Tested by Duncan Charman
CARP FISHING GROUP – 15 LB X LINE
£14.99 (250 m of 10 lb, 12 lb, 15 lb, 17 lb, or 20 lb)
The thinnest fluorocarbon tested, at 0.31 mm, and although described as a main line, it can double for flexible rig presentations and as a leader in its higher breaking strains. Excellent light refractive properties, good
Tested by Duncan Charman
JRC EURO SLING RETAINER
£16.99
A dual system sling that doubles up as a carp sack as well as a weigh sling. Measuring in at 36 x 28 in. it’s easily capable of weighing carp up to 40 lb but lacks the stiffening rods that create support when weighing big fish. The handle also lacks any centralising scale rings.
Tested by Duncan Charman
30PLUS LANDING KRAFT
£39.99
Measuring 100 x 70 cm, this mat is big enough to place the biggest carp on, but the thickness of the foam could be better. Spacious and olive green, it can be rolled up and secured by Velcro straps for easy transportation. It also features a full-size securable anti-flip cover that also doubles up as
Tested by Steve Lockett
GREYS G-TEC
£4.99 per 100 m
A black line that is claimed to make netting fish easier, this product has a smooth feel to it and ties up well. The diameter is claimed to be 0.18 mm at 6 lb test, but measured up at a very consistent 0.19 mm. The stretch test showed this line to be the
Tested by Ian Welch
SHAKESPEARE SCALE
£16
Identical to the Ron Thompson Dyna Scales, but reading 50 lb and 22 kg in 8 oz and 200 gr divisions respectively, and as such suited only to giving a rough indication of weight, which it did adequately with the test weights. Tough, corrosion-resistant casing that will withstand crushing in a rucksack, but too large for
Tested by Ian Welch
GARDNER STANDARD
£29.99
The main compartment, at 55×28×25 cm, is spacious enough for a camera, tackle box and plenty of bait and is complimented by three large, padded, double-zipped outer pockets for accessories, slings and sacks, although overall storage space is basic. Durable waterproof material and double stitched pressure points give a robust performer but lack of shrouding on
Tested by Ian Welch
E.T. PRODUCTS 7 STRAND
£4.99 per 20 m
With a bronze finish, this 7-strand woven stainless wire is rated at 30 lb. Typical of uncoated stainless wire it is prone to kinking and will require regular checking and replacement to keep traces secure. The wire twists well with forceps or heat treatment and a twiddling stick but is equally
Tested by Colin Mitchell
TREV TOMLIN POWER SPEED
£6.99
This ’pult is offered for corn, pellet and bits of meat – baits it can fire with ease. There’s a nice handle, and the grip’s improved with rubber banding. The rigid frame and mesh pouch give good firing abilities. Sadly, no spares.
SCORE: 24/30
SEYMO SPOT ON
£6.99
This is the beast of four models in the
Tested by Duncan Charman
MIDDY PRO INTER FRAME
£4.50
Moulded one-piece extra wide frame. Latex fits onto spigots that rotate within frame arms, but doesn’t eliminate twist completely and after tests the thin latex showed signs of wear. Fold over spigot style connecters once again attach latex to pouch through eyelets but on testing one broke! The strength of the Xtra Strong ROBO
Tested by Duncan Charman
DRENNAN CARP FEEDER
£1.10 for ten
This medium bronze coloured hook is the eyed version of Drennan’s popular spade end Carp Feeder pattern. It’s formed from super strong high carbon wire with a slightly more pronounced bend than most of its competitors. This helps to gain a better grip in combination with the beaked-in point, either when directly hooking
