Gardner Ultrapult Catapult

How well is it built?

The frame is reinforced and moulded, so it stays rigid while keeping the weight down, and at 16cm across it gives the elastic a decent width to work through. The sculptured grip is shaped to the hand, which helps when you're baiting for a while.

The elastics are American-made surgical latex, and they sit in anti-twist fittings at the top of each fork. That's a sensible setup that should stop the elastic winding up on itself, though it's simpler than the ball-bearing swivels and welded rings on the Korda Katapult.

So, why 8.0 rather than higher? It's solid and well thought out, but the fittings aren't as refined as the Korda's, and like any latex pult you'll replace elastics and pouches over time. For the price, though, I think the build is very good, and 8.0 is a fair reflection of it.

Accuracy & Range

The anti-twist fittings are the key to accuracy. When elastic twists, the pouch can release at an angle and send bait off-line, so keeping the elastic straight should help each pull land close to the last one.

There's no stopping to untangle the elastics either, which helps you keep a steady rhythm when you're baiting a spot.

Range depends on the pouch and the bait. The medium Boilie pouch suits single boilies, while the large Particle pouch is for particles and pellets where you want volume.

Catapulting boilies has another plus over a throwing stick, as they don't spin in flight, and it puts bait out without the disturbance that comes with a spod, which can matter on a quiet or pressured water.

Is it as specialised as a cone pult? No, but for most carp baiting at sensible ranges, I think 8.5 is fair.

Ease of Use

It's an easy pult to live with. The sculptured grip sits comfortably in the hand, the anti-slip finish should stop it turning in a wet palm, and the anti-twist fittings mean less time sorting out the elastic between pulls.

The frame is light as well, so holding it at arm's length through a long baiting spell shouldn't tire you out.

The two versions keep the choice simple. If you mainly fire single boilies, the Boilie version with its medium pouch is the one to go for, and if you spread particles, pellets and larger amounts of bait, the Particle version's large pouch suits that better.

With no cone or specialist pouch to get used to, most anglers should be able to pick it up and bait accurately straight away.

Spare pouches and replacement elastics are sold separately, so keeping it in working order is straightforward when the latex starts to tire. Overall, it's simple and comfortable to use, and 8.5 feels right.

Is it good value for money?

How much does a good pult need to cost? The UltraPult costs less than the Korda Katapult, the ESP Boiliepult and the Trakker Boilie Pult, yet it still has anti-twist fittings, quality surgical elastic and a choice of pouch sizes. That's why it scores 9.0 for value.

Next to the ESP Boiliepult, you give up the cone pouch for tight boilie groups, and against the Korda Katapult you lose the ball-bearing swivels and the third version. For most carp anglers, though, the UltraPult covers pretty much everything they'll need from a pult.

Overall, I'd recommend the Gardner UltraPult to carp anglers who want a dependable pult without spending more than they need to. Pick the Boilie version for single boilies or the Particle version for pellets and particles, and keep a spare set of elastics in the bag.