- Home|
- Tackle Reviews|
- Accessories
First Look | E-S-P Bankware
by Mark Sawyer |
Updated on16th July 2024 at 4.18pm
E-S-P Three Rod Buzz Bars
E-S-P Two Rod Buzz Bars
E-S-P Bank Sticks
E-S-P Goalpost Conversion Kit
Follow Angling Times on Google
The news that E-S-P were set to release their first range of bankware caused a frenzy of excitement among carp anglers. After all, there would have undoubtedly have been input from the legendary Terry Hearn and the brand have a well-deserved reputation for delivering top quality, innovative products, whether that has been rods, luggage, shelters, clothing or terminal tackle. Now that they'd turned their attention to bankware, the expectation for something a little bit special was the same.
Two years of testing and development have gone into the new range, which is manufactured in E-S-P's Oxfordshire factory, resulting in numerous tweaks and changes from their expert team of consultants to create the ideal set of products in terms of length, sizes and functionality.
So, let's take a closer look at what is included in E-S-P's first foray into the world of bankware...
E-S-P Buzz Bars
Brilliantly engineered and built to exacting standards, these single-piece, fixed-length buzz bars come in two and three rod versions. The two rod models are available in 4ins, 5ins and 6ins lengths, while three rod users can choose from 8ins, 10ins and 12ins lengths.
Anyone who has used buzz bars before will know how frustrating it can be trying to get all of your bite alarm heads lined up perfectly. There is no such issue here, as these feature clever stainless steel inserts which allow you to accurately line up your bite alarms and rear butt grips without the need for rubber O rings which invariably perish over time.
These inserts are fixed in place with a small grub screw at the rear of the buzz bar which can be loosened with the bespoke tool supplied with the buzz bars (it doesn't need to be removed completely so there shouldn't be any issue with dropping and losing it). The insert can then be screwed on to your bite alarm's screw thread and tightened with the screwdriver end of the supplied tool before being placed back into the buzz bar and the grub screw re-tightened. This results in a rock-solid set up with zero wobble.
1. E-S-P Three Rod Buzz Bars
Price: $24.95 - £28.95
Manufactured in the UK, these three rod buzz bars boast a clean and minimal design with a durable black anodised satin black finish.
The stainless inserts provide perfectly aligned alarms and rear rests.
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Machined from a single piece of aluminium rod, there are now uprights or pieces which can become loose over time.
- Easy to use to create a sturdy set up and sensibly priced.
Cons
- Some anglers may have preferred a package that include two and three rod Buzz Bars, plus Banksticks and a carry case rather than buying individual items.
Price: $24.95 - £28.95
2. E-S-P Two Rod Buzz Bars
Price: $14.95 - £18.95
Manufactured in the UK, these three rod buzz bars boast a clean and minimal design with a durable black anodised satin black finish.
The stainless inserts provide perfectly aligned alarms and rear rests.
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Machined from a single piece of aluminium rod, there are now uprights or pieces which can become loose over time.
- Easy to use to create a sturdy set up and sensibly priced.
Cons
- Some anglers may have preferred a package that include two and three rod Buzz Bars, plus Banksticks and a carry case rather than buying individual items.
Price: $14.95 - £18.95
E-S-P Bank Sticks
There are four extending bank sticks in the range covering lengths of 9ins - 13ins, 12ins - 19ins, 15in - 24ins and 20ins - 35ins. Just like the buzz bars, they are machined and assembled in E-S-P's UK factory and are super strong while remaining lightweight.
The long, sharp stainless steel point is excellent for penetrating hard ground, especially rocky and gravelly banks.
The main body of the bank stick is made from a 0.5ins hard anodised aluminium tube, while the extending inner section consists of a solid 8mm carbon rod which helps to keep weight to a minimum while also providing exceptional strength. The ergonomic 'captive' lever can be tightened with just a fraction of a turn for rock-solid stability and the threaded collar is designed to sit perfectly flush against the buzz bars.
3. E-S-P Bank Sticks
Price: $19.95 - £34.95
Constructed using an extra-long machined stainless point and combined with 12mm diameter hard anodised aluminium they will penetrate even the hardest ground. The extending inner section comprises solid 8mm carbon rod which reduces weight while providing exceptional strength. The ergonomic ‘captive’ lever provides positive locking with just a fraction of a turn.
Pros & Cons
Pros
- The elongated stainless steel point make easy work of the hardest ground.
- Carbon inner section will never rust and is unlikely to get stuck inside the outer tube.
Cons
- Maybe a little expensive for every-day bankstick uses.
Price: $19.95 - £34.95
E-S-P Goalpost Conversion Kit
The E-S-P Goalpost Conversion Kit can be used with both the two-rod and three-rod buzz bars to create a goalpost style set up with bank sticks attached at either end of the bars as opposed to a single stick attached centrally.
These type of set up is particularly useful for providing improved stability in loose ground and when snag fishing. The kit includes two stainless inserts with an extended thread to replace the standard inserts at either end of the buzz bars. The bank sticks can then be securely tightened on to the thread. Eack pack also comes with a black blanking cap to cover the central thread on the buzz bars where the bank stick would traditionally be attached.
4. E-S-P Goalpost Conversion Kit
Price: $8.95
The kit includes two stainless inserts to screw into banksticks and an anodised blanking cap to cover and protect the middle buzz bar thread.
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Sensible pricing makes this a great option, even for people who only intend to use a goalpost arrangement occasionally.
- Creates a super stable set up when fishing close to snags or thick weed
Cons
- Goalpost set-ups can have a loose, untidy and unaligned appearance.
Price: $8.95
Just so you know, we may receive a commission or other compensation from the links on this website - read why you should trust us