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In reply to Post #80
How about the Quest MK3 Defier
Looks decent too as an alternative to the ripoff Trakker RS pricing !!!
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In reply to Post #80
The front is different and the mechanism looks easier to set up. Definitely similar though and I like lots about the Solar, apart from the set up
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In reply to Post #79
Just had a quick look of the video of the whychwood and it looks extremely similar to the Solar uni spider? 2 windows not 4 but groundsheet, shape, design, skull cap all look the same?
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In reply to Post #78
Got to say, the Wychwood Epic looks a great peice of kit. I was looking around for alternatives to the Trakker RS Tempest when I came across a vid on youtube, a very strong contender and great value to boot.
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In reply to Post #77
I'm thinking of selling mine and getting the Wychwood Epic. My comments on this thread and others remain the case. The quality is good but I still find it fiddly to set up in comparison to others
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Thinking of buying the South Westerly version of this, any long term reviews please?
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keep looking at theese but not many reviews available from long term users - Ill be coming from a mix of bivvys in my portfolio at the mine including tempest air, xl, Nash Hyde xl, pioneer 100 anyone come from any of the above have any pros/cons on a like for like please
thinking of biting at £578 bivvy infill and groundsheet
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In reply to Post #1
Any long term reviews Gents, been looking at these for a while, thought Id wait to see the general consensus once theyve been well tried and tested ?
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In reply to Post #73
Any longer term reviews on this please? Someone mentioned pooling under the block
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Have one and love it...spacy, easy to set up...nice large skullcap. Have the groundsheet, but not used it yet..
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In reply to Post #68
I've still got my aquatex full size Pioneer. But prefer to use
My nylon tempest 100t. Lighter, goes up quicker , dries quicker.
Back in the day I paid more because the cheaper bivvies weren't so great.
Nowadays I won't pay 1000s for top range bivvys as I don't see any added
Value.
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Am think about the SP Uni with the 1.5m extension wrap to use on French trips. Anyone got any experience with the Solar wraps/extensions? There's not much info in the reviews. Are they stable? Easy to put up/take down?
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In reply to Post #69
I agree the worlds gone mad,
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In reply to Post #68
Thought they already had hit over £1000 rrp.
But lets be honest here, you take into account the few numbers they produce in the grand scheme of things, the relatively high costs of rnd compared to units sold. Then compare that to iphones for example, all made in china, produced in their millions and sold at £1000 each, without a plug adapter. I dont think fishing tackle is as big a rip off as other products out there.
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In reply to Post #65
The aqua Bivvys and brollies in the 90s tho were HAND MADE by Chris in the workshop and built to last, not mass produced in china! Not only solar but Nash trakker ect, they are all at it, charging ridiculous amounts of money, how long will it be until full bivvy systems hit the £1000 mark?
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In reply to Post #65
granted but still silly
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In reply to Post #63
Can it be put away with the skull cap still in place?
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In reply to Post #64
years ago in the 90s a Aqua Pioneer set up with groundsheet and skull cap cost £609.95
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In reply to Post #61
how is a bivvy now over £600.00
jesus
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In reply to Post #62
Still nothing but positive experience from me. Goes up in super quick time, even more so now I have used it a good number of times.
Was out in in last weekend in the rain (until the river bank gave way, making a sharp exit at 5am!!) and no leaks, issues or anything. I did mention pooling with the skull cap previously, but having put the skull cap arm the opposite way around the issue seems to be resolved. Still loving the zip in groundsheet which will come into its own in winter I am sure.
For me, this is the best bivvy on the market. All our needs are different, but I find the height and space it gives is perfect (the XD was a PITA to put up due to height) and it genuinely feels like it will stand the test of time with the design of the spreader block (again a huge flaw on the frontier which is crap imo).
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In reply to Post #61
On the verge of buying one of these, but also thinking a tried and tested tempest 100 bivvy may be the way to go. Anymore user reviews please?
Seems to be very little in negative reviews about which is always a good sign
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In reply to Post #59
As a bit of balance I have the South Westerly version and must say I'm very much on the fence about it. Once set up the quality feels good, very spacious and well thought out with the hook, pouches, vents etc. However, there are a few flaws.
I do not use a skull cap so that may eliminate this issue, but water pools underneath the spreader block. Not caused any leaks or anything but still far from ideal. I find setting it up a right pain, especially getting those front poles clicked in, takes me a he'll of a lot of effort and fiddling around. This may get easier as the fabric stretches a bit, but at the moment it does not feel like a quick erect shelter, definitely far more effort than my old Tempest or my Undercover brolly.
I have the mag loc mozzy front, and it's not like the marketing. I have tried to set it up multiple ways in line with the videos but I cannot get it to close fully on its own, which is the main marketing hype. Getting out for a run in the night it is very useful, but it doesn't close so any bugs will easily get in there whilst you are out.
I will continue using it for the rest of this season but unless the set up becomes easier I can see me moving it on and looking for an alternative (and I am a fan of most Solar gear so this probably adds to my disappointment)
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In reply to Post #59
Cheers for the feedback mate. Can the skull cap be left on when packing away?
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In reply to Post #58
I still very much like my SP uni spider, coming from a frontier XD you can tell the quality difference particularly with the spreader block (one of the drivers as to why I moved away from the fox).
Space is great and height is reasonable, can sit on my chair and look out perfectly fine. No condensation as of yet but that is to be expected this time of year.
My only gripe so far is the skull cap seems to sag slightly so occasional pooling of water but nothing of any real concern.
I really like the zipped in groundsheet, not something I have had before but can see it being a huge plus come the colder months to keep the draft out.
I have so much more faith that this will last many years based on how the design of the spreader block is simple but really robust.
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In reply to Post #54
I messaged the lad on this thread who got one (Daz83) a few weeks ago to get his thoughts on them as im starting to look at a upgrade (which has now been put back after having to buy a new outboard battery)
He said he was really happy with it and that it appeared built to last and no condensation with a peak on it.
Im sure he will update as and when he sees this thread again
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In reply to Post #56
time will tell
I think we will see some new shelters luggage everything can change
Im glad I got my Solar compact Spider as thats one thats clearly being discontinued hence the big discounts and hard to obtain packages etc
LIKE here the compact spider really reduced LINKY POO 
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In reply to Post #55
I think these are the replacements for the outgoing stuff.
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In reply to Post #52
I think the windows in the side of the door are solid?.....hopefully not.
funny you should say that ?
I had army Andy replace the pointless ~(IMO) front mesh windows in ,my Tempest bivvy with clear solid
as the way I see it if its hot enough to want the front vents open just roll back the sides or better still zip off the front and if mozzies are a problem chuck a universal mozzie or mozzie zip on front
the HUGE advantage of solid clear front windows is when its lashing down with wind and rain the extra light it lets in etc
POINT OF INTEREST !!!!!!!
I have it on very good authority the reason lots of Solar gear is being discounted is
80% OF SOLAR TACKLE WILL BE CHANGED NEXT YEAR so lots are being cleared and becoming unavailable now
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In reply to Post #53
Anymore user reviews of this now its been out a while?
Still no independant reviews on youtube. Would be interested to know if the skull cap can be left on when packing down.
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Lake I fish has some really tight and awkward swims so a tall, not too wide shelter with a flat back is the best option. I have the 100T at the moment which is fine width wise and would be perfect if it had a flat back.
Been looking at this Solar model closely but can't seem to find the correct dimensions, I have seen varying figures but if it is 280 width then that will be too wide as the Titan Hide XL is too wide at 275...the other option is the Frontier X which at 260 wide is the same width as the Tempest but with the flat rear profile...
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In reply to Post #51
tell us more..and pictures please ..
also how much room inside, does your bedchair touch the sides ?
I am interested but worried it might be too tight, and I think the windows in the side of the door are solid?.....hopefully not.
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So I bit the bullet and went all in with the uni spider. First impressions on setting up in the garden is as you would expect - excellent. The design is far more robust than the likes of the frontier (imo) having the much more simple aluminium block I think it will age better.
Zip in groundsheet will take some getting used to, but can see huge benefits in the colder weather to keep the wind out.
Is it worth the price? Is any bivvy? I think it's certainly one of the better ones out there and meets my needs (again on first impressions!).
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Any user reviews out there yet?
Still looking to replace my frontier XD as sick of the weight and moreso the backdown size of the thing!
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In reply to Post #48
Which is exactly what this thread is about isnt it? Seeing a product that appeals, and discussing it, asking for actual user reviews, having seen the promos already
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In reply to Post #46
 dont be a silly boy ? 
there is NO substitute for a good detailed video of a product its the next best thing to seeing it in the flesh
AND THEN if it appeals to you ? you THEN come on here and ask for actual users practical opinions
surely thats what we all do isnt it 
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In reply to Post #45
Gerry
Keeping it real as always
Top banana 🍌
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In reply to Post #45
Best shut the forum down then. Actual user reviews are no longer needed. Carpology videos are all we need. Use your brains people
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In reply to Post #44
exactly ? I dont get the comments about the reviews at all in fact its laughable
TURN THE SOUND off if you aint got the brains to ignore it ?
where the **** are you going to see a detailed look at a shelter inside outside packed down erecting even a bed inside etc if you cant get to a shop and buy online ??
some people need to take their blinkers off Carpology do a great video of products just use your brains and ignore the talking
MAKE YOUR OWN MIND UP IF YOU LIKE IT OF NOT FFS !!!!
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In reply to Post #43
I wouldn't trust their review but you do get to see items in use and get a real idea of sizes and what they can do. Useful if you don't have access to the item before you purchase.
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In reply to Post #42
Carpology is a joke of a company, paid to promote. Absolutely no credibility with regards an actual honest review
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In reply to Post #41
yes with all the extras in the bundle its not too bad a deal but makes you wonder in a few months time how much more discounted will they get ?
as far as Carpology reviews go
I think they do a VERY good job of explaining exactly what you get with all the shelters
how its erected shows a bed inside etc everything you want to see ?
just dont take any notice of any bull**** chat ? 
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In reply to Post #38
Decent. Ground sheet, infil panel and peak also. Vapour shield inside too.
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In reply to Post #39
YOU can get one of these they are brilliant Compatible with most open fronted Brollys and pramhood style shelters
Wide profile roll-up zipped door
Velcro rod retaining straps
Fully elasticated seal with central and side attachment points
Reinforced dirt guard skirts
LINKY POO  
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In reply to Post #38
I wouldn't call anything done by Carpology a review, much more marketing or an overview of the product and they have said as much before (why would people pay them advertising if they then started slagging off the products). As Solar seem adamant not to release the mozzy front for the brolly I may well be looking again at products and the SW version of this looks good as an alternative
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In reply to Post #36
Can get a decent package for £749 from tft so not too bad in comparison to others offerings.
Wondering if there are any impartial reviews rather than carpology who dont seem to be able to conduct a negative review on anything
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In reply to Post #34
If it takes you more than a minute, you have coordination problems 😂
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Look the nuts but expensive as Solar's NEW SP Uni Spider Bivvy
just the basic with no groundsheet etc is RRP over 600 quid !
LINKY POO 
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Anyone got their hands on one of these yet?
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In reply to Post #33
I don’t get it I think the oval belongs in the 90s I’ve just put up a solar brolly wrestling around trying to get it up then messing around with storm poles there's no way it’s as quick to put up as my tempest it’s just not as good so if the new spider is similar it will be good
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Still think after many years a Brolly is the best shelter out there. The Oval Profile Extreme and Hog are the best advances in shelters for us midgets of average height.
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Still think after many years a Brolly is the best shelter out there. The Oval Profile Extreme and Hog are the best advances in shelters for us midgets of average height.
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Been massively tempted by one of these. Currently using a frontier XD, but like to be mobile when the need arises - the frontier is quite a lump to drag around a lake.
Shame the height is only 140, I feel 150 is the sweet spot personally. Looking at the compact version now as they are on some good offers and also give that extra headroom. Anyone that's got the compact that can comment on the weight/pack down (with the g/sheet & infill all in)?
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In reply to Post #23
exactly this. A high end mountain tent will have money spent on light and strong pole materials and great fabrics. A bivvy has some aluminium poles and thick material. It's crazy.
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I wonder how much the Korda bivvy will be when released,this solar does look a nice piece of kit
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Just been looking on the solar site. Seems that other than the groundsheet and infill, which are model specific, based on the zip in element of the ground sheet, and the D material of the infil, all the accessories are compatible with both models. So that’s the Mozilla infil, the skull cap, and the 2 wraps.
Appears the SP model has newer material with a black out skin, and a few little bits on it, which I suppose, are considered more upmarket.
I’m really liking the way they have gone about this
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In reply to Post #6
Can’t fault my Nash and it’s higher in XL than the Spider.
Really like mine the material is brilliant
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In reply to Post #25
Mixed information in that blurb isnt it. Id like to think its the expensive one, as it says its with the free peak, and cant imagine the ground sheet and infil come in at £300
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In reply to Post #24
That's the one with the cheap materials I think 🤔
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Assuming this is everything shown in the pictures, package including bivvy, skull cap, infill and groundsheet is £765. Which is considerably cheaper than the trakker offering
https://www.total-fishing-tackle.com/solar-sp-uni-spider-bivvy-complete-bundle-inc-free-peak
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The price of high end bivvys is a joke. £800 is comparable to the tents that are used on Everest base camp, all to sit by some poxy lake in the U.K. with a 20mph breeze and a bit of drizzle... Still, we all know the saying "a fool and his money..."
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Several mentions of a Uni spider South Westerly Pro too….
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In reply to Post #19
There appears to be a lower price "entry level" version called South West Pro with a clip in groundsheet not zipped etc...and lesser quality material £379
Hide and Hide Pro anyone ??
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In reply to Post #19
£649.99 on TfT for the base unit. Ouch.
Just priced up the items I would want to make it a complete system and it would come in at £880
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In reply to Post #18
That's the price I got off the website, fair enough with everything but for the open shelter is a bit much
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In reply to Post #17
UK RRP apparently going on the website tonight. If it is that price then it immediately prices me out of getting one, which is a shame as I do like the look of it but there are plenty of other good shelters on the market that come full at a fraction of that cost
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In reply to Post #13
£614 for a shelter.. ok that'll come down within a few months, but to get nothing with it is a bit of a knock.
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In reply to Post #3
I was trying to work out if the front had mossie mesh revealed when rolled up and if you can only see our of the front door and not the side panels.I like to be able to see the lake and my rods when laying down.
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In reply to Post #14
Solar bivvys seem to get discounted quite a bit though so that may help seperate it from the trakkers. Bit cheeky if its the same price rrp though, without the infil and groundsheet
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Does look very well made.
One immediate observation is the height at 140cm which is 10cm lower than the Compact Spider and the Undercover brolly
Also if the measurement is at its highest point (like the Hide ) then that's not at the doorway but inside.
I suspect we might be getting a UniSpider X and XD just like the Frontier
Shame as the height was the Compacts major selling point.....at least for me
There's a Dutch website showing roughly 705 Euros for the bare flagship model.......which puts it firmly into Trakker Aquatex country...
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In reply to Post #12
You're right. The press release is a bit confusing as seems to refer to the rear mozzy screens. Overall looks tidy, keen to see the price now
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In reply to Post #11
If you watch the video they done it says in wording caption available separately for some items and I read it as groundsheet , mozzi front and infill
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In reply to Post #3
Not so sure based on this press release
SP (Solar Performance) Uni 🌐 Spider 🕷 | Arrival Imminent
The Uni Spider is, quite simply, the best bivvy we could build for you. Who better to ask about the Uni Spider than its designer, none other than Martin Locke...
"After over a year in design and development, the Universal Spider, or Uni Spider for short, is Solar’s first ‘go anywhere, all season’ Modular Bivvy System.
Moving on from the success of the original Spider, I first set out to design a new spreader block, which would not only make it even easier to set up and pack away, but also be able to support the the various ‘add ons' and accessories required for both long and short sessions, while at the same time, be lightweight and easy to transport.
Setting up the ‘Uni’ is ultra-quick and easy; simply join the two-piece ribs together, fan them out and attach the ‘keyhole’ clips to the front ribs ... Job done! There’s a fixed rib fitted at the back of the ‘Uni’ to add strength and rigidity, even in the strongest winds. Your bed chair slots in, so there’s no wasted space, meaning increased space at the front for all your kit and in my case, still space to sit on a chair and keep dry when it’s raining. The three rear ribs, being upright, mean that even if you’re sitting sideways across your bedchair, there’s more than enough headspace, so you won’t find yourself ‘hitting the roof’ or getting neckache leaning forward.
This base Uni is fitted with a neatly fitted vapour shield in the roof, to stop any condensation, together with roll up blinds and mozzi mesh windows plus ‘roll back’ wings at the front. All this gives the Uni Spider more than enough comfort, for all summer and winter conditions."
Martin Locke
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In reply to Post #3
I actually prefer that they sell the shelter separately from the accessories these days. I don’t want a ground sheet or front for most of my shelters.
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I saw this at the Big One Show, looked good to me.
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In reply to Post #1
Looks good
however For my use I will stick with my Compact Spider but Solar bivvies are quality like more or less everything they make
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In reply to Post #3
Got the same impression, but that may keep the price down, and allow people to buy in stages if they cant afford it all in one go. Could be a masterstroke way, to sell a £1000 bivvy
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In reply to Post #2
Interesting statement. Why do you think the nash is better?
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In reply to Post #2
Would buy solar every time over Nash they haven’t got the quality that solar tackle have
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In reply to Post #1
That was my initial thoughts, looks very good though and plenty of additional extras too.
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In reply to Post #1
Watching the video looks like it don’t come as full bivvy system groundsheet is separate , front infill and mozzi infill is separate
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In reply to Post #1
Think my Nash Hide XL still beats this….
Nice changes though from previous model Spider.
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Videos up are of it. Looks like theyve taken bits from the tempest, hide and frontier and made a hybrid and put their own little twists on it.
Looks pretty decent to be fair. Lets see what the pricing is like. But i am very tempted
https://youtu.be/Hqbi9-0ha3E
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