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.