what i have previously owned......
I have owned my fair share too G........I can get a Tempest Brolly set-up quicker than any other shelter on the market and what i have previously owned......
I can definately put my fast and light up quicker than my tempest as theres no poles to push together. But does it really matter if i can put my brolly up 20 seconds quicker when im going to be there for at least 8hrs as i bought the fast and light for day sessions. I got it for its compact footprint and quality of the materials used to make it. Also the way the front rib sticks further out gives much more protection from rain coming in over the straight front of the tempest brolly. I always get a wet entrance when im using my tempest but its no where near as bad when im using my fast and light.
In reply to Post #27
This is what I'm thinking. Don't get me wrong I love my Tempest brolly but the aqua material does seem superior.
This is what I'm thinking. Don't get me wrong I love my Tempest brolly but the aqua material does seem superior.
In reply to Post #25
I have the upgraded army andy bag so mine won't. The original bag just squeezed in to be fair as I also have the cotswold quiver.
I have the upgraded army andy bag so mine won't. The original bag just squeezed in to be fair as I also have the cotswold quiver.
In reply to Post #1
I bought one of these new last week, haven't used it yet but first impressions from setting up in the garden are its perfect! Love the material and beautiful rich olive colour, it looks and feels far better than any tempest material on the market. The pole is a little stiff to unscrew (hoping it losens with use) love the old school feel it has too. I'll do a review on this thread after a couple of months use for anyone who's interested/considering getting one.
I bought one of these new last week, haven't used it yet but first impressions from setting up in the garden are its perfect! Love the material and beautiful rich olive colour, it looks and feels far better than any tempest material on the market. The pole is a little stiff to unscrew (hoping it losens with use) love the old school feel it has too. I'll do a review on this thread after a couple of months use for anyone who's interested/considering getting one.
I personally love the fast and light yes it is abit weighty, but most throw it on a barrow. I've owned 2 the first for 10 years all tho tatty now still going strong with regular waterproofing (my son now uses) It has been abused paced away wet stuffed in bushes blown away a few times yes rusty inside but no rips and no tape issues. Bought a mark two about 18 months ago and love this as much as the 1st and to be fair I use it over the pioneer because of it speed can't really see how one brolly can be quicker to put up over another. Tbh I screws the side poles on as soon as I got it and the stay attracted all the time including when packed down the centre pole got taken out and binned less to carry and piss around with. I did have a tempest v2 lasted about 2 months, to many poles to put together, to big and the material was so thin and **** was almost see though lol. Yes they are expensive but if this lasts as long as the last at £30 a year I'm not going to grumble, as others I've owned I've been lucky to get a season out of
In reply to Post #31
I've got the aqua brolly system. But since getting a tempest v2 hardly use it and I've sold the wrap. But a good well made brolly.
I've got the aqua brolly system. But since getting a tempest v2 hardly use it and I've sold the wrap. But a good well made brolly.
In reply to Post #31
Good to hear your review mate. Interesting to hear you keep small storm poles attached. Ideally I'd like to do this too.
Good to hear your review mate. Interesting to hear you keep small storm poles attached. Ideally I'd like to do this too.
In reply to Post #32
I'm going from a tempest brolly to f&l not been fishing with it yet as currently in Zante. The material on first setup is what's winning over the tempest for me and by some distance!
I'm going from a tempest brolly to f&l not been fishing with it yet as currently in Zante. The material on first setup is what's winning over the tempest for me and by some distance!
In reply to Post #34
Still using my mk1 fast and light, it started leaking badly last year after many years of abuse so i slapped a load of fabsil gold and thats brought the material back to new standard, rain simply beads off. I leave the storm poles permanently attached and ditched the bag just so there was less faffing on pack down. Its been out in some pretty horrendous conditions year round and has been just brilliant
Still using my mk1 fast and light, it started leaking badly last year after many years of abuse so i slapped a load of fabsil gold and thats brought the material back to new standard, rain simply beads off. I leave the storm poles permanently attached and ditched the bag just so there was less faffing on pack down. Its been out in some pretty horrendous conditions year round and has been just brilliant
In reply to Post #30
Ok so I've now got a few nights under my belt and done last night in torrential rain with my F&L and honestly, I love it! here's why.
Pros
- Size: Perfect for the mobile angler who doesn't take the world with them. I recently done 48 hours and had plenty of kit under the brolly no fuss.
- Build Quality: Is I'm my opinion far superior to any other brolly in the market and far better than a tempest
- Speed: This is the fastest shelter you can use imo. Push the mechanism up the pole place it over your kit and peg it down.
- Looks/Material: It's a beautiful rich olive green and the the black coated fittings make it look seriously cult/carpy!
Mozzi Mesh - I know they are discontinued but not sure why, I got my hands on one prior to purchasing the brolly and it's a fantastic, super quick, super light addition and a must for some of the places I fish as the mozzis are beyond savage!
Cons
- No front option outside of an overwrap. This doesn't bother me but can see in the depths of wi nter in big winds and rain it would be useful.
- The pegs aren't the same quality as the brolly.
- buying storm poles separately I have the 24 and 32 inch aqua quick sticks which so far I love.
Ok so I've now got a few nights under my belt and done last night in torrential rain with my F&L and honestly, I love it! here's why.
Pros
- Size: Perfect for the mobile angler who doesn't take the world with them. I recently done 48 hours and had plenty of kit under the brolly no fuss.
- Build Quality: Is I'm my opinion far superior to any other brolly in the market and far better than a tempest
- Speed: This is the fastest shelter you can use imo. Push the mechanism up the pole place it over your kit and peg it down.
- Looks/Material: It's a beautiful rich olive green and the the black coated fittings make it look seriously cult/carpy!
Mozzi Mesh - I know they are discontinued but not sure why, I got my hands on one prior to purchasing the brolly and it's a fantastic, super quick, super light addition and a must for some of the places I fish as the mozzis are beyond savage!
Cons
- No front option outside of an overwrap. This doesn't bother me but can see in the depths of wi nter in big winds and rain it would be useful.
- The pegs aren't the same quality as the brolly.
- buying storm poles separately I have the 24 and 32 inch aqua quick sticks which so far I love.
I've no idea why they still don't do the mozzie mesh.If they did I'd buy another F&L having said that I think JRC do a universal brolly mesh.
In reply to Post #36
if you are interested,
i got the Custom Carp Products infill panels for my fast and light, they were £80 at the time
and fit just right,
they didn't do a door panel thought, just full side panels, but well worth it
they are on Facebook,
definitely worth a look
if you are interested,
i got the Custom Carp Products infill panels for my fast and light, they were £80 at the time
and fit just right,
they didn't do a door panel thought, just full side panels, but well worth it
they are on Facebook,
definitely worth a look
In reply to Post #38
Yeah I've seen these. Do they remain in the brolly or need to be attached each time?
Yeah I've seen these. Do they remain in the brolly or need to be attached each time?
In reply to Post #39
they can be left on quite easily
they literally just clip onto the ribs at the top, and then Velcro around the smaller side storm poll,
they really are very good,
i would had like to get a door panel, but i just lean my unhooking mat across the front opening if i need to
you get a lot of protection,
they can be left on quite easily
they literally just clip onto the ribs at the top, and then Velcro around the smaller side storm poll,
they really are very good,
i would had like to get a door panel, but i just lean my unhooking mat across the front opening if i need to
you get a lot of protection,
In reply to Post #40
I think I'll get some. Maybe just keep them in the motor for extreme weather to give a bit more protection. Most of my fishing is between work overnighters so like to keep kit to a minimum.
I think I'll get some. Maybe just keep them in the motor for extreme weather to give a bit more protection. Most of my fishing is between work overnighters so like to keep kit to a minimum.
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