Berkley TEC tool Pistol Trigger Grip fish handling

Tool Review

Draw, engage, and lock with the innovative new Berkley TEC Pistol Trigger Grip tool (continued)

Gripping Power: The TEC Grip is made to latch onto the lip of a fish and lockdown once the trigger is released. The only way the jaws will open is by activating the trigger on the TEC tool. Out on the water, I’ve landed over fifty fish on the Berkley TEC Pistol Trigger Grip. Some fish came up tired but many came in vicious and thrashing with much energy, and not once did the jaws come open accidentally. For additional testing without harming the fish, we submerged the fish with the TEC Grip attached. Bass tried to get away by shaking their head wildly but the tool held on securely.

Once the trigger is released the jaws lock on and won't let go

Releasing Fish: Landing fish and releasing them takes the same effortless procedure. I simply placed the fish into the water and revived it while still lipped. Then just engage the trigger with the index finger and pull away leaving the fish free to swim off. Again, it only requires one hand to release a fish with this tool whereas other products require the use of both hands.

Here's a close up of the Trigger

Ergonomics: Berkley designed the Pistol Trigger Grip not just for ease of use but also good ergonomics. When holding onto or using the TEC tool your arm and hand are always aligned in a very natural posture. I was able to use the Pistol Trigger Grip on larger fish and lift them out of the water without hurting my wrist.

The 3.6 inch handle is very comfortable to grasp

Aside from the position of the hand, wrist, and arm the trigger on the tool is very easy to engage. I have average sized hands and every time I lip or release a fish I’m able to reach the trigger with my index finger without having to feel any uneasiness or awkwardness.

Attach the holster to your hips with the belt clip

Grasping the 3.6 inch handle is also quite comfortable as well. Berkley incorporates what they call Softorx™, a soft yet firm material on the handle for a comfortable non-slip grip. Attached to the handle is a lanyard that is also very ergonomic because the soft material used did not hurt my wrist or arm when I hung thrashing fish from it. Of course, a rotating jaw design would be another benefit in the ergonomics category.

The built-on belt clip also swivels

Durability: So far so good, the Pistol Trigger Grip is holding up to the abuse of over 50 fish including continuous operation. From first impressions the Berkley TEC tool felt solid and it continues to impress trip after trip on the water. The Grip is constructed out of stainless steel and the overall build is sound making it a durable product.

The sheath has an opening at the bottom so the jaws can stick out to dry and also for drainage

The TEC Pistol Trigger Grip comes with a holster that features an open bottom for good drainage on the field, but be sure to take the lipping tool out the holster and air dry it when you get home. To ensure better longevity what I always do is apply a drop or two of oil into the jaw’s pivoting point and other moving components to keep everything in tip-top shape.

Ratings: (We've re-calibrated our ratings standard for 2008 and have included a key at the bottom of the following matrix as a guide):

Berkley TEC Pistol Trigger Grip (TPTG) Ratings (?/10)
Construction/Quality	The TEC Pistol Trigger Grip is impressively built from quality materials. The tool is durable and the included sheath is quality as well	7.5
Performance	This landing tool is it if you’re looking for ease of use, quick drawing access, and solid, secure lip holding power. The Pistol triggers and locks onto the fish with the use of only one hand	8
Price	A fair price for a good performing fish handling tool with a good construction	6
Features	The tool features a unique pistol trigger design, Softorx™ handle, lanyard, and a holster, but we wish it had a built-in scale and rotating jaws design	6
Design (Ergonomics)	Great ergonomics when grasping the tool thanks to the Softorx™ material on the handle and trigger. The pistol hand grip also makes lifting larger fish more comfortably as your arm, hand, and wrist are in a natural position	7.5
Application	Made for advanced anglers and can be used in fresh or saltwater applications. Though designed for serious anglers this TEC tool is also great for rookies	7
Total Score		7.0
Ratings Key: 1 = terrible : 2 = poor : 3 = lacking : 4 = sub par : 5 = mediocre : 6 = fair : 7 = good : 8 = great : 9 = excellent : 10 = unbelievable! For More Details of the updated rating system visit our explanation here

Pluses and Minuses:

Plus Minus
J Innovative pistol trigger design	L No swiveling jaws
J Easy to use	L No built-in scale
J Good construction
J Ergonomic

During the course of our tests we landed over 50 fish without any issues

Conclusion: The new line of TEC tools, designed for advanced anglers, are a very nice addition to Berkley’s family of products. The Pistol Trigger Grip TEC tool is unique in that you grasp it like a pistol, thus the name Pistol Trigger Grip. Operating the Berkley tool is simple and though it was designed for advanced anglers even rookies will know how to use this device the first time they pick it up. The Grip enables the use of just one hand to control the device as you use your index finger to engage the jaws via the trigger. Aside from the ease of use, the entire product is well built and ergonomic to grasp. Berkley uses a soft, non-slip rubber for the handle to ensure good comfort while lifting the fish. Also, because of the pistol-hold your arm, hand, and wrist are aligned in a more comfortable natural posture when landing large fish. The Berkley TEC Pistol Trigger Grip tool is the first pistol gripper on the market and its unique design deserves TackleTour’s Innovation Award. If you’re looking for a lipping tool, the Pistol Trigger Grip should be one to consider.

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