Prologic Avenger Landing Net

How well is it built?

I must admit, I was not expecting much from the Prologic Avenger. However, this is a net that punches well above its weight in terms of build quality. The carbon composite handle is impressively sturdy for its price.

It's not going to match the high-end feel of a premium Korda net, of course, but there is no flex or wobble when held out over the water. I was a bit worried the handle would flex under the pressure of bigger doubles, so I gave it a test with some fairly meaty fish.

Handle remained completely rigid, no bowing or bending.

42" spreader arms are composite construction, which keeps things light while maintaining plenty of strength. They also taper nicely from thick at the spreader block end to thinner at the outer ends, which also helps reduce weight.

The ABS spreader block is a basic design, but it does the job holding everything locked together tightly. It's not got the same premium engineering as you'll find on more expensive nets, but it's not exactly cheap build detail either.

The precision-fitted threaded collar where the handle sections join is actually quite good, screws together smoothly and stays tight.

As I say, the only real criticisms are in the finer details where things aren't as refined as on the top-dollar nets. But for a budget net, it's really well made and should be more than up to the task of regular angling duties.

Handle & Spreader

6ft 2-section handle is ideal length for most bank anglers. You have plenty of reach when it's at full extension for most bank fishing scenarios without having to lean right over the water.

And if you need to keep it shorter for stalking or using from smaller swims, you can use it at half-length, which makes it super versatile.

The thing that really impressed me is how light this handle is. Carbon composite construction makes it nice and light, so you're not getting arm ache holding it out while your fish tires itself out in the margins.

This is a properly lightweight net, which is a MASSIVE advantage for netting at awkward angles or when it's difficult to keep your balance in awkward swims.

Balance is decent as well. It's not perfect or as beautifully balanced as the likes of the Fox Horizon X4S, but not head-heavy like some cheaper nets are. It's more than good enough for regular use.

Spreader block design is as basic as it gets. No locking handles or quick release systems here. You just slot the spreader arms into the block and they sit tight.

Setup is super quick and easy, although the opposite is true for taking it apart - no proper quick-release systems like on some premium nets, more effort needed there.

Threaded collar connection between handle sections is robust. I've screwed it together and apart many times and there is no sign of thread wear or loosening. It's held tight during use which is important to have confidence in when you've got a fish in the net.

Mesh

Camo polyester mesh is the weakest point of this net, though it's still perfectly acceptable considering the price. It's soft and fish friendly, which is the most important thing to have. You won't damage the delicate scales on a fish with this mesh.

Mesh depth is what Prologic describes as "medium" and I would have to agree with that. It's deep enough to support your landed fish well, without being so deep that you end up with a net full of water which is heavy to lift.

You can easily slide a fish in there and they are very well supported when netted.

Water flow through the mesh is reasonable as well. It's not as quick draining as some of the more expensive micromesh options, but for the price, you can't complain. It won't cause any issues draining either, so no struggling to lift a heavy net full of water.

The camo colour ties in well with the Avenger rod range if that's what you're rocking. More important for me is that the dark colour is less likely to spook finicky fish than bright colours of mesh. Durability is the unknown with this mesh.

Material just doesn't feel quite as durable as you get on the more premium nets, so I'd be a little wary of repeatedly dragging it across gravel/rough ground. That said, with reasonable treatment and a rinse after use, I don't see any problems with it lasting multiple seasons.

Is it good value for money?

This is where the Prologic Avenger truly shines. It could well be the best value landing net on the market right now. It is genuinely very hard to find fault with what you get for your money.

You get a full 6ft carbon composite handle, 42" spreader arms, and fish friendly mesh for less than the cost of a couple of decent hooklinks. Insane value.

You'd struggle to find most of that spec at any price at this budget, with most other nets having fibreglass handles or cheap aluminium. The Avenger gives you carbon composite construction that actually delivers performance.

Beginners or anglers on a budget, I really can't recommend this net enough. This ticks every box for a budget net. You're not compromising on essential features or safety. It will land your fish confidently without costing you the earth.

And if you're getting an Avenger rod range to start out with, this makes an excellent matching net for very little outlay.

Even for experienced anglers, I think this is a great option for a spare net to keep in the car or to lend to mates. At this price point, you could buy three Avenger nets for the cost of one premium model.

If you're wanting to compare it to other budget nets, check out our full landing net comparison to see where it ranks.

The 2-section handle is another smart design choice. You get the convenience of easier transport for a couple of screws without paying the premium price of some fancy quick release systems.

Honestly, considering how little effort it takes to screw the sections together, you're not really missing out.

I suppose my only caveat is that if you're fishing week-in, week-out in demanding conditions, you may want to spend more on a premium net that will take a real pounding. But for the majority of anglers, the Avenger will serve you very well and not complain for years.