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Simple and Surprising, Texas
Tackle's SSplit Ring Pliers (continued)
  Price
& Applications: The
Texas Tackle SS pliers do exactly what they are advertised to do, and switch out
split rings better than any other pair of pliers we have tested to date. Texas
Tackle sells the pliers direct or through a number of e-tailers so it is easy to
pick up a pair. They retail for $16.99, and we consider this to be a reasonable
price for this well designed tool.
The rubber grips are comfortable
to hold, and the compact design of the pliers makes it easy to work them with
precision
So
what can you use it for? The SS Pliers are great at split rings but when it
comes to the full gamut of plied duties the SS is unable to step up. The same
things that make the SS pliers so good for split rings also limit the pliers
overall flexibility. These are not the pliers you will want to use to pull hooks
out of fish, in fact if a fish is deep hooked the short length of the pliers
doesn’t allow you to get far enough into the fish’s mouth.
The SS pliers hold split rings
open wide while remaining secure
There
is no line cutter on the pliers so rule out cutting mono or braid, and while
possible this isn’t the best pliers for clamping down split shot either. We did
however discover that even with the elongated nose it is possible to exploit the
pliers to tune lures like crankbaits.
Simply clamp down and rotate
The
SS pliers are designed to be an addition to your tackle, not a straight up
replacement for your existing pair of pliers. The SS is small enough to fit in
many tackle boxes or vest pocket and I actually liked having the pliers around
so much that I purchased an extra pair just so I could leave one in the boat at
all times, and still have one on the workbench for lure prep. Texas Tackle is
also offering a new larger size designed for extra large split rings found on
big plugs and offshore trolling lures. Thus larger size retails for two dollars
more.
The pliers can't cut line but they
can adjust lures like crankbaits
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)
|
Texas Tackle
SSplit Ring
Pliers Ratings
(?/10) |
| Construction/Quality |
The
Texas Tackle SSplit ring pliers makes use of high quality stainless steel
and durable rubberized grips |
8 |
| Performance |
The
pliers may not look like much but they perform better than any other pliers
we have tested to date when it comes to changing hooks |
9 |
| Price |
These pliers are a reasonable retail price and can actually be found for
lower than MSRP prices on the internet |
9 |
| Features |
These are not the most feature rich pliers, in fact they are designed for
one purpose...and in that application the Texas tackle Split ring pliers
perform admirably. These are not a replacement for you main pliers, rather
an addition |
5 |
| Design
(Ergonomics) |
The
SS pliers are designed well and are easy to use, so easy that it is possible
to change out hooks faster than ever before even on your boat |
9 |
| Application |
The SS pliers don't address a whole lot of applications, but when it comes
to split rings these pliers are fantastic |
5 |
|
Total Score |
7.50 |
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
Simply the easiest to use split ring
pliers we have ever tested |
L
Not a replacement for your main pliers,
rather an addition, designed for one application |
| J
Lightweight design |
|
| J
Reasonable price |
|
Cal uses the Texas Tackle SSplit
Ring Pliers to change out large hooks on swimbaits
Conclusion:
The
Texas Tackle SSplit Ring Pliers may not look like much they certainly deliver on
their promise. The SS is without a doubt the best pliers we have ever tested
when it comes to addressing split rings. These are not pliers that can do it
all, nor do they pretend to be, instead they are like an application specific
fishing
rod… designed with an exacting purpose. Texas Tackle’s SSplit Ring Pliers are so
good that you don’t realize just how difficult it is to switch out split rings
until you try them, not only is it easier to change out hooks with the Texas
Tackle Split Ring pliers it is faster as well. We highly recommend the Split
Ring Pliers, and to prove it Texas Tackle is the latest winner of our Editors
Choice Award.
Texas Tackle SSplit Ring Pliers
are now available at
Tackle Warehouse
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