Expanding the tests: The lab has served us very well over the last two years and has been a true home base for us where we have expanded our tests and the very way we look at tackle, but one thing that has always remained on our minds is how to better quantify all the test metrics and data. While there is truly no substitute for going out and logging hours on the water with the tackle, when it comes to things like just how much force a hook or lure can sustain, abrasion resistance, line tensile strength, vibration transfer for sensitivity and other metrics we wanted to enhance our tests and generate additional informative data for our articles.

With this pursuit in mind late last year we made some major investments, equivalent to the cost of a fully outfitted bass rig, in new machinery and software to implement these new tests and automate some of our existing ones.

Using a variety of new tools, some of which we had custom built, we now have a way to quantify a lot more data when it comes to tensile strength and abrasion resistance on lines and even lures as well as pressure and sensitivity transfer on rods. A lot of these tests are destructive and truly stress tackle to the breaking point, something that we have been trying to do in a more measured and quantifiable manner for years.

Our greatest new tool is a piece of equipment that automates test programs and is able to quickly test tensile strength and pressure on everything from drags on reels, line and terminal tackle strength. It also has the ability to measure breaking pressure on the joints of lures or how much pressure it takes to break a blank. We have already started putting this new piece of equipment to work and have affectionately dubbed it “The Machine.” Sounds like it is time for some new line roundups!

We have also started automating our Rod WRACK and have implemented new sensitivity sensor that will be able to test the transfer vibration from rod tip to reel seat. As we continue to dial in the settings on this equipment you can be sure that this information will also be making it into future reviews.

Finally we have upgraded the imaging equipment in the lab, everything from the lighting to the DSLRs that we use for photography. Hopefully Zander won’t drop the camera in the water like he did a few years back when he went for an unintentional dip in the Amazon, DSLR in tow.

Keiko introduces "The Machine"

We have already expanded our office area to accommodate more writing stations and you can be sure that we will continue to make investments in the lab and our goal is to keep ramping the tests. So what does all this add up to? Basically just “more.” More tests, more quantifiable data, more details and more articles. So thanks to all of our readers for the last 12 years and here is to a great 2013 full of new tackle and great fishing memories. Time to Go Native!

Thanks for joining us on our Behind the Scenes look at bringing up the lab. To commemorate the New Year please "Like" us on Facebook, we will be giving away a few premium swimbaits, including Roman Made lures! Winners will be announced on Facebook.