I feel bad giving three stars because it's my own fault but I should have gotten a mid-length net. I like minimal gear but you get a net so that you can reach. The hand net is too short. I thought it would be fine but I constantly find myself needing just a little more length. Great net though. Light. Feels good in my hand and has taken the chatter that I put on it, with no problem. Also floats which is a great plus. But I really, really wish I had gotten a mid-length. If your looking for a hand net, I don't think you can do better. Just make sure you are looking for a hand net.

Bought this net to replace a wooden one that split in the handle after multiple years of hard use. Was a little hesitant to switch from wood to carbon fiber (what can I say I’m old school). Love the weight of this net (very light). It’s so light I had to check twice to make sure it was still attached as I climbed over rocks and down and around river canyon. Love the little added reach it provides. Time will tell if it holds up as well as my old wooden did, I’m guessing it will. Only gave it 4 stars because need to see how it holds up through the season.

I needed to upgrade nets for while to get to a rubber basket to be better on the fish. I looked at a few different options and for me came down to a rising net or a fishpond. I have had great luck with fishpond products and the lighter weight made my decision. I considered the emerger net because of the longer handle. I do feel that would help landing fish because of the extra reach. If I had a shop locally that I could go and put both on my sling to test out, might have went with the emerger. I just kind of measured how far I think it would hang down on my sling and thought it might bother me when climbing over rocks and hiking around rivers. I am very happy with this net. Maybe some day I will get an emerger too.

It seems a little bit silly to buy a $125 net, but it was worth it for me. Super lightweight, durable and a fun design. I carry this on my slingpack and hardly notice it until I need it during a long day of hiking/wading. The large rubber holes are less abrasive on the fish, the net is deep enough to keep the fish wet and hooks don;t get caught up in the net after you unhook the fish. This probably the only net I will ever need.

Small enough to fit in your pack, large enough to land the big fish. Lightweight and easy to carry, the net and connections are solid. Will last for several years. You won't need another, at least until you get that drift boat or raft you have been eyeing.