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Lure Review


Finesse jigging with the Keitech Tungsten Rubber Jig Model I
 

Date: 5/5/08
Tackle type: Lures
Manufacturer: Keitech
Reviewer: JIP






Total Score: 7.41 - GOOD

Introduction: For bass anglers when times are tough or if they are trying to nail that kicker fish to win a tournament, one of the goto lures is a jig. These versatile lures can be worked at all levels and are productive all year around. Keitech, a new company to many, has landed in the States with their lead-free, Tungsten Rubber Jig Model I. Let’s go jiggin’ to see what this Keitech lure offers.
 

Keitech Tungsten Rubber Jig Model I Specifications

Colors/Patterns 8 available
Weight 1/4, 5/16, 3/8, and 1/2 oz
Hook size 3/0
Origin Japan
Price $5.95

 

Introducing a Japanese jig called Tungsten Rubber Jig Model I by Keitech

  
About Keitech: Keitech was founded in 1996 by Kei Hayashi, who is one of the most successful bass tournament anglers in Japan. The company focuses on producing premium lures through the use of advanced production technologies. They also make use of materials such as biodegradable soft plastics, high density tungsten compound, proprietary rubber, and ultra fine silicone rubber. Their high-quality designs and material choices come from knowledgeable staff that includes Mr. Hayashi himself.

 

The jig head is made of Tungsten

 

Impressions: With concern over the environment now a global matter evidenced by such declarations as “Earth Day”, there has been a big movement towards being Green. Keitech is producing lures that are lead-free such as the Rubber Jig Model I that features a jighead made of Tungsten, a much more environmentally friendly substance to our water supply.

 

The skirt is hand tied on for perfect flare and body profile

 

Picking up the package and taking the Model I jig out of the bag I was surprised at how tiny the lure is for its weight. The Keitech Tungsten Rubber Jig Model I has a streamlined head design coated with an excellent looking finish along with a custom 3/0 Gamakatsu hook.

 

A streamlined head makes the Model I great for swimming or flipping

 

After the Tungsten jighead has been painted the weed guard is then hand glued to perfection. The lure uses 20 fibers to create this weed guard that extends slightly over the tip of the hook, allowing anglers to trim it if necessary. To complete the Model I Tungsten jig, an extra fine SR-40 silicone skirt is then hand tied to the head.

 

See the fine SR-40 skirt flare underwater. It uses between 200-220 fine strands

 

The Keitech Tungsten jigs are available in eight different, proven colors: Black, Black Brown, Black Purple, Pearl White, Green Pumpkin, Watermelon, Dark Green Pumpkin, and Black Red Flake. Sizes to choose from: 5/16, 3/8, 1/4, and 1/2 ounce.

    

Complete Rig for Keitech Tungsten Rubber Jig Model I Tests

Rod Shimano Cumara (CUC72M)
Reel Abu Garcia Revo Premier
Line 8 lb Berkley Trilene Fluorocarbon

   
Field Tests:
Though it looks small, the Tungsten Model I jig can actually be fished like any other jig out there. We headed out to different lakes looking to jig up black, spotted, and smallmouth bass.

 

Another angle of the jighead

 

Jig Head: Compared to lead jig heads of the same weight, the Keitech Model I Tungsten head is 30 percent smaller. Its petite size and streamlined design makes the Model I a great finesse jig to be fished in shallow waters, flipped in vegetation or mats, or rigged with a trailer and work it as a swimming jig, which were all effective methods I used for this jig head shape.

 

This finesse jig was great for smallmouth and spotted bass

 

The Japanese manufacturer really takes craftsmanship to the next level. The Tungsten jighead is molded perfectly without any flaws and each and every Keitech Model I jighead I have are identical. Molded together is a custom Japanese made Gamakatsu hook that’s extremely sharp and as you run the hook point onto your fingernail it will leave a fine mark.

 

Keitech uses a 20-fiber weed guard that's hand glued after the head has been painted

 

Weed Guard: The Tungsten Rubber Jig Model I uses a 20-fiber weed guard that’s hand glued after the jighead has been painted. Keitech claims that this process makes the guard more accurate but in the field the weed guard fished like others without any noticeable advantages. What I did like about this weed guard is that straight out of the package the Keitech jig can be fished without trimming whereas some other brand jigs come with an excess length of weed guard fibers that must be trimmed or else it will be too long. I found that without trimming the jig handled well in heavier vegetation when flipping. The fiber can also be trimmed with fishing in open water but it is not necessary.

 


Next Section: Durability, Application, and Ratings
  

 

   

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