The 2Handee's Sibling : Buck'n Beel Enterprises' Braidmaster Pliers

Total Score: 7.58 - GOOD

Introduction: In December of 2009 we introduced you to a new product by Buck'n Beel Enterprises. The 2Handee Multi-Tool did indeed prove to be a very convenient tool to have in the tackle bag, but as with most successful companies, that's not all Buck'n Beel is about. Think about it, what's missing on the 2Handee? As convenient and useful as that tool may be, when you need a pair of pliers to free that hook from a fish's mouth, the 2Handee can't help. Fortunately the 2Handee's companion tool can. Introducing Buck'n Beel's 2Handee Braidmaster Series Pliers.

Impressions: The Braidmaster by 2Handee can best be described as a cross between a pair of needlenose pliers and a pair of forceps. It is made of stainless steel with contours and grooves forged into the business end of the tool for crimping and cutting as well as teeth to help the Braidmaster serve as an emergency wrench.

Introducing the 2Handee Multi-Tool's sibling, the Braidmaster fishing pliers ...

It has an effective though entirely unsophisticated spring near the base to facilitate opening and closing and comes with a lever to help hold the tool closed when not in use. The handle is comfort fitted with a custom molded rubber sleeve. In short, the Braidmaster is more practical than refined, but then, what do you expect for the very affordable price tag of eighteen dollars? So how does this sub twenty dollar pair of pliers do out on the water? Let's find out.

2Handee is a sub-brand of parent company Buck'n Beel Enterprises.

It was a trial by fire test for the Braidmaster this past fall as I brought it with us on our trip to the Amazon. Given the weight restrictions on our luggage, the Braidmaster was the only set of pliers I brought, so naturally, I had high hopes for this tool.

The braidmaster features a long nose that's like a cross between a pair of traditional needlenose pliers and a pair of forceps.

My normal set of pliers are a simple, yet rather pricey item from overseas. They are intended for ocean species not freshwater so they are a bit stout for black bass. I bring this up because while these pliers are overkill, for bass, they work nicely in most circumstances and serve nicely for larger species. The downside is when a bass is hooked deep, these pliers are often too big to get down into the fish's mouth and gain leverage to unfasten the hooks.

On the inside of the jaws, there are your standard grip, a crimp tool, notches to serve as an emergency wrench, and a line cutting tool.

Unlike my usual set of pliers, the Braidmaster is slim and just right for freshwater species. In just about any situation, you can easily unhook a fish with the Braidmaster pliers. They are small enough to get inside a fish's mouth, and they are just strong enough to grasp the majority of hooks.

Here's a closer look at the gripping section at the tip followed by the crimper ...

However, because the Braidmaster is thin, and more like a pair of forceps than pliers, it's difficult to get a solid grip on larger hooks. This is what I encountered down in the Amazon where the Braidmaster had difficulty, at times, lending me enough leverage to easily unhook big, toothy swimmers. A larger, set of pliers has a built in strength that you just do not get from thinner tools like the Braidmaster.

... followed by the emergency wrench and cutting blade.

On the other hand, the Braidmaster is perfectly suited for removing hooks from any species of black bass down to bluegill and crappie, catfish, etc.. The long, thin nose of this tool is excellent for reaching down inside of these fish and removing hooks where a pair of forceps prove just a little too light and a pair of ocean pliers are far too large.

The cutting blades are scissor like and serrated to help grip braid.

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