Looking at purchasing a new cradle or mat with sides what are peoples thoughts on the best option my syndicate has carp to 40lb 
In reply to Post #1
I have the Gardner asylum mat / cradle and can't fault it.
It has high sides with lots of padding all round.
It's large so perfectly capable of holding a 40lb + carp.
Hope this helps.
I have the Gardner asylum mat / cradle and can't fault it.
It has high sides with lots of padding all round.
It's large so perfectly capable of holding a 40lb + carp.
Hope this helps.
In reply to Post #1
ESP 1 looks good
ESP 1 looks good
In reply to Post #1
I admit they are expensive, but I do love my Rod Hutchinson Cabrio Unhooking Mat.
Monster size, will easily take fish to over 40lb.
Mine also doubles as a carryall when on the barrow to keep my foodbag and dog stuff in until I get to the swim.
Monster link
I admit they are expensive, but I do love my Rod Hutchinson Cabrio Unhooking Mat.
Monster size, will easily take fish to over 40lb.
Mine also doubles as a carryall when on the barrow to keep my foodbag and dog stuff in until I get to the swim.
Monster link
In reply to Post #4
I like that but i thought my dogs bed was expensive and he sleeps al night on that
I like that but i thought my dogs bed was expensive and he sleeps al night on that
In reply to Post #1
I have the JRC Cocoon 2g Hi Care Mat. Got it after a few recommendation on here. Thick mat and folds away well. A bit bulky but light to carry. Not really an issue on a barrow. You can store slings and scales etc in the mat as well.
I have the JRC Cocoon 2g Hi Care Mat. Got it after a few recommendation on here. Thick mat and folds away well. A bit bulky but light to carry. Not really an issue on a barrow. You can store slings and scales etc in the mat as well.
In reply to Post #1
Owned mats for years but I have just bought the Cradle pictured, it's on the large size nearly 1.2m long but packs down well and has to easily be the best cradle I've seen in the flesh as it were.
Owned mats for years but I have just bought the Cradle pictured, it's on the large size nearly 1.2m long but packs down well and has to easily be the best cradle I've seen in the flesh as it were.
In reply to Post #4
That looks the same as the JRC Hi-Care
That looks the same as the JRC Hi-Care
In reply to Post #1
I'd look at the JRC mat or the Avid one according to how big the fish are in your lake. Be careful if you buy a cradle and change syndicate or club as you may find they are banned. I'd personally go for a big mat with sides.
I'd look at the JRC mat or the Avid one according to how big the fish are in your lake. Be careful if you buy a cradle and change syndicate or club as you may find they are banned. I'd personally go for a big mat with sides.
In reply to Post #9
I've got a mat with sides and seems pretty good. It packs down nice and slim so doesn't use up to much space either.
I've got a mat with sides and seems pretty good. It packs down nice and slim so doesn't use up to much space either.
In reply to Post #1
Mat all the way, cradles should be feckin banned. The times I have seen carp leap out of the bloody things and bounce down the bank... I use a Aqua Combimat - it's well padded, large (had carp to 44.10 on it) and the retaining flap is zipped - not velcro, which a lively big carp will easily unhinge. It also doubles as a weigh sling, so reduces handling and makes returning fish a lot safer. Oh and finally, it's very well made and comes with a good quality bag.
Mat all the way, cradles should be feckin banned. The times I have seen carp leap out of the bloody things and bounce down the bank... I use a Aqua Combimat - it's well padded, large (had carp to 44.10 on it) and the retaining flap is zipped - not velcro, which a lively big carp will easily unhinge. It also doubles as a weigh sling, so reduces handling and makes returning fish a lot safer. Oh and finally, it's very well made and comes with a good quality bag.
Having used a Matt for 35 years and a cradle for 5 I'd quite happily never use a cradle again. The ESP does look good and may purchase one but not in any hurry as I have a large Aquarius Matt.
I can remember when just grass was as good as it gets , funny how very little harm was done to them back then , oh well times change eh .