Fox goes size-zero
Following on from their market-changing Supa Brolly, Fox have put this award-winning shelter on a diet and this is the result…
Let’s face it, the angling world isn’t short of brolly shelters, be it ovals or pram-hoods – so it takes something pretty special to stand out. We’re not in the habit of flinging out awards for anything that turns up; it needs to be something with a list of truly unique fixtures and fittings. The original Supa Brolly which Fox launched back in May 2012 fulfilled that requirement and since that fateful day, like the original pram-hood which was launched some 14-years-ago, the Supa Brolly has spawned many copies.
Now whilst the original Supa Brolly was truly epic, it was big, which is great for those who like to live like a king whilst bankside, but Fox soon become inundated with requests for a smaller shelter – one for a tighter swim, one which could be packed away quicker and one which didn’t require such a large holdall.
Enter: the Compact. This is Fox’s second generation Supa Brolly – and it landed in the office’s front garden at the beginning of 2014 when Fox’s Head of Media, Lewis Porter turned up with one for a “test set-up/sleep in”. Where the original’s spec sheet read: ‘60-inch (152cm)’, this newer version has shrunk down to 50-inch (127cm). In addition to this more slim-line frame, the Compact also benefits from two mozzy mesh panels at the rear for increased airflow.
Where the similarities meet again, is, just like the original, Fox have used their ingenious Self-Tensioning System (STS) which gives increased head room so you no longer bang your head on the spokes which in the Compact’s case are made from 8mm fibreglass so the whole shelter is extremely strong yet lightweight.
Stability has always been the Supa Brolly’s forte (and like the ‘STS’, it’s one of the many unique features Fox brought to the table with the original which many companies have now copied) and the Compact’s no different thanks to having four back ribs touching the ground. An optional fibreglass front support rib is supplied which can simply be slipped into place to give further stability and create an apex peak at the front for better drainage when it rains. There’s also a front drainpipe to divert rain from dripping off the front of the brolly – a common problem on most shelters. And along with adjustable pegging points to allow height variation and two rod retaining straps that, in a nutshell, is the new Supa Brolly Compact from Fox. But there is actually more…
In addition to this open-fronted brolly, Fox have also produced an all-singing, all-dancing complete package called the ‘Compact System’. Boasting all of the same great features as the standard Supa Brolly System, this 50-inch version also benefits from the two mozzy mesh panels at the rear and comes complete with the following: front panel which is fully removable using one heavy-duty 10mm zip; two-way heavy-duty door zip; solid and mozzy mesh door and side panels.
The range has something for everyone and is a brilliant go-anywhere, in any-weather shelter that won’t hit the bank balance too hard. “Supa Brolly Compact, you’re already a hero.”
“GIMME”: Supa Compact Brolly, £199.99; Supa Compact Brolly System, £299.99; Mozzy Mesh, £39.99; foxint.com
What's included?
On top of the brolly you’ll find two 24-inch storm poles which don’t need to be removed when packed down; there’s a looped locking collar which is great for hanging items such as lamps and receivers; 10 heavy-duty pegs; heavy-duty groundsheet; carry bag; and a neoprene protective sock.
Supplied with the complete system...
There’s a full zip-in (single 10mm heavy-duty zip) mozzy mesh front with reinforced pegging points and elasticated storm pole toggles, along with a clear PVC door panel. The System comes with four storm poles, two 24-inch and two 48-inch, the same looped locking collar, heavy-duty groundsheet and neoprene protective.
Wait! There's more...
And to complete this ‘Compact’ collection, Fox are introducing a Supa Brolly Compact Mozzy Mesh which is designed to offer essential protection from annoying insects during the warmer months. It simply attaches to brolly by being threaded onto the fibreglass front support pole and comes with reinforced multiple pegging points and is supplied in carry bag.