Where to get a net with large diameter hoop?

[mothman55]

I have the 18 inch diameter hoop from Bioquip, and have missed many a good catch by an inch or two or three. Can't seem to find any nets with larger diameter hoops. Ideally something 24 inch diameter or even larger. Anybody know where to buy such a net, ideally in North America. Extended length handles are great and there seem to be a multitude of options, but hoop size seems to be very limited. May have to resort to start with a fishing net frame and DIY bag.

[Paul K]

www.paradoxinsects.eu/field_equipment.php
Paradox company in Poland has frames, bags and handles.
They have 25” nets. I order all the time from there they ship to Canada and it will end up cheaper for you than Bioquip which charge for shipping to Canada 10 times more than Paradox .
The net you can see in my avatar is the one from Paradox.

Paul

[mothman55]

Thank you Paul, this is exactly what I was looking for. Just placed my order.

Hal

[mothman55]

Just wanted to say that I have received and used the 25 inch net on a 10 foot telescoping handle and its a great net. Would highly recommend.

[mothman55]

Update, although the large net hoop and net are great, the fiberglass telescopic net handle is not. In just its third day of use (light use), the fiberglass at the end nearest the hoop cracked and the net fell off. Not sure how to fix, emailed Paradox for suggestions but no response as yet. The fiberglass is light, but also thin and not strong enough. I may try cutting back the cracked portion, re-glue, and wrap heavily with electrical tape. They do sell aluminum handles which I expect would be stronger and more durable, but they do not come in very long sizes.

[jshuey]

That is the trade-off you get into with a large hoop.  It puts lots of stain of the handle if you swing it hard.  I would suggest using a very open weave net to reduce "drag" as you swing the net.  And if the net ring is stiff, it can really stress the handle as well when your hit limbs  during a swing.

[alandmor]

Jun 3, 2019 3:39:24 GMT mothman55 said:

Update, although the large net hoop and net are great, the fiberglass telescopic net handle is not. In just its third day of use (light use), the fiberglass at the end nearest the hoop cracked and the net fell off. Not sure how to fix, emailed Paradox for suggestions but no response as yet. The fiberglass is light, but also thin and not strong enough. I may try cutting back the cracked portion, re-glue, and wrap heavily with electrical tape. They do sell aluminum handles which I expect would be stronger and more durable, but they do not come in very long sizes.

I had a similar issue and was able to cut and slide a piece of similar diameter, PVC pipe over the cracked end of the net pole as far it would go.  Since the pole is tapered, the PVC pipe will only slide on so far. Cut the PVC to length so the net attachment part sticks out. That and electrical tape around the cracked fiberglass part was enough to make it serviceable again.  The telescoping handle will only collapse as far as the PVC pipe but it can easily be removed for travel etc.  I agree, the fiberglass seems to be the weak link and doesn't hold up well.

[mothman55]

Excellent idea alandmor. In fact the aluminum Bioquip net habdle segments are exactly the right size to fit over the fiberglass end. So I cut a piece off of a one foot segment and slid it over the end and glued and taped and it seems strong. Hopefully this will stand up in the long run, I will report back either way at the end of the season. Surprised that I never got a reply from Paradox on my question.

[alandmor]

Jun 5, 2019 1:42:23 GMT mothman55 said:

Excellent idea alandmor. In fact the aluminum Bioquip net habdle segments are exactly the right size to fit over the fiberglass end. So I cut a piece off of a one foot segment and slid it over the end and glued and taped and it seems strong. Hopefully this will stand up in the long run, I will report back either way at the end of the season. Surprised that I never got a reply from Paradox on my question.

Glad it helped and hope it holds up.  FYI I don't use the pole with a net attached but with a hook on the end to hang baited fruit traps in trees so there's is a bit of weight on the end and so far it has held up.  I'm not sure if mine is from Paradox as I acquired it from a friend some time ago but hope you hear back from them.