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The ultimate carp fishing brolly
For many carp anglers, the choice between a heavy-duty bivvy and a lightweight brolly is a constant battle.
However, some systems, like the Solar Tackle Undercover Brolly, manage to bridge that gap with impressive results. As Solar’s best-selling brolly system, it promises versatility, space, and superior weather protection.
We’ll take a closer look at what makes this brolly a stand-out option for your time on the bank.
More Than Just a Camo Brolly
The first thing that instils confidence in the Solar Tackle Undercover Brolly is its construction.
It’s built from a tough 10,000 HH camo material that not only looks the part but provides a high level of waterproofing, ensuring you stay dry in a downpour.
The front of the brolly features a clever rain gutter, a small but invaluable detail that directs rainwater away from the entrance and off to the sides. This feature alone is a huge bonus when you have a bedchair and gear positioned near the front.
The low-profile, seven-spoke hub system is a testament to clever design, maximising internal headroom without making the brolly unwieldy.
Versatility & Practicality
The true strength of the Solar Tackle Undercover Brolly lies in its incredible versatility.
The front offers multiple door options, including a full fabric panel and a mozzi-mesh panel, allowing you to adapt to the conditions in seconds. You can even set it up in a letter-box style, perfect for keeping an eye on your rods during a shower, or roll the sides back for an open feel on a warm day.
The entire front infill panel can be completely removed, transforming the system into a simple open-fronted shelter when the weather allows.
Another smart innovation is the drop-down rib extensions on the sides, which remove the need for additional short storm poles and provide a taut, stable structure with minimal fuss.
Space & Portability
When it comes to practicality, the dimensions of the Undercover Brolly System are impressive.
At 264cm x 150cm x 150cm, it offers a surprising amount of internal space, providing ample room for a bedchair and essential tackle. For a system with so many features and a decent footprint, its low weight of just 7kg is a major selling point.
The system is supplied with an over-sized carry bag, ensuring you can pack it away with ease after a session without a struggle.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Highly Versatile: Multiple door options and a completely removable front.
- Excellent Weather Protection: 10,000 HH fabric and a clever rain gutter.
- Clever Design: Drop-down rib extensions for added stability and a low-profile hub for maximum headroom.
- Lightweight: At just 7kg, it’s highly portable for short sessions.
- All-inclusive: Supplied with storm poles, heavy-duty pegs, and an oversized carry bag.
Cons:
- While it’s very robust for a brolly, it won’t offer the same bombproof protection as a dedicated, heavy-duty bivvy in the most extreme conditions.
- It does not come with a groundsheet, although a separate one is available to purchase.
Final Verdict
The Solar Tackle Undercover Camo Brolly System stands out as a top-tier choice for any angler seeking a quick-to-erect, versatile, and lightweight shelter.
It’s the ideal solution for day sessions that turn into overnighters, or for anglers who simply prefer the adaptability of a brolly without compromising on comfort and protection.
For its thoughtful features and build quality, it’s a truly excellent bit of kit that will serve you well on the bank.
Which Bivvy Rating: 8.5/10
FAQs
Does the Solar Tackle Undercover Camo Brolly System come with a groundsheet?
The standard Solar Undercover Brolly System does not come supplied with a groundsheet. A specific groundsheet made from a durable, rip-stop material is available to purchase separately and is designed to be compatible with this model.
Is this brolly suitable for all-season use, including winter?
The Solar Undercover Camo Brolly System is extremely versatile and well-suited for most conditions, thanks to its 10,000 HH waterproof fabric and removable front panel. While it provides excellent protection for spring, summer, and autumn overnighters, for the most extreme winter conditions, some anglers may prefer a dedicated, heavier-duty bivvy for maximum thermal insulation.
How quick and easy is the Solar Undercover Camo Brolly to set up?
The brolly system is designed for quick deployment. Its seven-spoke hub and drop-down rib extensions allow for a very rapid and stable setup. The entire front infill panel can be zipped on or off in minutes, making it highly adaptable for any weather changes you might encounter.
What is the main difference between a brolly and a bivvy?
A brolly is typically a lighter, more compact, and faster-to-set-up shelter than a bivvy, making it ideal for mobile or short-session anglers. A bivvy, in contrast, is generally a more robust, heavier, and more spacious structure designed for long sessions where maximum comfort and all-weather protection are the top priority. The Solar Undercover Brolly System combines the speed of a brolly with many of the features of a bivvy.
