PRODUCT FEATURE
We’ve always produced quality luggage but it’s our original lines that people still refer to as being bombproof and we wanted to re-instate that as core to a new range.
M
artin Tracey, brand manager for Wychwood says the brief was simple. “Produce a range
of luggage that was designed from the ground up and wasn’t compromised in any way.” Looking at the range which has made it into the Wychwood catalogue it’s clear to see that this brief has been followed to the tee. It sports classic design cues but with nothing coming from ‘off-the-shelf’, this is Wychwood’s own take on what modern carp anglers want from their storage. But before we look closer at the range, let’s delve into the background of this project. System Select was a Wychwood product name from the mid 1990s, a rod transportation system that was modular and extensive. “The name is one that many anglers still remember and we were inundated with requests to create luggage that harked back to this era,” says Martin. “We’ve always produced quality luggage but it’s our original lines that people still refer to as being bombproof and we wanted to re-instate that as core to a new range.”
Five-year warranty
This ethos of longevity is clearly illustrated through the use of tough 600D fabrics, PU water-resistent base, chunky Durafl ex clips and SBS zips (featuring bespoke metal Wychwood zip pullers) and most importantly, a fi ve-year warranty on every System Select product. For the consumer, this warranty will be a major draw – it’s offers total reassurance – and it’s a great selling tool for retailer too. The range is broken down into three
clear areas; bags, rod transportation and accessory bags.
Bag options On the bag front you have a choice of two rucksacks and three carryalls. The carryalls are based around a main compartment with additional side pockets - three on the Rover and Short Haul versions, four outer pockets on the Long Haul which also features a split main compartment with cooler section – so very traditional in design. The rucksacks on the other hand, although sporting ‘classic’ lines, feature a multitude of access and storage options that are more commonly found on hiking and photographic rucksacks.
The Short Haul rucksack (the larger of the two, the other is called Rover) features two access panels plus a zip-off bottom section. Full height side pockets and clever bankstick slots (for quick moves where you just need somewhere to hide metalware momentarily) expand the storage possibilities. The rucksacks also feature a technical padded back panel and straps with chest and wait straps designed to maximise comfort.
Rod transportation Moving onto rod transportation the Quiver will appeal to a multitude of anglers. The spacious main compartment features a roll top so bivvies and brollies of all lengths can be secured inside. Outer baffl es secure up to fi ve made-up rods (with our without sleeves) and an external pockets is long enough for storm poles and landing net handles. For those who prefer to carry their rods out of sleeves, a reel pouch is available (which clip together to stop banging) and if you want a more portable sleeve-only option, users
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can clip sleeves onto a single shoulder strap. The sleeve also feature Durafl ex clips so each sleeve can be daisy chained.A built-in, zipped lead pouch is a nice design touch.
Accessory bags
As for accessory bags, there are three choices; a small lead pouch with internal dividers, a hook bait pouch containing six pots plus storage for baiting tools and accessories, and a larger, two-tier tackle organiser with a built-in rig board and lead pouch. All three accessory bags fi t within the same vertical footprint so when stored inside a rucksack or carryall, the user can perfectly store all their kit in order. Although not strictly under the System Select name, there are also three roll-top Stash Bags that are perfect for storing clothing or waders, a scales pouch that’s designed to fi t the brand’s T-Bar scales, and most interesting of all, a revised Packsmart Mk2 rucksack. A bit of a hidden gem, the original was one of the fi rst rucksacks to feature a lay fl at, fold-out design to clearly compartmentalise tackle. This new version used the same 600D material and strap system as the other rucksacks, but feature zip- off compartments for essentials that need to be close at hand. Ideal for the mobile angler this is a product that T&G will take a closer look at soon. Wychwood is taking the fi ght to the marketplace through considered, unique design that’s neither too radical for the masses, but ‘alternative’ enough to make this a series that will appeal to anglers who want something more than just a bag sourced from a far east manufacturer’s catalogue.
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System Select Prices (RRP)
Rover Carryall £42.99
Rover Rucksack £52.99
Short Haul Carryall £52.99
Short Haul Rucksack £64.99
Long Haul Carryall £64.99
5-rod Quiver £42.99
12ft Rod Sleeve £26.99
Tackle Organiser £22.99
Hookbait Pouch £16.99
Lead Bag £9.99
Reel Pouch £8.99
Scales Poch £9.99
Packsmart Mk2 £74.99
Stash Bags from £8.99
LEEDA T 01908 442 950 E
sales@leeda.co.uk W
www.leeda.co.uk
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System Select luggage is built to last
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The range is backed with a fi ve- year warranty
www.tandgmagazine.com June 2017 | Tackle & Guns | 45
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