Super User J Francho Posted December 13, 2012 Super User Share Posted December 13, 2012 Over the summer, I ordered a Hawgtech Hawg Handler to try out. I paid retail, $79 if I recall. I really didn't set my expectations too high, but I had already seen several positive reviews. My skepticism came from dealing with handles made by Bassart, ZPI, and other JDM sources. I got my Hawgtech Hawg Handler, and my initial impressions were, man this handle is big. I immediately had an application for it. I fish for salmon and trout in the fall with spoons and bass tackle. It's a blast, but they can really put the screws to your gear. This year, I was going to step it up to something that I could put some pressure on them with. I picked my Dobyns Champion Extreme 745 saddled with a Chronarch 200e7 spooled with 50# Power Pro. This worked well, but once I swapped the stock handle out with the Hawgtech, man that was powerful. I really expected some flex, but I feel it made the system stronger. I set the drag pretty high, pushing 5 power rod to it's limit, and was horsing big fish in, literally able to winch them with the longer, stronger handle. Toss in some super smooth, comfortable, oversize bearing supported cork knobs, and well you get the picture. Any application where you need power - deep cranking, punching, Carolina rigging - this is a valuable upgrade that isn't just "bling." In fact, that it looks so good is just a bonus. Again, I have been literally abusing my setup and after dozens of fish in 15-25 lb. range, I see no signs of wear or failure. I've beat up some stamped steel handles, from some "pretty popular brand names" here, but this one is holding strong. If you are looking for a functional, relatively value priced, good looking upgrade for your reel - I highly recommend a look at Hawgtech. https://www.hawgtech.com Some "Hawgs" 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
central.PA.bass Posted December 13, 2012 Share Posted December 13, 2012 80$ for a handle? yikes! If it catches the fish for me I am in.. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Super User J Francho Posted December 13, 2012 Author Super User Share Posted December 13, 2012 Most JDM handles are around $120 - $150, and don't come with knobs, let alone cork knobs. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Super User Dwight Hottle Posted December 13, 2012 Super User Share Posted December 13, 2012 I agree with John they are a quality product at a very fair price. 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
piscicidal Posted December 13, 2012 Share Posted December 13, 2012 Over the summer, I ordered a Hawgtech Hawg Handler to try out. I paid retail, $79 if I recall. I really didn't set my expectations too high, but I had already seen several positive reviews. My skepticism came from dealing with handles made by Bassart, ZPI, and other JDM sources. I got my Hawgtech Hawg Handler, and my initial impressions were, man this handle is big. I immediately had an application for it. I fish for salmon and trout in the fall with spoons and bass tackle. It's a blast, but they can really put the screws to your gear. This year, I was going to step it up to something that I could put some pressure on them with. I picked my Dobyns Champion Extreme 745 saddled with a Chronarch 200e7 spooled with 50# Power Pro. This worked well, but once I swapped the stock handle out with the Hawgtech, man that was powerful. I really expected some flex, but I feel it made the system stronger. I set the drag pretty high, pushing 5 power rod to it's limit, and was horsing big fish in, literally able to winch them with the longer, stronger handle. Toss in some super smooth, comfortable, oversize bearing supported cork knobs, and well you get the picture. Any application where you need power - deep cranking, punching, Carolina rigging - this is a valuable upgrade that isn't just "bling." In fact, that it looks so good is just a bonus. Again, I have been literally abusing my setup and after dozens of fish in 15-25 lb. range, I see no signs of wear or failure. I've beat up some stamped steel handles, from some "pretty popular brand names" here, but this one is holding strong. If you are looking for a functional, relatively value priced, good looking upgrade for your reel - I highly recommend a look at Hawgtech. https://www.hawgtech.com John, thanks. When Robert and I started this out, we started with the premise that there was a "hole" in the market for a decent carbon fiber reel handle. Typical JDM handles are, in my opinion, too light/flimsy to be used in many heavy duty bass fishing applications (i.e. flipping/punching). And, I am also of the opinion that those handles are at a price point where most US fishermen cannot seriously consider them. Most people are not going to put a $160 handle on a $140 reel. I know I wouldn't.... Our goal was to create a product that was sturdier than the typical JDM handle (a lot of musky/northern pike fishermen are buying them), with larger knobs, and at a much lower price point. I think we've also made some additional refinements which differentiate us from the competition. For example, many of the JDM handles CNC cut the handles, with no secondary operation, which results in a very sharp edge on the carbon. We do a secondary operation which adds a variable round to those outer surfaces...it is a tedious, and expensive operation, but one that we feel is necessary. I have had several people buy our handles, after slicing up their knuckles on a competitors' CF handle. Obviously, the cork knobs are a differentiator, as well. This is also an expensive, time-consuming process, but one we think our customers benefit from. The oversized cork knobs keep your hand engaged to the reel, when that big fish hits. Cork is very comfortable in the cold weather and we think it looks pretty good, as well. We worked with many big name bass/esox/saltwater fishermen (guys who catch big fish, like Steve "Big O" Parks) on working out the design details, to ensure that the handle was robust long before we sold one handle. So thanks again, John, for your great (unsolicited ) endorsement. Robert and I have been a bit overwhelmed with the positive response and feedback (and orders) we've received, and we really appreciate it all. 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Super User 00 mod Posted December 13, 2012 Super User Share Posted December 13, 2012 I love mine to! Can't wait to put it through the ropes with some deep cranking! Bought mine when they had the 10% off BR sale! Jeff 3 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Super User A-Jay Posted December 14, 2012 Super User Share Posted December 14, 2012 I love mine to! Can't wit to put it through the ropes with some deep cranking! Bought mine when they had the 10% off BR sale! Jeff OK Jeff - I'm looking forward to checking that handle out this spring - might have to invest in a few myself. A-Jay 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Super User LgMouthGambler Posted December 14, 2012 Super User Share Posted December 14, 2012 Yes, it is an amazing product. They did a great job in getting the market for a great product at an amazing price. I need a few more myself, but the wife tells me otherwise, lol. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Super User South FLA Posted December 14, 2012 Super User Share Posted December 14, 2012 Thank you gentlemen! As Mike has already explained our handle was designed after evaluating AND USING other competitors' aftermarket handles and major reel manufactures' higher tiered reels. What Mike and I were able to accomplish was a result of the testing existing designs and brainstorming on how to make them better. In my opinion you will not find a better made handle, from the slightly thicker carbon fiber material, to the comfortable ergonomic cork grips, and the dual ball bearing supported knob spindles. It is engineered to perform not only for pulling HAWGS out of the SLOP, but many other applications where the angler needs that extra leverage without the added flex usually associated with it while still providing a secure and comfortable feel that only REAL cork knobs can offer, not compressed cork, foam, or hardened rubber grips that some domestic and Japanese manufactures offer. The ultimate proof of our design is what not only John says, but also the tremendous amount of positive feedback we have received from anglers that depend on their equipment’s performance for a living. Again, thanks for your support and if you have not tried one, buy one and USE IT, it’s "beyond the bling!" 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Super User Gatorbassman Posted December 14, 2012 Super User Share Posted December 14, 2012 I LOVE mine. It is a wonderful addition to my cranking reel. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Super User Redlinerobert Posted December 14, 2012 Super User Share Posted December 14, 2012 Another happy customer here as well. They look fantastic and the quality is top notch. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Super User slonezp Posted December 15, 2012 Super User Share Posted December 15, 2012 I just stare at mine waiting for spring Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Super User Dwight Hottle Posted December 16, 2012 Super User Share Posted December 16, 2012 Here are my new additions ready for duty. 4 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
piscicidal Posted December 19, 2012 Share Posted December 19, 2012 I just stare at mine waiting for spring That thing's made to be fished not stared at... Come on down to Okeechobee. Robert and I will hook you up. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Super User slonezp Posted December 19, 2012 Super User Share Posted December 19, 2012 That thing's made to be fished not stared at... Come on down to Okeechobee. Robert and I will hook you up. Be careful what you wish for. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BassResource.com Administrator Glenn Posted December 22, 2012 BassResource.com Administrator Share Posted December 22, 2012 I'm going to have to get some! 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Big-O Posted December 23, 2012 Share Posted December 23, 2012 I'm a FAN TOO! Been fishing them since ICAST and have really put them through the paces... They're 'SWEEEEET' and well worth it. Only two rods with'em at this point, one of my jig casting rods and a C rig set up. Best on the Market IMO. You won't be disappointed!!! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Super User MarkH024 Posted December 23, 2012 Super User Share Posted December 23, 2012 That's a beast of a bass Big-O! J franco those salmon were impressive too. Great catches Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
zip pow Posted December 25, 2012 Share Posted December 25, 2012 Ok guys where do I get mine. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bass Junkie Posted December 25, 2012 Share Posted December 25, 2012 Here ya go Zip Pow: http://www.hawgtech.com Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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