Crafting fishing tools with experience, Rapala ProGuide Fishing Pliers
 

Total Score: 8.25

Introduction: Rapala ups the ante with a innovative set of pliers positioned above their popular "Sportsman" series, the Rapala ProGuide line of tools aims to please pros, guides, and die hard weekend warriors alike.
 

Impressions: Rapala is really making a name for themselves in categories outside their primary lure business. It is becoming more and more common to see Rapala branded rods and tools lining retail shelves and mail order catalogs. Almost exactly one year ago I had my first experience with the Rapala Sportsman Combo. Over the entire year I have found the "Sportsman" series pliers to be both reliable and well designed, and was extremely heartbroken to forever part with them on a recent fishing trip to O'Neill Forebay. After landing a rather energetic striper on a ripbait. sporting sizable treble hooks, I was in the process of removing the hooks from the fish's mouth when he suddenly lurched towards me, driving the hooks into my leg. In an instant as I tried to regain control over the fish and stop him from flipping further my sportsman pliers fell overboard, and now rest at the bottom of the lake. While I lost my trusty Rapala Sportsman pliers, and now bear a scar from what I dub "the Striper's revenge" incident, the silver lining is that I now get to field test Rapala's higher-end ProGuide pliers.
 

The elements of the setup: The Rapala ProGuide Pliers come in either 6 1/2" or 8 1/2" sizes. The 6 1/2" size is preferable for anglers wishing to wear the pliers while walking as they are not only lighter, but seem to stay out of the way much better when not being used. The Pliers come with an attractive holster and hand lanyard.
 

The Breakdown:

Pliers feel: The Rapala ProGuide Pliers definitely feel better in your hand then the sportsman set. Over long term use the lower end sportsman grips would begin sliding and rotating on the handles. This is not the case with the ProGuide as the grips are much larger and feature contoured handles with a nice finger guard. This provides a much more solid grip on the pliers, even when your hand is wet or covered in slime. The integration of a removable spring is perhaps the biggest upgrade. Purists can remove the spring for manual operation, but most anglers will appreciate the ability to more quickly operate the pliers.
 

Pliers operation: Feature packed is the best way to describe the ProGuide. With spring operation the ProGuide comes complete with the same tuning ribs, side cutter, and split shot crimper as the old sportsman. A new bonus is the small hook at the top of the pliers. This protrusion is actually the split ring tool, which helps pry open stubborn split rings to make hook changes easier. This feature is a real plus as changing out treble hooks on small split rings can often do a real number on your fingers and nails. The only downside to this feature is that unlike traditional pliers that can grab objects straight on, the ProGuide is best grabbing objects with the pliers positioned parallel to the object.
 

Storage: One of the biggest improvements in the ProGuide line of Pliers is the inclusion of a metal split ring hole at the base of the handle. This allows anglers to secure the tool to the hand lanyard, or any security cord. This feature helps save your pliers if accidentally dropped. The hand lanyard is a good idea but not the exact implementation we were hoping for. The lanyard is too short to physically secure to clothing, and if secured is a pain to undo in most cases. We would have much rather seen a longer extension cord that attaches to the holster.

The holster itself is equally attractive and durable. The use of a Velcro strap helps add security and the oversized metal belt clip is mounted on a robust piece leather double-stitched to the cordura holster. Overall a very well thought out abode for your pliers.
 

Durability/Quality: The overall quality of the ProGuide materials is respectable. While not as lightweight as premium titanium pliers these won't break the bank either. One flaw that emerged was that the grips on the handles were not glued on properly, and began to separate during our first day of field testing. While annoying the problem was easily fixed with two drops of super glue. The quality of the holster is impressive and should be able to take plenty of abuse before showing any noticeable wear.

Application: A good set of pliers is a necessity for any serious angler as it allows the quick modification or tuning of your baits, the safe removal of hooks from fish, and that extra squeeze to cut your line or crimp your weight. The ProGuide setup makes it even easier to access your pliers as they can be always worn in easy reach.

Ratings:

Pluses and Minuses:

Conclusion: The Rapala ProGuide Pliers are a definite step up from the "Sportsman" line of Rapala pliers. This is a well designed tool that includes features that make sense for anglers. Unlike many pliers that are simply repackaged and aimed at fisherman the ProGuide will arm anglers with advantages like the crankbait tuning tool and split ring opener. Anglers expect high quality and good design from Rapala and the ProGuide (RPLR-6) pliers carry on the tradition of first-rate product formulation and implementation. Best of all, the next time a Striper decides to plant a lure into my leg at least the ProGuide will be attached securely and I won't have to donate another pair of pliers to the lake floor.

Until next time....Tight Lines!