Operation: So what elements go into a quality pair of fishing specific "pliers?" Let's start with the basics, strong jaws, sharp cutting blades, and the ability to ward off corrosion. The original Accurate Piranha Pliers could do all of this and from first glance they look almost identical in form factor to the Extra Lite model. The difference are the handles which have now been machined aggressively inside the handle, reducing weight while still remaining strong enough to provide plenty of leverage and pressure. When comparing the original 8" models the weight savings amount to a reduction of .8 ounces.

We buried the pliers in the sand, subjecting it to hours in the surf

The Piranha Extra Lite Pliers have ergonomically shaped handles which feel comfortable in hand, and also provide a solid grip even when the pliers are wet. The pliers are also spring loaded so they stay open, making it easier to apply pressure and make cuts with the tungsten carbide cutters, which are located the lower outer edge of the jaws.

Saltwater and fine sand couldn't do much to these pliers

These cutters can handle mono and braid quite easily but we also found that they were also capable of cutting through light wire as well. After a season of use these cutters did start to noticeably dull, and while I could still cut through braided lines I found myself applying extra pressure to make the cuts and they were nowhere near as clean as they were when the pliers were brand new. The good news is that replacement cutters are available, and it only takes two screws and less than a minute to swap them out.

Surprisingly sand did not penetrate the joint and the pliers still felt smooth when compressed

During tests I found that the standard jaws were quite large in diameter, which is great for working with larger hooks and working barbs out of saltwater fish, but when it came to precision work or removing finesse hooks the jaws tended to feel too big and a little cumbersome. The jaws also do not have the ability to help swap out split rings, but Accurate offers a "Jaws Kit" which can swap out the original jaws with a split-tip set of jaws which enables anglers to work with split rings. This kit retails for 15 dollars and comes with a pair of new screws. The ability to swap out the jaws ensures that in the unlikely event you snap the front of your original jaws you can quickly and easily return your tool to working condition.

The standard jaws are just a tad wide for finesse work, but very durable and good for inshore and offshore applications

During our tests we subjected these pliers to accelerated destruction tests including dropping them on lava rocks and even burying them in the Hawaiian sand and surf. We deliberately did not rinse them off and was surprised that the pliers did not rust at all. Even after being submerged and buried in the sand the tolerances of the pliers and the sealing of the joint and spring were so good that they continued to be easy to open and close, never exhibiting any gritty feeling whatsoever. The spring on the Piranha Extra Lite provides just the right amount of resistance, enabling the pliers to open up and not feel like you have to squeeze aggressively and exert any wasted energy clamping down or cutting lines. 

With pliers in pocket and fishing on the Big Island of Hawaii

Price and Applications: The new Piranha Pliers come in two sizes and while the 7" version is just a little bit more compact and lighter (.6oz lighter than the 8" to be exact), the added leverage and cutting power of the 8" model makes this a better choice for most anglers, including bass anglers that can use that extra length to extract barbed hooks from deeply hooked fish.

A Bluefin Trevally caught with a little help from the pliers

Both Piranha Extra Lite Pliers come backed with a one year warranty for the original purchaser that warrants that the pliers are free from defects in material and workmanship but doesn't cover damage or problems caused by misuse. So if you happen to run over the pliers with your truck your pretty much out of luck (though we did exactly that during our tests, and other than a few cosmetic scratches the pliers continue to perform just fine).