Just browsing through various tackle shops online as I need to get a load of bits and bobs, hooks, safety clips, sleeves, beads, tubing etc and I've seen a couple of places recommended on FB. Two that come to mind are carpers essentials and Bank Tackle.
Question is, does anyone else use these or similar companies where they do this sort of stuff such as swivels and bits and are they equally as good as say korda, fox, esp etc who are triple the price. After all, surely a swivel is a swivel. They must all be made in China and from the images, they look exactly the same. Would this be the same with regards to hooks though and if you do use these cheaper sources, where do you draw the line on what's good and what's not.
Is it all in our heads that we are basically brain washed to purchase the branded stuff because we see certain well known anglers claiming they use this hook or other terminal tackle from a particularly well known brand.
Bearing in mind you could have up to £1000 of terminal bits in a Tackle box, buying from these cheaper suppliers could mean a significant saving.
Any suggestions of where I should look for decent end Tackle would be greatly appreciated.
Question is, does anyone else use these or similar companies where they do this sort of stuff such as swivels and bits and are they equally as good as say korda, fox, esp etc who are triple the price. After all, surely a swivel is a swivel. They must all be made in China and from the images, they look exactly the same. Would this be the same with regards to hooks though and if you do use these cheaper sources, where do you draw the line on what's good and what's not.
Is it all in our heads that we are basically brain washed to purchase the branded stuff because we see certain well known anglers claiming they use this hook or other terminal tackle from a particularly well known brand.
Bearing in mind you could have up to £1000 of terminal bits in a Tackle box, buying from these cheaper suppliers could mean a significant saving.
Any suggestions of where I should look for decent end Tackle would be greatly appreciated.
In reply to Post #1
Bank Tackle for swivels and baitscrews,the tungsten sinkers are not very good though
Bank Tackle for swivels and baitscrews,the tungsten sinkers are not very good though
In reply to Post #1
Bank tackle is a good start.
I Like their hooks
Good service.
Bank tackle is a good start.
I Like their hooks
Good service.
In reply to Post #1
Mosquito angling for me, none of their gear has ever let me down including the £1.99 a pack of 10 hooks.
Daz
Mosquito angling for me, none of their gear has ever let me down including the £1.99 a pack of 10 hooks.
Daz
In reply to Post #1
Well you say a swivel is a swivel but I also thought foam is foam and a zig aligner is a zig aligner. Bank Tackle sent me zig aligners that lose the foam on a big chuck. Didn't really matter as the foam they sent me sank after 10 mins anyway
I'll not use them for anything again.
Well you say a swivel is a swivel but I also thought foam is foam and a zig aligner is a zig aligner. Bank Tackle sent me zig aligners that lose the foam on a big chuck. Didn't really matter as the foam they sent me sank after 10 mins anyway
I'll not use them for anything again.
In reply to Post #3
Cheers mate. So I've nothing to worry about regarding quality of the hooks then. I'm probably right in my original post that we're all brainwashed into thinking that branded products are better. Probably better off getting a decent hook sharpening kit too.
Cheers mate. So I've nothing to worry about regarding quality of the hooks then. I'm probably right in my original post that we're all brainwashed into thinking that branded products are better. Probably better off getting a decent hook sharpening kit too.
In reply to Post #6
Yes, it is a bit of trial and error, TBH.
I just shopped around and buy 10 hooks/swivels from Bank, or Mosquito and others brands to see what you like the most for the type of fishing you do.
A size 4, 6, 8 on Some unbranded hooks are bigger or smaller than others/ or branded ones.
Yes, it is a bit of trial and error, TBH.
I just shopped around and buy 10 hooks/swivels from Bank, or Mosquito and others brands to see what you like the most for the type of fishing you do.
A size 4, 6, 8 on Some unbranded hooks are bigger or smaller than others/ or branded ones.
In reply to Post #2
Cheers Braders. Think I'll have a closer look at Bank Tackle. I suppose its all trial and error really. You could have bought the tungsten from say esp or korda for example and found that to be no good. Better to find something poor and lose out £2 rather than find out a branded item three times the price was poor.
Cheers Braders. Think I'll have a closer look at Bank Tackle. I suppose its all trial and error really. You could have bought the tungsten from say esp or korda for example and found that to be no good. Better to find something poor and lose out £2 rather than find out a branded item three times the price was poor.
In reply to Post #6
Definitely not been brainwashed at all. There are varying qualities of kit available, people like bank do the lower type. The few bits I've had from them have mostly been awful. Swivels, hooks, and leadclips being among them. They do reasonable hairstops though. It's strange how people don't think twice about dropping hundreds or thousands on stuff like bivvies ,and then try and save 30 pence on a hook which is the most important but of kit an angler uses
Definitely not been brainwashed at all. There are varying qualities of kit available, people like bank do the lower type. The few bits I've had from them have mostly been awful. Swivels, hooks, and leadclips being among them. They do reasonable hairstops though. It's strange how people don't think twice about dropping hundreds or thousands on stuff like bivvies ,and then try and save 30 pence on a hook which is the most important but of kit an angler uses
Have a look at king of the pond I rate his stuff.
In reply to Post #1
Angling Iron is another site to look at,
BEAR IN MIND - They are back open on 10th Jan, after Xmas break, so any orders won't be sent out until then
Angling Iron is another site to look at,
BEAR IN MIND - They are back open on 10th Jan, after Xmas break, so any orders won't be sent out until then
In reply to Post #10
That was the other one, I couldn't remember. thanks for reminding me
That was the other one, I couldn't remember. thanks for reminding me
In reply to Post #9
I wasn't saying we should be looking at it as you've said or atleast that's not how I intended it to come across. I'm in a position of having to replace everything so was merely asking if anyone can vouch for their quality really. I completely agree that terminal tackle is probably the most important purchase but because they are more expensive, it doesn't mean it's actually better. The reviews on FB for certain products seem positive but I take those with a pinch of salt as I wouldn't be surprised if some of the posts are just mates helping out with positive reviews.
I'd be happier getting opinions from you guys on here tbh.
We should also bear in mind that some of these products might also be very good. After all, Mr Fairbrass started off selling home made leads from the back of his car.
I wasn't saying we should be looking at it as you've said or atleast that's not how I intended it to come across. I'm in a position of having to replace everything so was merely asking if anyone can vouch for their quality really. I completely agree that terminal tackle is probably the most important purchase but because they are more expensive, it doesn't mean it's actually better. The reviews on FB for certain products seem positive but I take those with a pinch of salt as I wouldn't be surprised if some of the posts are just mates helping out with positive reviews.
I'd be happier getting opinions from you guys on here tbh.
We should also bear in mind that some of these products might also be very good. After all, Mr Fairbrass started off selling home made leads from the back of his car.
In reply to Post #9
people don't think twice about dropping hundreds or thousands on stuff like bivvies ,and then try and save 30 pence on a hook which is the most important but of kit an angler uses
Totally agree Ian. Save your pennies on the jumped up tent/sun-lounger. Not the bit that catches the fish
people don't think twice about dropping hundreds or thousands on stuff like bivvies ,and then try and save 30 pence on a hook which is the most important but of kit an angler uses
Totally agree Ian. Save your pennies on the jumped up tent/sun-lounger. Not the bit that catches the fish
In reply to Post #1
Bank tackle
Bank tackle
In reply to Post #14
When did a swivel catch you a fish,I must be doing something wrong
When did a swivel catch you a fish,I must be doing something wrong
In reply to Post #16
Is that a joke Tony? Because surely you can see that anything what actually connects the angler to the fish is "something that catches fish"?
Is that a joke Tony? Because surely you can see that anything what actually connects the angler to the fish is "something that catches fish"?
In reply to Post #13
No I agree because something is more expensive it doesn't make it better. Never said it did. Some dearer kit is rubbish too. And some is repackaged cheaper stuff sold at a premium (ridgemonkey springs to mind) . Your comment earlier about swivels is quite a good example of varying qualities of kit Tbh. They vary vastly. A good quality swivel will be nice and strong, spin freely, and remain that way . Lower quality ones don't last. I speak from experience,the bank ones look the part but that where it ends. They seize up ,and aren't particularly strong
No I agree because something is more expensive it doesn't make it better. Never said it did. Some dearer kit is rubbish too. And some is repackaged cheaper stuff sold at a premium (ridgemonkey springs to mind) . Your comment earlier about swivels is quite a good example of varying qualities of kit Tbh. They vary vastly. A good quality swivel will be nice and strong, spin freely, and remain that way . Lower quality ones don't last. I speak from experience,the bank ones look the part but that where it ends. They seize up ,and aren't particularly strong
In reply to Post #14
100% agree that it is not worth trying to cut costs with end tackle. I tried Bank after people recommended on here. The swivel coating was rough so some didn't swivel, the coated braid was thick and wiry, the long shank hooks were not very sharp and didn't hold a point and the tungsten sinkers were just black rubber. That was my one and only order and a complete waste of money, it all went in the bin. I would advise trying to buy the best available and spend a few quid more if needed. After all, it is only a few quid, nothing compared rods, reels, bait etc.
ESP for swivels, rings, leadcore and bits and bobs.
Jason Hayward SS Hooks
Whichever hooklink does the best job; some Nash, Amnesia, Korda and ESP.
100% agree that it is not worth trying to cut costs with end tackle. I tried Bank after people recommended on here. The swivel coating was rough so some didn't swivel, the coated braid was thick and wiry, the long shank hooks were not very sharp and didn't hold a point and the tungsten sinkers were just black rubber. That was my one and only order and a complete waste of money, it all went in the bin. I would advise trying to buy the best available and spend a few quid more if needed. After all, it is only a few quid, nothing compared rods, reels, bait etc.
ESP for swivels, rings, leadcore and bits and bobs.
Jason Hayward SS Hooks
Whichever hooklink does the best job; some Nash, Amnesia, Korda and ESP.
In reply to Post #5
All swivels are equal, but some swivels are more equal than others.
All swivels are equal, but some swivels are more equal than others.
In reply to Post #1
I use bank tackle for tungsten tubing, swivels of all kinds, bait screws and some other metal bits.
I have though found their lead clips, kickers and putty to be poor. Kickers are very soft and don't hold much shape. Putty is to pliable for my liking and their lead clips snap very easily.
Hooks I stick to the branded packets. I've tried mosquito, bank tackle and various other smaller suppliers in the past. None I have personally used have been anywhere near as sharp as say korda or my most recent purchase of gardener talon tips and ridgemonkey beak points.
That's not to say they ain't usable. I would be fine using them on a out and out runs water but wouldn't be confident in using them if I was targeting big fish.
I use bank tackle for tungsten tubing, swivels of all kinds, bait screws and some other metal bits.
I have though found their lead clips, kickers and putty to be poor. Kickers are very soft and don't hold much shape. Putty is to pliable for my liking and their lead clips snap very easily.
Hooks I stick to the branded packets. I've tried mosquito, bank tackle and various other smaller suppliers in the past. None I have personally used have been anywhere near as sharp as say korda or my most recent purchase of gardener talon tips and ridgemonkey beak points.
That's not to say they ain't usable. I would be fine using them on a out and out runs water but wouldn't be confident in using them if I was targeting big fish.
In reply to Post #15
tried various Bank tackle products and have found there swivels (all sizes to be fine)
Like the post below mentions there hooks are fine too for certain waters, probably too blunt if your in the ( i must sharpen everything or i wont catch brigade).
Angling Iron hooks are very good too.
But for tubing, lead clips, hooklinks ive always stuck with esp/korda
tried various Bank tackle products and have found there swivels (all sizes to be fine)
Like the post below mentions there hooks are fine too for certain waters, probably too blunt if your in the ( i must sharpen everything or i wont catch brigade).
Angling Iron hooks are very good too.
But for tubing, lead clips, hooklinks ive always stuck with esp/korda
In reply to Post #8
Whilst I have bought and used bank tackle hooks, as well as some other ‘value' brand hooks I personally don't feel the quality is up there with some of the established brands. I've always been a fan of Gardner and ESP hooks, and feel the finishing of the hooks is just better. Particularly the quality and finesse of the points, and the join where the eye meets the shank.
I imagine the brands probably pay more for higher quality materials and finish, and it shows.
Whilst I have bought and used bank tackle hooks, as well as some other ‘value' brand hooks I personally don't feel the quality is up there with some of the established brands. I've always been a fan of Gardner and ESP hooks, and feel the finishing of the hooks is just better. Particularly the quality and finesse of the points, and the join where the eye meets the shank.
I imagine the brands probably pay more for higher quality materials and finish, and it shows.
In reply to Post #23
Yes esp and gardner for hooks, then a bit of korda, usually,
Yes esp and gardner for hooks, then a bit of korda, usually,
In reply to Post #20
Have you used the ESP ‘high performance' uni link swivels? The work out at nearly £1 a swivel
But; they are brilliant swivels, the best out there for hinge rigs and chod sections, beautifully smooth. I'd rather have £5 worth of swivels on 5 perfect rigs than 50 sh*t ones in my tackle box. How many swivels do you actually need.
Have you used the ESP ‘high performance' uni link swivels? The work out at nearly £1 a swivel
But; they are brilliant swivels, the best out there for hinge rigs and chod sections, beautifully smooth. I'd rather have £5 worth of swivels on 5 perfect rigs than 50 sh*t ones in my tackle box. How many swivels do you actually need.
In reply to Post #25
Have you tried ball bearing swivels
Have you tried ball bearing swivels
In reply to Post #9
What issues have you had with Banks swivels mate? I've been using them for a
few years now, but would like to know of potential issues.
What issues have you had with Banks swivels mate? I've been using them for a
few years now, but would like to know of potential issues.
In reply to Post #27
Had a couple basically seize up mate, went so stiff they wouldn't turn unless forced. They had barely been used either
Had a couple basically seize up mate, went so stiff they wouldn't turn unless forced. They had barely been used either
In reply to Post #1
I stopped buying everything branded, terminal tackle wise apart from hooks (and even leads I won't pay branded prices) probably four years ago now. I buy practically everything in bulk now from on line Chinese retailers selling bits and bobs on ebay. I know what I want in terms of swivels, beads, clips, braid, hook link etc and it saves me a fortune.
Landed a PB 58lb cat on it last year so it can't be that bad either. Madness to pay the big names for terminal tackle, and I will probably depart from hooks next to complete my boycott.
I stopped buying everything branded, terminal tackle wise apart from hooks (and even leads I won't pay branded prices) probably four years ago now. I buy practically everything in bulk now from on line Chinese retailers selling bits and bobs on ebay. I know what I want in terms of swivels, beads, clips, braid, hook link etc and it saves me a fortune.
Landed a PB 58lb cat on it last year so it can't be that bad either. Madness to pay the big names for terminal tackle, and I will probably depart from hooks next to complete my boycott.
In reply to Post #24
Just do exactly this. Takes the worry out
Tried and tested bits that are absolutely essential and not worth scrimping on
Just do exactly this. Takes the worry out
Tried and tested bits that are absolutely essential and not worth scrimping on
In reply to Post #29
is it me or do some of the coated braids from BMG etc seem rather bright?
im sure 30s with a marker will sort that tho
is it me or do some of the coated braids from BMG etc seem rather bright?
im sure 30s with a marker will sort that tho
In reply to Post #29
the dream would be finding a place which does bulk spools like you do with mono
the dream would be finding a place which does bulk spools like you do with mono
In reply to Post #29
I think I'm probably going to do a similar thing Pete. I won't risk gambling on hooks but I'll probably try carpers essentials (no harm in ordering a packet or two of certain items and see how I go). If they are crap then I've only wasted a couple of quid and I'lltry anotherseller. If they stand the test of time, then I'll order from them again. Like I said earlier, if people hadn't given Mr Fairbrass a chance when he was selling home made leads out of the back of his car, then we wouldn't be buying the multitude of products he sells now. Giving the little guys a chance is good for business as far as consumers are concerned. More competition hopefully brings prices down.
I think I'm probably going to do a similar thing Pete. I won't risk gambling on hooks but I'll probably try carpers essentials (no harm in ordering a packet or two of certain items and see how I go). If they are crap then I've only wasted a couple of quid and I'lltry anotherseller. If they stand the test of time, then I'll order from them again. Like I said earlier, if people hadn't given Mr Fairbrass a chance when he was selling home made leads out of the back of his car, then we wouldn't be buying the multitude of products he sells now. Giving the little guys a chance is good for business as far as consumers are concerned. More competition hopefully brings prices down.
In reply to Post #26
Thinking Anglers swivels are the best out there.
Smooth as a waxed cat.
Thinking Anglers swivels are the best out there.
Smooth as a waxed cat.
In reply to Post #1
People think they are dodging named brands when all they're doing is just moving to another. Alibaba.
I'm really fussy when it comes to my Pike tackle. American wire, Japanese Swivels, Norwegian Hooks, Finnish Lures. One faulty Alibaba swivel (as detailed above with the Bank Tackle ones) and a hooked Pike is a dead Pike.
People think they are dodging named brands when all they're doing is just moving to another. Alibaba.
I'm really fussy when it comes to my Pike tackle. American wire, Japanese Swivels, Norwegian Hooks, Finnish Lures. One faulty Alibaba swivel (as detailed above with the Bank Tackle ones) and a hooked Pike is a dead Pike.
In reply to Post #33
The difference is though Df was making the leads he sold so could be assured of quality, he wasn't just repackaging cheap stuff and sticking his bit on top of the price. You can't really compare the 2
The difference is though Df was making the leads he sold so could be assured of quality, he wasn't just repackaging cheap stuff and sticking his bit on top of the price. You can't really compare the 2
In reply to Post #29
Wait until you hook a big cat and see what happens....
Wait until you hook a big cat and see what happens....
Scrimping on a quid here and 50p/kg there, bemoaning ticket prices, all whilst sat behind £4k's worth of rods reels and alarms... Style over substance, some of it catches extra and bigger fish, the other just makes folk look the part...
In reply to Post #26
I have indeed, but they aren't quite right size wise with lead clips and I've never seen one with a bigger ring for stiff/chod section.
I have indeed, but they aren't quite right size wise with lead clips and I've never seen one with a bigger ring for stiff/chod section.
I have been using ball bearing swivels for several years since Simon @ Solar Tackle gave me some to try out. Solar still offer them as do Okuma, Berkely and there are various suppliers on Amazon. They swivel when you want them to swivel, end of story.
In reply to Post #40
Hi Ken, do they do them in typical swivel sizes, and can you get a uni swivel for chods/ hsr?
Hi Ken, do they do them in typical swivel sizes, and can you get a uni swivel for chods/ hsr?
In reply to Post #39
Could attach a small stainless split ring
Could attach a small stainless split ring
In reply to Post #1
Sharp Tackle great products at a great price
Owned by a mate of mine his hooks are 👍
Sharp Tackle great products at a great price
Owned by a mate of mine his hooks are 👍
In reply to Post #42
Those split rings are not as strong as you think - I sometimes use them to convert a swivel lead to a heli lead, and once opened one out on a frap up. I certainly wouldn't want to use one for direct contact with a fish
Those split rings are not as strong as you think - I sometimes use them to convert a swivel lead to a heli lead, and once opened one out on a frap up. I certainly wouldn't want to use one for direct contact with a fish
In reply to Post #44
Really,used them on spinners and lures when sea fishing and never once had an issue
Really,used them on spinners and lures when sea fishing and never once had an issue
In reply to Post #45
Perhaps there's different grades? I bought a job lot off eBay, just to use as I described with the leads it was a frap up on a big chuck with braid on a spod rod that opened mine out so was a fair amount of force.
Perhaps there's different grades? I bought a job lot off eBay, just to use as I described with the leads it was a frap up on a big chuck with braid on a spod rod that opened mine out so was a fair amount of force.
In reply to Post #46
In reply to Post #47
Sticky Sharp hooks really are, sticky sharp.
Sticky Sharp hooks really are, sticky sharp.
I Precision for all hooks and some terminal if not Bank Tackle for terminal
In reply to Post #49
Leads from a bloke down the road
Leads from a bloke down the road
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