Nash Top Rod Slingmat
Back
Introduction
When
I returned to serious Barbel fishing in 2002 one of the many items I needed
to obtain/replace was a decent quality unhooking mat. I noticed that one of
the Carp magazines had an offer of a free Nash slingmat with new subscriptions.
Reasoning that my sons would enjoy the magazine, and that the cost of the
subscription was only a couple of pounds or so more than the value of the
mat I duly took them up on their offer.
Description
The Nash Top
Rod Slingmat is described in the Nash catalogue as 'far more than a top quality
unhooking mat, it is a complete unhooking, weighing and return system'. The
mat comes in a waterproof outer bag secured by a quality zip and with webbing
handles. In this form and dry the mat weighs around 2lbs 6ozs and the whole
package measures approximately 17" x 11" x 6" making it easily stored in the
car. The outer bag also keeps water from running into the car.
Nash
Top Rod Slingmat in Bag
When taken from the outer bag the mat is folded in two and secured by a plastic
quick release buckle. Releasing the buckle and opening out the mat reveals
a very useful stalking bag (see picture below).
Sling
mat as stalking bag
The oval section webbing handles are long enough to allow the bag to be comfortably
slung across the shoulders. The top of the bag is secured by two zips which
run from the centre of each end of the bag. These are good quality and appear
to have quite a soft coating, presumably to ensure no damage to fish when
contained within the sling. In this form the sling can be used as a stalking
bag, a weigh sling and as a means of carrying fish to the water's edge for
release. Opening the zips fully a central padded section measuring 33" x 20"
is revealed. This is formed of 2" thick high density foam which should provide
adequate protection for our quarry. There are two nylon skirts (on which the
zips run) around the padded area which are approximately 9.5" deep at the
centres and these are very handy for kneeling on whilst dealing with a fish
if the ground is wet.
Slingmat
as unhooking mat
A
webbing tab is provided at each end of the mat which enables it to be pegged
down or can be used to hang it up to dry.
In Use
I
like the adaptability of this product, particularly the ability to use it
as a stalking bag which I am able to get all the tackle I need in for a summer
day's roving. Of course, the inside will get wet and slimy if a fish is caught
(not very often from me then!) but this can be overcome easily by packing
the tackle in a plastic carrier bag. I can even fit my Harrison 4 piece Avon
and a short rod rest in the bag leaving me only a landing net to carry. The
quality of the stitching and fittings is very good and I have found it an
ideal size for Barbel. When used in the weighsling mode the fish are held
very securely but the sling weighs around 3lbs when thoroughly wet, as a result
I have found it impossible to zero my Avon scales and have to remember to
deduct the weight of the sling after weighing the fish
Conclusions
If you just want an unhooking mat there are many simpler designs on the market
which are cheaper. However, I have found this product very adaptable and useful
and have no concerns about the quality after 18 months or so of regular use.
I would certainly buy another.
Price
In the standard size (which I have) RRP £29.99 and in the larger 'Monster'
size RRP £39.95. I have recently seen these on offer at £19.99 and £26.99
respectively.
Ian Haggett
February 2004
Back
