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Event Article:
2006 ICAST Rod Coverage |
ICAST Coverage Day 2 (Rods) - Perfectly matching reels in application,
balance, and style (continued)
Lipper/Evolution:
Do tools and rods go hand in hand? Rick Wieder owner of Lipper and Evolution
rods thinks so. Once you have gotten the fish boated the Lipper makes it easy to
subdue fish and gain control while you are dehooking. Catch and release anglers
love the tool as well because it also allows them to weigh the fish and get it
back into the water faster. But the premium price of the Lipper has kept it out
of the hands of many mainstream anglers...thus the Econo-Lipper was born.
Rick Wieder president of Lipper
showcases the new Econo Lipper and Evolution rods
We know, we know. This is rod
coverage. So before we go any further let's talk about Lipper's rods. The
Evolution series of rods sacrifice weight for supreme power. These rods have
gained popularity among inshore and salt anglers, primarily because they simply
have more muscle than just about any rod out there.
Evolution GT rods have gained
popularity, especially in the East Coast
The secret...going back to a
solid carbon blank. These rods flex from the core through the surface in unison,
and the entire blank from tip to butt helps support the fish. This makes it
easier than ever to haul fish up from wrecks and through mangroves. For this
year the lineup grows with more rods suited for both saltwater and freshwater
applications.
Introducing the Econo Lipper
Now back to tools for a minute. While the original
Lipper retails for $99-$149.00 depending on model the Econo-Lipper is available
for only $19.99! This no frills version of the tool may not be IGFA certifiable
like it's more expensive sibling but it is ideal for the weekend angler.
The Econo Lipper side by side with
it's premium sibling
Key differences include the
materials used in it's construction, and the lack of a triggering mechanism.
This tool like most out there needs to be held open. We were happy to see that
the jaws do remain stainless steel, and the tool still has an integrated scale.
The new Econo-Lipper is designed
to compete with value offerings on the market
The Econo-Lipper should be an attractive product,
and perfect complement to the Evolution rods. After all, if you fishing a
Evolution rod, chances are that you are targeting a fish big enough to test that
Neo-Carbon design.
Scott McIvor describes the need
for a value version of the Lipper tool to Zander
The Econo-Lipper doesn't have a
lock and trigger mechanism and is held open by depressing the collar
So often the mainstream angler
gets left out, as manufacturer's focus their attention on only the premium
brand-making solutions. Now that Lipper has a strong and growing following for
their alternative to the Boga grip the Econo model should succeed at becoming
their volume serious mover.
Next
Section: Rogue decides its time to go blue
