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In reply to Post #1
look at the aqua combi cradle that folds flat to carry but has sides. really nice bit of kit.
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In reply to Post #2
Agree but it’s what I do best. I like my kit to be as close to my needs as possible rather than the middle ground for the masses.
The Taska mat is perfect for the fish, but crap for returning them and huge
The Korda mat is crap
The fox camo I have but too small really and again returning fish is useless
Cradles I don’t like and had the original avid
The quickdraw is made for roach
Then I have the list of nice to haves:
Doubles as barrow cover
Easy to return fish without need for a sling
Would be handy / tarty to have my scales, soft sling and collapsible bucket to hand.
Would be nice is the cover was removable for venues that require dipping
Easy to pack down, secure on top of barrow and not stink the barrow out.
I’ll get there I always do but nice hearing others wants and experiences
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In reply to Post #5
I agree.
On my syndicate all members must have a mat 50x40 inches and at least 8 inches of beans with a velcro cover and grab handles on all 4 corners as well.
we have ours custom made, The only other acceptable mats are nash or fox euro inflatables.
some of our 40 are over 40 inches long so most of the mats on the market are pants.
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In reply to Post #4
I don't think an easy mat is nowhere near suitable for 40's, in fact I don't think 90% of flat mats on the market are suitable.
The easymats have flimsy sides, and i've had small fish just bounce straight out of them.
A walled mat like the Wychwood Tactical, or (which i've seen pics of) the Graviers mat is probably the best bet.
Personally, if I had to make a flat mat, I'd get two sections of soft memory foam, cover it in waterproof material (easily found on ebay) and stitch it in the middle so the two parts can be folded. I'm thinking of making something like this for targeting Cats.
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In reply to Post #1
Fox easy mat packs down very well and is light, you can just hang it on the barrow handles
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I use the same barrow and this mat..
https://www.brownsangling.co.uk/product/nash-high-protection-beanie-mat/?gclid=EAIaIQobChMI2uP32K6RggMVBvDtCh0OPAv4EAQYASABEgKgPvD_BwE
Folded in half it sits on the handles with the edge of the mat pretty much level with the grips. This extends the flat loading area of the barrow and it’s easy to get off a loaded barrow if needed. Could obviously swap the Nash for any large flat folding mat.
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In reply to Post #1
I think you over complicating everything. Just get a aqua flat mat and stick it on your barrow.
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Wanting you guys thoughts /ideas /helpon my latest plan!
I have a problem with unhooking mats and have been through loads so have decided I'm gonna make myself the exact thing I need.
The challenge
I mostly day fish so need something easy to set up, be the last thing to pack away and suit fish from doubles to 40s.
I use a Fox Explorer barrow and can be fishing in 5 mins due to the packing and organisation of what i need when.
I then went through a stage of stuffing a mat in the under barrow bag as this was ideal place for weight distribution and that it would be one of the last things needed - the only one that really fits this under barrow bag was a Korda basic one, which just isn't very good.
I then went for full on and used my Taska beanie mat, lobbed on the top - it's a great mat, but raises up the luggage considerably.
The wychwood walled mat doesn't work for me given my barrow bag configuration however I could change this and maybe use this as pretty much the rod holdall and bait bucket area on top of the barrow.
So my thinking is.
Do I go for a 'concertina type design of 4 separate foam squares (joined on the seams) so that a decent size and padded mat that can fit in the under barrow.
or
Do I go flat mat type single 2" foam and use this also as the barrow cover? i will never need both barrow cover and mat (as have brolly that fits me and the barrow) putting loops on the mat for the straps etc. (i want a barrow cover but not these huge ones as I don't care about the top of the rod holdall or carry a bedchair.
or
get outer 100% waterproof cover made and whack a sleeping bag / quilt in under barrow bag and stuff it once on the back and on pack up put the clear 'filling in the ag' and the outer mat can get dried out. This would work on one of the waters I fish where maps need dipping.
Once I decide I can faff about with extras like material, scales pocket, keeling etc. but wondered if anyone had the 'ultimate' mat that is not just a lump of wet oriblle cack that fits into a separate bag.
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