JRC Stealth Excel Bedchair - 23/04/2009
Having had an original JRC Stealth bedchair some years ago, which served me well over many seasons, I was keen to try out the latest model, the Stealth Excel, after its launch at the start of 2009.
The foam mattress is the most obvious improvement, both visually and in the bed’s performance. Not only does it markedly improve comfort, it also reduces heat loss through the bottom of the bed, therefore keeping you warmer. The mattress is also covered in a breathable material designed to stop moisture build-up between the mattress and your sleeping bag.
At 8.8kg the Stealth Excel is a lightweight bedchair, helped somewhat by the aluminium frame, which I like. Although I use a barrow for most sessions, I still like to keep my gear as light as possible. The frame has an industrial powder coating, which has proved pretty durable thus far. Gone are the days of reaching your swim having lost a number of mudfeet on the journey, as these are screwed in place. The three legs are fully adjustable and, as was the case on the original Stealth bedchair, they’re quite short, thereby keeping the bed low to the ground. Through the warmer months I use a lightweight shelter with limited headroom, so a bed that sits just 26 centimetres high, as this one does, is perfect. Each of the three legs also lock in place, so there’s no chance of the bed collapsing with you on it.
Overall, I think this is a decent bit of kit, although it’s only just big enough for me (I’m just over 6ft tall) and it’s not as wide as some of the newer bedchairs on the market.
THE VERDICT
√ It’s lightweight and the padded mattress makes a big difference when it comes to warmth and comfort
× The size will be a problem for tall or wide anglers, or those who own many of the modern ‘oversized’ sleeping bags
