A-star!
Whether you’re wanting to use single sticks or have the functionality of a rod pod, Taska’s A-Type collection has a solution for every bankside situation
It’s probably one of the most personal things we use on the bank – particularly as we can often be staring at it for hours on end, so its initial task, in many cases, is to, well… look just right. Cool, carpy and often positioned with more precision than a NASA space flight when it comes to getting it level and straight! It is of course your rod supporting set-up of banksticks, buzzer bars, pod and indicators, but it’s not just about ‘the look’, these tackle parts need to be strong and functional too. These are elements Taska have recognised and adapted into their extensive range of A-Type bankware.
The big questions
A-Type? I’ve heard of that; I’m pretty sure I saw a fella with some on the bank too?
That’s highly likely – the A-Type range has been around for just over a year now. Popular for a number of reasons since its release, so it’s quite common to see parts of A-Type set-up around your local lakes.
Yep – that’s right, I remember, it had a sort of grey colour that I really liked.
We hear you! One of the main standout features held within the A-Type range and the one that hits you first is the signature ‘gun-metal-grey’ colour. This not only gives the range its super cool looks, but the low-glare element of the finish also provides practical ‘non-reflective’ benefits.
Looks can be deceiving though – I’ve had a few things that look great but then fall to bits!
Fortunately that’s not something you’d need to worry about with A-Type. It’s aluminium made, so it’s extremely light yet super strong – and strength that is reinforced by its design. The A-Type Buzz Bars for example are cut from solid aluminium with a rectangular profile that’s slim and light yet incredibly strong. This design style is again included in the A-Type Lite Buzz Bars which utilise an oval tube that’s much stronger than a round one.
So there are two kinds of A-Type Buzz Bar?
Yes, the A-Type Buzz Bars are formed from solid aluminium and available in fixed two rod, three rod and Snag Bar versions (two bankstick attachment points – one at each end). The A-Type Lite on the other hand is made from hollow aluminium tubing, which reduces the weight even further! What’s more, along with fixed Snag Bar and two and three rod buzzer bars, the A-Type Lite are also available in a range of adjustable bars, allowing you to set the space between your alarms and rods. So whatever your preferred style of set-up you’ll easily find it with A-Type – you’re literally spoilt for choice.
Sounds good, but what about banksticks?
Just like the buzzer bars, there’s a stack of options when it comes to banksticks. For a start there are three different types to cover every situation: Standard, Power Bore and G Banksticks. Fundamentally all the banksticks hold the same characteristics, each style is made from wide, chunky and strong aluminium tubing that helps eliminate twist in soft ground; all are available in four different lengths (9”, 12”, 18” and 24”), but after that they are a few differences. The Power Bore Bankstick incorporates a screw point enabling you to secure them into the hardest of ground, and both the Power Bore and Standard sticks are adjustable via the reliable and proven cam-lock. The G Banksticks however (standard point) use a screw-lock fitting when adjusting the length of the stick.
You mention hard ground, but what about when I’m fishing the boarded swims of my local lake?
As we said at the beginning, A-Type really is made to cover every eventuality – and that includes stage and boarded swims. So if your preferred set-up is based on banksticks and buzz bars, there are Stage Stands available that you can easily screw down to wood boards. If you prefer one set-up that literally covers everything from boarded swims to perhaps the rugged, uneven slopes of a vast European water there’s the A-Type Pod.
Blimey that does cover everything! Anything else I should know about?
Yeah, there’s quite a bit really! To complement the A-Type range there’s also a number of accessories to choose from. Single and Double Bankstick Stabilisers which help create a rock solid set-up that won’t twist or work loose in soft ground. And there’s Butt Grips in three sizes to suit any style of rod from abbreviated to duplon and cork handles. All of which include the sexy gun-metal-grey finish shared throughout the range. There’s also an A-Type Indicator making it possible to create a completely matching set-up in a number of styles!
Pod Kit, £329.99