Event Article:
2006 ICAST Innovations Coverage |
ICAST Coverage (Innovations) - Everything from clever new storage to
transforming watercrafts
Date: |
7/22/06 |
Location: |
Las Vegas,
NV |
Admission: |
Buyers &
Press only |
Reviewer: |
Team
TackleTour |
Introduction: This is our final bout of ICAST coverage, and an
opportunity to take a look at an assortment of exciting new tackle offerings
ranging from storage, to optics, to new watercraft solutions. This year
manufacturers really got "innovative" in an effort to set themselves apart. We
saw Tier 1 manufacturers branching into new segments, niche companies delving
into new specialized solutions, and it was invigorating to see a handful of new
companies jumping into the ring too.
Easy Navigation: Because this is live
coverage and we adding to article every minute we have provided quick-link
navigation to the individual featured sections:
Ted Sakai, Manager of Accessories,
shows the Bristol Bay Kayak bag to Zander and Cal
Shimano: Shimano surprised us with a
quality sampling of new gear offerings outside the arena of reels and rods. Ted
Sakai, Accessory Product Manager was on hand to walk us through all the new gear
solutions.
Ted showcases the various Bristol
Bay bags
Bristol Bay Bags: Most of exiting
for kayak anglers is the new Bristol Bay Dry Tackle and Cooler bags. These are
designed for open boats that offer little protection from the elements. These
bags are constructed from a water resistant heavy duty tarpaulin material. When
the zipper is closed these bags will float up to 40lbs of weight should they
fall into the water.
A close up of the Cooler Bag
The inner insulated compartment is separated from the outer shell, which ensures
your gear will remain dry and safe and the high contrast yellow and black
styling improves visibility.
The bottom of the bag is a
non-skid, non-slip PVC bottom
Another interesting feature is the ability to
transform the bag into a livewell when a battery operated pump is set through a
hole in the backside of the bag.
Ted and John show the press the
Evair boots at the Shimano press event
Evair Boots: These are the boots
that Shimano took home top prize with in the clothing category. Constructed from
one-piece molded EVA to absorb heel shock and reduce foot fatigue from a day on
the water, Shimano's new Evair boots feature a non-skid, non marking outer sole
with a water channel design to provide a no-slip grip on the boat deck.
The Evair boots are light,
comfortable, and easy to maintain
These boots felt extremely light and only weighed
about 10oz per boot. The inside of the boot features a ergonomic arch and air
channel system to keep your feet comfortable and dry. They are designed to be
cleaned very easily and can be hosed down and the inside can be dried fast with
a single swipe with a towel. They are available in sizes from 8 through 13 and
will retail for $69.99 a pair. Shimano showed they were serious about more than
just reels and rods with these quality gear offerings, and from the looks of
things the company is dead serious about being at the top of the accessory game
too.
Next Section: Albackore's new mobile bags