Total Protection

There’s no brand in the world quite like ESP. In the last 15 years, it has transcended from its end tackle roots (and remember these guys brought us the first proper Chod hook and hooklink material) to become masters of just about everything, from rods and clothing to pop-ups and luggage. Today, as part of their 2015 collection, they’ve reinvented and reworked their already legendary Quiver System, adding numerous new and clever features along with giving it a price tag which we promise you’ll think is incorrect.

The Big Questions...

Well go on then, how cheap is cheap?
ESP has always represented outstanding value for money, but they’ve really excelled themselves with the Quiver System. The 3 Rod model retails for just £25.95! The 4 Rod is £27.95 and the 5 Rod is £29.95. And that’s for the complete system: the quiver and the top sleeve!

You’re not wrong, that’s amazing! Okay, I’m thoroughly impressed with the price, now tell me a bit about the product…
Well, as you now know, there are three sizes available – 3, 4 and 5 Rod and each one is made from their renowned hardwearing fabrics but are designed to be lightweight and functional whilst offering plenty of protection to the rods.

How does a quiver offer protection?
Now this is the really clever bit. First off the quiver features a pocket for the rod butts which covers the handle all the way up to the reel – no other quiver system does this. There’s then Velcro/webbing straps to attach the rod at the upper end.

Sounds good, but what about the top half of the rods?
This is where the sleeve comes in. Although it’s not padded, it does have a double layering of fabric at the top which sits over the butt rings/rod tips. This sleeve is really there to offer extra protection to your line and guides and on 12ft rods the sleeve comes right down to just above the reels, so along with the full-length butt pockets which we just mentioned, it means the rods are completely covered in transit.

Nice touch. Are they any other features I should know about?
There’s plenty. At the base of the rod butt pocket is a small webbing loop designed to make picking the quiver up easier when loading a vehicle etc. The adjustable padded shoulder strap is anchored to the body of the quiver with webbing loops which are box stitched for extra security. This method does away with any plastic attachments on the anchor points which can become embrittled with use, resulting in a weak point, especially in cold weather.

That’s a really good idea. What’s on the reverse then?
Well, let us tell you about the central compartment first. It’s easily accessed with the aid of a three-quarter length chunky zip, making it easier to accommodate bulkier shelters and nets etc. The smaller 3 Rod version is perfect for oval brollies and slimmer shelters whereas the 4 and 5 Rod models have a larger capacity for slightly bulkier shelters. Right, on to the reverse. There are two bankstick pockets, a short one which is perfect for 12-inch banksticks and bivvy pegs and a longer one designed for longer banksticks and storm poles.

Oh, and what about those reel pouches I can see?
Those are designed to complement the system and to offer a simple solution to reel protection. The pouches are made from the same hardwearing material as the quivers and sleeves with the addition of a slick nylon lining. They simply secure around the reel using a drawstring and they are large enough to accommodate the biggest of the big pit reels. Multiple pouches can be clipped together using the integrated snap-lock buckles and this keeps the reels together in transit, stopping them knocking together and generally keeps everything tidy. It’s a nice additional extra, especially when you hear the price: just £6.95 each!