Large Landing Net: 42″ Carp Net Review
Name: Sonik Xtractor Landing Net
Website: Amazon, eBay, Angling Direct
Net Type: Carp Net
Net Size: 42 Inches
Price: £45
Rating: 7/10
Introduction
Sonik Xtractor Carp Landing Net: An Unbiased Review for Anglers
In the world of carp angling, having the right equipment can often be the difference between a successful day on the water and a frustrating one. As an angler myself, I know that unbiased, informative reviews are essential to making informed decisions about the gear we invest in.
Today, I will take you through everything you need to know about the Sonik Xtractor Carp Landing Net and provide you with an honest assessment of its Features & performance. With many venues mandating the use of a 42-inch net for carp fishing, this review aims to help you determine if the Sonik Xtractor is the ideal choice to enhance your angling experience. So, let’s dive in and explore the features, benefits, and drawbacks of this CarpNet.
Main Features
Material & Build Quality
Handle Design
The handle and net arms are made from stiff carbon composite material. Something to add is the fact that the handle is telescopic design and is 1.86m in length when fully extended, so it is fairly stable when trying to land a fish. The telescopic aspect is a nice sought-after design feature if you ask me, it allows for quick assembly and disassembly before and after your session. I have had no issues with the telescopic aspect of the design as of yet and has not become any hindrance in terms of performance or practicality.
Spreader Block
The Soniks Spreader block is described as a ” Tough Glass Filled Nylon spreader block”. Up to now, it is hard to argue with this, I have taken the net through its paces by landing quite a few decent carp with it, so I would say it holds up to the products description, for now anyway.
Mesh Type
The mesh netting material on the Sonik Xtractor net is pretty standard stuff if I’m honest. It does seem to be hardwearing and strong which is all you need really. One thing that you need to know is that this net is 42″ wide and 95cm in depth so it’s a very deep net.
This is good and bad if you ask me. Having a deep net is necessary if not mandatory in some situations but just bear in mind that this 95cm depth sometimes has the tendency to get caught on snags on the bottom of the lake when trying to land fish in shallow water.
Lightweight & Compact
The Sonik Xtractor net is absolute featherweight, it can be effortlessly pieced together within seconds, and has a transport length of 127cm (44 inches). This means it will fit into any rod holder just nicely.
This review is specifically about the Sonik Xtractor (T44) landing Net. If you require something even more compact then you have the option to choose the Sonik Xtractor Recon Landing Net. I will go into more detail about this later on in the article.
Peformance & Durability
Seen as though the net is 42″ and has plenty of depth, it is obviously designed to land for the largest Carp out there. Anybody who is into Carp fishing would agree that 42 inches is the go-to size and is a must-have. Although I have mentioned that it is pretty stable when landing fish, I would take into consideration that 1.86m does not always give you enough length in my opinion.
At times when trying to land stubborn Fish or when you are trying to net the fish in an awkward location it would definitely be preferred to have a longer handle, at least 3 meters.
The downside here is that the telescopic handle does not seem to have the compatibility to be extended further with extra sections. Having a long handle would be ideal at times, but in all fairness, most of the nets out there have similar handle lengths with a few exceptions so, I have added an alternative for you later on.
Handling carp
On the upside, the net is easy to take apart and roll up once you have a carp in the net. The net arms fit tightly in to the spreader block so there is no need to worry about the net falling apart when trying to land fish.
Before we move on remember one thing, DO NOT try and lift the net completely out of the water once you have a fish in it regardless of its size. This may seem obvious to some, but I still see it happen from time to time when I’m out fishing. This will most definitely end in tears, as your net will break either at the spreader block or on the handle at some point while doing this. I do not mean to come across as patronizing, it’s more for people just starting out who may not be aware.
Durability
Sonik build some pretty decent quality products in my opinion and all for a reasonable price as well. The same goes for this landing net. I have had mine for quite a while now and used it on many occasions with no sign of breakage anywhere. Also, I have had it out in all weathers and yet to see any water damage or defects on the net handle or the Mesh itself. Overall it seems to be a good purchase.
For more Sonik product reviews, feel free to visit some of the link below…
Price £45 (Price may vary)
While there may be higher-end landing nets available, the Sonik Xtractor Carp Landing Net proves that you don’t need to empty your wallet to own a reliable piece of Carp fishing tackle.
At around £45, it provides an accessible entry point for both novice and seasoned anglers without overspending. So, whether you’re a budget-conscious angler or simply looking for a cost-effective addition to your gear, I believe the Sonik Xtractor Carp Landing Net offers an exceptional blend of affordability and quality as usual.
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Quality Assured
- Lightweight Compact
- Reasonable Price
- Conveneint
Cons
- Handle Length: While the 1.86-meter telescopic handle is stable and convenient, it might not always provide the necessary reach for landing stubborn or fish in awkward locations. A longer handle, exceeding 3 meters, could be preferred in such situations.
- Non-Extensible Handle: The telescopic handle does not have the compatibility to be extended further with extra sections, limiting its reach potential.
- Shallow Water Challenges: The 95cm depth of the net, while suitable for most situations, can occasionally get caught on snags when attempting to land fish in shallow water, requiring careful manoeuvring.
- Fish Handling Caution: It’s essential to exercise caution when using the net to land fish. Attempting to lift the net entirely out of the water with a fish inside can lead to damage, particularly at the spreader block or handle, so proper fish-handling practices are a must.
User Feedback, Reviews
Sonik Sports
Angling Direct
Amazon
Alternatives
Sonik Xtractor Recon
Let’s start by talking about the Sonik Xtractor Recon landing net. It shares the same 42-inch size and a 2-meter handle as the standard Sonik Xtractor, but what sets it apart is its breakdown size, which measures just 30 inches when packed away.
This compact design makes it 14 inches shorter in storage than its counterpart, the standard Sonik Xtractor. However, this added convenience does come at a slightly higher cost. You can expect to invest approximately £50-£55 when purchasing it from Angling Direct, while the price may rise to around £60 on platforms like Amazon or eBay.
If you’re on the lookout for a compact kit range, the Sonik Xtractor Recon landing net could be the ideal choice.
DNA 42″ Net by NGT.
One notable alternative to consider is the DNA 42″ Net by NGT. I’ve singled out this particular net due to my positive experiences with various NGT products, which have consistently offered a good balance between affordability and quality. While NGT may not be known for making the highest-tier products, I can genuinely say that I’ve yet to encounter any significant drawbacks with their fishing tackle.
Available for a budget-friendly £27.89 on Amazon, the DNA 42″ Net stands out as an excellent value. What’s even more enticing is its impressive 3-meter telescopic handle, providing over a meter of extra reach compared to the Sonik net reviewed in this article.
In fact, I came across this net in a local angling shop and was genuinely tempted to buy it myself. The primary reason I opted for the Sonik net was my commitment to match parts of my fishing tackle – Sonik in my case. However, if the brand isn’t a critical factor for you, NGT might just be the perfect choice of landing net.
42″ Rubber NGT Landing Net.
My next suggestion is yet another offering from NGT. While I’ve already introduced you to an NGT alternative, this one stands out for an essential feature – rubberised mesh. I’ve experienced the benefits of rubberised mesh with my Fox Warrior R70 net, and I can’t stress enough how superior it is to standard fabric mesh. Let’s take a look at some of the advantages:
1. Easier to Clean: Rubber mesh is notably easier to clean, and does not leave as much of that fishy lake odour afterwards.
2. Better Durability: rubberised mesh adds an extra protective barrier between the mesh itself and the outdoor elements, ensuring longevity and reliability.
3. Quick Drying: It dries swiftly, preventing the growth of mould and preventing damp odours when driving back from your fishing session.
4. Fish-Friendly: Rubber mesh is exceptionally gentle on the fish, minimizing the risk of scale damage and ensuring a smoother release process.
To add to the above, this net is equipped with a metal spreader block, a significant advantage over plastic ones. Metal blocks are renowned for their durability, providing lasting performance over time.
While I don’t have the exact information on the handle length, I estimate it to be around 2 meters as this is pretty standard. On the plus side, the net appears to be less deep than the Sonik Xtractor net, making it more manageable once a fish is landed. This consideration adds to the net’s practicality and makes it a compelling choice if you ask me.
Review Conclusion
In this review, I’ve aimed to give you a good look at the Sonik Xtractor 42″ Carp Landing Net. We’ve talked about what it offers, how it can help your fishing, and what to think about. If you have questions or need more info, please drop a comment below. I’m here to help with anything you’re wondering about.
For more reviews and similar stuff, you can check out the sections mentioned or head to our review section on the website. Thanks for reading and choosing Lake Amenity as part of your product research.
martin@lakeamenity.com
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