Reviews

Since joining Browning last year some of the products that have really stood out for me have been the reels, and in particular the Sphere MgTi. For the money, these have some exceptional features that set them apart.

I use the 30-size reel alongside my Sphere 10’ Bomb +10% for catching carp on the feeder and straight lead and they make the perfect combination. The incredibly low weight of this set-up belies the quality and carp-stopping power it has, enabling me to land big carp quicker than ever before.  At just 250grams the 30-size reel really hits the spot for both leger and float work. 

The carbon fibre drag on these reels is absolutely silky-smooth, ideal if you like to play fish off a tight clutch. Alternatively, the lack of play in the machined handle means that backwinding is a lot more precise than on many reels. You can let the reel do the work without worrying about whether it will give line at their crucial moment.

Talking of precision, the line-lay is superb, thanks to the two-speed spool oscillation and stainless steel main shaft. This definitely aids accurate casting, thanks to the smoothness that the line leaves the spool. I know many anglers worry about damaging their main line when clipping up to give consistent distance, but the ‘line-friendly’ clip on the Sphere really lives up to its name and I don’t hesitate to use it when needed.

It might be the least important factor of all, but the reel looks awesome too. A real masterpiece of design that sets off the Sphere rods perfectly. The Sphere MgTi reels really are a quality piece of kit that I am proud to own.

Jon Whincup

The Sphere MgTi has really impressed me.

Fishing tight busy canal banks with an expensive pole like my Sphere Zero-G F1+ can be hazardous. Side shipping is a must as you can’t have you eyes everywhere at once and if you decide to ship behind, well you’re taking a big risk. 

The Grand Union Canal is a typical canal, busy and with the standard tight grassy verge to set up on. Standard pole rollers can be a bit too wide so this is where the Black Magic FB 35 S-Line Compact Rollers come into play. I always take two with me and these create a safe, sturdy platform to ship my pole down the bank, out of the way of walkers, joggers, cyclists and the narrow boats ‘rush-hour’ as they start their morning journey once the locks open. 

Weighing just over 1kg, around half the weight of more conventional rollers, and with a width of just 35cm these compact rollers are ideal for placing on my trolley making the often long walks to a swim that little bit easier. They are also good for uneven banks as all the legs are adjustable, extending between 25 and 40cm and the soft EVA rollers give my pole complete protection.   

Gary Ford

Since joining the Browning Team and purchasing my first piece of luggage, a 10+ tube Xitan Pole Holdall, I’ve slowly added to it, that’s how impressed I am.

My latest addition, and one that completes the range of Xitan luggage I now have, is the large Roller & Accessory Bag. This bag is big, with dimensions of 100cm (H) x 35cm (W) x 25cm (H) and simply swallows every long accessory up including all my pole rollers. Made from very durable, wipe clean and fully waterproof material creates a very practical piece of luggage, its good looking as well and certainly stands out from the crowd. 

Features include – large single compartment, heavy duty zips creating long opening for wide opening and easy access and carry handles for easy transportation.

This range of luggage covers every need of the modern angler.

Michael Corsini

If you are looking for a strong, quality landing net handle that will last for years then look no further. I’ve had my Power Handle for what seems an eternity, putting it constantly through a battering in the matches, yet guess what; it looks like new and simply takes everything I throw at it. 

There are two lengths available, both full carbon, the first which I use being 3.3m which has three sections and weighs 290g and the longer 4.4m four section handle that weighs in at 460g.    

There’s a reason why the Black Magic Power Handle has been around for so long and never been updated, it’s because it is a quality piece of kit!

Ryan Lewis

Although it’s early days for me using the new Champion’s method Robin & Krill I’m mighty impressed with its fish pulling powers as within minutes of feeding some down the margins of my local commercial I find carp with their tails out of the water!

Developed for big fish on the method feeder I’ve been having great success mixing, as shown on the packet, before simply placing into a pole cup and feeding down the edge. The venue I fish is shallow so there’s no need creating a ball as the fine particles make an irresistible cloud, slowly descending to the lake bed and attracting carp immediately.

The highlight of this groundbait has to be the addition of one of the best fish attractors ever made, Robin Red, a fish magnet! The bag shows the correct water content to mix to the perfect consistency, one that will form the perfect parcel on a method feeder or as I like, a cloud or fishy, spicy attractors that will have fish heading into your swim from all directions.

This is just one in the Champion’s Method range, available in 1 kg bags that will definitely catch you more fish. Give it a go, you won’t be disappointed.

Alec Roberts