Just wandering what people think of this mat now they have been out a while
In reply to Post #1
I've had one a few weeks and quite like it, though I've always had flat mats previously so no experience of it's direct competitors. My only concern is that the stitching forming the base panel is not waterproof, when you roll it up when wet you can see it bubbling. I'm a bit bothered it will take on water over time.
I've had one a few weeks and quite like it, though I've always had flat mats previously so no experience of it's direct competitors. My only concern is that the stitching forming the base panel is not waterproof, when you roll it up when wet you can see it bubbling. I'm a bit bothered it will take on water over time.
In reply to Post #2
Seen few bad reviews about the cradle not forming properly when draw cords pulled in. No waterproof bag. Good idea not well executed from what i've seen.
Seen few bad reviews about the cradle not forming properly when draw cords pulled in. No waterproof bag. Good idea not well executed from what i've seen.
Blimey I can't ever remember hearing such comments about an ESP product.
In reply to Post #1
. . I've been using the Drennan Specialist Compact (which is the same as the smaller ESP model) over the summer for stalking / floater / river and its a great bit of kit for this kind of fishing. Yes the walls don't pull up that high and yes I've had to buy an aftermarket dry bag for the car journey home but that being said its light, packs down well and clips to my rucksack. Its well padded and can also double as a weigh sling so what's not to like!
. . I've been using the Drennan Specialist Compact (which is the same as the smaller ESP model) over the summer for stalking / floater / river and its a great bit of kit for this kind of fishing. Yes the walls don't pull up that high and yes I've had to buy an aftermarket dry bag for the car journey home but that being said its light, packs down well and clips to my rucksack. Its well padded and can also double as a weigh sling so what's not to like!
In reply to Post #1
My problem with them is the eyelet drain holes are starting to rust. It's only a few months old.
My problem with them is the eyelet drain holes are starting to rust. It's only a few months old.
In reply to Post #1
I've had one about 6 months and would not recommend it, I regret buying one. Both draw string toggles that allow you to raise the side walls have broken and even when it worked the side walls are poor in terms of retaining any fish. Don't bother is my opinion there are better ones out there. No doubt the ESP fan club will think otherwise.
I've had one about 6 months and would not recommend it, I regret buying one. Both draw string toggles that allow you to raise the side walls have broken and even when it worked the side walls are poor in terms of retaining any fish. Don't bother is my opinion there are better ones out there. No doubt the ESP fan club will think otherwise.
In reply to Post #7
Check John Tosh review on you tube -honest user review.
Check John Tosh review on you tube -honest user review.
In reply to Post #8
I was going to buy one but seen the Korda basic mat in the flesh seems a better mat, light and compact.
Haven't been impressed with my esp cool bag either stitching issues.
I was going to buy one but seen the Korda basic mat in the flesh seems a better mat, light and compact.
Haven't been impressed with my esp cool bag either stitching issues.
In reply to Post #7
I was considering getting the larger ESP variant as my 'propa' carp session mat but went for a lightweight cradle instead . . .as mentioned mine is the smaller Drennan variant that I use for barbel and stalking primarily . . .for this use the design is perfect - ie. mobile, infrequent short session use!
I was considering getting the larger ESP variant as my 'propa' carp session mat but went for a lightweight cradle instead . . .as mentioned mine is the smaller Drennan variant that I use for barbel and stalking primarily . . .for this use the design is perfect - ie. mobile, infrequent short session use!
Anyone had the draw cord toggles break on these ESP mats, the toggle on each end have broken on mine, so its just a mat now no walls! Any idea where you can get spare ones?. Thanks.
In reply to Post #11
EBay you will get them
Or just put a knot in the 2 pieces
EBay you will get them
Or just put a knot in the 2 pieces
In reply to Post #12
I started this thread months ago I ended up buying one and sold it as said the sides don't stand up to make a wall I think it's a bad design
Ive heard about toggles breaking eyelets rusting main thing is not rigid at sides
I started this thread months ago I ended up buying one and sold it as said the sides don't stand up to make a wall I think it's a bad design
Ive heard about toggles breaking eyelets rusting main thing is not rigid at sides
In reply to Post #12
Thanks did look and have ordered some, just hope they are strong enough, up side I'll have a 100 spare ones. I agree with #13 poor design, which I saw one before buying.
Thanks did look and have ordered some, just hope they are strong enough, up side I'll have a 100 spare ones. I agree with #13 poor design, which I saw one before buying.
In reply to Post #1
If you are purchasing this as an out an out cradle it's not the one. I have the compact and when not used as a cradle it's a fairly sizable mat with an acceptable amount of padding that rolls up nicely. Cotswold Aquarius have now released a similar mat that looks more robust and a bit better quality.
I think ESP got the marketing wrong on this one tbh. This type of mat is never going to cut it as a cradle. Unfortunately, a few cheap components let it down as well (rusting). I mainly use it for other species or when I need to travel really light for a sneaky session.
I am happy with my JRC hi care when using a barrow. Could still do with finding a cradle that packs down flat.
If you are purchasing this as an out an out cradle it's not the one. I have the compact and when not used as a cradle it's a fairly sizable mat with an acceptable amount of padding that rolls up nicely. Cotswold Aquarius have now released a similar mat that looks more robust and a bit better quality.
I think ESP got the marketing wrong on this one tbh. This type of mat is never going to cut it as a cradle. Unfortunately, a few cheap components let it down as well (rusting). I mainly use it for other species or when I need to travel really light for a sneaky session.
I am happy with my JRC hi care when using a barrow. Could still do with finding a cradle that packs down flat.