New JRC Stealth brolly system - first time out

[Wordbender]

Got back yesterday from a 36-hour stint in some serious weather with the new JRC Stealth. Have to say that it performed superbly throughout, prompting orders from both syndicate members that fished alongside me.

 

Putting it up is extremely easy, thanks mainly to the huge zip which secures the front panel/door. These zips (complete with fish-shaped pull-tags - aah, bless. ) are used throughout, too, including the inner door and mozzi windows. When it was howling a gale, I rolled up the main door and watched white horses on the lake through the mozzi screens, with hardly a breeze in the bivvy. Excellent.

 

When the rain was hammering, I battened down all hatches and, eventually, noticed slight condensation build-up above my head. This being a single-skin shelter, I expected that, and the only drips that fell (about 3 in total) were dislodged only when the wind really battered the Stealth. Once the rain cleared and I rolled up the door, the condensation soon cleared. Most impressed on this score - especially after owning a Titan that turned into an irrigation system within an hour of dropping the door.

 

Packing away took a little longer than I'd have preferred, although the ground was muddy and I didn't fancy rolling the new gear around in the slop to find the quickest/easiest method of stuffing it into its cover. I'll suss that, though.

 

Mind you, wouldn't our lives be SOOOOO much easier if bivvy makers didn't feel it compulsory to save a couple of square feet on material and make the bags as tight a fit as humanly possible? Is it REALLY neccessary to use your bivvy as a Thighmaster to squeeze it into its storage bag? Apparently so.

 

One small annoyance, was the tendency of the webbing straps (these secure the rolled-up door) to 'wick' moisture into the bivvy when their 'outside' sections were wet. I can see why this happens, and elevating the inner straps will stop any drips - I tied them to the ribs with some old leadcore - but these things should be caught at 'field test' stage, really.

 

That really was the only negative I've found so far. Loads of room, totally weatherproof, rock-solid - I treated myself to a set of large-diameter, screw-in banksticks - nice high door, draught-proof groundsheet, plus quality construction and ease of use. Can't fault it for 150-quid, plus whatever you choose to spend on poles.

 

Oh yeah, using three carp rods and a 'snide' (we're allowed four rods, but we always refer to the 4th as a snide, coz it makes us feel daring ) set up with a deadbait rig, I landed 9 pike to 18lbs., 1 big eel (3 to 4 lbs.) a poxy bream and a 21 mirror, in the persistent rain. Quite a sesh' really - seeing as I only went so's I could play with my new brolly. .

 

Terry

[Donner und Blitzen]

What a session Congratulations!

 

Does anybody know a reliable retailer who would send a JRC Stealth Brolly to Germany?

 

Regards

 

Donner und Blitzen

 

[ 11. March 2003, 08:05 PM: Message edited by: Donner und Blitzen ]

[ThePiker]

I've been looking all night for an on-line stockist,but none have the brolly on their site.

Any-one any ideas :confused: .Have mailed a few to see if they have one.Will post with any results....

[Wordbender]

ThePiker:

I've been looking all night for an on-line stockist,but none have the brolly on their site.

Any-one any ideas

Piker - I've replied to your e-mail, mate, but for anyone else who's interested in the Stealth brolly system, I got mine from Southend Angling, although Davies Angling are supposed to be getting some.

 

HTH

 

Terry

[ThePiker]

I got one from http://www.specialist-tackle.co.uk

You can order it on-line too....

 

I did enquire about one from J&K Tackle, but they told me that they don't post tackle outside the U.K. mainland??????????????? THEIR LOSS!!!!!!

 

 

Bring on the Liverpool!

 

[ 12. March 2003, 11:30 PM: Message edited by: ThePiker ]

[Donner und Blitzen]

Thank you for the link, Piker! :cool:

 

I just ordered one.

 

Regards

 

Donner und Blitzen

[ThePiker]

And you wont be dissapointed when you get it either.Although i haven't used it yet,i have given it a thorough going over(The Piker Test) and it does look as if it will take some abuse.Material and stitching is first class.Zips look good too,and they have fish shape zip pullers( for all you tackle tarts ,me included).

If I did have one criticism,it would be that the groundsheet is a bit, well,thin.but it will do the job,of keeping out the damp,and the crawlies .......

[Donner und Blitzen]

I got my JRC Stealth today. Delivery to Germany took only 4 days. It looks great and well worth its price. I am looking forward to try it out.

 

There is a velcro flap on top of the umbrella just above the door - any ideas what it is good for?

 

Regards

 

Donner und Blitzen

 

[ 20. March 2003, 08:56 PM: Message edited by: Donner und Blitzen ]

[ThePiker]

It's for fastening your rod to the brolly for when you are baiting your hook,or putting on a new hooklength etc etc.......

[Donner und Blitzen]

Thank You, Piker! I should have known...

There was a velcro flap on an new shirt I bought. I e-mailed the maker of the shirt and got the same answer.

Now I have a choice where to fasten my rod

 

Regards

 

Donner und Blitzen

 

[ 21. March 2003, 04:06 PM: Message edited by: Donner und Blitzen ]