We're calling it the TBR 2 . . . . as in Trafford Barbel Rest (2 rod)
Literally just out on sale this week, after the final touches have been put to it, it really does look a smart piece of kit and is incredibly practical as well as being possibly the finest tripod available in the u.k, solely designed and conceived with barbel anglers in mind.
Am i bragging? well yes of course. . . . . it was my idea! Born out of neccessity, i've been having a nightmare on an undisclosed stretch of the Ribble getting my banksticks in certain pegs. . . . untill i started toying around with the idea of using my beachcasting tripods to get around the problem. This works to a degree but they are made for beachcasting and are not ideal so i had to get my thinking cap on. . . .
And this is the result . . . .. . . . .
The first thing you will notice is that the rest has a nice 'chunky' look and feel to it. Pick it up though, and it's deceivingly light - weighing in at just over a kilo (2lb 5oz with the double head and cups on to be precise).
It's overall length is approx 38 inch's and it extends from roughly 3 foot to 6 foot, more than enough for 99.9 % of conditions/pegs you're ever likely to come across !
It is incredibly stable, i fished last wednesday night (27th sept) when the wind was literally howling through the tree's, i was out on a shingle bank - so the points on the banksticks weren't even 'dug in'. . . . . . . well, actually i lie. . . mine's the pre-production 'test' model and hasn't even got points on the feet so that just goes to show you how stable it is !
Tripod legs in detail below, showing the 18mm chunky legs and solid turned aluminium points.
Everything on the pod locks up solid for transportation, the legs lock into the bottom block that holds the twin cups, the cups can even be turned in-line without taking them off the tripod. Also a handy manouver if you're resting the butts on the floor but don't want to take bits off, just in case you want to put the rods back in the cups later in the session. Shown with cups 'in-line' below.
Every possible way and means of 'twist' has been looked into and resolved; the inner centre telescopic tube has been fixed solid so it can't move, the adjuster on the outer part of the centre has been 'crimped' to stop any movement and the cups lock up securely by a metal thumbscrew that tightens on to a plastic 'tongue' - which in turn tightens on to the legs - so it doesn't even mark the legs or take off any off the black powder coating !
The top block houses the twin rod bar that you screw your rod rest heads of choice on to. Again, this is absolutely solid - it's impossible for the bar to twist as it is locked flat on to the spreader block. You can also just see in the picture below, a 'hanging hook'. This would normally be used (in sea fishing) to hang a bag of sand or shingle on in bad weather to help stabalize the pod, i've had it left on to hang a bait bucket on or a candle lamp/light etc.
Another really important point is that this barbel rest has been designed and manufactured totally in the U.K ! This is no cheap chinese import and all parts are readily available should you have a 'little accident' !
It is only available from us, and all parts have been manufactured for us by the countries leading tripod maker. When they come in to us, we then do the final modifications to get everything 'locking up' solid, so we see the final product completed here at the shop, and inspect them all to make sure every one goes out to you as perfect as it can be.
Which rod rest's would i recommend to go with it ???
This one . . . . . .
These are my personall choice, usually called 'swingrest's' as they have a weighted 'disc' below the line-drop, that lets it find its own level. You simpy drop the rod into the rest and it will tilt to hold the rod perfectly every time. They have a good, deep line drop and high sides to prevent the rods 'blowing out' in bad wether, i've certainly never had a rod blow out of mine yet and i've been using these for about four years !
Again - available throught the website and at only £1.99 each they're a bargain !
How much is the TBR 2 then i hear you ask . . . . . . . . . .
Well it's going to be £39.99 . . . . . BUT ! . . . .
for now, to get it established, and put it at a similar price to the only other 'barbel rest' i've seen on the market - us nice chaps at Trafford are going to have a special introductory offer price of . . . . . . . . £ 34.99 (plus p+p if mail order)
The barbel rest of course, has a full 12 month guarantee against faulty parts etc etc, we can't unfortunately guarantee that you're going to get a bite a chuck using it, but you can certainly brag to your pals and show off - point and laugh etc etc as you see their rods sailing downstream after being pulled in, while you sit smiling smugly to yourself!
check it out here on the website !
Trafford TBR 2 Barbel Tripod
