The Gripper was subject to various design tweaks through the development process and the end result was well worth waiting for! The super fine, long curved point is the perfect shape and during testing, provided exceptionally secure hook holds. Other features include a 10-degree in-turned eye (slightly less than the Classic to allow for the inclined beaked point), heavy forging and of course, the slick PTFE Tufflon coating.

 

Over three years of development and the last two years spent thoroughly field testing prototype samples has culminated in the launch of a new range of hooks that we believe sets a new standard in strength and point durability.

 

New manufacturing techniques including both high temperature and cryogenic tempering have produced significantly stronger hooks with more durable, long life points. Cryogenic tempering is a process used to improve the molecular structure of steel which in turn reduces stress and improves strength and wear resistance. It is used in many disciplines with Formula 1 engine parts being a classic example.

 

Bench tests on initial samples proved to us that the new tempering processes combined with improved designs and heavy forging resulted in hooks that were 25-30% stronger than other Tufflon coated carp hooks in the same wire gauge. So rather than having to improve strength by simply increasing wire gauge, new manufacturing processes have allowed us to maintain optimum wire gauges for each size which allow for fine, ultra-sharp needle points which are now more durable than ever.

 

Over an exhaustive two-year field testing period where the hooks were used by around 15 independent specialist carp anglers plus ESP consultants Terry Hearn, Kev Hewitt and Martin Bowler, feedback has been wholly positive from everyone. In fact, we have barely heard of a point turning over let alone a hook gaping out! Over those two years, a serious amount of big carp have been caught on the new hooks from a wide variety of waters and every angler who has used them came back wanting more!