I'm looking to replace my fox easy mat. I just find it's not up to the job especially when attempting self takes. What I do like is its compact travel size
So I'm looking for something more sturdy, with more rigid walls, with retaining cover, but ideally something that packs relatively small and isn't too heavy.
In the mix are the wychwood walled mat, sonik Compacta cradle, avid Compacta cradle. Also see advanta do a compact mat. But open to others opinions.
TIA
So I'm looking for something more sturdy, with more rigid walls, with retaining cover, but ideally something that packs relatively small and isn't too heavy.
In the mix are the wychwood walled mat, sonik Compacta cradle, avid Compacta cradle. Also see advanta do a compact mat. But open to others opinions.
TIA
In reply to Post #1
Have a look at this one as well mate
https://www.anglingdirect.co.uk/avid-carp-compact-carp-cradles
Have a look at this one as well mate
https://www.anglingdirect.co.uk/avid-carp-compact-carp-cradles
In reply to Post #1
Me and a mate spent an age in a tackle shop last year looking at walled mats. We got out everyone they had and compared them like for like. Design wise my favourite was the Gardner, but unfortunately its just too small. In the end we both agreed that although its pricey, the Aqua was the best all rounder, its a decent size, pretty sturdy when set up, packs down flat and isn't stupidly heavy. If i ever come to ditch my xl easy mat unless something better has been released, like a bigger Gardner, I'd got for the Aqua.
I think its called the Aqua Combi Cradle
I think its being discontinued which is a shame. It was about £90 when new but Johnson Ross are selling them off for £69 at the minute.
Me and a mate spent an age in a tackle shop last year looking at walled mats. We got out everyone they had and compared them like for like. Design wise my favourite was the Gardner, but unfortunately its just too small. In the end we both agreed that although its pricey, the Aqua was the best all rounder, its a decent size, pretty sturdy when set up, packs down flat and isn't stupidly heavy. If i ever come to ditch my xl easy mat unless something better has been released, like a bigger Gardner, I'd got for the Aqua.
I think its called the Aqua Combi Cradle
I think its being discontinued which is a shame. It was about £90 when new but Johnson Ross are selling them off for £69 at the minute.
This message has been suppressed by a moderator.
In reply to Post #4
I have just got the chub one and the matching flotation sling and really pleased with them both. Seems very well made and the materials are high quality.
I have just got the chub one and the matching flotation sling and really pleased with them both. Seems very well made and the materials are high quality.
"Chub Xtra Protection Cradle. Not had any problems with it, folds down nicely and comes with a carry bag. Had fish to up to 52lb in France in it."
Fivenil's Link
I have this mat, bit bulky but it protects the fish very well
Fivenil's Link
I have this mat, bit bulky but it protects the fish very well
I also have the Chub Xtra Protection Cradle, I think I've got the Euro one. It goes on the barrow first side on, is flexible enough so that it can curve up slightly at each end to narrow it a bit.
Like the other member said, maybe a tad bulky, but it's very light so you don't really notice. The materials are excellent too, way way better than the price tag suggest. It has an excellent practical layout with decent pockets for forceps etc. I'd argue a toss and say you could call it a hidden gem.
The only downside is I struggle with a bad left knee, so am feeling the urge to look at a Nash cradle. I sometimes struggle on ground level with the cradle.
Like the other member said, maybe a tad bulky, but it's very light so you don't really notice. The materials are excellent too, way way better than the price tag suggest. It has an excellent practical layout with decent pockets for forceps etc. I'd argue a toss and say you could call it a hidden gem.
The only downside is I struggle with a bad left knee, so am feeling the urge to look at a Nash cradle. I sometimes struggle on ground level with the cradle.