Group Test... Unhooking Mats

This entry was posted on 14th February, 2017

With this test series we take a look at unhooking mats and of course, protection is paramount here. As much as we all love a pocket-friendly product, we honestly believe that this is one product that no angler should scrape on, ever! What we are looking for here is the complete protective package, how much padding is on offer, can the carp be retained for short periods without flapping off or out of the mat and how mobile the entire bundle is. Yes, before you say it, the carp we have used for illustrative purposes is rather large, measuring in at a whopping 84 centimetres long and 56 centimetres from dorsal fin to pelvic fin, hence the tight fit.

 



 

Aqua Products Camou Roving Mat

Weighs: 1.3kg

This lightweight unhooking mat provides a compact fish-care solution, with built-in retaining flap to ensure that fish are secure. The mat features deep compressible foam and a high-grade Aquatexx fabric. All these key features contribute to a fast-drying mat, which helps to reduce the risk of spreading disease and eradicating smelly gear in the car. It has two large elastic loops allowing it to be rolled compactly, making transportation and storage easy. It is available in camou and green and will suit all mobile anglers.

FIRST IMPRESSIONS - 9/10 PROTECTION - 7/10 VALUE FOR MONEY - 9/10 TOTAL - 25/30

Buy The Aqua Products Camou Roving Mat



 

Avid Carp Standard Carp Cot Unhooking Mat

Weighs: 2.3kg

The Avid Carp Cot is made of a 150D Breathastop 10,0000mm waterproof material, and a totally unique folding design that incorporates two built-in stability rods. The Carp Cot is extremely portable and folds down to almost nothing. It can be stored away in the carry bag supplied. With its handle and removable fish-friendly inner mattress this is an ideal unhooking mat/cradle for the angler who doesn’t have much room to store their gear and likes to be on the move. Not to be confused with the Fox Easy Mat; these are very much two different items.

FIRST IMPRESSIONS - 9/10 PROTECTION - 9/10 VALUE FOR MONEY - 8/10 TOTAL - 26/30

Buy The Avid Carp Standard Carp Cot Unhooking Mat

 



 

Chub X-tra Protection Cradle XL

Weighs: 2.9kg

Chub’s X-tra Protection cradle is a unique fold-flat design for easy transportation along with padded straps. One feature that really caught our attention was the integrated kneeling pad that makes it easier for the angler to get comfortable and, more imporantly, close to the fish for maximum care when doing catch shots. Helping to protect the fish while in the cradle are the improved extra-stiff non-collapsible sides, which makes it a great mat for the angler looking to transport his bankware or other tackle when moving swims or loading the car. The cradle comes supplied with its very own waterproof bag to help keep the carp slime at bay.

FIRST IMPRESSIONS - 10/10 PROTECTION - 9/10 VALUE FOR MONEY - 7/10 TOTAL - 26/30

Buy The Chub X-tra Protection Cradle XL

 



 

Fox Easy Mat

Weighs: 2.6kg

The Fox Easy Mat is a rapid-set-up design, with it taking literally seconds to put together, which is great. The pop-out cradle is designed for maximum convenience, with its 50mm base that fits directly into the Easy Mat offering full protection for the fish while on the bank. The thing we love about this mat is the sheer convenience of the whole setup. Supplied in a lightweight carry bag, which is nice and compact for both storage and transportation, this is a firm favourite on the bank.

FIRST IMPRESSIONS - 9/10 PROTECTION - 9/10 VALUE FOR MONEY - 8/10 TOTAL - 26/30

Buy The Fox Easy Mat

 



 

JRC XL Hi-Care Mat

Weighs: 4.9kg

With a heavy-duty Velcro retaining system that boasts high-density foam-filled walls, the XL Hi-Care Mat is probably the most protective on test. Made of 420D waterproof material with a perforated rubber mesh lid and base for maximum drainage, the mat won’t take long to dry despite its size. As the name would suggest, the Hi-Care XL is suited for fish up to 65lb, making it more than capable of retaining most fish in English waters. Other features you will also find are a removable 5cm-thick foam mattress, along with zips on either side of the mat to release the fish.

FIRST IMPRESSIONS - 9/10 PROTECTION - 10/10 VALUE FOR MONEY - 8/10 TOTAL - 27/30

Buy The JRC XL Hi-Care Mat



 

Nash High-Protection Beanie Mat

Weighs: 2.3kg

With an adjustable padded, removable strap this is another fantastic roving product for river anglers and carp anglers alike. The Beanie Mat has a tough Aquasense Hydra retention cover making it ideal to throw over the top of your barrow when taking a wet walk around the lake. The inclusion of an extra-tough, wipe-clean and waterproof base helps prevent the mat from taking on water. The mat itself has a high-density base with polyball beanie topper for maximum carp protection that the carp seem to bed down into rather nicely.

FIRST IMPRESSIONS - 9/10 PROTECTION - 7/10 VALUE FOR MONEY - 8/10 TOTAL - 24/30

Buy The Nash High-Protection Beanie Mat