XI-Match Hollow Elastic
XI-Match Hollow Elastic
If you loved Brownings Hybrid Elastic then you will love the new high quality Hollow Elastic.
It has a stretch factor of more than 700% making loosing fish from hook pulls almost impossible, even when they catch you by surprise and head out into the middle of the lake in a split second. Its outstanding buffering properties allow the angler to fine down that little bit more, keeping the bites coming and putting more fish in the net at the end of the day.
Coming in 6m lengths it allows up to three kits to be fitted and unlike many other hollow types of elastic has an incredible long service life span. Each size is colour coded for instant recognition.
Alex Reynolds

Xi-Match Hollow Elastic
Xi-Match Hollow Elastic
Introducing the new Xi-Match Hollow Elastic, a brilliant new hollow elastic with the X7 stretch that we love, and available in great value 6m packs.
A very durable elastic, available in colour-coded diameters from 2.1mm (rating 8+) to 2.9mm (rating 16+). The long-life of this elastic means you have to change it less often, even when fishing big weight venues. The long 6m length means three one-piece or two two-piece kits can be elasticated from a single pack, making it great value too.
The next generation of Browning’s brilliant Hollow elastics that are widely used right across Europe.
Find out more here – https://tackle-box.eu/en/p/6357021/


Hybrid & Microbore Elastics for Carp
Hybrid & Microbore Elastics for Carp
Although I have been using Browning’s Microbore elastic for most of my commercial carp fishing over the last few years I have to admit that after experimenting with the new Hybrid elastic I can honestly say that I’m now torn between the two, especially for certain methods such as mugging.
When mugging I have two basic setups, a light rig and a heavier rig. I always start of on the heavier rig, basically because if the carp are feeding aggressively then this rig will allow me to get them under control and in the net quicker, however if they are a big spooky and I need to fine things down to keep the bites coming then the lighter rig comes into play.
Let’s first talk about the elastic used for the heavier rig. The elastic used here is the Microbore 2.3mm blue/pearl elastic that has a rating of 9-13. It’s used in conjunction with a pulla kit and has a 7x stretch factor. I like this elastic as it has a very thin bore, feels really light through the top kit, is far stronger than most other elastics for its diameter, is long lasting and as it doesn’t flatten under pressure against the bush it runs so much smoother under load. If you haven’t tried Browning’s Microbore elastic yet then you need to as the difference in feel when playing a fish is unbelievable!
For the lighter rig I use the Hybrid 2.0mm which is a brilliant all purpose carp elastic with a rating of 14-16. It’s really good for bagging medium sized carp as; once again in conjunction with a pulla kit, gets those carp under control quickly. Coming in 6m lengths there’s enough for three short or two long top kits and it powers up nicely and is very smooth, certainly one that you need to take a look at if you prefer solid elastic!
Alex Reynolds



Hybrid Elastic
Jim Hall takes a look at the brilliant new Hybrid Elastic – the ultimate latest elastic.
With the stretch characteristics of hollow, but with the fine diameter of a solid, this elastic is a major step forward in pole fishing. Find it at your local Browning stockists now.
Hit the play button below to watch now.
Choose the Right Elastic for Commercial Fisheries
Choose the Right Elastic for Commercial Fisheries
Alex Reynolds takes a look at the brilliant new Browning Hybrid elastic and how to choose the right diameter of elastic for Commercial Fishery work throughout the year.
Hit the play button below to watch the video.
Xitan Microbore Pole Elastic
Having used solid elastics for many years when fishing for small silver fish I saw little reason to switch to hollow elastic, but eventually I was persuaded to give it a go and instantly felt the difference when using Xitan Microbore Pole Elastic.
Nowadays I’m completely converted as it has numerous advantages. The first is that it lasts far longer than solid elastic; it’s also so much smoother, doesn’t stretch when a rogue carp comes along, has less memory, and doesn’t stick. Microbore is also available in a wide range of different strengths and is much thinner than normal hollow elastic.
Now completely converted, I use it when fishing for silvers, big bream right through to carp. I would highly recommend the green for roach, skimmers and perch, orange for big bream and pink for F1’s and carp.
If you are still using solid elastic then give Microbore elastic a go, you will be pleasantly surprised.
Xitan Microbore Pole Elastic is available in six diameters –
Lime Green 1.3mm rated 3-5
Orange 1.5mm rated5-7
Pink 1.9mm rated 7-9
Blue/Pearl 2.3mm rated 9-13
Hunter Green 2.7mm rated 13-17
Rocket Red 3.0mm rated 17-21
John Pantrey

Microbore elastic runs smoothly through pole sections without sticking and is lighter than normal hollow elastic.

Microbore is available in a wide range of different diameters, making it suitable for everything from silver fish to big carp.
Winter Elastic Choice for Commercials
Winter Elastic Choice for Commercials
In winter my elastic choice for commercials sees me drop down slightly, as the carp are a bit more ponderous and less likely to charge around the swim. Balancing with the lighter 0.14mm and 0.16mm Cenex Hybrid Power hooklengths that I use in the cold, the Xitan Microbore in Blue / Pearl (2.3mm) rated 9-13, is spot on. For lighter work for F1’s the pink (1.9mm), rated 7-9 is ideal.
I normally use Microbore elastics through my top-two Sphere Multi-kits with a puller bung, enabling me to control the fish as they get within netting range.
Microbore really lives up to its name. It is much thinner than other hollow elastics that I have used in the past, which not only gives it a more consistent stretch, but crucially also means that it is a lot lighter. When fishing long I can really feel the difference that the reduced weight makes; a great edge to have.
One thing to note with all elastics is to tension them by giving them a good stretch before setting up your top kits. This initial stretching will mean that when you rig up the kits the elastic will be at the right tension straight away and won’t stretch a little and droop beyond the pole tip when you have landed a couple of good fish.
If you haven’t tried it yet then give the Xitan Microbore a try. It is my winter elastic choice for commercial fishing.
Jon Whincup

Dacron Connectors
When fishing really shallow with extremely short rigs tangles can be problematic. However, I have a little trick up my sleeve using the Dacron Connectors that will totally eliminate tangles. Saving you loads of time during a match.
Instead of using Dacron Connectors in the way they are meant to be, which does reduce tangles when fishing a longer more conventional line, I completely remove the inner loop.
Left with just the soft rubber tulip shaped sleeve I thread this onto my elastic, thin side first before creating a knot that will pull back into the rounded section, but remember to leave a short elastic tag end.
This tag allows me to pull the knot out, before attaching the loop of the rig around it. Rig securely attached the knot is then pulled back so it’s encapsulated within the sleeve, leaving the thin end of the sleeve butting up nicely against the poles PTFE bush.
Not quite how it’s supposed to be used, but it creates exactly what it is designed to achieve, a tangle free connection between elastic and rig and allows me to completely concentrate on catching fish.
Filipe Passeira
Keep up to date with all our latest match news here.
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Visit the Browning poles website here.

Dacron Connectors make a great connection between elastic and rig, but can be adapted for different styles of fishing.

I remove the Dacron loop to give a really short connector when shallow fishing.

Hitting more bites ultimately puts more fish in the net.
How to Elasticate your Pole Top Kits.
In this new video Jim Hall looks at how to elasticate your pole top kits.
Using the new Browning Xitan Extreme Margin Pole Jim looks at the simple elastication set-up he uses on his top kits.
Jim uses the fitted side puller bushes and duo PTFE bushes in each two-piece top kit. The same method can be used on both one and two-piece top kits.
By using the side-puller the tension on the elastic can be increased when playing big carp. This gives improved control as the pressure on the fish can be altered to land powerful fish faster.
The Duo bush system means that Browning top kits require no cutting back. Use them with a wide range of pole elastic diameters.
Setting up for big carp Jim uses the Rocket Red Microbore elastic. The same method can be used for both hollow and solid elastics.
Jim also uses the simple Dacron Connectors. These create a strong and neat connection between elastic and line.
Hit the play button below to watch the How to elasticate your pole top kits video now, or find the video on our YouTube channel here.
Keep up to date with all our latest match news here.
Find out more about our team of anglers here.
Visit the Browning poles website here.