|
|
| | | Belch | | Posts: 4322 |  | | MODERATOR | |
|
In reply to Post #16
Still the same / similar issue with Tempests unless you've got a newer RS which presumably makes life a bit easier - prefer the Ultralite as you can erect / pack up, standing up!
|
|
|
|
In reply to Post #10
They are good, had a couple over the years but still prefer the tempest design. The thing that always bugged me about pramhoods is the pack up, if they are wet you can’t not get soaked collapsing it down, especially if you are trying to not lay it down in the mud which isn’t easy.
|
|
| | | Belch | | Posts: 4322 | | | MODERATOR | |
|
In reply to Post #12
Pramhoods def bullet proof and if I ever returned to fishing windswept pits in the middle of winter (unlikely) then an OG Aqua or Trakker Mk1 Armo would def be the bivvy of choice.
Not sure about the peak addition being the best variant however - these just added a 'sail' for the wind to get under IME and they were better without (as a storm shelter) . . .
Sure they will get a revival at some stage in the not too distant!
|
|
|
|
I’ve never really joined the Tempest craze.
I fish generally a week Mon - Fri as my syndicate is a fair distance away to justify the fuel costs and because I’m retired, so a quick erect bivvy isn’t my first need although TBH the difference in setup times between a Tempest and a pramhood is negligible, especially Tempest brolly fully kitted out with all the gubbins.
I have two Aqua Union Jack Bivvies - an Armo and an M3. M3 is the go to bivvy and I have various U/J over wraps both Extended and super extended. I like the M3 because as well as the zip off front and peak it has the big mesh windows at the front and can be fitted with the clear windows both on the bivvy and the overwrap so is light inside and gives you a good view of the lake but also rain protection.
The Armo is used when barrowing long distances and its 5 pole breakdown gives it a smaller pack up size on the barrow. Although it hasn’t got the windows or zip off front and peak the front can be tied back and the windows on an M3 wrap are then used.
These two cover literally every option I need and being original UK made are still going strong some 15 years on. I’ve never felt the need to change and will out perform some of the more modern ones.
|
|
|
|
In reply to Post #12
I went for a solar instead, half the price and I've been very happy with it
|
|
|
|
In reply to Post #10
Ignore the "chinese built" haters .... as you say, they are all built abroad now and if they were built in the UK the same people would have a fit over the price!.
Ive had a few Titan and Tempest style bivvies in the past (which i since sold on, though still have the Tempest brolly version) but have always kept the pramhood bivvies i have accumulated (inc early UK made Aqua MK1, MK2, 1Man, 2Man), and a Trakker Superdome as well as a couple of Trakker Cayman Bivvies. The Cayman in particular is a gem of a bivvy (i still have a couple of brand new Caymans with wraps in loft that i bought for a steal when they were discontinued). I wouldnt part with any of them!
Pramhood wins in every way for me. A peaked version pramhood It is the best designed bivvy ever made imo. They are generally bomb proof, very easy to pit up and rock solid. I would expect the M4 to be no different.
I say go for it. If i ever need another bivvy (which is unlikely!  ) .... i wouldnt hesitate to buy an Aqua M4.
|
|
|
|
|
Do they fade quickly to brown like the M3?
|
|
|
|
Bumping this.
Any long term feedback on the M4. I was an Aqua fan in the old days and armos could withstand anything nature threw at them
Appreciate no longer made on these shores but not many (if any) bivvys are these days.
Cheers
|
|
|
|
In reply to Post #8
I haven't bent any lol I've repaired 2. My nylon v2 is bomb proof poles brilliant and fabric drys a treat. The advanced I bought of someone has a cracked pole and needs replacing the reason being I think is leaving the front on. Which he told me he did.
|
|
|
|
In reply to Post #7
Had the same issue with the nuts and bolts, never had any poles bend mind you must be user error as a bit of force would be needed when not erected correctly, you're right about the rain too.
I have the Aquatex V2.
|
|
|
|
In reply to Post #6
I've been using Tempests since they first launched, and I’ve never experienced a single bent pole. As for the rain, I’ve only had issues when it's directly hitting the bivvy—something no bivvy design can fully prevent. The only minor issue I encountered with the old V2 was the nuts and bolts on the block gradually coming loose over time.
It's worth noting that the new M4 is significantly heavier than the M3. Plus, there are currently no accessories like overwraps or superwraps available for the M4, and spare parts are hard to come by for both models. So, keep that in mind if you’re prone to bending poles!
|
|
|
|
In reply to Post #5
Bending poles m8 and also when raining the design of the front let's it all in. And yes I have a peak. I prefer my v2 compared to advanced the nylon drys so quickly and is lighter. But no vents so red hot in summer
|
|
|
|
|
Im not sure what the m4 offers over a tempest. What do you not like about the tempest?
|
|
|
|
In reply to Post #1
Find a union jack m3 on Facebook or wherever, see them go regularly for £300 with wraps in mint condition, will be a much better quality bivvy for half the price including a wrap.
|
|
|
|
In reply to Post #2
Chinese, so probably about as good as all the others on the market....
|
|
|
|
In reply to Post #1
Tackle Tavern have reduced it already,£564.99 for the 100 size
|
|
|
|
|
Hi getting a bit fed up with my tempests. Has anyone bought the new aqua m4
|
|
