The EGO S2 Slider nets fish with Innovation (continued)

When it comes to landing fish the clear rubber mesh is great for those fish that spook easily. In the water the mesh is hard to see and I found that fish would swim right into the net and continue swimming forward rather than try and turn at the sight of the net, this just made netting fish even easier. The S2 Slider's hoop is made out of extruded aluminum and feels lightweight when in use, even when fully extended.

Net overboard!

The rubber mesh is heavier than nylon, about .4lbs. heavier, but is much more tangle resistant. It is easy to remove hooks of every kind quickly due to the rubber material and size of the mesh itself. The size of the mesh also makes this net easier to move through the water when netting fish as water drag is reduced.

Splashdown

To test the S2 Slider’s ability to float I threw it overboard a number of times, I also waited for extended periods and the net continued to remain buoyant. The center of the handle did take on some water but the net remained flat right on top of the water at all times. Once out of the water I found that the EVA handle grip would dry very quickly and after just a quick run in the boat the entire handle was dry as a bone once again.

Even after extended periods the S2 Slider floats flat on the surface

Durability: Our medium sized test net weighed in at only 2.5lbs. and felt extremely solid except when fully extended we did notice a alight bow under pressure in the length of the handle. This didn’t affect performance of the net at all and throughout the tests the net was able to hold up to the pressure of fish weight and water drag. Overall the net held up very well and we didn’t notice any rust on any of the components. The hoop is anodized to resist the elements and the plastic components on the net resisted impact well during testing. If there is anything that can be damaged it is the EVA grip which like rods making use of similar material can become nicked or compressed.

Retrieving the net

Price and Applications: The EGO S2 Slider is available in three different handle lengths with maximum extension of 36”, 60” and 108”. All three of these nets are available with the black or clear non-tangle lightweight rubber mesh. This net can be used in both freshwater and saltwater environments and netting fish is not the only thing that the S2 Slider can do. Remove the net hoop and anglers can attach a number of different accessory attachments including a boat hook, gaff hook or knife. 

The rubber mesh is heavier than standard nylon or PVC but does move through the water reasonably well

During tests I found the medium size hoop (17” x19”) just fine for bass fishing but the larger 19” x 21” size would be preferable for bigger species like Steelhead and Stripers. The medium sized net is also probably a bit overkill for bass anglers and the smaller compact size is more than enough as the 18” handle extends to 36”, this version also reduces weight down to 2lbs. for the rubber mesh versions. The three size options make the new series good for everything from Trout fishing to Salmon and Kayak anglers will also really like the 18” model which can tuck out of the way, floats, and extend to 36” when it comes time to land a fish.

Netting the fish solo

This net should hold up well over time and there are few areas where the net can rust, still a rinse with freshwater if you use it in saltwater environments is recommended. Adventure Products warrants the S2 Slider for a period of two years and covers everything except the net mesh.

A bass presses forward even when netted. Underwater the clear mesh is a lot harder to see

I expected the EGO S2 Slider to retail for between 70-100 dollars and was actually surprised to discover that it was a very reasonable $59.99 (Update: 6/13/12 - The price of the net has gone up 15 dollars so retail is now $74.99). This net is absolutely worth the money and is as polished as it is functional. When it comes to features this net is just about as rich as they come.

Ratings: (We've re-calibrated our ratings standard for 2008 and have included a key at the bottom of the following matrix as a guide):

Pluses and Minuses: