Solar SP Inflatable Unhooking Mat

How well is it built?

So, the first thing to know is that the SP is built in two parts, and for me that's what sets it apart from most inflatable mats. The mattress is self-inflating, so it fills with air as you unroll it, and it sits inside a separate inflatable outer that forms the walls.

That means the fish lies on a cushioned mattress rather than straight on an air tube.

Solar have fitted extra strong padded carry handles on both the short and the long sides, plus a shoulder strap for carrying it when it's packed down.

The walls inflate through valves on the side, and the cover fastens down with Velcro tabs around the edge, so there's nothing loose flapping about in the wind.

Overall, I think it's a premium piece of fish care kit, and I'd expect it to last well as long as you keep it clear of sharp sticks and brambles, as you would with any inflatable.

Protection

Protection is the SP's strongest point, and I think it's about as good as a mat gets.

The inflatable walls stand 270mm high, which is taller than the 200mm walls on the RidgeMonkey ProCare and the 25cm sides on the Gardner Asylum, so a carp that kicks has far less chance of sliding off the edge.

The self-inflating mattress gives a soft, even base, and the full-size cover fastens down with Velcro to keep the fish dark and calm while you sort out forceps, scales or the camera.

For me, a cover like this is one of the most useful features on any walled mat, especially on bright days.

The listed size is 1.2m long and 0.72m wide, which I think is big enough for most UK carp. Solar also make it clear that it isn't a flotation device, so it's a bank-side mat and shouldn't be used to carry fish in the water.

Ease of Setup & Portability

Is it a faff to set up? To be fair, it takes a little more effort than a flat or roll-up mat. You unroll the self-inflating mattress, then use the supplied pump to inflate the walls through the valves on the side.

Solar say it inflates and deflates quickly, but it's still a job to do at the start and the end of every session.

The upside is pack size. Once it's let down, it packs far smaller than a framed cradle, and it all goes into the zipped storage bag with the pump, so it's easy to get into the car or onto the barrow.

The padded handles on the short and long sides make it easy to move around the swim once it's set up, and the shoulder strap helps on the walk in. If you rove a lot, a lighter flat mat makes more sense, but for session fishing I think it's a fair trade overall.

Is it good value for money?

So, is it worth the money? The SP is one of the dearest unhooking mats you can buy, and it costs more than most framed cradles too, so it's fair to ask what you're getting for it.

You get higher walls than most walled mats, a self-inflating mattress, a full cover, handles on both the short and long sides, the pump and a storage bag.

The RidgeMonkey ProCare Inflatable costs a little less and uses a foam base, so for me the extra money on the Solar goes on the taller walls and the self-inflating mattress.

Overall, I'd recommend it to carp anglers who want the most protection they can get without carrying a rigid cradle, especially if you fish longer sessions, travel between venues and want something that packs down small.

If you mainly stalk or rove, I'd look at a lighter flat mat instead.