• You need to be a registered member of Barbel Fishing World to post on these forums. Some of the forums are hidden from non-members. Please refer to the instructions on the ‘Register’ page for details of how to join the new incarnation of BFW...

Chris Brown Products - Landing Net(s) Review

Status
Not open for further replies.

Steve Williams

Senior Member
Chris Brown Products - Landing Net(s) Review by Darren George


image1.jpg




A landing net is a critical piece of fishing tackle. This hit home for me when, during a nerve-racking battle with a big fish, my trusty old net finally gave up and died on me!

My search for a new landing net began with a set of criteria. First, it had to be reliable and last, I didn't want to repeat that palaver, or to be buying a new net every season (or worse!). Next, it had to be suitable for both barbel and carp, providing plenty of space to allow a good fish to recover in the flow. It needed to be lightweight and manoeuvrable. It also had to be ultra-cool in an old-skool kind of way! All this and at the same time, it should not cost the earth.

My search quickly lead me to Chris Brown Products, following a couple of reliable recommendations from my carpy friends. There is a choice of landing nets on offer in the Chris Brown Products stable :

•32" Barbel Rover with extending pole
•36" Stalker with 6' pole
•42" carp net options

For me the solution was clear, selecting the 36" Stalker net which is supplied with a 6' carbon pole. This net ticked all the boxes for me.

The pole is extremely light and strong thanks to the quality carbon. The pole is 'upside-down' with the thicker end towards the net, and the thinner end at the handle - the strongest end where it is most needed. It is finished with a good quality butt protecting cap at one end, and a bomb-proof machined alloy spreader block at the other, whipped tastefully. Not only does the pole look the part, but it is obviously well designed and built for the task. One final benefit is that no net-float is required as the sealed pole is buoyant enough to float.

The arms are built using the same high quality, light-weight and strong carbon as the handle, finished with the same whipping. The arms connect to the spreader block via alloy inserts which look and feel solid and reliable. At the other end, sturdy alloy protectors help keep everything neat and tidy, giving the net its shape.


image2.jpg


The arms slot in (and out) of the spreader block with a reassuringly secure, snug fit. Despite the security, there is no wrestling required when putting the net together or taking it apart. You just get a lovely 'clunk' sound which oozes quality, thanks to the solid alloy parts. The netting is made up of two different mesh diameters, with a larger mesh size to the front and sides, and a smaller mesh at the base. The net is formed into a cradle-like shape of medium depth, which hugs the fish in a safe, secure manner, the smaller mesh protecting from snagging fins. Made from a light material, the mesh is thinner to the touch than my old net; coupled with the large diameter side mesh, it is great for manoeuvrability in flowing water. It also dries quicker.


image3.jpg



image4.jpg





The stalker net was the obvious choice for me, but I've also had a good look at the Barbel Rover. It possesses all the quality aspects of my stalker net, with the added bonus of being extendable up to 10'. Despite the additional material required for the extra length, the pole is still light enough for those long walks. It definitely compares favourably to the similar extending landing net handles available past and present. The twist-lock mechanism is firm enough to prevent any play, while being responsive enough to be operated with one hand if the need arises while playing a fish.

Chris Brown provides hand-built landing nets (and bank sticks) to a high quality, built to last, using top quality materials, backed with excellent customer service. As if the quality isn't enough, spares are available, and the products come with a lifetime guarantee covering you in the unlikely event of a mishap!

With so much quality on offer, you would be forgiven for thinking the landing nets cost a fortune, but I think you would be pleasantly surprised. The Stalker costs £78, while the Barbel Rover comes in at £88. Not the cheapest I concede, but given the features on offer, certainly not the dearest.

If you are in the market for a new landing net, have a look, I can't recommend Chris Brown Products enough.

I'd like to finish by apologising if my review is reminiscent of the type of write-ups you see in the angling press. Everything I have written is true to my opinion - I have no obligation or affiliation to the company. I am just genuinely blown away by my landing net.

Welcome to Chris Brown Products for specialist carp fishing tackle






back to top

Darren George
July 2011
 
Status
Not open for further replies.
Back
Top