Anglers' Net - The UK Online Fishing Magazine: Shakespeare High Back Chair With Headrest

Shakespeare High Back Chair With Headrest
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Steve-Burke on 28 March, 2001 04:00:00
 
The most comfortable fishing chair Ive ever sat in! There Ive said it! And
its not just me who thinks so * everyone whos tried it agrees.
What makes it so comfortable? Well, firstly it has arms. If you havent had a
fishing chair with arms, you just dont know what youre missing. I simply
dont agree with the few who argue that arms can sometimes get in the way *
certainly not for stillwater fishing anyway. So why dont fishing chairs have
arms? Speaking to manufacturers, it seems its just tradition. Well stuff
tradition, give me comfort anytime!
In conjunction with the extra wide seat, which by the way makes the chair
suitable even for the very large framed angler, you can lean against either
armrest. This means that you can change position throughout the session and so
remain comfortable for long periods without strain. The seat fabric itself is
made from an extra heavy duty polyester, which adds to comfort and should last
for ages.
The arms also enable you to rest your forearm immediately next to the rod butt
for quick striking. Alternatively, you can dispense with the rear rest
altogether, whilst holding the rod and steadying your forearm on the arm of the
chair.
Secondly, its got a high back plus a detachable headrest. This is real luxury!
The only problem is that its so comfortable you may end up falling asleep! Ive
even used the headrest as a lumbar roll * a definite boon for those with back
trouble.
Thirdly, with a seat height of 40cms (16ins) its not too low. In fact, Id
guess that in a different colour than its olive green its also sold as a
garden chair. Certainly as you get older youll end up appreciating not having
to heave yourself up out of a low chair.
Other minor features are a small mesh pocket on the right arm to hold a can of
drink, plus a larger pocket under the seat for extra storage.
Disadvantages? Well, with the frame being made of steel rather than aluminium,
at approx 7lbs (3.2kgs) its definitely on the heavy side. Having said that,
this is lighter than some less comfortable padded carp chairs, and its
certainly both strong and stable. Theres even holes in the wide front feet to
peg the chair down to stop it being blown over by the wind when you stand up.
Unfortunately, the legs arent adjustable to cope with steeply sloping banks.
However, its not the type of chair youd take on a roving expedition to the
river. On the other hand, the design does mean that the chair folds up like a
fat walking stick and goes into the supplied shoulder bag for easy transport.
Alternatively, the shape means that it will fit into many rod holdalls.
Will it catch you more fish? Well it just might, as youll be more comfortable
and alert over a long session. Certainly itll help you enjoy your session
more, and surely thats what its all about.
Shakespeare do a wide range of fishing chairs, including another high-backed
model, so do make sure you get the right one. The reference for this model is
9975/009, and as youll have gathered I highly recommend it! Whats more at
just £24.99 its also exceptional value for money.
Copyright Steve Burke, March 2001.