Korda Compac Weigh Sling

How well is it built?

The Compac Weigh is built light rather than heavy-duty, and I think that's the right call for a sling that only has to weigh.

The shaped cut-out grab handles are part of the body itself, which keeps it neat with nothing extra to snag. Durable metal loops and quick-release zips are a sensible pairing, as they're the parts that see the most use on a weigh sling.

The material is quick-drying, which helps it go back in the bag fresher at the end of a session.

To be fair, foam bars won't feel as rigid as the tempered aluminium bars on the Korda Compac Retainer Sling, and that's partly why the build scores 8.4. For a dedicated weigh sling, though, it's well made.

Fish Care

Why do drainage holes in the base matter? A sling that holds water is heavier, throws your reading off and leaves the fish lying in a puddle, while holes in the base let it escape quickly so you can weigh accurately and get the fish back sooner.

The foam bars help on the fish care side too. Because they're buoyant, you can float the sling at the edge and move the landing net straight into it while the fish is still in the water, so the fish spends less time being handled out of it.

The material itself is fish-friendly, which is what you want against a carp's flank.

Always give it a soak before the fish goes in, and zero your scales with the wet sling. It isn't a retainer, so a fish shouldn't be held in it in the water. I think 8.6 is fair for a weigh sling that keeps handling to a minimum.

Ease of Use

For quick weighing, this is a very easy sling to live with. The shaped cut-out grab handles help when you're moving the sling to your mat, and the metal weighing loops make it simple to hang from the scales.

Everything about it is designed to keep the weighing quick, which is exactly what a weigh sling is for.

Quick-release zips open the sling fast once the fish is weighed, which is what you want when you're returning a carp. It measures 120 x 60cm, and it's lightweight, so it won't add much to your barrow.

When the session ends, it goes into the waterproof stink bag, so a wet sling won't soak the rest of your kit.

Can you use it for photos and short spells of retention? No, and that's the one limit to keep in mind. For weighing and returning, though, I think 8.6 is well earned.

Is it good value for money?

It's a mid-priced weigh sling, and you get a lot for the money. Foam bars, drainage holes, metal loops, quick-release zips, cut-out handles and a waterproof stink bag cover everything a weigh sling needs, with the choice of Kamo or Olive on top.

The Nash Carp Care Weigh Sling Camo is a close rival with an extra-strong aluminium bar and centralising rings, and it's worth a look if you want a heavier-duty frame.

If you need one sling that weighs and retains, a retention sling such as the Korda Compac Retainer is the one to look at instead. For a dedicated weigh sling, 8.3 for value is fair.

The Compac Weigh Sling is one I'd recommend to carp anglers who weigh their fish and return them straight away, and who want a light, fish-friendly sling that's quick to use.