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Posts: 49
| I just bought a huge ''GreenTrail'' XL Musky net from a local retailer for only 85$. I've never heard of this company before. It seemed like a good deal and I have 15 days to return if I change my mind. Does anyone know anything about this net? I can't find a website or anything about them.
The connection between the hoop and the handle is kind of strange and is what worries me most. It's held together by an aluminum block with 4 wood screws that screw into some form of plastic tubing which is all that retains the screws from falling out and allowing the hoop from sliding off. Is this normal for net construction? By the way, only 3/4 screws actually make contact with the plastic tubing, one screw can spin forever in both directions. That brings me to another dislike of this net, I don't think I could get it apart even if I wanted to. The screws don't seem to want to come off.
Should I return it and order a Frabil 9530 you think (twice the price)? |
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Posts: 50
Location: North Central PA | don;t care what you get but that net sounds flawed. You will probably only want one net for a lifetime so get it right at the start. The old adage you get what you pay for might apply here. |
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Location: Sawyer County, WI | As dear old Dad used to say, "Buy quality, cry once".
Go with a Frabill, you won't regret it. |
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Posts: 572
| why keep something you say you dislike???? You point out why you won't be happy with it. So, why are you asking for someone to change your mind? Return it now........ |
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Posts: 2687
Location: Hayward, WI | It sounds like something I'd be nervous about, and $85 is still a lot of money to spend on something you don't like.
I bought a Frabill Big Game net 7 or 8 years ago and it still appears to be as strong as when new. I have little doubt that I'll still be using it 7-8 years from now.
How confident are you that this $85 net will last for 15 years?
I have a hard time parting with my money, but I have learned it often pays (financially, peace of mind, level of enjoyment, etc.) to spend a little more upfront for good equipment. |
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Posts: 2687
Location: Hayward, WI | By the way, I would recommend the Frabill Big Game Powercatch 8425. That's what I have and the netting is very thick, durable, and seems to be quite fish friendly.
I'd worry about the conservation series netting getting knotted into a bird's nest when a fish rolls up in it. Joe Bucher's nets have always looked like they are prone to tangling due to their thin, light weight netting. The conservation series LOOKS similar. I have not used the conservation series, but my experience with the heavier weight netting has been very positive. |
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Posts: 633
Location: Madison, WI | There is a conservation series net with the thick rubber netting. I had one it's just a little smaller then the power catch |
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Posts: 260
Location: Almost Heaven | Ah, just keep it and tell everybody what a good deal you got. Then end up paying double for a good net when that one fails. Then the wife can put the "cheap" net in the yearly garage sale for 10 bucks. That's what would happen to me. LOL |
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Posts: 209
| Thanks looking to "cry once enjoy forever" and want one good net.
Thanks
ccurleytail - 4/2/2014 11:52 AM
By the way, I would recommend the Frabill Big Game Powercatch 8425. That's what I have and the netting is very thick, durable, and seems to be quite fish friendly.
I'd worry about the conservation series netting getting knotted into a bird's nest when a fish rolls up in it. Joe Bucher's nets have always looked like they are prone to tangling due to their thin, light weight netting. The conservation series LOOKS similar. I have not used the conservation series, but my experience with the heavier weight netting has been very positive. |
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Posts: 49
| Ok so I followed your advice and went with the 8425 BigGame. I will be returning the other net sometime today. The build quality and sturdiness is definitely above the 'GreenTrail' net I bought earlier. Only thing that bothers me about the Frabill is the factory smell from the coating on the net. It stinks up my entire home! Any tips on how to get rid of this awful plastic smell? Also the net doesn't keep it's shape very much. I guess that it will break in eventually. |
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Posts: 164
Location: Twin Cities | Net a muskie!  |
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Posts: 2687
Location: Hayward, WI | Yup, put some fish in it! It certainly goes away. I never really noticed it, but didn't store it in my house. I'm sure after it bakes in the sun and gets wet and slimy a few times you won't notice.
When I got mine I put a big cooler in it and let it stretch the net out for a day or so. Seemed to help open it up. Again, it will be more pliable with some use and especially when the sun hits it, it will be more flexible.
Congrats on the Frabill. I've been enjoying mine for several years, and hope to put lots of fish in it this season. |
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