Daiwa Foldloader & Freeloader Barrows

Load. Lift. Swear. Too heavy. Unpack. Repack. Lift. Still too heavy and unbalanced. Why does CARPology never learn? Why do we, like you, follow a barrow packing routine that leaves our arms two-inches longer once we get to our chosen pitch? Ponder no more, CARPologists, because Daiwa Sports has two solutions: the Foldloader and the Freeloader. It isn’t our packing routine – it’s the barrow we’ve previously been using – it doesn’t distribute the weight, hence why it always feels so bloody heavy, but with either of these two, Daiwa have our backs (quite literally)...

The Big Questions

Say what?! Daiwa are selling a wheelbarrow?
Granted, the words ‘Daiwa’ and ‘wheelbarrow’ don’t often end up in the same sentence, but the Scottish-based reel and rod behemoths have been producing luggage items and barrows for over a decade now, and whilst the others have been good, the Foldloader - a Transformer style barrow - and the Freeloader, are two of the best we’ve ever seen or used.

So what’s so special about Foldloader?
It’s a Barrow Transformer! Seriously. Thanks to its “fast fold down” design, it takes up less space in transit but still delivers plenty of capacity in use. There’s detachable sides and the handles (that clip to underside for storage) are fully adjustable so you can set them to the optimum position in relation to your height. It also comes with side panniers which are ideal for storing all manner of ‘need-in-an-instant’ items, such as bait, food, drink, sunnies and the like.

That sounds pretty darn clever! But what’s the build like?
Very impressive, and the finer details are on point too. The large, easy-grip thumbscrews laugh all over standard locking bolts you usually find and that can be a nightmare to tighten/loosen. The handles feature ergonomically sculpted grips and there’s large mud feet to take the load of all that kit you insist is “essential”.

The Foldloader and Freeloader in their packed down positions

Like! How does the Foldloader differ to the Freeloader then?
This beast just soaks up fishing tackle and bait thanks to its ‘fold flat’ feature! With an extending front bar and sides (which can also be removed), the Freeloader offers adequate flat space for up to two Infinity Barrow Cases. To give that some context, each case measures 70(W) x 40(D) x 26cm(H) - so that’s a lot of storage! Just like the Foldloader, it’s fully adjustable; from an extending and folding front support bar for a holdall to the extendable and detachable folding sides to the two telescopic legs.

Clearly it’s very spacious! How does it packdown though?
It folds flat - even with the wheel attached - for easy storage. Flip the legs, sides and front bar in, remove the handles (via those chunky thumbscrews again!) and it’s job done. And talking of handles, once again these are made from steel and come equipped with durable hand grips.

And when erected, you can see how much kit they’ll hold

Loaded up and ready to rock and roll!

Can you tell me a bit more about the luggage items?
Sure. They come under the ‘Infinity’ umbrella - that’s the same one as both of these barrows - and that’s Daiwa’s flagship luggage brand (the other two are Black Widow and Mission) so the materials and craftsmanship is second-to-none. Think: 1200 denier fabrics, heavy-duty two-way zips and EVA carry handles. The range covers all the key items we require: carryalls, rod holdall, quiver, rod sleeve, lead cases, accessory cases, rig wallet, and of course the Barrow Case System that we mentioned earlier which features four wall pockets that have been designed to house your alarms, rig wallet(s), etc.

Finally then, how do they shape up price-wise?
The Foldloader retails for £189.99 - and remember: you’re also getting two panniers included in that price. And the Infinity Freeloader, which comes supplied with two bungee straps, comes in at £159.99. Both are exceptionally well made and the durable paintwork isn’t just practical, it’s also “carpy” looking - which is also a bonus in our book.