Review: Fox International MSB Folding Foot Plate

There is quite a bit of controversy to be found on various fishing forums about the Fox International MSB Footplate. With a whole gamut of contradictory reports and speculation about the quality and the materials used in its manufacture.

Firstly the footplate is not plastic as some would allege. It is in fact a beautifully welded box metal frame. The box frame then has a metal plate, with multiple hexagonal drainage holes patterned across its surface, secured to its top side which in turn is then covered in a purpose designed and fitted non slip rubberized matting.

The beautifully welded box frame and metal cam hinge provides a solid and stable fishing platform.

Fox have incorporated yet another spirit level bubble in the front top section of the footplate so that the angler can set the plate completely horizontal and therefore afford maximum comfort while fishing.

With the footplate added to the MSB box, this extra leveling bubble, gives the MSB seat box no less than 4 spirit levels. When used in conjunction with the independently adjustable leg system the spirit bubbles ensure that the angler can set his box up straight and level even on the most irregular of river banks and surfaces.

Yet another spirit level is added to the MSB Seat Box system with the addition of the Folding Foot Plate. Notice that the rubberised non slip mat is secured to the plate by allen screws and not simply pop riveted.

Much has also been made of the hinging facility which has been identified as a possible point of weakness by some. The hinges are actually of substantial metal construction and very strong. Working on a cam system the hinges lock in an upright position for transport. The foot plate easily supports my 19.5 stones and there is no indication that there is any possibility of it suddenly collapsing or folding under my weight.

The foot plate is supplied with two square telescopic legs complete with ball mounted “floating” mud feet and has a RRP of £ 79.99. (I was able to source mine for £ 67.99 from Tackle UK).

The MSB Folding Foot Plate is a superb piece of kit, as you would expect from Fox International, and a worthwhile addition to the MSB range of angling accessories.

Maver Jurassic Carp Pole Review: The Return of a Classic.

After an absence of 12 years Maver decided to re issue their most popular pole ever and the best selling fishing pole of all time “The Jurassic Carp”.

At 12.5 m the Jurassic Carp 08 is stiffer, longer, lighter and stronger than its predecessor. Yet amazingly nearly 10 years after the original disappeared from tackle shop shelves is available for the same RRP of just £315.00.

Look around and you can find these available from reputable angling suppliers for as little as £199.00, or as I did, for less than £150.00 on eBay.

Due to its exceptional balance and light weight you could be forgiven for thinking that this is a much more expensive pole designed for much smaller silver fish. But the Maver Jurassic Carp is extremely strong and will handle that surprise “lump” from a commercial fishing lake with definitive ease.

The Jurassic Carp will bend to an almost unbelievable curve when fighting heavier carp. This it has to be said is quite disconcerting the first time or two it happens. But this is a pole which was designed with this purpose in mind and as you get used to the alarming bend and your faith grows in the poles ability you will find yourself giving it even more stick.

The wall thickness of the high quality carbon is quite substantial and it doesn't oval when put under pressure. The strength and build quality is apparent from the power top kit right the way through to the resplendent red butt section.

Supplied with two power top sections and a match section as well as a cupping kit the Maver Jurassic is a superb “all rounder” of a pole. I elasticated my two power kits with holo elastics; one with a 16 and the other with a 20. The match kit I elasticated with a high quality 6 rated solid.

Simply put the Maver Jurassic Carp pole pole represents phenomenal value for the budget conscious pole angler.

Maver Jurassic Carp Pole

Length: 12.5m

Material :Carbon

Weight: 669g at 11m and 994 at 12.5m.

Supplied with 2 Match Power kits, 1 Match kit,Cupping kit, bag and instructional dvd

Shimano Super Baitrunner XTEA Review

You cant help but notice, when picking up the Shimano Super Baitrunner XTEA for the first time, the sheer quailty of the overall build and finish. The attention to detail is simply excellent. Built from grey graphite and accented in gunmetal with subtle logoing and supplied with two double anodised cold forged aluminium spools these are a tackle tarts dream carp reel.

The reel while stunning to look at also benefits from the latest generation of gearing, oscillation and drag systems which Shimano claim make it the best Bait Runner yet. A bold statement given it’s heritage and  highly regarded ancestry.

Graceful lines and a superb finish
make the Shimano Super Baitrunner XTEA
a stunning reel from any angle.

The Baitrunner release system has been improved over previous models to ensure almost instant conection to the fish upon the strike.

Having recently hauled a 22.5 lb common from the depths of my local clay pit, while other carpers were failing to land theirs due to the amount of snags and underwater hazards, I can personally vouch for the fact that Shimano have improved the high end tension system on the Bait Runner GTEA.

The Baitrunner control and rear drag system.

The drag control knob has combined coarse and fine tension adjustment. The inner ring of the control knob allows you to set the inital tension and the larger top part allowing fine control during the fight. The design of the rear drag control knob on the Shimano Baitrunner GTEA ensures easy and accurate adjustment even when struggling against the hardest of fighting fish. The drag system is quite possibly the best “fighting drag” system I have ever used.

A crank of the large balanced double handle retrieves a massive 87cm of line per revolution. With the 2 speed oscillation line lay, along with the Aero wrap, ensuring that the line is spooled perfectly for the next cast.

I have found that the improved line lay not only increased my ability to cast greater distances than with my previous set of reels, Bait Runner Aeros circa 1996, but also greatly improved my accuracy.

The addition of the servicing port on the XTEA makes keeping your investment oiled and in good working order a doddle. No more excuses from the idle anglers amongst us that reel upkeep is too complicated or time consuming.

8 Quality bearings ensure a smooth retrieve.

Ranging in size from the 5000 to the 10000 the Shimano Super Baitrunner XTEA’s are ideal for all small to medium sized waters and ensure that they will cover the majority of your UK freshwater specimen hunting

The Shimano Super Baitrunner XTEA has a recommended rrp of £139.99 but incredibly you can now source this superb piece of kit, with a little help from our friends at Google for under £100.00. This, in my opinion, makes the Shimano Super Baitrunner XTEA the best value carp reel on the market.

Shimano Baitrunner Aero 10000 XTE A features
Weight 600g
Gear Ratio 4.6:1
Capacity 350m/14lb
Line retrieve 870mm