Tackle and Guns Trade Show 2014 (Independent Review)

For those that don't know, the Tackle and Guns (T&G) Show is an annual trade event for fishing tackle and gun shops, distributors and manufacturers. Each year the event is hosted at Stoneleigh Park in Warwickshire and it's a chance for suppliers to show off their soon to be released products for each following year. It's not open to the general public but is the perfect chance for the trade to gather under one roof and for retailers to get true product comparisons. Sadly we will never find all of them here (no Daiwa, Drennan or Garbolino for example, to name just three) but it's a brilliant show to attend nonetheless. Certainly my eyes have been well and truly opened and perceptions smashed to pieces!

Obviously (as a tackle shop owner, and angler in need of some new kit!) I was there to focus on what was new within the fishing tackle departments. I had poles, seatboxes, rods, reels and bait on the brain. Plus whatever else came along. With brands such as Rive, Sensas, Shimano, Preston Innovations, Matrix, Browning, Maver, Marukyu and Frenzee in attendance there was loads to look at. With just one day there will have undoubtedly been the odd gem of a product I missed, but there was a lot to run through. It's not a show where you see complete ranges of tackle on display in most cases. It's about new products, but that's probably a good thing. I'd be needing to book two or three nights accommodation and time off work if each brand had their whole catalogue on display!

 

Being an ex-match angler I have that very annoying mental trait that I just can't shake, "everything-has-to-be-brand-and/or-colour-coded-and-matching" syndrome. I wind myself right up! In the car on the way up Dave and I spoke about our perceptions of certain brands and products. Obviously there are always some things that you just can't force yourself to buy, no matter how sensible they seem - just because the colour doesn't match your bag or your box! Some brands have grown over the years, while others have just somehow have a different "aura" about them to that of yesteryear. As an angler who likes to reminisce about the old days (that's the 90's to me), it's obvious how things have changed but I do still appreciate certain brands and products that I grew up with. With that in mind, there was some stuff I was looking forward to seeing and hopefully praising, while there were other bits that I would take a look at but not expect to like - even if they were good. The Match angler's brain is a weird one!

I should state that I am in no way whatsoever tied to any tackle brand when it comes to my own choices and preferences, or what we stock in the shop. There are some lovely guys working within the trade - crossing all brands - but sometimes I just don't like the tackle they're designing or promoting. I fish less and am far less experienced than a lot of them as well, so who's to say I'm right and they're wrong(?!) but I know what I like and I understand fishing tackle and the requirements of coarse/match anglers. What's become clear to me is that if you do look at ranges if fishing tackle with unbiased eyes (and no paying advertisers to worry about), realistically there is a broad range of brands that would win prizes for "best in show". I've even shocked and surprised myself by what I've come away drooling over!

As an angler, I am in the process of looking for a whole host of new kit. I'm after a new seatbox, a new pole and a range of rods. As a result these items would be high on my list of interests.

Seatboxes

Starting with the boxes... I currently own a Team Daiwa 302. It's been excellent, despite being a little heavy and the drawer configuration not really suiting me - which is why I'm thinking of changing it. In my head I got to the show undecided between a Rive or the new Daiwa Tournament 500 (not present).

 

If we rule the Rive out as an obvious winner for those who can afford one (stable, comfortable and superbly refined), the next best as far as I was concerned was the Preston Absolute Compact. The larger Absolute would be my choice if I actually needed a bigger box. This one had the most comfortable cushion of all the boxes (for my bony ass) and various features such as the partitioned trays and accessory holding bits and pieces pipped the rest.

Worth mentioning too is the Preston On Box 360. A comfortable mix of back supporting chair and seatbox. Lee Kerry ran us through this one, and although you'd never be able to use one for 100% of your fishing, for those long walks or days when you know exactly what you're likely to be doing it will make a great second box. RRP is £229. With side tray and storage built in, it is designed to be perfectly balanced when slung across your shoulder for carrying. It is, and it's light too! The back rest makes a world of difference when you're sat down and is small enough to mean you could probably pole fish quite comfortably from it as well. You can't help but lean back and twizzle yourself around. It's a weird experience in a way, fishing in luxury. Perfect for us on places like Porth Reservoir.

 

 

 

 

 

 

They also do a version of the back supporting cushion to attach to the top of their other boxes (below).

 

 

Having said that, I'm left the show really annoyed by seatboxes in general. They should be amazing, but I don't feel like they are. Since I'm coming back in to this after a few years with a fresh set of eyes I was frustrated that there is so much cheap plastic being used. I thought things would have moved on in the past 5, 6 or 10 years. Comfortable, yes. Stable, yes. But there's soooooo much cheap, flimsy, sticky, Chinese plastic around! In some ways seatboxes have gotten worse over the years. They're far better designed and more practical, but there's been a sacrifice in material quality in an effort to keep RRP's down. I'm sure everybody will manage and I'm being overly picky, but I just want a smooth drawer!............................

If I don't stretch myself and go for a Rive, the only other thing I will be considering right now is the Daiwa Tournament 500. The Absolute Compact above is the only other. If they've got the drawers on the Daiwa right then 'll be having one! If not, it'll be Rive.

Let's move on, quickly, as I am in love with a lot of tackle from the show.

Rods

Rods have improved so much over the years. We played with quite a few but there were three stand-out ranges. I was unimpressed with quite a few with mega reputations. While I was also very impressed by some that you hear nothing about. They power of marketing eh?!

Best budget rods: Shimano Forcemaster range. (£39.99-£44.99)

Priced between £39.99 and £44.99, the Forcemaster's are absolutely ridiculous! If it wasn't for the tart in me (an likely some of you) then there is no reason whatsoever why we wouldn't all be using these. The 10' Commercial Mini Float especially is a peach, but considering the price, the whole range has to be considered if you're on a budget. There are five rods in total from 10 to 12 feet covering everything float or feeder.
 
Best mid-priced rods: Frenzee Precision FTX range. (Mostly £109.99 - £119.99)

 

 

Particularly the shorter rods in the feeder range, there was nothing from any of the main brands that come close to the Frenzee rods (Shimano coming second). I've already seen the press raving about others in the same price range, but I was actually really unimpressed by the rods from a couple of major brands that should really be right up there. They'll still be raved about, but they are not as nice. The Frenzee rods combine softness in the tip with power in the butt much more smoothly than most others on show. That's what I dislike about so many of the others . The Frenzee rods are slimmer, lighter and smoother than most of the competition whilst still maintaining a level of power essential for today's commercial fisheries.

Best top-end rods: Rive (starting around £150).

Just, Rive! I've never necessarily been a Rive fan and never insisted on owning anything of theirs, but this was the first time I'd had the pleasure of seeing their rods. I have a couple of Daiwa Tournament's at home and I was with Dave who owns a couple of Drennan Acolytes - so between us we could compare the Rive's quite nicely with our own experiences.

"Light", "crisp" and "beautiful" would be three words to sum them up. From their match rods to their feeder rods, I want to own each and every one of them. That won't happen of course, but I these are definitely the rods for me. Dave is the same. He reckoned he could barely tell the difference between the 13' Light Waggler and his Acolytes to be honest. "My mate Dave says.....", classic!

The RM6 (Rive Match 6), R-CM6 (Rive Commercial Match 6) and RF6 (Rive Feeder 6) ranges cover everything you will ever need.

The best thing about them?! The price! They're not even officially "top-end"! They just happen to feel nicer to me than anything I tried, and prices start at around £150!

I tried a stack of nice, useable rods. Liked some more than others but was completely surprised in numerous ways yet again. It just goes to show that it's even important for shop owners to see these things before buying, let alone an angler on the bank! Buying blind, online is such a complete nightmare. Some of the most popular rods really aren't that great when you get them all side by side.

Reels

Having done a lot of lure fishing over the past 5 years or more, reels are the one item of tackle that come in to their own in such circumstances. I'd never spend £500 a reel to match fish with (it'd be a complete waste of money), yet I would choose one to lure fish with (where it's refined features will genuinely help).

I see, use and sell a lot of reels. For me, it's Shimano or Daiwa - personally, and in the shop. With a budget of £100, if a customer comes in to compare a Shimano with any other brand, 99% of the time they choose the Shimano (without any influence from me). They're lighter and smoother than anything in their respective price ranges. We also have fewer returns or problems with Shimano reels. Once a customer's budget reaches around about the £100 mark things even out a little and the Daiwa's come in to their own as well, with the two brands being evenly matched in terms of quality and reliability.

However, there is one exception. I actually really liked the new Rive reels (that brand again!). When we first picked them up I commented to Dave that I thought they'd be worth about £100. We then joked between ourselves that that probably meant they'd actually cost £200 (a dig at the perceived expense of the brand), but were very pleasantly surprised to be told that they my guess wasn't far wrong. £90-£100 it seems. I'll await proper confirmation, but once again it's been proven to us that Rive as a brand isn't just about expense or luxury - despite the impression that I or anybody else may have had beforehand. They're a very fairly priced, great looking (if you ask me) reel! Not as smooth as the equivalent Shimano (The excellent Aernos FB) but sat on any coarse rod they'll do a splendid job and certainly look the part.

Best budget reel: Shimano Nexave FD (under £50)

In reality the Nexave FD is just one of three or four cheaper Shimano reels that are worthy of recommendation. In the shop we sell heaps of Alivio's, Catana's and Exage's that surround it in terms of price. All are superb for the money and range from a lowly £25 odd up to £65.


Best mid-priced reel: Shimano Aero 2500. (£139.99)

The new, smaller model for the Aero range. When the 4000 Spinning version first came out I loved it. This smaller version will be a much better match with my (soon to be) new Rive waggler rods! I'll probably go for the HG model (faster retrieve).

Best high-end reel: Shimano AR-C Aero Ci4+ 4000. (£299.99)

Super light, super smooth, stacks of winding power and like the standard Aero, the wider spool enables line to leave the spool in wider coils for longer, smoother casting. The show isn't the first time I've seen one of these - having lure fished with one and having stocked them in the shop for a number of months now. Just superb reels, bordering on complete overkill for anything freshwater based, but just brilliant reels. They'll suit bomb, feeder or heavier float work.

All of the above are front drag reels. There's good reason for this. If you know anything about reel design, they're better!

Poles

The main event! Shows like this are brilliant for the fact that it's one of the only times us normal people get to see a range of top end poles all in the same room. Currently, our shop is not rammed to the rafters with 16m lengths of carbon, as much as I wish it was.

Not many will like this opinion or news, but I can't help but laugh at anglers a little bit here. As somebody who has no ties, no preconceived ideas and no vested interests, the awful truth of the matter is that there are a lot of very, very good, evenly matched, top end poles out there at the moment. "This pole is better than that" and "such and such a pole is crap, my one is way better" are hilarious to listen in on when you've just spent time playing with a load of them. Although I left the show with an absolute favourite in my head (for my own fishing), picking a distinct runner up is almost impossible. To pick two runners up even more so. It would mean missing out some epic poles in a top three battle! Whether the badge says Preston, Browning, Rive, Sensas, Maver or Frenzee, all of the top end poles are completely fishable at all lengths (in the confines of an exhibition hall at least) and the differences between them are absolutely minimal. It could only be tiny differences that sway things either way, like finish, kits provided, colour or brand preferences. Each of us will be different on those aspects, but we really should spend less time knocking others for their own tastes. I have one winner, and probably 5 runners up. I'm sure there would be more too if more brands had unpacked their poles and let us play with them. Plus there is no Daiwa, MAP or Drennan as already stated. They'd certainly put a few more cats amongst the pigeons, but again, for my personal fishing I still doubt I would have found a more worthy and surprising (to me) winner.

So, onwards and upwards. my pole of the show.......

Favourite pole award: Browning  Champions Choice Silverlite 10-12.

We returned to play with this one about 5 times during the day. There's a simple reason it's my favourite too. As a silver fish pole it is designed to suit the type of fishing that I prefer. As a result, it felt lighter than the rest (no need to make it as strong, and (despite the Z14-1 being very slightly lighter on paper) and as stiff as any pole present. It's an absolute beauty! Take it down to 11.5m (which is where I most often fish) and it's just completely ridiculous - in the best possible way. Poker straight, feather light. At 9.5m.... pffft! You can't help but giggle.

The first time we picked it up I wasn't so sure. The graphics are so understated.... Dave loved it. I wanted a bit more jazz. Plus it was a... "Browning". I fell out of love with the brand quite a few years ago when they initially started to go off the boil. I don't think I was the only one that felt that and it was only in the car on the way to the show that Dave and I knocked them down as a brand we expected nothing from. Occasionally you get those nutters online who you see raving about the latest Browning pole. To be honest with those folk, I never, ever believed a word you said! Sorry about that, but I'm here now, eating my words and my hat! I will be buying a Browning Silverlite!

 

 

We returned to the pole numerous times during the day (and the Xitan Z14-1) and each visit just confirmed our thoughts. We returned to each top end pole numerous times actually. Not only was the Silverlite constantly reaffirmed as favourite but even at the end it was impossible to pick runners-up. There were quite a few "excellent" poles that you just couldn't knock (anglers will always love to argue though).

Coming at 16m as standard with 7 pre-bushed top kits (3 x 3mm, 4 x 3.9mm), the Silverlite will take medium hollow elastics as a maximum. Dave and I will both be enquiring as to whether can buy a 13m version of the pole with European package though. The shorter length is more than adequate and the extra no.4's (if we can do it) may be helpful at times. Each kit also included a wrapped section at the bung end to enable you to drill and fit the puller-kit of your preference (if you want to). What I love too is the fact that the kits include a long tip section which gives you a better length to thread with a lighter elastic. Not too short, and not too long, they measure 1.6m. Total top kit length is 2.75m.

Runners up

Browning Xitan Z14-1 - amazing pole. It basically felt like a stronger version of the Silverlite. The square butts are very comfortable as well! I'm used to using the flat butt on my Garbolino already so I appreciate the concept from experience. If you were going to cut off my arm if I didn't give you a second favourite, I might tell you it was this one.

 

 

Preston Absolute XS - Just a really nice, light, straight pole. My favourite finish on any pole here, I love Sun-Core and always have. It really can't be knocked.

  

 

Rive R16 - I'd never seen a Rive pole and wasn't initially all that impressed when picking it up at 11.5m. It was the first one we held during the day. Better second time around though when there was more to compare it to. It is lovely.

I was also really impressed and, as much as I hate to admit it again, surprised by the quality of the Frenzee FXT pole. Despite my changed attitudes during the day, orange still doesn't suit me (not that there's a lot of it on the pole) but it's definitely one worth looking at, particularly if you're a Frenzee or Guru fan!

It was a bit of a shame that there weren't more poles on display (some of the most highly regarded poles out there weren't in attendance - Air, 901, Acolyte, Super Legion etc.), but thanks to those who took the time to show theirs off, I know what I'll be buying and looking to stock next year (I'm not a good salesman so can only stock what I like). There will be more as well with various upcoming trade shows to attend and report on.

My favourite pole in the past was a Shimano, and theirs were another we didn't get to play with.

Accessories

As well as the bigger items, obviously most of the show is taken up by the small bits and pieces that keep us all going.

Highlights for me:

- Frenzee Clear Soft Pots
- Frenzee FXT Precision F1 Scoop Net Handle
- Frenzee FXT Precision Pole Roller (Standard and Mini)
- Matrix Quad Pole Roller
- Frenzee FXT Rod Sock Protectors
- Maver UFO Side Tray
- Preston Quick Dry Keepnets
- Preston Absolute Whips

Frenzee Clear Soft Pots: The original, black/orange version of these were immediately notable when they came out. The clear versions will undoubtedly be set to sell even better.

Frenzee FXT Precision F1 Scoop Net Handle: I'll be having one of these. So much of the time I find myself using a 3m handle that I just don't realistically need. The F1 Scoop is 1.8m long (roughly the same length as most packed poles) so will fit at full length straight in to your holdall. Plus there's the obvious advantage of having no weak joints. It's a slim little thing and will be ideal in use for 90% of my fishing these days. No faffing!

Frenzee FXT Precision Pole Roller: I loved the look of these when I first saw them last year. I have a couple of good Milo rollers at the moment but knew straight away that these would be better for me. Wider rollers in general and the extension "V" on the top is the cherry on the cake when it comes to a few places that I fish. The smaller version will be very useful as well. Will have one of each. The Rive rollers were probably the most luxurious at the show, but I do need the height of these, personally.

Matrix Quad Pole Roller: Great looking roller from Matrix. I never liked tripod rollers. I could probably never afford the most expensive or biggest, but not a single one of those I owned in the past was anything but annoying. I like the height benefits, and the smaller footprint, but I never found one I liked. The 4 leg V shaped roller from Matrix fixes the big stability dilemma. It's a good looking, and what I am sure will be functional design. Good work guys!

 

 

Frenzee FXT Rod Sock Protectors: The idea of various sleeves or protectors for made-up rods isn't new. The Frenzee offering is a clever one though. With an elasticated strap between the two end socks, the whole lot is held superbly secure. The socks themselves are thick and just the right size for protecting both tip and butt.

Maver UFO Side Tray: I won't be swapping my Daiwa any time soon, but the Maver UFO side tray stood out at the shop - mostly because of it's mentally long legs. You'd have no problem with this one on steep, shelving banks. Good solid foundations.

Preston Quick Dry Keepnets: Keepnets might seem a bit mundane, but I just like the thick, wide mesh these are made of. As the name suggests, they should be quick drying too. I've never been a fan of the tight, carp sacking nets and although a lot more fish friendly than old designs, the wide mesh takes me back a few years. Rive do a similar one too.

Preston Absolute Whips: I love whip fishing. Whips have gotten so good now that you don't even need to spend much money to own a couple of decent ones. The Preston offerings are so light, so responsive that you really don't need anything better or more expensive. At all lengths, they're just lovely!

 

 

Obviously there were loads of lovely bits and pieces dotted all over the show from every brand but I can't write about them all. The above were just the slightly bigger ones that happened to stand out. I'm aware that there are quite a few Frenzee items there. Again, this is for no reason other than the fact that they genuinely had some clever stuff on show, even if it's not all actually new for this year.

Other Stuff

It was great to see brands such as Van Den Eynde back in the spotlight, alongside the Ringers brand (always quality). I used to use a lot of the VDE products, and was always in love with their RS Elite Expanders as well as their groundbaits - Supercup and Secret in particular.

 

 

 

For this year the brand is having a bit of a facelift by their new distribution partner, Copdock Mill. They're also releasing a good looking range of commercial groundbaits to catch themselves back up with the rest of em!

 

There seem to b a lot of tweaks happening when it comes to bait packaging actually. Dynamite for example are now going to be selling their pellets and new dedicated pastes in re-sealable packets - like some other already do. I'm happy to see Dynamite bringing out a new Milled Expander range as well. Crushed expander pellets are always a brilliant groundbait addition on commercial fisheries today.

 

 

 

In Conclusion

Overall, my time at the show was certainly an eye opener. Dave and I couldn't help but laugh between ourselves at how we'd proven ourselves so wrong about so many products or brands. I got to the show with my own ideas and preferences. That anal match fisherman in me had almost decided for me what I would like and what I wouldn't. I've genuinely left the show with a completely different outlook. Out goes the colour coded, brand matching purchases, and in comes a hugely open-minded approach that will ultimately mean that I end up mixing and matching all kinds of stuff. I'll just buy the best I can afford. And not be a snob.

Great show! Roll on our south west look at the new Daiwa kit during early November!