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In reply to Post #23
I've had one a couple of years, and would pretty much go along with Reubenmills. It's OK, but drainage rings rusted, one toggle clip broken and the inside material is starting to break up in the corners. Don't think mines retaining water, the base seems to soak a bit up from wet ground and if rolling it up wet I can see air bubbles from the stitching as the air is forced out. I roll mine full width with a retainer sling and a weigh tripod in it, so weighs a ton anyway. I'll use it untill I see something else I fancy, but wouldn't buy another.
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Pretty sure the sides probably aren't designed to be that functional, but more to just meet the rules of fisheries that require the sides
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I've had the large since it came out, it's kind of ok?! Compact and rolls up well, holds fish to mid 30s, it's not a cradle.. The sides help but they aren't stable enough to stop a fish flapping out of it if it wanted.. Also it retains water like no other, I've dried it for a whole day in peak summer sun or left open in a hot loft for weeks and somehow it still retains water.
Stainless rings in bottom have rusted, clips on side that hole flaps but both broke very early on, don't see how it was field tested! Good idea but not great. But I'll still use it until I find better!
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In reply to Post #21
Thanks yeah, I've just got rid of CA's version because it was pretty rubbish. Think I'll stick with a more traditional roll up style Matt 👍
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In reply to Post #18
I threw mine away fairly quickly, one of ESP's worst product designs. The sides don't stay up, the padding is awful, just overfall a poor product.
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In reply to Post #19
Thanks, that's really helpful 👍
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In reply to Post #18
I’ve got the compact one for stalking and a couple of smaller ponds I fish with fish going up to low 30’s, that’s definetly as big as that one goes with the sides up (you can use it as a flat mat as well).
Ironically had an upper 20 in it last night and it filled it so low 30’s is your limit.
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Giving this a bump for long term reviews if there are any?
And with sides up what size fish would the compact comfortably hold?
Is the Drennan one the same/better/worse?
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In reply to Post #16
That looks pretty decent. Not one I had looked at. Thanks for the suggestion.
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| | | Belch | | Posts: 4255 |  | | MODERATOR | |
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In reply to Post #15
My Saber Everlevel is compact, light and packs down fairly flat - big enough for most UK carp - also provides a larger upstand /retention frame at the end of the barrow . . .
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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.
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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.
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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
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In reply to Post #11
EBay you will get them
Or just put a knot in the 2 pieces
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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.
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| | | Belch | | Posts: 4255 | | | MODERATOR | |
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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!
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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.
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In reply to Post #7
Check John Tosh review on you tube -honest user review.
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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.
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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.
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| | | Belch | | Posts: 4255 | | | MODERATOR | |
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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!
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Blimey I can't ever remember hearing such comments about an ESP product.
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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.
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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.
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Just wandering what people think of this mat now they have been out a while
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