Solar A1 Bow LOC

How well is it built?

Solar's entry into the Bow-Loc stakes is the A1 Bow LOC. They've set out to bridge the gap between the cheaper nets and the top-end P1 model. The build quality is a perfect reflection of this fact.

The spreader block is the one area where Solar have made the necessary budget cuts. As opposed to the machined aluminium block on the P1, the A1 has a glass-filled nylon block with stainless steel components. I hear you gasp in horror, but that's not as bad as it sounds.

The glass-filled nylon is very strong, and helps to keep the weight down to just 1.15kg. The stainless steel components bear the brunt of the mechanical stresses on the locking mechanism.

The Bow-Loc mechanism itself is excellent. When the arms are fully extended, there are some internal metal rods that lock into place with a reassuring click. I've deliberately yanked hard on those arms in every direction trying to get them to collapse and you genuinely cannot.

You'd snap the carbon arms before the mechanism would give way. That is confidence-inspiring when holding a big fish on full stretch.

The 42-inch carbon arms are stiff and strong with just a touch of flex under pressure. The profiled stainless steel arm ends have been rounded off slightly to stop them chafing on the mesh corners. That's a nice touch that should help the net to last a little longer.

Everything slots together really neatly and the stainless steel arm fittings align perfectly with the spreader block.

The only reason this isn't a 9.0 is because the glass-filled nylon spreader block, while completely adequate, just doesn't quite have the premium feel of the machined block on the P1.

But that's the compromise required to hit the price, and it's a sacrifice most anglers will be more than happy to make.

Handle & Spreader

This is where the A1 Bow LOC really comes into its own. The 3K carbon handle is a thing of beauty – ultra-stiff, ridiculously light, and very nicely engineered. It's the same quality you'd expect on much more expensive nets.

It's a 6ft full-length handle, which at two 3-foot sections gives you loads of reach for bank fishing. The spigot joint where the two halves join is smooth and secure with no play or wobble whatsoever.

There's a little gloss finish at the join, which I really like as it looks smart and also means the carbon slides together easily.

What I really liked was the rigidity. Zero flex or lag in the handle when you're scooping a fish, even when holding it out fully extended above the water.

The 3K carbon weave has an amazing strength-to-weight ratio, and the exposed carbon finish looks the part with its matte black coating.

The shrink-wrap grip at the butt end gives you loads of control even when your hands are wet. When you're reaching out at awkward angles or in tight margins with a fish on, that grippy section really comes into its own.

The laser-etched butt cap on the bottom is tough as old boots and will protect the carbon against knocks on the bank-side.

The Bow-Loc spreader mechanism is where this net really earns its money. Setup is crazy-fast – extend the arms and they click into place with those internal metal rods locking everything solid.

To collapse the arms, you press the button with a firm, deliberate pressure and they fold up neatly on the inside of the net. It needs a sufficient pressure to stop it collapsing accidentally, which is the crucial thing for confidence with fish on.

Balance is excellent too. The net doesn't feel top-heavy despite the spreader block mechanism, and the whole thing at 1.15kg total weight is light enough that you can hold it out for ages without your arms going to bits.

The only niggle is that the button does feel a little stiff when the net is new, but that will ease with use.

Mesh

The mesh on the A1 Bow LOC is described as "deep" and it really is – noticeably deeper than Solar's Bow Lite model for example. The dark green camo pattern is subtle and smart looking, but more importantly the material itself is super fish-friendly.

The depth is good enough to really provide a nice cradle for large fish. If you've got a big carp in the net and they're resting in the margins, they're supported really well with lots of mesh all around.

It's not so deep that it becomes cumbersome or retains loads of water, but it is deep enough that you never feel like you're at risk of the fish slipping out.

The material itself is soft and gentle on fish scales and protective slime coat. The flow of water through the mesh is good – it drains reasonably quickly without being so open that it doesn't support the fish properly.

The camo pattern also means the net blends in quite well, which can be useful for skittish fish in clear water.

The mesh corners are well-made and haven't shown any signs of fraying or wear after several uses. I'm sure that's helped by those rounded stainless steel arm ends – the profiled fittings aren't digging into the mesh material around the string that holds everything together.

Durability looks good for regular use. The material itself feels more than strong enough for everyday carp fishing, though I'd avoid dragging it repeatedly across really rough ground or gravel.

With a bit of care and rinsing after use, this mesh should serve you well for a few seasons. It's a quality mesh that lives up to the standard of the rest of the net.

Is it good value for money?

The Solar A1 Bow LOC is something of an odd one. It's by no means cheap, but it also offers genuinely premium features that make it a great value proposition for anglers who want the convenience of the Bow-Loc system without paying flagship money for the P1.

Here you've got the benefit of Solar's brilliant quick-release mechanism, a top quality 3K carbon handle, deep soft mesh, and a waterproof stink bag, all for about half the price of the flagship model.

The glass-filled nylon spreader block in place of machined metal is the main compromise, but it's a clever one that keeps weight down without compromising strength.

The Bow-Loc mechanism alone is worth a serious premium over a standard net. Being able to collapse the arms with one button press makes packing away so much quicker and easier, especially at the end of a session when you're knackered.

And extended, those arms are locked solid with no chance of accidental collapse – that peace of mind is priceless.

The included PVC stink bag is a nice bonus. It's heavy-duty with welded seams that are completely watertight, so you can chuck your wet smelly net in the car boot with no mess or leaks.

Many nets at this price point don't even include a bag, so that's a genuine tick in the plus column.

If you're comparing various landing nets and trying to decide which features are most important to you, our guide to the best carp landing nets breaks down all the key considerations.

If you're a serious carp angler that fishes regularly, then this net is very much a serious consideration. The build quality should provide you with years of reliable service, and the convenience of the Bow-Loc system makes every session a touch easier.

You're paying for engineering and functionality that genuinely improves your fishing experience.

The only reason this doesn't score higher is that it's still a fair amount to spend on a landing net. If you're a beginner or occasional angler, then you might be better served by something a bit cheaper.

But if you can justify the spend, and want a net that combines both convenience, quality and performance, the A1 Bow LOC is excellent value in its price bracket.