In reply to Post #6
I hadn't used them before for anything substantial.

I'm a regular at Poingdestras and Johnson Ross and for anything carpy I use them exclusively.

This pole was for a match fishing holiday I went on at the end of June and they had what I wanted in stock, albeit they sent me seconds.

I've just had a further response from Angling Direct and it went along the lines of :-

"we have a policy which we are sticking to and we don't recognise the law or any obligation on us above our own internal policy"

Lovely people

In reply to Post #4
I think most people who use these Jokers on a regular basis haven't yet had a problem. When you do get a problem it's like dealing with a child with a page full of dodges on how to avoid sorting the problem. If you catch them out or quote the law they have a hissy fit and just ignore the reality.

They have managed to obtain a 13% disapproval rating (3 stars and below) on Trust Pilot. That takes some doing for a company selling fishing tackle to a captive market. That means that 1 person in 7 is dissatisfied in some way with the purchase or service.

I normally use Johnson Ross or Pongdestras and in the years I've used these two retailers there has been one complaint and it was dealt with immediately. As a consequence, I've spent thousands with them both.

In reply to Post #1
What a bunch of Cowboys

I have just come off the phone with a manger (Channel) in the Customer Service Department and to say I'm annoyed is an understatement.

I purchased a pole in May / June 2023 and when I used it for the first time in early July 2023 I found that sections didn't fit properly and the ferrule on one section showed signs of de-lamination. I spoke to AD on the 10th July 2023 and was told to either photograph the faulty pole sections and issue these to AD or travel to the nearest AD shop (70 mile round trip)

I photographed the pole sections and issued my email spelling out the problems on the 12th July 2023

I understood that if the goods were faulty the cost of replacement is down to the supplier because of its breach of the Consumer Rights Act 2015, somebody needs to tell AD because their view is that part of the cost of replacement lies with the customer.

It is AD's view and policy that the cost is shared and they won't budge from this view.

I've now had to issue a Letter Before Action and will no doubt have to issue County Court proceedings.

In reply to Post #25
I've used Black Technium for years and before that Catana, both really good lines.

I was surprised at the stated diameter for the new stuff. I've checked it out with a micrometer and it's more or less correct.

I've been using the 0.305 in the UK this season and I've used the 0.355 in France, once earlier this year with a second trip in just over week.

So far so good. both diameters cast well, although the 0.355 has been used mostly with a boat. Both have great bite detection. I did experience considerable twist with the 0.355 using the boat but this was about normal. Had cats to over 50 on the 0.305 so still tough as old boots (actually it was my Wife who had the big cat)

Overall, very happy and no intention of changing (even though the Gamma line looks very good)

In reply to Post #33
Used them for years, they are located a couple of miles from me, but communication is near impossible. Sent them emails earlier this year without response, nobody answered the phone and they deleted my face book enquiry.

In reply to Post #21
I used Steve's for the first time last week, very happy and will use again

In reply to Post #16
I have now received a refund from Barrs but like previous posts, trying to find a reliable particle supplier is difficult.

In reply to Post #15
I've had a very recent bad experience with Barrs and I'm now trying to obtain repayment of the sum paid.

No delivery despite numerous promises and several lame excuses.

I've written three emails, issued 6 texts and had numerous phone calls with Barrs and all to no avail.

It now appears that Andy isn't interested in the business and Dave refuses to answer the phone or emails

I've also noted that the Facebook page is purged of negative comments on a regular basis, horrible company.

You will pay nearly double the price at Halfords as opposed to Amazon. I agree they stock everything but a simple headlight deflector was about 7.50 at halfords and 2.50 on Amazon.

Bulb spares at halfords are a complete rip off and both the fuse and bulb kits are less than half the price on Amazon.

In reply to Post #1
You need to have one Hi vis per person in the car / van and they have to be accessible whilst in the vehicle so they cannot be stored in the back of the van or in the boot of a car. The idea is that you can put them on before you exit the car / van.

Things I take are Hi vis vests, breath test kit (2No.), warning triangle, spare bulbs (incl head light) spare fuses, head light deflectors, GB sticker, elementary tool kit, small fire extinguisher, sat nav, good French map book, log book, insurance documents, written permission to take car out of country (if company van or car), torch, phone charger, emergency telephone list, recovery details and low denomination notes for tolls. I also put in either jump leads or my mobile power source.

Something else I always do is give my mate a key to the van to keep in his pocket whilst we are away.

Boilies, its' all down to personal preference. I always air dry mine but some take frozen, some shelf life. My supplier will start the air dry process off sufficiently so the baits are still soft but will last all week without problem. I just put them in a sack (s) and hang them in the back of the van for the journey, they are fine even if we are in the deep South of France. When I get to the venue they are hung up in the nearest tree during the day if the weather is good, if not they're kept in the bivvy or the van.