Trakker Sanctuary Retention Sling V2 Standard
5 Things To Know
- The Sanctuary Retention Sling V2 Standard is a Polymesh and PVC sling for retaining, weighing and handling carp.
- Full fast-draining mesh lets water pass through for accurate weighing, and four floats keep the sling buoyant.
- Wider spacing between the bars and a squarer base are designed to make releasing the fish easier.
- It has a double-zipped opening, reinforced dual weighing straps with fixed loops and double-reinforced handles on both sides.
- The Standard measures 115cm long, 30cm wide and 65cm deep, with a mesh cord pocket and a nylon sleeve.
Featured in our Best Weigh Slings guide.
Trakker Sanctuary Retention Sling V2 Standard Review
Trakker's Sanctuary Retention Sling V2 Standard sits in that useful middle ground where you get a properly thought-out sling without paying top money. It's a Polymesh and PVC sling for retaining, weighing and handling carp, with a full fast-draining mesh body, four floats and a double-zipped opening. It's a practical, no-fuss design that covers everything most carp anglers need from a retainer.
Two details stand out, and both are about the release. There's wider spacing between the bars and a squarer base, so the fish should swim out more easily when you open it up. Is it big enough for every carp?
At 115cm long, the Standard suits most fish, and there's an XL version for the very big ones. I think it's a well-balanced retention sling.
How well is it built?
Polymesh and PVC is a sensible mix for a sling that has to retain, weigh and carry a fish.
The weighing straps are reinforced and doubled, with fixed loops for the scales, and the handles on both sides are double-reinforced, which is where a sling takes the strain when you lift it full of water and fish. That's the right place to put the extra strength.
A double-zipped opening keeps the carp inside, and four floats keep the sling buoyant. You also get a mesh pocket for the 5-metre retaining cord and a nylon sleeve to store the sling in.
To be fair, it's a simpler build than premium slings like the Korda Compac Retainer, with its tempered aluminium bars and machined fittings, and that's why it scores 8.4 rather than higher. For a mid-priced retention sling, though, it's solidly made where it counts.
Fish Care
The full fast-draining mesh is the key to its fish care. Water passes straight through, so the fish sits in moving water while it's retained, and the sling empties quickly when you lift it out, which also gives you a more accurate weight.
Four floats keep the sling buoyant, so it should stay at the surface and hold the fish upright rather than sinking to the bottom. Why does the squarer base matter?
It gives the fish a flatter, roomier floor to lie on, and with wider spacing between the bars, it should be able to swim out cleanly when you open the zips.
Wet the sling first and zero the scales with it wet, and keep to your fishery's rules on retaining carp. Stake it out in enough water for the fish to sit upright, too. I think 8.6 is a fair score for a sling that's designed around a calm, easy release.
Ease of Use
For everyday use, it covers all the basics well. The reinforced dual weighing straps with fixed loops mean you just hook the scales on and lift, and the double-reinforced handles on both sides give you a secure grip when you're carrying the fish back to the water.
Having a handle on each side also lets you lift it level, which keeps the fish balanced.
The 5-metre retaining cord sits in its own mesh pocket, so it's always with the sling, and the nylon sleeve keeps everything together for the walk back to the car. At 115cm long, 30cm wide and 65cm deep, the Standard is a manageable size to stake out in the margins.
Very big fish are the one exception. If your water holds carp that would fill a 115cm sling, the XL version is the one to go for. For most UK carp, though, 8.5 for ease of use is well earned.
Is it good value for money?
It's a mid-priced retention sling, and I think it's pretty much the sweet spot for most carp anglers. You get full fast-draining mesh, four floats, a double-zipped opening, fixed weighing loops and double-reinforced handles, which covers everything a retention sling needs to do.
The Korda Compac Retainer Sling adds tempered aluminium bars, a machined stainless bank stick fitting and a 6m cord, but it sits near the top of the price range. The Trakker Sanctuary T1 is a slimmer, budget-priced option if you only retain the odd fish.
Neither is a bad choice, but the V2 sits between them in both spec and price. With a balanced spec at a sensible price, 8.4 for value feels right.
I'd recommend the Sanctuary V2 Standard to UK carp anglers who want a dependable sling for retaining, weighing and releasing fish without paying premium money.
Pros
- Full fast-draining mesh lets water flow through and weighs accurately
- Four floats keep the sling buoyant in the water
- Wider bar spacing and a squarer base for easier release
- Double-zipped opening and reinforced weighing straps with fixed loops
- Mesh pocket keeps the 5-metre retaining cord with the sling
Cons
- At 115cm long, very large carp need the XL version
- Plainer fittings than premium slings with tempered aluminium bars
Features and Specifications
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Material | Polymesh / PVC |
| Dimensions | 115 x 30 x 65cm |
| Mesh construction | Full fast-drain mesh |
| Opening | Double-zipped |
| Floats | Four |
| Weighing straps | Reinforced dual straps with fixed weighing loops |
| Retaining cord | 5 metres |
| Supplied with | Nylon sleeve |
How It Compares
See how the Trakker Sanctuary Retention Sling V2 Standard compares with other weigh slings & sacks on overall score and current price.
| Name | Price | Overall Rating |
|---|---|---|
| Trakker Sanctuary Retention Sling V2 Standard | £44.99 | |
| Carp Life Eclipse Camo Elite Retention Sling UK Spec | £64.99 | |
| RidgeMonkey ProCare Retainer Sling | £59.99 | |
| Fox Carpmaster STR Weigh Sling | £49.99 | |
| Nash Carp Care Weigh Sling Camo | £49.99 | |
| Avid Revolve Weigh Sling | £31.99 | |
| NGT XPR Floatation Sling | £21.99 | |
| Avid Pro-Tect Carp Sack | £19.17 | |
| Solar Tackle Worldwide Carp Sack XL With H Block | £29.99 |
Useful Information
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- Amazon UK : 4.9/5 from 45 reviews.
- eBay : 4.8/5 from 14 reviews.
- Fishdeal UK : 5.0/5 from 1 review.
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