Gardner Tackle
Large Slinga Catapult & Slinga Knuckle Guard

Finding a good quality reliable catapult these days is not an easy task. With either pouches splitting, elastics perishing and in the very worst cases, I have personally experienced the handle and arms breaking from the pressure of the elastics. To be far this was some time ago and today the majority of catapult manufacturers have now got their acts together and sorted out these annoying and potentially very dangerous quality control problems.

One of the ranges of specialist catapults that have rectified all the above issues is the Large Slinga range of Catapults from Gardner Tackle. The range consists of three catapults that more than comfortably handle their designated tasks. The Large Slinga Catapults (featured) are available in Big Particle, Small Boilie or a Groundbait pouch options. Each pouch is manufactured using reinforced eyelets a double layer vinyl material which greatly increases the performance strength of the pouch.

The main frame is 22.5cm in height and 18cm in total width between the arms and incorporates a non-slip rubber framed grip handle that fits into the hand comfortably and allows a firm grip when you put the elastics under extreme pressure. The frame and pouch are connected together by using high strength latex elastics with non-slip grip properties. This eliminates the hazard of elastic slipping even after repeated use and when launching your baits into the distance.

The main frame is made from extremely strong, yet lightweight reinforced composite that has a satin black finish and should last a lifetime but obviously it is virtually impossible to produce an indestructible catapult simply because of the materials used to make it work correctly and the stresses these materials are put under during general use. So taking this into consideration Gardner has made available a comprehensive range of spares to rectify any minor problems that may accrue.

So you have a catapult that will fire all your baits in the area you require but as we have all experienced over the years, there is nothing worse than having your knuckles wrapped by a catapults pouch especially when it happens repeatedly. To rectify this problem Gardner have released the Slinga Knuckle Guard. This is a simple to use thick neoprene pad that is fitted over the handle of the catapult by pushing the handle through the top and bottom retaining holes. This creates a protective Shield that sits over the Knuckles and fingers and takes the pain out of distance catapult work.

Final Thoughts

I can only pass comment on the Large Slinga Boilie catapult in this review as it is the only one we have tested to date. On first impressions it does its job well and with the minimum of fuss, accurately firing 14mm boilies well over 40yds with a 10mph cross wind which tells me it will fire 20mm boilies well over 60yds based on my previous experiences with similar types of catapults.

The Knuckle Guard is a great idea and a blessing to those of you who use catty’s regularly or when used as a safety aid for the first time catapult user. UKMA can confirm that the Slinga Knuckle Guard fitted and performed perfectly when used in conjunction with most other leading brands of larger specialist catapults currently being sold in the UK.

All in all Gardner Tackle have released a range of catapults and accessories that do what they are made to do admirably. On first impressions the build quality and performance are of a high standard and the spares available make this a catapult system that will be seen on the bank for the foreseeable future. Well made and good value for money, you can’t ask for more than that.

More Information on any of the Gardner Tackle range