Rapala Sportsman's Combo: A foundation to build your tool collection upon...
Date: |
12/28/01 |
Tackle type: |
Tools |
Manufacturer: |
Rapala |
Reviewer: |
Zander |
Total Score: 9.03 + Best Value Award!
Introduction: There are two kinds of fishing tools: those that help you
prepare your tackle for fishing and those that you utilize while actually fishing. Rapala
introduces an affordable set called the Sportsman Combo (RTC-6PCHS) that has the
basic tools to address both these applications.
Sportsman
Combo Components |
Fishing Pliers |
Nickel plated finish, soft grip handles, split shot crimper, crank tuner, 6 1/2"
length |
Neck Lanyard |
36" (Branded) |
Fishing Clippers |
Oversized thumb grip, blade, and bird-nest pick, crank tuner |
Hook Sharpener |
Fine grit, aluminum oxide stone (retractable) |
Jig Buster |
Plastic with chrome spring |
MSRP |
$13.99 |
Impressions: The Sportsman Combo belongs to Rapala's accessory line which
consists of both "Sportsman" and "Proguide" lines. The Proguide tools feature a
black finish, tools for more detailed applications, and higher quality
materials, but is priced higher.
We chose to review the "6PCHS" because it has all the elements of a good starter
set with tools that can handle 80% of all basic Angler's needs. First impression
of the tool set is that it is well thought out with lots of small but noticeable
bonuses built onto each tool. (like the bird nest pick and split shot crimp)
The elements of the combo: The Rapala "Sportsman ComboPack" comes with:
|
Rapala's
Combo Pack has almost everything you need to get started |
The Breakdown:
Pliers: The Rapala pliers are nice and feel like a much more
expensive set of pliers with the soft grip and added value features. The side of
the pliers features three slots for tuning cranks, but we found using the
traditional pliers teeth was still easiest for fine tuning. The cutter is sharp
and able to even cut through 20lb braided steel saltwater leader with no
problem. The splitshot crimp is a welcome improvement over standard pliers and
it is now easier to get split shots tight on the line quickly. Most impressive
of all is the fact Rapala coats the entire pliers with Nickel so it is much more
able to resist rusting.
|
We still
felt tuning cranks was easiest with the nose rather then using the slot tool
(see slots on side of pliers) |
Clippers: While most fisherman simply use a standard nail clipper
the Rapala takes this idea one step further with the multi-functional
clipper/tuning tool. The Rapala clipper is finished in black and the blades are
actually flat making it easier to cut lines. The clipper has n enlarged thumb
grip so working the pliers with gloves is not an issue. What impressed us
further was the inclusion of a line pick to help work out those nasty bird nests
on bait casting reels and a multifunctional blade. The clipper also has slots
for fine tuning crankbaits (just like the pliers).
|
The Rapala
line pick is great for working out nasty birdnests |
Hook Sharpener: The Rapala hook sharpener is actually a aluminum
oxide stone put into a pocketknife format. It is easy to use and small enough to
stow away in any tackle bag. It was able to sharpen my hooks in 3 to 4 strokes.
|
3 to 4
strokes and the hooks were as sharp, or sharper then new! |
Jig Buster: The one tool in the kit that wasn't necessary. The jig
buster has a cool name but all it is intended to do is punch holes in jigs where
the factory paint has sealed the line ties over. We found using the "pick" on
the clipper could do this job just fine. Too bad Rapala couldn't have
substituted this tool with a mini scale or tape measure.
Neck Lanyard: A simple but useful
tool that allows Anglers to put all these tools (with the exception of the
pliers) around their necks for easy access. The Neck Lanyard is high quality and
is branded neatly with the red Rapala logo.
Ratings:
Rapala
Sportsman Combo Ratings (?/10) |
Construction/Quality |
Great quality, and Rapala really goes the
extra mile with grips and coatings to make sure these tools will last! |
9 |
Performance |
Works well for both tuning and during fishing
when you need to fix, tie, and cut lines and lures quickly |
9.2 |
Price |
A great price for 5 tools that can be the
foundation of any Anglers toolset |
9 |
Features |
All the features (and then some) required to
tune and fish most lures |
9 |
Design (Ergonomics) |
These tools are obviously not standard tools
repacked for fisherman. these are tools designed for lure maintenance and
fishing |
9 |
Application |
All the tools are great at home or in the
field , with the exception of the jig buster which is easily replaced by the
pick or any sharp hook |
8.5 |
Total Score |
9.03 |
Pluses and Minuses:
Plus
Minus |
J Great
construction |
L
Do you need a jig buster? |
J
Many applications |
|
J
Designed for fishing |
|
J
Added value features |
|
J
Great Price |
|
Conclusion: The Rapala Sportsman Combo is a great value for what you get.
With the exception of the jig buster (which is cool, but easily replaceable).
The tools are a great foundation for any Angler that wants tools to help tune
tackle before and during fishing. These are practical tools at a
affordable price and like Rapala states "not just repackaged hardware tools,
every tool is designed for specific tasks." So many added value features and
good construction for such a low price make this a set definitely worth
considering, and a worthy recipient of our Best Value Award!
Until next time....Tight Lines!