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Korum Hooks.

No mention of the ever reliable Drennnan Super Specialist Barbel hooks!!
Any thoughts on the new Drennan Specimen plus?

This kind of thread always get you thinking.

As I reported earlier I have had no problems with the Xpert Power hooks to date on big rivers & I generally like to use the older S5 pattern on snaggier smaller rivers.

However now I have started thinking....how come I have had no problems with the Korum hooks....will I have problems next time out......should I switch to????

I should really stop reading these threads as they only raise doubts about the tackle that you use. Seems that if you ask a question about any item of end tackle or line you get a mixed response, there don't seem to be any items that get total positive feedback, someone always has problems with everything suggested. Oh for an ideal world where it was obvious what to use!!!
 
I have used Korum Xpert Power hooks in 10 & 8 for a while now and find them totally reliable. The price is a bonus but I would pay more for for them. Hope Korum aren't watching!
 
Michael Hall said:
No mention of the ever reliable Drennnan Super Specialist Barbel hooks!!
Any thoughts on the new Drennan Specimen plus?

This kind of thread always get you thinking.

As I reported earlier I have had no problems with the Xpert Power hooks to date on big rivers & I generally like to use the older S5 pattern on snaggier smaller rivers.

However now I have started thinking....how come I have had no problems with the Korum hooks....will I have problems next time out......should I switch to????

I should really stop reading these threads as they only raise doubts about the tackle that you use. Seems that if you ask a question about any item of end tackle or line you get a mixed response, there don't seem to be any items that get total positive feedback, someone always has problems with everything suggested. Oh for an ideal world where it was obvious what to use!!!
Click to expand...

The super specialist have been around for many years but in my opinion are inferior to the Continental. Maybe it's because they are straight shanked but I had more fish slip the hook with the super specialist. I haven't tried the specimen plus but other hooks I've used when Continentals were unavailable are Raptors which seem pretty good. If you are happy with what you use Michael, stick with them :)
 
Michael, as Alex has already said if you are happy and haven't had a problem stick with it !! In my parlance "If it's not broke don't fix it " !! :D
 
Hi Michael, I changed to the specimen plus from the SS barbel hooks a season or two ago after experiencing hook pulls. I find them superb when a heavy gauge hook is required. I also use the teflon rapiers, after a recommendation on this site by another member. A very strong hook for their gauge. Cheap too.
 
I knew there would be varying opinions on this subject, thats the the great thing about forums I guess,..getting all that feedback.
I think many of us expect the hooks we buy to be bulletproof nowadays, given the trend for pokey rods and high breaking strain line.
30 odd years ago, it was 5 lb for trotting 6 lb for ledgering,..8 lb if it was snaggy, fished on a 1 1/4 Avon rod for barbel.
A balanced setup was the key, as it is today to cope with the more abundant bigger fish.
A miss-set clutch on 12 lb line and a 1.75 tippy rod is all it takes to ask questions about the hook.

The thread reminds me of a pub landlord's nightmare scenario,...
12 bitter drinkers sitting at the bar, and the one on the end takes a sip and asks with a knowing look,...' do you think this barrel has got a tang to it ?
All the others, [ who have been quite content thus far ] start sniffing their beer and look to the landlord for a fresh one from a new barrel.!
One opinion can cause a crisis of confidence.
Two or three though might be onto something!:D
 
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I too went with the recommended Teflon Rapier hooks off ebay and was delighted with them. Unfortunately, they are no longer available from the supplier I used in a size 8, as everyone has gone to curved shanks (apparently) and nobody is buying the originals. So i'm down to the last few.
 
Luckily I bought the last few hundred Teflon Rapiers. He has sent me some new samples to try so watch this space if anyone's interested.
 
Take a look at bank tackle on ebay. Look very similar to the teflon rapier hooks and at £13 per 100 cheap too.
 
I would only use these having used the others in the range KORUM XPERT SPECIMEN
These are NOT thin wired.
Like the others they do loose there point but i carry a sharpener and to be honest I sharpen them out of the packet. ;)
 
I really like the Korum Specimen hooks - a bit stronger than the Power. In the last two seasons I’ve had lots of big tench in weedy swims on them without any problems. I find they stay a lot sharper than most hooks when used in gravelly swims. I keep trying to get Korum to bring out a Power Plus - same pattern but a stronger wire. I will show this thread to Mat Woods and hopefully he will take the comments on board.
 
David i thought that the expert power was the strongest hook range?
 
David thank you for that info...
 
Never had a problem with these. Normally pinch the barb in a wee bit.

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Had animals straightened out on the float chris. Found that super spades or super specialist were stronger but if you've never had a problem no need to change.
 
I have had problems with several brands of hooks opening out on me over the last couple of seasons and have now gone over to Nash Fang Uni's which so far have been 100%. Very few hook pulls on them as well. They are overpriced though, but it's a price I'm willing to pay.

Nick C
 
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