In reply to Post #7
I'm not looking to mend the thing, the bars are all twisted and I left it with the lake owner to dump or repair.

I did have some long pegs with me but I couldn't find them in the car when the storm was blowing -my bad. I have experienced French weather and have had a well-pegged bivvy moved a couple of feet by a gust in the past. Once it was just the storm vs the Tempest I was cosy as it was rock solid. They are great bivvies - until you build a porch.

I learned a lesson and, due to a few health issues, that will be my last big carp trip. I wanted to go out with a bang but instead went out with a splash. Such is fishing.

In answer to a few points. It was firmly pegged down but would have been better on heavy mud.

The 'tension strap' was the bivvy's and, once it had rolled up some of the groundsheet, it went over the edge of my bed and pinned me to it.

The Velcro couldn't resist a breeze.

There was a full front on the extension.

Trekker have not specified what conditions one can use it in and are a much use as rubber hook.

It was bloody windy.

I blanked but my lad had a 60.

Has anybody else had problems with this product?

I fished in France from the back end of October and into November taking in the delights of storm Ciaran. I erected my T100 and the Guest Extension - used for extra kit rather than chit-chats - and soon found that the Velcro straps were incapable of keeping the extension attached in gusty conditions. A couple of wraps of Gorilla tape sorted it but shouldn't it be better made?

The extending poles also fell out during heavier gusts which was annoying, it destabilised the bivvy and was a pain refitting them during the night.

The pegs were as firm as I could get them on a compressed gravel base but, when the big storm hit me, the extension was ripped from the bivvy. The same gust saw the main bivvy take off but was saved by me grabbing one leg of it and the tension strap wrapping itself in the groundsheet and pinning me to the bedchair. I was stuck as all of my kit was spreading downwind. I could not move.

I eventually found my phone and called a mate for help, he rescued me and took the weight of the flying bivvy off my arm. The rain then started and everything I had got wet.

Okay, it was hilarious but potentially dangerous, what if the tension strap had gone over my throat?

I've contacted Trekker and asked if there have been similar incidents and questioned the design. I do not recall who I bought it from and having changed banks, cannot trace the transaction. It's not the money that concerns me, I believe the potential for other calamities I'm worried about. Trakker told me it was a matter between me and who I bought it from which is far from satisfactory.

Well, I decided that I knew just what I wanted but can't justify the expense at the moment. I'm a bit impatient and have an autumn trip to France booked.

Yes, I do want sonar. I have a Deeper but the casting is going to be a no-no for months so, let the boat do it for me.

Yes, I do want GPS/Autopilot as leading around is another problem for the future.

I've bought a Cult Ranger with all the bits I need - including two sets of Lithium batteries and am very pleased with it.

I know that many will disagree with my choice and will claim the x.y, or z is far better but, I am happy that I can fish even if the reeling in is a bit soar. I may have to give up carping if the trouble persists, I'll confront that in due course but, for now, I am looking forward to the time I can get out and nail a few.

Thanks for all your input

I need to think long and hard about what I want. So many choices and still no front runner, and the extras like Autopilot and sonar are so expensive.

I need a lie down. I probably won't get out again for a few months so, no hurry.

Thanks for your input guys

In reply to Post #12
They've sold out But I have thought about the 1

In reply to Post #8
Such as? Any recommendations gratefully received.

In reply to Post #6
The home setting is the problem, it won't switch off and the handset has to be totally reset to recover it. It's also slow and, the camo version I bought (2nd hand), disappears about 50-60 yards away. That and I don't get on with the one-handed control, the rear hopper doesn't empty well, you get the picture.

In reply to Post #2
That makes sense, thanks.

I know that Bait Boat threads often lead to all manner of conflicts on the forum and I have previously been in the 'bomb them all' camp. However, recent surgery on my shoulder and more scheduled in a few weeks, means I am unable to cast far. I know I can catch in the margins, but not every water is conducive to that method.

I am looking at the Waverunner range but more the same boats under the Bear Creeks name. They advertise to be fitted with GPD Pilot and a sonar can be added. Is there any feedback on here about them? I've done some homework and bought an Actor Boatman GPS which is slow and, at times, moody. I want something semi-decent at no more than £1200.

Please keep it light and helpful, I'm in a jam and don't want to be caught in the crossfire of opposing armies.