Hey guys
I've searched the forum for review of the Fox Explorer barrow and seen some positive reviews. Just wondered if there was any update on these since they all seemed to be first use type impressions and from a while back.
Considering selling my Carp Porter Mk2 for one, think it will fit my needs a little better. Also looking to get the front bag, any reviews on that?
Many thanks
I've searched the forum for review of the Fox Explorer barrow and seen some positive reviews. Just wondered if there was any update on these since they all seemed to be first use type impressions and from a while back.
Considering selling my Carp Porter Mk2 for one, think it will fit my needs a little better. Also looking to get the front bag, any reviews on that?
Many thanks
In reply to Post #1
I've had one for nearly a year, and I have to say I have been impressed with it. I have used it mainly for day sessions, but it can be adapted to take a bedchair for nights. I like how the under-barrow bag simply slots into place without any fiddly straps or buckles. The front bag is fine - I used to use a large barrow bag, but like many people, I was carrying about too much gear! It suits my needs just fine. It also folds down nicely to fit in my car, but the only problem I have had is with the detachable wheel - I sometimes forget to take it with me!
I would recommend the Fox Explorer.
I've had one for nearly a year, and I have to say I have been impressed with it. I have used it mainly for day sessions, but it can be adapted to take a bedchair for nights. I like how the under-barrow bag simply slots into place without any fiddly straps or buckles. The front bag is fine - I used to use a large barrow bag, but like many people, I was carrying about too much gear! It suits my needs just fine. It also folds down nicely to fit in my car, but the only problem I have had is with the detachable wheel - I sometimes forget to take it with me!
I would recommend the Fox Explorer.
In reply to Post #2
Awesome, thank you.
Awesome, thank you.
In reply to Post #1
I've had mine for a good while now it's superb best thing I've bought for a long time
I've had mine for a good while now it's superb best thing I've bought for a long time
In reply to Post #1
Update: Got the Fox Explorer Barrow last week, used it for the first time this weekend. Its absolutly fantastic!!
Time will tell but it feels extremely well made, better than the Prestige. Being smaller and lower its lighter, easier to push and far more stable. The under barrow bag is great and massive, takes loads of stuff. I got the low level front bag too, easily big enough for what I need.
Can only agree, this is one of the best things I've bought in a while. Very highly recommded
Update: Got the Fox Explorer Barrow last week, used it for the first time this weekend. Its absolutly fantastic!!
Time will tell but it feels extremely well made, better than the Prestige. Being smaller and lower its lighter, easier to push and far more stable. The under barrow bag is great and massive, takes loads of stuff. I got the low level front bag too, easily big enough for what I need.
Can only agree, this is one of the best things I've bought in a while. Very highly recommded
In reply to Post #5
Are these barrows as light as a prestige Porter-lite?
Are these barrows as light as a prestige Porter-lite?
In reply to Post #6
I've not officially weighed it, (a google may answer) but my mate has the porter lite and the feel pretty similar in weight to me.
I've not officially weighed it, (a google may answer) but my mate has the porter lite and the feel pretty similar in weight to me.
In reply to Post #7
Oh dear.. I'm getting tempted with this barrow and low level bag now.. Its never ending . lol
Oh dear.. I'm getting tempted with this barrow and low level bag now.. Its never ending . lol
In reply to Post #8
I dont think you'd be disappointed with it.
I dont think you'd be disappointed with it.
In reply to Post #9
They are not as light as the prestige barrow, and are slightly bigger after pack down then the porterlite. But in saying that the extra weight is worth sacrificing. The explorer barrow is brilliant. The handles are designed well so it's easier to push, and the under bags are extremely useful. The only thing I may change is straps. I do prefer to use a spider bungee instead.
Overall highly recommend getting one
They are not as light as the prestige barrow, and are slightly bigger after pack down then the porterlite. But in saying that the extra weight is worth sacrificing. The explorer barrow is brilliant. The handles are designed well so it's easier to push, and the under bags are extremely useful. The only thing I may change is straps. I do prefer to use a spider bungee instead.
Overall highly recommend getting one
I've been using the explorer barrow and the camolite barrow bag since they came out and rate them very highly.
Originally, I wanted a small barrow so I could fit everything I needed for a day or overnight session (except the rods) in the boot of the car and this has worked out perfectly even with a relatively small boot.
It's small and compact but still has a steel frame, sure an aluminium one would have saved some weight but this is already quite small and has done away with the unnecessary side frames so the extra weight of the steel isn't a problem. The finish is excellent, much better than the one on my previous carp porter barrow and is showing no signs of wear even on the moving parts.
The hand wheels are a three-sided design and perhaps a little on the small side as I struggle with grip strength and sometimes wish I could tighten them more for use over rough ground but for most people that wouldn't be an issue. The plus point is I haven't lost any yet, I guess they are nylon tipped to help prevent them coming out. They are also located on the edge of the tube not the face which helps to locate the inner tube tight into the corner of the outer tube giving a much better fit and preventing any movement.
The three bags it comes with are great for stowing extra kit. I currently use the two mesh bags for bait and water which keeps a fair amount of weight around the wheel for easy pushing and balance. These bags do have a lot of velcro straps for fixing to the frame so I find it best to leave them on permanently which isn't a problem as when empty they just fold up and fit within the frame. The large third bag has a rigid frame around the top edge which neatly fits into a lip on the barrow so this bag can literally just be dropped in, as and when required although it must be fitted from above so you can't add it on after loading the barrow. This is where I now stow my sleeping bag and clothes.
I did also buy the barrow bag which houses a reasonable amount of gear and is a good addition. It can sit either side of the front bars and is held in place with a single strap, it can be a little tricky to fit the strap with a fully laden bag but it soon loosens up and becomes easier to fit. The rigid top section makes it a decent low table to work from and the neoprene grab handles are showing no sign of wear. My only negative point for this bag is that I thought it came with a large front pocket to house a tackle box separate to the main compartment. Unfortunately, this is actually a zipped flap allowing front access to the main compartment which I don't particularly like but this is a minor point. The materials and zips on all the range seem to be excellent and I've not had any issues with the zips at all.
Finally, the barrow can be extended by pulling out the front shelf to support the barrow bag giving you more room behind the front bars for a bedchair and bivvy etc. This is a great idea and means this is the only barrow I need for any length of session I do in the UK. At first I did have some balance issues with the barrow using the bag sat at the front but I soon got round this by re-positioning certain items
In summary if you are looking for a compact barrow for shorter sessions or just don't want to take huge amounts of tackle with you its great and should last you for many years however if you are a long session angler who takes loads of gear you may struggle. The barrow bag is a great addition and I wouldn't be without it. Without doubt this has been a great purchase.
Originally, I wanted a small barrow so I could fit everything I needed for a day or overnight session (except the rods) in the boot of the car and this has worked out perfectly even with a relatively small boot.
It's small and compact but still has a steel frame, sure an aluminium one would have saved some weight but this is already quite small and has done away with the unnecessary side frames so the extra weight of the steel isn't a problem. The finish is excellent, much better than the one on my previous carp porter barrow and is showing no signs of wear even on the moving parts.
The hand wheels are a three-sided design and perhaps a little on the small side as I struggle with grip strength and sometimes wish I could tighten them more for use over rough ground but for most people that wouldn't be an issue. The plus point is I haven't lost any yet, I guess they are nylon tipped to help prevent them coming out. They are also located on the edge of the tube not the face which helps to locate the inner tube tight into the corner of the outer tube giving a much better fit and preventing any movement.
The three bags it comes with are great for stowing extra kit. I currently use the two mesh bags for bait and water which keeps a fair amount of weight around the wheel for easy pushing and balance. These bags do have a lot of velcro straps for fixing to the frame so I find it best to leave them on permanently which isn't a problem as when empty they just fold up and fit within the frame. The large third bag has a rigid frame around the top edge which neatly fits into a lip on the barrow so this bag can literally just be dropped in, as and when required although it must be fitted from above so you can't add it on after loading the barrow. This is where I now stow my sleeping bag and clothes.
I did also buy the barrow bag which houses a reasonable amount of gear and is a good addition. It can sit either side of the front bars and is held in place with a single strap, it can be a little tricky to fit the strap with a fully laden bag but it soon loosens up and becomes easier to fit. The rigid top section makes it a decent low table to work from and the neoprene grab handles are showing no sign of wear. My only negative point for this bag is that I thought it came with a large front pocket to house a tackle box separate to the main compartment. Unfortunately, this is actually a zipped flap allowing front access to the main compartment which I don't particularly like but this is a minor point. The materials and zips on all the range seem to be excellent and I've not had any issues with the zips at all.
Finally, the barrow can be extended by pulling out the front shelf to support the barrow bag giving you more room behind the front bars for a bedchair and bivvy etc. This is a great idea and means this is the only barrow I need for any length of session I do in the UK. At first I did have some balance issues with the barrow using the bag sat at the front but I soon got round this by re-positioning certain items
In summary if you are looking for a compact barrow for shorter sessions or just don't want to take huge amounts of tackle with you its great and should last you for many years however if you are a long session angler who takes loads of gear you may struggle. The barrow bag is a great addition and I wouldn't be without it. Without doubt this has been a great purchase.
In reply to Post #11
That is fantastic review. I have been looking at this barrow for a while,and after reading your in-depth review,I have just ordered it. Thanks very much
That is fantastic review. I have been looking at this barrow for a while,and after reading your in-depth review,I have just ordered it. Thanks very much
Another +1 on the explorer. Fantastic for day sessions!
Literally the only negative i can give it is my fox flatliner bedchair doesent seem to sit on there 'just perfect' but i can get it on there well enough so that everything is still stable and easy to push even with a weekends worth of gear on there
Literally the only negative i can give it is my fox flatliner bedchair doesent seem to sit on there 'just perfect' but i can get it on there well enough so that everything is still stable and easy to push even with a weekends worth of gear on there
In reply to Post #13
Used one for 2 years i like it but beware the rubber on tyres is super thin, my tyre blew up and i know at least 2 others on my syndicate who had their tyres blow up. The barrow bag also has holes worn in it. Other than that i rate it
Used one for 2 years i like it but beware the rubber on tyres is super thin, my tyre blew up and i know at least 2 others on my syndicate who had their tyres blow up. The barrow bag also has holes worn in it. Other than that i rate it
In reply to Post #14
been using the explorer deluxe this season
highly rate the barrow and you can get alot of gear on it for a barrow with not the largest of frame
Could do with a stabliser bar for the handles as they are a tad wobbly but nothing that bad
been using the explorer deluxe this season
highly rate the barrow and you can get alot of gear on it for a barrow with not the largest of frame
Could do with a stabliser bar for the handles as they are a tad wobbly but nothing that bad