[Edgey]

What is the considered opinion of the best value for money and protection?

I am looking for something that is lightweight, capable of giving me shelter for a all nighter and not too bulky, but by the same token, won't blow over in a sliught breeze. Similarly I don't want to have to spend £300 if I can avoid it.

 

[EoinMag]

I'd second the Ron Thompson for value and stability.
I've never had to use the guy ropes but then I haven't had it out in a massive blow yet, the sand on the fringes appears to hold it very steadily for me anyway.

 

[Bootster]

As above I've got a Ron Thompson too. I have used it in some right hoolies and the only drama is setting the damn thing up when you first get down there. However a bit of practice and it's no drama even in 30mph+ winds, and once up will remain rock steady without using the guy ropes. Juse make a little hole for each leg if you can't shove them in and make sure the flaps are well covered.

Bonus is that during the winter when it's really cold you can close one door and inside the shelter will get a few degrees warmer than outside and you can still see perfectly well.

 

[Edgey]

Many thanks for that, looks like the Ron Thompson will do the trick.

 

[Mackembow]

Have a look at the lidle thread,
http://www.worldseafishing.com/forums/showthread.php?t=62446&highlight=lidl
I think they're 8 quid this time

 

[big guy]

i've had a genuine beach buddy for 7 years and is just starting to get a bit tatty now. i've used it in up to force 9 winds and no probs.

TBH it depends how often you go fishing and in what amount of wind. anything force 6 or below and a ron thmpson will be spot on, if fishing in more than a force 6 then invest in the john holden buddy.

 

[Bass-ic Instinct]

The Lidl ones look ok for about a tenner, even if it only lasts a year or two its till good value. I heard the ones they had last time where good, at the moment i currently use a large Carp anglers umbrella which is like a brolly with sides to describe it best. I make do with it and its ok in lighter winds, the positives are that it is really simple to errect.

 

[mattman]

i got a leeda one for about £20 a few years ago and it still going strong

 

[kjp]

dont write off the shakespear navigator m8,its light weight easy to put up,ive had mine in a force 6 and with skirts loaded with pebbles and sand it did not budge an inch,no leaks at all,ive seen the other brands on the beach,they look great,the only reason i went for the navigator is because im 6ft 2in tall and the navigator gives a bit more head room.and at under £30 brand new its been great,check out photo all my gear is in there and chair,lovely and cosy when you have a northerly blowing down your neck. http://i152.photobucket.com/albums/s167/kjp0112007/lisasphotos188.jpg

 

[big guy]

i would deffo go for a shelter rather than a brolly, alot better on the beach.

i would say it's the old truth of you get what you pay for.

 

[kjp]

i would deffo go for a shelter rather than a brolly, alot better on the beach.

i would say it's the old truth of you get what you pay for.

ive had big brolley few years back,the bloody thing blew away,i had to chase it for about a quater of a mile ,it actually ended up blowing down a road,i think at one point it overtook a car !!! with me running behind like a bloody loony,it got so far i was begining to worry about my gear left back on the beach,i did eventually catch the sodding thing then i wished i had'nt i felt like a right prat walking back with what seemed like the whole bloody world watching and laughing at me,ive still got it in the shed ,i think thats where i'll leave it for now,although i could use it for sun screen in summer,(check wind first) :laugh: kjp.

 

[Bass-ic Instinct]

I will say i did have a Argos brolly once. It lasted a few sessions before it blew inside out represting a palm tree.

 

[crazyplums]

had my ron thompson over a year now, has been out in up to force 7 (gusting 9's) and has always stood firm,

i must've used it around 40-50 times and it's as good as new !

Hugh

 

[Edgey]

My client Edgey, "No idiot this is another thread" Ed.

Seriously guys thank you for the advice. Have gone for the RT which I found somewhere, can't remember where now for £39.95 plus postage of £8.50 so I feel an excellent deal.

Other than the mad posts which appear on this site now and again, and I can't think where they come from.Lol, the valued advice and fishing reports one can get from this site are beyond any price.

Many thanks.

 

[rdr1-1]

as with the majority mate, the ron thompson shelter really is fantastic. I was going to but the £100+ beach buddy but after a mate bought the ron thompson one, I changed my mind!! Had it around 4 years ago, always keep it back in its carry bag and it really is the best £45 ive spent!!:clap2:

 

[Bass-ic Instinct]

Well i will get one of those Aldi ones for £8 just to see what it is like. If its crap then theres nothing lost. Personally for comfort reasons i prefer to fish out of the back of my car if i can.

 

[ChezzieM]

ive had big brolley few years back,the bloody thing blew away,i had to chase it for about a quater of a mile ,it actually ended up blowing down a road,i think at one point it overtook a car !!! with me running behind like a bloody loony,it got so far i was begining to worry about my gear left back on the beach,i did eventually catch the sodding thing then i wished i had'nt i felt like a right prat walking back with what seemed like the whole bloody world watching and laughing at me,ive still got it in the shed ,i think thats where i'll leave it for now,although i could use it for sun screen in summer,(check wind first) :laugh: kjp.

priceless:clap3:

 

[ChezzieM]

i watched 2 john holden buddies, disintergrate like wet paper, during a gale on chesil.

I have an RT and its a good bit of kit.

 

[rdr1-1]

go for the ron thompson mate, top class piece of kit!

 

[codhead]

I've got a Ron Thompson too and it holds up fine, it even withstood the winds on Holderness on the 2nd day of the British Open, although the wind piled sand about 3' up the back of it. I've also got an "Instant Bivvy" that I bought from Revels Fishery in Dorset. They knock 'em out for £20 and although it ain't much use in a strong wind, it's got loads more room that a buddy, you can even stretch out and have a kip in it. It's a doddle to erect and collapse too.