I've just got a ticket on a new lake and one of the rules is that you require a mat with sides above 100mm so I'm looking to buy one. What would you recommend ? Needs to be big enough for fish to upper 40/50lb. Seen the pro logic inspire xl one that looks decent and well padded for the money, anyone used this or others you would recommend max £80 if possible, cheers 😁
In reply to Post #1
I use the Gardner Asylum mat. Had it a few years now and it offers good protection. I believe they do two sizes, I have the large one.
I use the Gardner Asylum mat. Had it a few years now and it offers good protection. I believe they do two sizes, I have the large one.
In reply to Post #1
I got the Prologic Inspire large for the same reason, really like it, easy to assemble and pack down and doesn't weigh a ton like a lot of those style mats.
I got the Prologic Inspire large for the same reason, really like it, easy to assemble and pack down and doesn't weigh a ton like a lot of those style mats.
You'd be able to get a very good conditioned Les Graviers or Fox Carpmaster for that money, some on Ebay but faceache market place prob better. Both big & relatively heavy (not really a problem with a barrow) but offer great protection and sell very well 2nd hand if you wanted to get rid.
Trakker Sanctuary Compact Oval Crib?
In reply to Post #1
Avid Revolve cradle?
Avid Revolve cradle?
Not long bought the new ridgemonkey inflatable mat.
Sadly no carp caught to try it with but impressed with the build quality and certainly big enough!!
Sadly no carp caught to try it with but impressed with the build quality and certainly big enough!!
In reply to Post #3
I have the smaller version and hate it!!! Too awkward when packed down. I much prefer my TA beanie matt, but keep it for when sides are stipulated.
If I was buying a 100cm+ matt with sides now it would be Cotswold or the original Gardner Asylum (the new compact is sub 100cm I think). Probably the Gardner as it packs flat so easier for the barrow imo
I have the smaller version and hate it!!! Too awkward when packed down. I much prefer my TA beanie matt, but keep it for when sides are stipulated.
If I was buying a 100cm+ matt with sides now it would be Cotswold or the original Gardner Asylum (the new compact is sub 100cm I think). Probably the Gardner as it packs flat so easier for the barrow imo
In reply to Post #1
For the last year I've supplied the Fox Carpmaster cradles at my place and have been really impressed with them. They do everything that you'd want a sided mat to do.
For the last year I've supplied the Fox Carpmaster cradles at my place and have been really impressed with them. They do everything that you'd want a sided mat to do.
In reply to Post #1
I had to get one for the same reason (new ticket). Got the Gardner Asylum. It's ok - does what it says on the tin. Lasted 2 years so far without issues.
I had to get one for the same reason (new ticket). Got the Gardner Asylum. It's ok - does what it says on the tin. Lasted 2 years so far without issues.
In reply to Post #1
Another using the Gardner Asylum mat, had it for 3 seasons, no issues, easy up, easy down, packs flat for barrow use or roll up with additional webbing straps to pop on top of or under ruck sack.
All in all it's a cracking mat, and fits the bill for what you are looking at.
Tel
👍👍
Another using the Gardner Asylum mat, had it for 3 seasons, no issues, easy up, easy down, packs flat for barrow use or roll up with additional webbing straps to pop on top of or under ruck sack.
All in all it's a cracking mat, and fits the bill for what you are looking at.
Tel
👍👍
I have the trekker self inflate thing and really rate it - but I always keep it fully assembled and goes upside down on top of barrow as a rain cover type thing when not in use. I have not seen nor would I want any kind of pack away mat, fishing mainly days only and leaving rods out to the last minuets I don't want to unpack in the dark for the sake of a mat.
In reply to Post #11
I fish a large reservoir where the level can drop up to 25ft by the end of summer and as soon as the level starts to drop in May, you are setting up on what is essentially lake bed. I bought the larger Gardner Asylum mat last year and within 3 months, the zips were knackered where they'd been gritted up by rain splash etc. It was a good mat while it lasted and think the issue was more my choosing it, rather than a design fault. I should have known zips and rain splash debris isn't a great combo!
I've now replaced it with the Avid Revolve as it has no zips.
Others I was looking at was the Wychwood tactical walled one and also the larger Prologic one somebody else mentioned earlier, but can't remember if that has zipped ends or not?
I fish a large reservoir where the level can drop up to 25ft by the end of summer and as soon as the level starts to drop in May, you are setting up on what is essentially lake bed. I bought the larger Gardner Asylum mat last year and within 3 months, the zips were knackered where they'd been gritted up by rain splash etc. It was a good mat while it lasted and think the issue was more my choosing it, rather than a design fault. I should have known zips and rain splash debris isn't a great combo!
I've now replaced it with the Avid Revolve as it has no zips.
Others I was looking at was the Wychwood tactical walled one and also the larger Prologic one somebody else mentioned earlier, but can't remember if that has zipped ends or not?
Shimano Trench unhooking mat. I've had one for years and it's bombproof. I have the euro size one and it's huge. I put it on the barrow first and then put all my kit in it rather than rolling it up.
I know the op was just asking for recommendations.. but why do half the fisheries these days insist on walled mats the size of toddlers paddling pools.. How are the kids able to afford these let alone transport. Its discouraging kids from going, Surely. When half the time a simple medium sized flat Mat and a bit of common sense will do. A lot of these mats are bigger than most of my luggage.. 