COTSWOLD AQUARIUS DLX

£15.99
Measuring 14.5 x 10.5 x 3.3 cm this simple but effective cool bag will appeal to many a pike angler and has a capacity to carry more than enough deadbaits plus an ice pack. The satchel style single compartment has a flap which is secured with two Velcro pads and incorporates a single quality zip to the slightly padded, fully insulated and lined compartment which unfortunately isn’t the easiest to clean. (Also available The Aquarius Delux Cool Bag £34.99)
SCORE: 26/30

NASH COMPACT

£25.99
Measuring 40 x 25 x 20 cm this compact cool bag is ideal for the piker. The three-sided zipped lid offers easy access to a good sized main compartment plus an outer zipped pocket is ideal for oils and flavours. There’s a fully insulated easy wipe-clean inner, heavy-duty made-to-last zips throughout, tough durable material, hard wearing water-resistant base, neoprene carrying handles and luxury neoprene shoulder strap (non-detachable).
SCORE: 26/30

GARDNER XL BAIT BUCKET

£24.99
Unique collapsible bucket with a diameter of 32 cm and a height of 32 cm incorporating high quality zips on the lid for easy access to a slightly oversized inner compartment for the general pike angler. Fully insulated inner including thick foam base which secures the Ice-Gel freezer Block that’s included, plus there’s an additional pocket to the inside of the lid for an additional ice block. Removable Easi-Clean and fully washable lining eliminates bait contamination to the fully waterproof polyester material. Comfortable foam tubular carrying handles and heavy-duty waterproof base.
SCORE: 27/30

30PLUS IQ BOILIE/BAIT FRESH

£13.99
Measuring 35 x 33 x 2 cm this simple but effective cool bag will appeal to many a pike angler and has a capacity to carry more than enough deadbaits plus an ice pack that can be placed within one of the two loose internal pockets. The satchel style single compartment has a flap with is secured by a strip of Velcro and incorporates a single quality zip to the fully insulated and plastic covered compartment, which is easy to wipe down. A little bit bigger and it would have scored an extra mark.
SCORE: 28/30

TRAKKER NXG CHILLA

£29.99
Another compact cool bag which measures 37 x 25 x 24 cm. It’s well suited to carry a selection of deadbaits. The three-sided zipped lid offers easy access to a good sized main compartment plus three outer pockets, two mesh style and one zipped, ideal for oils and flavours. Fully insulated it has a removable ‘easy-clean’ PVC inner. There are quality zips throughout, the material is tough and durable, but there’s no hard wearing base. Comes with neoprene carrying handles and a removable padded shoulder strap.
SCORE: 27/30

BEST BUY

GREYS PROWLA

£29.99
Measuring 34 x 33 x 20 cm this compact specially designed pike deadbait cool bag is difficult to fault. It has a decent zipped main compartment with an outer zipped pocket for oils and flavours. Plus it comes with a moulded plastic inner container with a Greys Klip-Lok sealable lid for your deadbaits, which is easily washed and replaced. The Prowla also comes with a Cool-style lined inner, quality zips throughout, stylish cosmetics plus a water resistant fabric base with rubber feet to prevent water absorption. There’s a carry handle and shoulder strap too.
SCORE: 30/30

NOTE: All products tested November 2011. All prices correct at the time of going to Press. Angler’s Mail do not take responsibility for price or product changes or current availability.

>> CHECK OUT OUR BEST PIKE TRACE GUIDE HERE

NASH BOX LOGIC TACKLE STATION

£82.99
This box makes a brilliant combined gear storage/working area with extendable legs allowing a working height of up to 34 cm. The 22 x
33 cm lid has measuring marks and a deep recess giving the best working area of all the boxes on test. Upper storage area has four larger 8 x 11 cm sections, plus customisable 5.5 cm wide sides, which can run the full width of the box to take longer bits like floats. Two deep drawers below the top section will take spools and other items.
SCORE: 23/30

MIDDY COMMERCIAL LAKE

£7.50
At this price, the Middy Lake box is hard to beat for a no-nonsense way to carry small bits to your peg. Adjustable dividers allow some customisation and the box has room for smaller accessories like hooks and swivels, or longer items like floats. A larger 11 x 20 cm space will take scissors and forceps, but floats over 20 cm will need to be carried separately. The plastic case is quite flexible, which makes it durable, but likely to spill smaller items if the lid flexes. The top catches are quite positive, but the lower catches are not so heavy-duty. Needs to be used with smaller boxes for most rig bits. Separate storage needed for tied traces, so not the complete system.
SCORE: 25/30

FOX F BOX DELUXE LARGE DOUBLE

£96.99
Coming at a whopping price point, the F Box has room to carry enough gear to cover any commercial fishing situation, from leads, swivels and tubing through to several types of line, braids and hook lengths. The double sided design allows different gear to be carried to suit different applications as long as it is all stored in boxes for when the F Box has to be upended. Locking catches work well. Recessed lids with measuring marks give good working areas. Rig boards take traces from 2 cm to 26 cm using neat slide and lock pin systems.
SCORE: 26/30

GREYS PRODIGY KLIP-LOK TACKLE BASE

£59.99
The sturdiest system on test, but this comes at a price – its weight. Fully loaded with a tough rig board, Greys’ sealed accessory boxes and various dividers, the spacious lid unit and two side drawers will take plenty of kit. The rig board also has a couple of drawers, as well as the extendable trace pins, making it the best way to store tied rigs. The lid hinges back to give a flat area for working on, and can be used the same way when closed. A recess stops smaller bits rolling too far, and a measure runs along the lid.
SCORE: 27/30

BEST BUY

KORUM MAXI
RIG MANAGER

£29.99
Fully loaded with two rig boards, six four-compartment accessory boxes and two magnetic hook boxes, the Maxi Rig Manager looks good for those who like to carry plenty of trace options ready-tied. There are a couple of spaces for extra spools of line and tools as well. Seems quite tough, but not sure you would want to try standing on it! Part of the Intelligent Tackle Management system, so will fit into the same space as any of the other boxes in the range allowing neat stacking and ease of transport. The lid has measuring marks and recesses to stop smaller items rolling around. Catches are very positive and the stainless hinges look built to last.
SCORE: 28/30

NOTE: All products tested July 2011. All prices correct at the time of going to Press. Angler’s Mail do not take responsibility for price or product changes or current availability.

CHECK OUT OUR HOOKLENGTH RETAINING SYSTEMS GUIDE HERE

NASH

£1.39 TO £2.15
A typical, shaped flat pear with the weight distributed to its rear, which reduces tangles when casting. The low, flat profile creates lots of stability and is ideal for stillwaters when fishing on sloping or uneven bottoms, and its shape increases hooking properties when using bolt rigs. Each lead is covered in a anti-glare coating, ideal for spooky fish on both still or running water, and it comes in two colours – Weed/Silt and Gravel/Clay – in sizes between 1.1 oz and 6 oz, although this isn’t marked on the lead. Dumpy Square Pears also available.
SCORE:  26/30

ACE

£1.45 TO £1.80
Slightly shorter and thicker than the standard pear lead, this range of leads have been designed for stillwaters, with the bulk of the weight positioned in the centre, which not only reduces the chance of a fish moving the lead, but also increases the hooking properties of the bolt-rig. Covered in a brown and black speckled camo coating. I would prefer to see the shine removed and a matt finish applied. The weight is marked on each lead. They come in sizes between 1.5 oz and 4 oz.
SCORE:  26/30

KORDA

£1.35 TO £1.70
Tried and tested and a favourite of many a carp angler. Each lead is Ardon coated, which is a high density plastic powder coating that’s extremely durable, and the Gravely Brown or Weedy Green camo is almost the ultimate in all-round camouflage.
However, leads have moved on and I would like to see the glare removed and replaced with a matt finish for ultimate concealment. The weight is tapered to the rear of the lead, giving great anti-tangle properties when casting, but they lack the weight identification printed on them. Available from 1.1 oz to 5 oz.
SCORE:  26/30

FOX

£1.25 TO £1.75
These elongated pears are available in two textured finishes – Clay Brown or  Gravel Speckles – and their non-reflective coating not only blends in with almost every lakebed, but they are also extremely camouflaged, including the swivel. The weight is distributed to aid the bolt effect and decrease tangles, and the flattened profile also provides stability, which prevents rolling on uneven or sloping lakebeds and increases rig efficiency. Each lead has the weight printed within the coating and comes in a range of sizes between 1.25 oz and 5 oz.
SCORE:  27/30

FOX KLING-ON

£1.40 TO £2.95
Completely covered (including the swivel) in a textured choice of  Clay Brown or Gravel Speckles non-reflective coating, these leads will blend in discreetly with almost every bottom. Featuring pronounced studs for extra grip, these leads are at home on running water, on sloping bars, island margins or at extreme range on stillwaters. Designed to enhance the bolt effect, as well as to stay put where they’ve landed. Their weight is, usefully, shown on the coating. A very versatile lead that’s available in sizes of between 2.25 oz and 6 oz.
SCORE:  29/30

BEST BUY

KORDA BIG GRIPPER

£1.35 TO £3.25
Designed for when added grip is required, this has become a favourite with many a barbel anglers. It allows a smaller lead to hold bottom than is possible with flat-sided pear leads, and creates less disturbance when entering the water. Bait can be moulded around Gripper leads, too, and PVA bags attached. It’s also at home on stillwaters when fishing to island drop-offs or at extreme range. Available from 1.1 oz through to 10 oz, in the Ardon coated Green or Brown camo, with weight tapered to the rear, creating anti-tangle properties. But, again, l’d like to see a matt version, with the weight identification visible.
SCORE:  28/30

NOTE: All products tested July 2011. All prices correct at the time of going to Press. Angler’s Mail do not take responsibility for price or product changes or current availability.

CHECK OUT OUR PVA SYSTEM GUIDE HERE

BENWICK SPORTS XT MARGIN MO

£2.30
Quite long and slim floats, more suited to deeper margins. These tasty floats seem great for meat and worm baits under overhanging branches. They come in three sizes: 0.2, 0.3 and 0.4 gr, which is a good range for most edge pegs. Their short 20 mm bristle is made of 2 mm hollow fibre, giving good visibility and allowing the rig to settle fast. Attachment is by a sprung eye and the stem is the bagging specialist’s choice – glass.
The glass stem goes completely through the body and up to the top of the tip for extra strength. A smooth dipped finish extends onto the stem to stop water ingress.
Available from: www.benwick-sports.co.uk
SCORE: 25/30

ACKOO CANE TIPPED MARGIN

£2
Very similar to the Benwick Sports offering, but that is no surprise, since Ackoo makes both of these floats. Ackoo (Mark Haskins) is the cousin of famous float maker Topper Haskins, so he has years of experience to draw on in his choice of materials.
The 15 mm long bristle is of 2 mm cane, which is so much more sensitive than the other offerings here, but still good for fishing pellet and corn as well as lighter baits. The Cane Tipped Margin comes in 0.2, 0.3 and 0.4 gr sizes, making it an excellent choice for F1s and skimmers in deeper margins. Attachment is by sprung eye, and the stem is sturdy 1 mm carbon.
Available from: www.freewebs.com/ackoos–floats
SCORE: 26/30

FLOATS DIRECT POWER MARGIN

£2
These floats really look bombproof, and maker Simon Foster is so confident of their toughness, he offers a full refund for anyone who buys his floats and doesn’t think they look up to the job. The three sizes – 4×10, 4×12 and 4×14 – and two different tip colours give excellent options for fishing shallow-to-medium depth swims. 5 cm glass stems and a diamond body keep things steady.
A sprung eye for attachment and ultra tough foam body instil confidence in their ability to take the strain. These look spot-on for fishing to far bank margins on snake lakes with pellet, corn and maggot.
Available from: www.floatsdirect.com
SCORE: 27/30

NICK GILBERT GHANDI

£2
These neat little floats with short stems and very thick bristles will be great for very shallow water, big baits and massive fish. The hand-painted finish, which is constant throughout all of Nick Gilbert’s float range, is very smooth and allows smaller quantities to be made to order rather than waiting for a whole batch to be dipped. The Ghandi comes with a choice of 2 mm or 2.5 mm tips, in either red or yellow hi-viz hollow fibre finishes.
Sensible 4 cm-long glass stems aid stability, while the stubby body and short tip will not spook carp in very shallow swims. Old-style eyes are glued very solidly into the tough foam body.
Available from: www.float-store.co.uk
SCORE: 28/30

GS FLOATS TITAN MARGIN

£1.50
It is unusual to see a body-up float for use on stillwaters nowadays, but there is definitely a place for some. On snake lakes especially, the water can tow, and having a bit of a shoulder to hold back against the tow could make the difference between a bag-up and a blank. In common with Graham Snellin’s Power Margin, the matt-finished body looks very tough.
It is also a weighty float, adding to the stability that the larger 0.3, 0.4 and 0.5 gr sizes offer. A 2.5 mm hollow tip is great for big baits. The 1 mm glass stem is short and unobtrusive, and the new style of sprung eye will not damage line.
Available from: www.gsfloats.co.uk
SCORE: 28/30

GS FLOATS POWER MARGIN

£1.75
Having the main line running through the entire stem is a pretty good way of ensuring there are no protruding float bits to get snagged-up. Both body and stem look far and away the most robust of any on test. To fix these on the line, float stops or shot have to be positioned both top and bottom. This seems a little strange, but does allow the extra robust 2 mm hollow carbon stem to protect the main line.
The 0.3, 0.4 and 0.5 gr sizes allow good control in deeper swims and also balance well with these heavier floats. Tips are 2.5 mm hi-viz hollow fibre, and the short squat design gives a fast settling float.
Available from: www.gsfloats.co.uk
SCORE: 28/30

MW FLOATS XT MARGIN

£2.50
Very sought-after for his top quality floats, Mick Wilkinson’s latest ‘toughest of the tough’ is this line-through-the-body offering. Coming with a choice of thinner 2 mm tips or thicker 2.5 mm tips in yellow or orange finish, both look well capable of supporting a wide range of baits. The hollow bristles will show up well against bankside vegetation and will stand up to being dragged through rushes.
The 0.1, 0.2 and 0.3 gr sizes are a very popular range for fishing shallow margin swims. The glass stems have proved to be very durable and this, combined with the line through attachment, makes a brilliant float for swims over 2 ft deep.
Available from: www.floatman.co.uk
SCORE: 28/30

BEST BUY

MB FLOATS BT INLINE

£2.25
Veteran float maker Mick Bassett really goes that extra mile for his customers, offering a choice of tip lengths to suit bigger or smaller hook baits and a standard eye, a sprung eye or no eye. The spare long 2 mm tips or medium-length 1.5 mm tips cost 75p, allowing one float body to suit several situations or baits.
The glass stem and hand-finished classic tear drop-shaped body appear to offer good stability. Hollow fibre tips will really glow against vegetation. Coming in one size only – 3×10 (or 0.1 gr) – they are great for shallow edge swims. A heavier model to suit deeper swims would really cover everything.
Available from: www.mbfloats.co.uk
SCORE: 29/30

NOTE: All products tested May 2011. All prices correct at the time of going to Press. Angler’s Mail do not take responsibility for price or product changes or current availability.

CHECK OUT OUR PELLET POLE FLOATS GUIDE HERE

Be sure to read our magazine every week for the very best in latest tackle, including tests you can trust.

SENSAS

£11.99
Very similar to the Maver wallet, but holds slightly fewer hooks, having 76 pegs. Utilises the same four-fold design, each flap holding a line of pegs to take hook length loops, and six neoprene pads for the hooks. Marked to show exactly how long each trace is, the pads are at 20 cm, 25 cm, 30 cm, 35 cm, 40 cm and 49 cm lengths. A good choice for long waggler or feeder traces, and better suited to smaller size 26 to 16 hooks. The tough outer cover is backed with strong cardboard.
SCORE: 22/30

MAVER LAY FLAT

£10.99
A very popular style among match anglers, especially continentals. It lies very flat, taking up little space, and can hold 80 hooks with ease. Available in two sizes, the longer one tested here stores traces with a peg at the top and neoprene pads in five places. Maximum trace length is 37 cm, minimum is 22 cm, making this more suitable for running line rigs. The wallet has a tough, wipe clean nylon covering with a Velcro closure.
SCORE: 22/30

PRESTON INNOVATIONS INBOX

£5.99
The two tough plastic cases that make up this range are very popular on the match circuit. Storing up to 36 hooks tied to traces between 15 and 60 cm, the large-sized system allows precisely measured storage. A separate set of pins on the lid allows easy tying to match the storage pins. The thin profile makes this case easy to store, and being fully enclosed, the stored hook lengths are well protected. Suitable for hooks from sizes 26-10.
SCORE: 25/30

KORUM MAXI RIG BOARD

£7.99
Looks best suited to carpers’ rigs and match anglers’ hair-rigs. Sturdily built and allowing traces of 4 cm to 52 cm, this board will need to be carried in its dedicated box (available separately) to keep the line and hooks safe and protected from water and sunlight. Korum’s Maxi Rig Manager tackle box comes with one of these rig boards included. Soft foam and supplied pins mean various length traces will fit. Longer rigs are wrapped around the end carrying handles. Takes about 32 tied hooks.
SCORE: 25/30

MAP

£24.99
A huge amount of thought has gone into the development of this superb storage system. MAP claim 1,200 ready-tied hooks can be stored in unique slotted foam under a UV-resistant clear lid. A carefully calibrated measuring and tying scale on each of the two lids helps accuracy when making traces. A white background allows info to be written without the need for labels. The retaining pins look best suited to hooks of sizes 26 to 12.
SCORE: 27/30

BEST BUY

GREYS PRODIGY ADVANCED

£19.99
The sturdy construction and accessory drawers help this board take the top spot. Suitable for a wide range of traces, the longer ones wrapping around the soft-feel end handle. Hook lengths are held with a sprung peg that can be positioned along the length of the board. Up to 60 hooks can be stored. Expanding pegs allow damp braid traces to dry.
SCORE: 28/30

NOTE: All products tested April 2011. All prices correct at the time of going to Press. Angler’s Mail do not take responsibility for price or product changes or current availability.

CHECK OUT OUR MATCH HOOKS TO NYLON TEST HERE

KORDA WIDE GAPE X

£3.99
A stepped up version of the original Wide Gape this heavy-duty wire gauge hook has an advanced PTFE coating creating a smooth and durable finish and incorporates a micro barb and in-turned eye of 15 degrees. I did find that the claimed ‘ultra sharp curved point’ on every hook questionable, as the odd hook did lack sharpness. Available in barbed or barbless in sizes 2, 4, 6, 8, 10 and 12.
SCORE: 25/30

NASH FANG GAPER

£5.12
An extra wide gape hook with an ultra short shank, in-line eye and in-turned point classified as the ultimate for use with short hook links and subtle rigs. Coated in a low-friction coating they’re classified as unrivalled in strength, sharpness and durability. A quick check on each point of the hooks showed the odd one lacked its cutting edge! Barbed and barbless and sizes 2, 4, 6, 8 and 10.
SCORE: 26/30

FOX ARMA POINT SSBP

£4.25
Powerfully strong hooks due to a hi-tech tempered process, which increases hardness and strength, but they still retain plenty of finesse for precise bait presentation. Coming complete with a non-reflective coating, the straight point of all but one hook was consistent. A short shank, wide gape hook with a ‘macro’ barb, which ensures easy penetration and secure hook holds. Slightly undersized in barbed sizes, 1 to 10 including intermediates and barbless 4, 6, 8 and 10, all presented in unique packaging complete with rig instructions.
SCORE: 27/30

PALLATRAX – THE HOOK

£3.25
My only reservation regarding these hooks is that they’re not Teflon coated. Every hook was checked carefully, all but one was seriously sharp. Having an in-turned point, short shank and an exaggerated barb, once a fish is hooked it’s unlikely to escape. The wide gape between point and shank creates a firmer hook hold. Chemically sharpened, the point lasts, doesn’t blunt and the slight in-turned eye creates strength. Available in sizes 4 to 14 barbed or barbless.
SCORE: 27/30

DRENNAN SUPER SPECIALIST BARBEL

£3.85
A seriously strong hook that I have reverted to when other hooks have pulled out of shape. Strong, yet still lightweight, allowing for precise hook bait presentation which together with its Teflon coating can be the difference between catching and blanking. Every hook I inspected was seriously sharp but the slightly longer shank and lack of in-turn on the hook point does give me some reservations. Available in sizes 4 to 14, which includes intermediates!
SCORE: 28/30

BEST BUY

GARDNER COVERT WIDE GAPE TALON TIP

£4.25
Chemically sharpened beaked point is resistant to blunting and consistent with a stealth finish-reducing glare. The strong forged high carbon steel wire even suits hit and hold fishing. The wide gape exposes more of the hook point which increases hook-ups and the non-reverse bend aids penetration. Slightly oversized but available in 4, 6, 8, 10 or 12 sizes in barbed or barbless.
SCORE: 29/30

NOTE: All products tested December 2010. All prices correct at the time of going to Press. Angler’s Mail do not take responsibility for price or product changes or current availability.

CHECK OUT OUR LIGHT ROVING CHAIR GUIDE HERE

The June 21 cover-dated issue of Angler’s Mail magazine came with a FREE MULTI PUNCH!

It’s an exclusive gift that every coarse angler should have. FIVE sizes of head for punching out bread, meat or groundbait are complemented by a hook knot tester.

This great gizmo is explained in a special video by National match champion and ace all-round angler Steve Collett.

In the video, Mail contributor Steve (one of our ace team of Where to Fish This Weekend experts) runs through how your free gift works. Watch and learn!

>> CLICK HERE TO WATCH THE VIDEO NOW!

Watch Steve Collett using the FREE GIFT - click link above.

Prodigy Bait Anchors
Prodigy Bait Anchors are made from clear, semi rigid plastic. They look like three joined arrow heads, finished with a small attachment ring. Hooks can be pushed through the ring part for direct mounting, or these anchors can be hair-rigged. They grip all soft baits particularly well, such as luncheon meat, sweetcorn, paste, cheese and soft expander pellets. These anchors can be trimmed down with sharp scissors to match the size of smaller offerings. They come supplies in a small Klip-Lok Base Box.

Prodigy Bait Stops
The unobtrusive Greys Prodigy Bait Stops  come in Clear and Weed Green options, providing you with small- and medium-sized stops on each board. Apart from covering usage with everything from small to large hard drilled baits, the larger stops can also be used as soft bait stops.
With baits such as luncheon meat you can push the bend of the hook through the back end of your bait and then insert one of the larger Prodigy stops under the hook to anchor the soft bait.
They are available in small (160 in a pack) and medium (60 in a pack) sizes.

Prodigy Extenda Bait Bands
Extenda Bait Bands have segmented tails and similar ridges inside to Grippa Bait Bands. This feature helps to anchor hard pellet baits better, while the tail part is hooked to create an instant hair rig effect. This creates a system that’s a lot faster than conventional hair rigging because there’s no need for bait needles and drills! The segments can also be snapped off with finger pressure in order to shorten the distance between the hook and your bait. Extenda bands are particularly good with Method feeder tactics. If you load one with a floating pellet and bury it in groundbait, the bait will suddenly pop up as the groundbait breaks down, resulting in instant savage takes!
They are available in small (3 mm), medium (4.5 mm) and large (6 mm) sizes and come in either a brown or clear colour.

BROWNING

£3.50
Beautifully made wagglers featuring long fine inserts and built-in base weights with swivel attachments. Each float comes in its own protective tube, but even then £3.50 is a hefty price tag! The light yellow finish resembles sarkandas reed but closer inspection reveals peacock bodies and finer peacock inserts. The latter are very sensitive, possibly a bit too fine on larger sizes, which cast a long way. Sizes are 3BB, 4BB, 3AAA, 4AAA and 5AAA, all of which allow good-sized locking shot to be used for extra casting distance.
SCORE: 26/30

PRESTON INNOVATIONS

£1.49
Available in 2AAA, 3AAA, 4AAA and 5AAA sizes, these all-peacock wagglers have medium diameter inserts that are sensitive but remain highly visible at distance. Not being weighted, they have plastic base eye fittings that also suit float adaptors. The main finish is satin black with various bright tip colours. These versatile floats cover a wealth of waggler fishing situations but the only criticisms concern the paint finish, which was chipped in a few places and some of the inserts were off centre.
SCORE: 26/30

MIDDY

£1.25
Features graded peacock stems and balsa wood inserts that have medium diameters. Sizes include 3BB (plus 2BB), 2AAA (plus 2BB), 2AAA (plus 3BB), 2AAA (plus 2AAA), 3AAA (plus 2AAA) and 2SSG (plus 2AAA). These are part loadings that allow ample locking shot, while the wide range of sizes covers lots of applications. The balsa inserts are fairly sensitive but a bit short in my opinion, especially on larger floats that cast long distances. Very well made for their price.
SCORE: 26/30

DRENNAN LOADED

£1.70-£1.80
Sizes of these loaded floats are 1, 1.25, 1.5, 1.75, 2, 2.5 and 3 gr but they are only partly loaded so there’s enough leeway for ample locking shot. These wagglers have straight, carefully graded peacock bodies and slim balsa inserts – the latter increasing in length as the floats get longer. The base weights are interchangeable, giving even more variation on an already comprehensive range of sizes. Also features locking sleeves on the plastic attachment eyes that allow floats to be switched.
SCORE: 27/30

MAVER

£1.50
Matt black peacock bodies and reed inserts feature this range , which covers popular 2AAA, 5BB, 3AAA, 3.5AAA, 4AAA and 5AAA sizes. The light sarkandas reed inserts don’t unbalance these floats on the cast and provide consistent medium diameters that show up well when fishing at range. Plastic base eyes allow float adaptors to be fitted, should they be needed, and these wagglers are quite sensitive. They suit general waggler fishing and this includes refined tactics when the going is hard.
SCORE: 27/30

BEST BUY

DRENNAN MERGED PEACOCKS

£1.20
These perfectly crafted wagglers feature medium length peacock inserts in their carefully graded peacock bodies. They have a subdued dark green matt finish and offer 2AAA, 2.5AAA, 3AAA, 3.5AAA and 2SSG sizes. There is much attention to detail with each float being perfectly straight, finished immaculately, even having ridged plastic base eye units that grip float adaptors extra firmly. To my mind this adds up to the best range of peacock wagglers that completely out-perform the rest.
SCORE: 29/30

NOTE: All products tested February 2011. All prices correct at the time of going to Press. Angler’s Mail do not take responsibility for price or product changes or current availability.

CHECK OUT OUR PELLET WAGGLER TEST HERE

DINSMORES DUAL

65p
Interesting block-end design with a light sideweight and heavier baseweight. The latter is set in the base cap and can be removed, if required. These feeders are a bright green colour, which puts me off a bit, while the smallest size still carries a fair loading of bait. It casts a long way with both weights installed, dropping down to just 15 gr with the base weight taken out. This makes for a versatile block-end although the small attachment eye underneath is a tad awkward to use.
SCORE: 25/30

BROWNING BLOCK-END

£1.50
Dull brown block-end design with heavy perforations in its body for fast bait release. The smallest size offers 10 gr, 20 gr or 30 gr fixed side weight options, having a filler cap held in place with a powergum link. The link protrudes outside and has a swivel link attached. With a good range of weights available, this design is pretty versatile, and the perforations are big enough to extend usage to baits other than maggots in running water. The over large opening lever on the top cap looks a bit snag prone.
SCORE: 26/30

MIDDY SPEED

£1.20
Compact block-end that still deposits a fair helping of bait, and it’s available with substantial 35 gr and 42 gr side weights. There are also base weight versions with lighter 14 gr and 21 gr screw-on loadings. Relies on Middy’s removable filler cap system for fast and easy loading, featuring a neat swivel head for tangle-free attachment. Ideal for river fishing, particularly holding bottom in fast flow rates, and also casts a long way. Useful when maggot feed needs to be cut back a bit when the going is hard.
SCORE: 27/30

FOX MATCH ROTARY FINNED

£1.55
The smallest of four sizes is loaded with fixed .25 oz or .5 oz side lead options with these finned block-ends, which also feature rotating end caps. The latter can have their perforations closed off or opened, depending on feeding requirements. In open mode they help to release baits such as maggots faster. These feeders have neat links with moulded swivels and carry just enough bait to tease fish into feeding in hard conditions. I’m not convinced the fins achieve much, but this is still a nice design.
SCORE: 27/30

NISA LONG RANGE

£1.60
The smallest of three sizes of long-range base weight block-end feeders, supplied with 16 gr or 28 gr fixed loadings. These unobtrusive brown feeders cast a long way and release maggots fast due to their large body perforations. Their neat internal powergum links end with a small attachment eye outside their top caps. The caps flip over for fast filling and clip back securely. This type of feeder is perfect for medium-to-long range, especially reaching far off features in lakes or slow moving rivers.
SCORE: 28/30

BEST BUY

PRESTON INNOVATIONS QUICKLOAD

£1.20
The smallest size of three can be purchased with
15 gr or 20 gr fixed side weights on these neat looking block-ends, which feature a low slung profile and dull brown colour. They have quite short links with semi-covered swivels protruding. The top cap swivels open while remaining anchored to the flexible plastic link, for fast filling and closing. Decent size exit holes in the body also feature cutting guides to allow them to be opened out for feeding larger particles, or for faster bait release. Top notch!
SCORE: 29/30

NOTE: All products tested February 2011. All prices correct at the time of going to Press. Angler’s Mail do not take responsibility for price or product changes or current availability.

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