New Direction Fishing Tackle: Butt Rests Review

Name: New Direction, Magnetic Butt Rest

Website: Amazon, eBay, ND tackle

Price: £6-7 Per Unit

Build Quality: 9/10

Usability: 9/10 (Any Rod Type)

Rating: 4.5/5

ND, Magnetic Butt Rest Overview

Hello, fellow angler, Welcome to another tackle review here at Lake Amenity, I’ve spent countless hours casting lines, chasing Big Carp, and taking in the tranquillity of nature. Over time, I’ve learned that the right gear can make all the difference. I don’t mean that fancy kit will catch you more, but it’s nice to have tackle that makes things that bit easier. That’s why, when I stumbled upon the Magnetic Fishing Rod Butt Rest from New Direction Tackle I knew I needed to have them. I couldn’t resist the opportunity to add this innovative tool to my tackle box.

In this review, I’ll not only share my firsthand experiences as a proud owner of this product but also shed light on the exceptional quality and undeniable convenience it has brought to my fishing. This is not a sales pitch whatsoever, just an everyday angler, giving my usual honest opinion on a product.

Key Features

Magnetic

As the name implies, these Magnetic Butt Rests offer a magnetic solution that truly matters and sets them apart from others on the market. The fact that you can fix one section to your rod handle without the need to unclip before striking makes them ideal for any angler, While the other securely fastens to your bank sticks or rod pod. This unique feature was the primary motivation behind my decision to buy them, as convenience ranks high on my list of priorities, just as I suspect it does for you.

What I particularly appreciate is the ability to keep one half firmly attached to my bank sticks, with the other half clipped onto my rods when I store them away. This simple yet ingenious feature allows me to resume my fishing sessions right where I left off during my previous outing. It might appear to be a minor detail to some, but there’s something inherently user-friendly about the magnetic aspect that elevates these butt rests to a whole new level of practicality and ease of use.

Adjustable Strap

New Direction has incorporated an adjustable rubber strap into the design. This ensures versatility across various rod types. These butt rests are not limited to Carp rods, in fact, I personally use them on a range of rod models, including the Sonik Xtractor Recons, Fox Horizon X3’s, and Feeder rods with cork handles.

With each of these rods having different handle diameters, the adjustable strap proves more than capable of securely fastening any rod type in place, making them solid and secure while fishing.

Build Quality

Strong Magnet

First, let’s address the crucial question: “Is the Magnet Strong Enough?” Without a doubt, the answer is a reassuring yes. The magnetic pull these butt rests provide is more than sufficient to keep your rods securely in place while you await that rapid take. Once you have a fish on, it takes minimal force to relieve the rod from your bank stick or rod pod. The ND Magnetic Butt Rests seem to be specifically designed to lift off vertically with somewhat ease but stay connected firmly when force is applied horizontally, further assuring that your rods are ready to take a bite at any time.

I admit I was sceptical myself before I bought these, but after numerous outings and countless uses, I can confidently say that my rods have remained steadfast in their rod rests at all times. As long as your reel’s drag is correctly set. These butt rests are undoubtedly up to the task and fully fit for their intended purpose.

Solid Materials

The materials used in the construction of these Butt Rests, based on my online research, include Aluminium for the main body, magnetic components within the central section, and rubber for the adjustable strap. In terms of quality, I must say that I’m thoroughly impressed. Despite enduring various weather conditions in the UK and often sharing storage space with other fishing gear, the paint finish and logo decal have remained in pristine condition.

When it comes to the rubber strap, it also appears to have excellent durability. Even with constant stretching due to their permanent attachment to my rods. I have yet to observe any signs of wear or breakage in the rubber material itself. This speaks volumes about the overall quality and longevity of these butt rests.

Magnetic Butt Rest, Pros & Cons

Pros

Magnetic Convenience
Versatile Compatability
Strong Magnetic
User-Friendly Design

Cons

While I currently find myself struggling to find fault with this bit of tackle, I believe it’s essential to provide you with a balanced assessment. In the spirit of offering a comprehensive review, I’d like to offer some aspects for consideration. Even when a product proves exceptional, acknowledging potential considerations ensures a well-rounded review for people like yourself.

Rubber Strap Breakage

Firstly, I want to bring attention to the rubber strap. Although I’ve extensively used these Butt Rests in most weather conditions, including challenging weather, it’s essential to note that I’ve owned them for only about 11 months as of the date of this article. Consequently, I’m yet to know their long-term durability with ongoing use. While they currently perform well with no issues, it’s realistic to acknowledge the possibility of future breakage in terms of the rubber strap as some comments I have seen mention the Rubber strap breaking, so this is why it has become a concern.

Potentially losing the Strap

Another aspect worth considering is that the rubber straps are entirely separate from the butt rests themselves. This separation introduces the potential for misplacement, especially if you frequently unclip them. For instance, if you own only one set for specific rods and wish to use them on others, there’s a risk of misplacing the rubber strap, which may lead to inconvenience in certain situations.

Pricing & Alternatives

Price

Now, let’s delve into the pricing aspect. These Butt Rests undoubtedly stand out as a less budget-friendly option. I personally acquired them for approximately £7 per unit, but as of the date of this article, you can find sets of 2, 3, and 4 on sites such as Amazon, with the following prices:

– £12.50 for a set of 2
– £18 for a set of 3
– £23.60 for a set of 4

While some anglers might find these prices slightly higher compared to the typical couple-of-pounds Butt Rests commonly available at local fishing stores. I firmly believe they offer excellent value for money. As mentioned earlier, my only real concern revolves around the rubber strap. I anticipate either losing or damaging it at some point. Nevertheless, I consider this a minor trade-off for the overall quality and convenience these Butt Rests bring to my fishing.

Alternatives

In this section, we’ll explore a couple of alternatives that I’ve thoroughly researched and believe can serve as counterparts to the ND Magnetic Butt Rests.

1. NASH, Butt Lock

Firstly, we have the Nash Butt Lock. This Butt rest is not magnetic but it has a locking system that works in such a way to make it easy to place your rods and release them. Also, it’s said, that these rest hold tight when a rapid take from a fish may occur.

These Butt Rests address a wide range of use cases according to my review study. Whether you’re engaged in standard fishing or require your rod to be fully clipped up, these Butt Rests should deliver. It’s said that Placing the rod down triggers the clip to snap shut, ensuring absolute security during even the most aggressive takes when clipped up. However, the design also allows for effortless release by lifting the rod vertically, smoothly returning the clamp to its open position.

These rest come with rubber-lined clamps that not only prevent slippage forward or backwards but also safeguard your rods from potential damage. With all that said, there is one major criticism of these butt rests and that’s the price. Averaging at around £15 per unit, they are pretty expensive if you ask me, but as you can imagine coming from a company like NASH they will be premium quality and probably last. I will let you decide what your overall thoughts are on these.

2. Guru Reaper Rod rests

Next in line, we have the Guru Reaper rod rests. Another set that I happen to own and have been using until recently. These rests are best when used with rods featuring cork handles or those with larger-diameter butt sections. I would advise against using them with slim-style Carp rods, unless, of course, they happen to be equipped with a cork handle. Primarily designed for match fishing style rods, but nevertheless offer a secure and reliable rod rest option.

The Reaper butt rests are made from a durable yet flexible plastic material, with a distinctive orange rubber midsection. This rubber component provides an excellent grip, ensuring your rods stay securely in place when seated at rest.

In terms of price, these typically retail for around £10 per unit. Given Guru’s reputation for producing high-quality tackle with longevity, I believe these rests are not a bad investment.

Review Conclusion

Ultimately, the ND Butt Rests offer excellent value for money, with options for sets of 2, 3, or 4 available to fit specific set ups. Their overall quality and convenience outweigh any minor concerns, like the Rubber Strap, making them a worthwhile investment for all anglers.

I feel that I have covered everything within this article that I can when it comes to this product, but if you feel different and there is something else I should add then please leave a comment below with any questions you may have. Thank you for reading and For more product reviews, regarding New Direction Tackle, please see below.