Has anyone seen one of these in the flesh?
More specifically, is the base pad welded and waterproof, or will it absorb water and become a big, heavy, dripping lump after a few fish or, more likely, a weekend of rain, like lots of other mats?
More specifically, is the base pad welded and waterproof, or will it absorb water and become a big, heavy, dripping lump after a few fish or, more likely, a weekend of rain, like lots of other mats?
In reply to Post #1
If you mean the new one, i thought the base was also inflatable but could be wrong
If you mean the new one, i thought the base was also inflatable but could be wrong
In reply to Post #1
I was thinking of buying one of these or something similar - I like the idea of negating the sodden mess you've described by turning it upside down (letting the fish rest on the underside without the need for a padded mat inner) - does anyone use it like this?
I was thinking of buying one of these or something similar - I like the idea of negating the sodden mess you've described by turning it upside down (letting the fish rest on the underside without the need for a padded mat inner) - does anyone use it like this?
In reply to Post #3
I have the rectangular one. I wouldn't want to do that with a decent fish. The thin plastic would sag under the weight and you would have no padding between fish and floor.
I have the rectangular one. I wouldn't want to do that with a decent fish. The thin plastic would sag under the weight and you would have no padding between fish and floor.
In reply to Post #3
I think that's pretty much how the Nash air cradle works.
I think that's pretty much how the Nash air cradle works.
As much as I like the idea of an inflatable mat, I'd always be worried it was gonna pop! Then what? Get the full sized back up out of the motor - if it's actually there? I don't catch much, so always make an effort to keep carp care gear (excluding net) dry.
In reply to Post #7
The bottom part is a separate flat padded mat, not inflatable. And it's big. If the side cradle popped you could just use it as a flat mat. I don't use it all the time as it's huge. It's handy to tow behind a boat and can handle really big fish safely so mostly use it abroad.
The bottom part is a separate flat padded mat, not inflatable. And it's big. If the side cradle popped you could just use it as a flat mat. I don't use it all the time as it's huge. It's handy to tow behind a boat and can handle really big fish safely so mostly use it abroad.
Reading this thread reminds me that I'm sure I purchased on (in a camo bag) if memory serves me right for a trip to France but I never used it as the fishery supplied their own.
Must try and find it and may be get rid of it
Must try and find it and may be get rid of it
In reply to Post #7
I had JRC Extreme inflatable mat for years and it was pretty good. I never had a puncture, but if you do they all have zip access to the blow up chambers so you could apply a patch quite easily. It was a bugger to dry though and pretty bulky.
@Beyonce - is the bottom mat bit sealed or does it look like it's going to take on water? I'm sure I've seen a picture which showed a blow-up valve on the bottom bit.
I want something with a flat bottom as I find cradles awkward with fish over 50lb (I'm abroad) as they tend to slide into the centre making them more difficult to pick up.
Thanks for the replies gents.
I had JRC Extreme inflatable mat for years and it was pretty good. I never had a puncture, but if you do they all have zip access to the blow up chambers so you could apply a patch quite easily. It was a bugger to dry though and pretty bulky.
@Beyonce - is the bottom mat bit sealed or does it look like it's going to take on water? I'm sure I've seen a picture which showed a blow-up valve on the bottom bit.
I want something with a flat bottom as I find cradles awkward with fish over 50lb (I'm abroad) as they tend to slide into the centre making them more difficult to pick up.
Thanks for the replies gents.
In reply to Post #10
The bottom mat is not sealed and does take on water, it's just a flat mat. I only use it for longer sessions so drying out isn't much of an issue.
The bottom mat is not sealed and does take on water, it's just a flat mat. I only use it for longer sessions so drying out isn't much of an issue.