Nash Slap Heads
It started with a kiss. Actually, it didn’t. Like all ‘the-next-best-thing’ in tackle, it started from its predecessor – and Nashy’s new Slap Heads are better than ever
Back in early 2008, renowned carp angler and world-acclaimed tackle designer, Kevin Nash was tinkering with his bobbins. He found that whilst the PTFE (polytetrafluoroethylene) diddy indicator head had become the trademark for ultimate ‘carpiness’, their functionality had one fundamental flaw: line clip tangles. 12-months later and he’d solved the problem: Slap Heads – an indicator head which featured no external line clip.
By removing the line clip, Kevin had to find a new way of holding the line. The answer was simple yet bloody tricky to execute: build an integrated, self-tensioning line gate, and then add in a smooth, rounded head to ensure a snag-free operation and he’d cracked it. Well, not quite. Whilst the concept was sound, the manufacturing wasn’t, and 12-months after their launch the Slap Heads were removed from the Nash Trade List.
Seven years and a new manufacturing plant later and the Slap Heads are back, this time featuring the simplest but most reliable line connection yet. Inside that uber smooth exterior is a new ball bearing, magnet and spring mechanism that clicks the main line securely into the gate of the heads but disengages the instant the rod is picked up.
The range has also been increased, with four weights of head – 6, 10, 20 and 40g – which will cover every tactical approach and any conditions from slack lining to extreme-range work. And here’s the real clever part: as the size and weight of the Slap Head increase, said unique line retention system strengths correspondingly to prevent premature line release when using larger drag weights or on violent takes.
Along with the original chains, there’s now a swinger arm – Strong Arm (Kevin’s weapon of choice – see interview) – which also comes in a lush black anodised finish, plus there’s two colours of head, Black or White, a range of five coloured isotopes, drag weights and magnetic brackets.
Whilst the original Slap Heads offered cutting edge indication in the most practical format – no external fittings, clips or features to break – this twenty-sixteen version now comes with the best line mechanism ever conceived, offer outstanding reliably, plus a larger range of heads and accessories. nashtackle.co.uk
The spec
Weights: 6, 10, 20 and 40g
Colours: Black or White
Chains: Black in 8 and 20cm lengths
Arms: 8 and 14cm, plus a ‘Loaded’ 14cm version
Lightening: Lit by 11 x 3mm isotopes
Price: Heads, from £7.49; Chains, from £7.49; Strong Arm, from £12.99; Bracket, £9.99; Drag Weights, £4.99; Isotopes, £14.99
On-sale: Now