We have a Nookie Hornet 18m Rescue Throwline 8mm (9kN) in for review at Unsponsored. At 18m the Nookie Hornet’s 8mm floating line is the sweet spot length for most applications.

Nookie Hornet 18m Rescue Throwline
Nookie Hornet 18m Rescue Throwline

The images of the Nookie Hornet don’t really do the brightness of the high vis justice. This thing is super bright (in a good way).

Nookie Hornet 18m Rescue Throwline

Clear labelling in place. This is a must. So much so that I would avoid buying a throw bag that didn’t have details of what it actually contained.

Clear cartoon instructions for use

A simple cartoon 1, 2 and 3 set of instructions.

Cordera base and brass eyelets

The made in the UK Hornet is constructed with a 500D Cordura base and back panel (red) which is super tough. A small loop of rope is created so it is big enough to clip into but not big enough to put a hand through.

Nookie Hornet 18m Rescue Throwline

The back area also has belt loops so the bag can be mounted on a rescue belt.

Nookie Hornet 18m Rescue Throwline

You can get bags that are almost fully mesh in construction. I personally don’t like these as they, as designed, let the water out too quickly. The Hornet does have mesh panel at the top of the bag which still allow for the bag to be filled with water if extra weight is needed for a second throw. Yet it will also allow the bag to drain when back in the boat or when it is sat on your rescue belt.

Nookie Hornet 18m Rescue Throwline

The top of the bag has nice wide opening with red braid that helps keep it open.

Nookie Hornet 18m Rescue Throwline

The braid is also used to create a set of handles for use whilst throwing.

Nookie Hornet 18m Rescue Throwline
Nookie Hornet 18m Rescue Throwline

The bag is closed with a length of black tape and is fastened using both a brass press stud and Velcro.

Nookie Hornet 18m Rescue Throwline
Nookie Hornet

The rope feels substantial and has been tied into the bag using a Fig 8 knot. Plenty of tail has been left so ensure that it cannot pull through.

Nookie Hornet

There is also a little knot tying guide attached to the bag.

Nookie Hornet

The free end of the rope has been wrapped in tape. When this particular length was cut the melted end was quite rough/sharp. A few seconds with a lit match sorted this out.

Nookie Hornet
Ouch, those edges are a little rough.
Nookie Hornet
Sharp edges melted back.

Whenever I get a new bag (even before I buy it) I like to unpack the rope and then repack. Some manufacturers employ special rope packing ninjas that are able to pack throwlines so tight that the rope always fits. But when I try it’s tough work getting the bag packed enough so it is easy to fasten. This is thankfully not the case at Nookie as the rope repacks easily and the bag fastens up without fuss.

Nookie Hornet 18m Rescue Throwline

The RRP of the Nookie Hornet is just under £40.

Specifications:

18m throw length
8mm floating line with core
9kN load strength
Great ‘easy pack’ grab loop
Quick and accurate throw
Compact & light mini bag with Enduro Mesh contrast drain
Foam wall buoyancy
Failsafe dual release closure with Velcro
500D Cordura reinforced bag base
Retro reflective piping and graphics
Anti corrosive press studs and eyelet
Belt mountable with two webbing loops on rear