I've fairly recently bought a new walled cradle and having compared a large number settled on the Trakker Deleuxe based on it having the thickest base padding (90mm) and there being no zips to get stuck/fail - it is bulky when packed away though and the bag is a bit naff.
The Wychwood was a very close second choice though and seems a well put together piece of kit with good all round padding and is definitely worth considering.

In reply to Post #16
That's what prompted me to move away from it briefly despite having ingredients no problems. I think as long as you stick to the bewly 'released' (or re-released) spools labeled as 12l. (0.32mm) and 15lb (0.38mm) then you're ok.

In reply to Post #14
I've returned to the technium after being tempted by CM90, then Synchro and most recently Kaizen. It's tough, low stretch and behaves well - think I'll be sticking with it for the foreseeable.

I've had a set of their snag ears/back plates on my RX+ for about 2 years. All works as it should and no apparent adverse effects on the alarms.

Interesting reading the opposing points of view as a neutral - I'm unlikely to ever fish all RH water so don't really have any strong opinions and don't view it too differently to going to France to catch some lumps.

For those firmly against it - where do you draw the line with fish stocking? I.e. is stocking a 30 ok, but not a 50? Or is it the fact that it's bigger than other fish in the lake/country?

Personally I don't buy the arguement regarding barbless doing more damage due to tearing or general movement of the hook hold. The barb isn't going to stop the hook rotating or tearing in the mouth, only stop it sliding back out the way it went in -as long as pressure is maintained there shouldn't be an difference in this regard.

I've never noted any mouth damage in my own extensive experience of fishing with barbless hooks that I could attribute to the lack of a barb.

I'm firmly of the belief that the link between barbless and mouth damage is based on most runs waters/those frequented by new or poorly skilled anglers being barbless only. The general fish care, unhooking skills and frequent captures on these waters produce mouth damage which is blamed on the lack of barbs.

In reply to Post #55
The wavey/watery finish is a fair description of what I have on the handle. Not a pattern I have seen on rod/other net blanks before.

I may have a look at another in the shop re the carbon tape. It's clearly a reinforcement for the block as you can see the slight increase in diameter.

I've just taken delivery of a 42 inch Spring Bow and shallow mesh (which is far more suitable for my needs).

What is the finish like on everyone nets? Mine seems fairly roughly finished with what I assume to be carbon tape visible under the varnish/finish at the spreader end of the pole and no real consistency to the 'pattern' of the carbon on the rest of the pole.
Whilst this doesn't effect the function of the net, which is impressively light and stiff, it seems strange for an expensive bit of kit. Wondering if I have a Friday afternoon version or this is the norm?

Cheers,
James.

After having a look at the specs/videos of a few I've ordered up a Sanctuary Deleuxe crib. Looked to have the highest level of protection with 90mm foam base and a decent pack up size.

Thanks all for the thoughts so far. I had looked at the Trakker as it seemed to have the thickest mat at 10cm. However I hadn't considered an inflatable mat, however the presumably smaller pack down and high level of protection is appealing.... having hooks on something inflatable does worry me slightly though.