Hello,

 

Regarding those smaller size ball-bearing snap swivels (sizes 0 and 1) for freshwater use, are all of

the brands avail. now (thru Amazon, e.g.) "pretty much" the same ?

 

Any differences between SPRO, SAMPO, EAGE CLAW, etc.

 

Any to stay away from ?

 

Thanks,

Bob

I've always believed sampo were the best but then I'm old and not up on the latest and I seldom use them except in lure making.

I've been happy with Bass Pro Fast-lock (Duo Lock style) ball bearing snap swivels. Been using them for years and have never had a problem.

I use swivels for soft plastics to reduce line twist.

Sampo ball bearing swivels are very costly, mainly due to their being made here in the USA. I can't afford them myself. I would, however, not go with the cheap ball bearing brands, made in China, that you can readily find at many big box stores. Very unreliable, in my opinion. A decent compromise you should look at is the Spro PowerSwivels. This is a crane type swivel, but is really top quality. I've been using them for the past 4 seasons now, which is why I'm recommending them. Spro offers a snap swivel with this swivel too.

 

I never use snap swivels (snap & swivel as one unit) myself; preferring to tie a swivel about 2' up the line, from whatever I'm fishing with. This keeps the extra hardware away from my bait and from interfering with the action of a lot of artificials, yet still affords twist protection. Some say this requires "too many knots". To which I answer, "hogwash"! If you do not know how to tie a knot, then yes, even one knot is too many knots. Learn to tie knots correctly and you will not have any problems.

Though I never use snap-swivels, there are times when a plain snap or a plain swivel serves a useful purpose.

In saltwater I always used Sampo ball-bearing swivels, but in freshwater I'm happy with "Spro Power Swivels",

which are very small and very strong (I'd stay away from Eagle Claw).

 

Roger

Been using size 0 Spro-Gamakatsu ball bearing snap swivels for spinnerbait blades for many seasons.

 

http://www.barlowstackle.com/SPRO-SW-Gamakatasu-Ball-Bearing-swivel-with-Interlock-Snap-P878C123.aspx

 

Stay away from the less expensive imported bb snap swivels if you want your blades to rotate reliably for any length of time.

I also use the bps bearing with the locking snap. I use the smallest sizes for trout spinners. For most applications I don't use a swivel.

I've used Spro, Sampo and Southern Salt, at present using a BB that my local tackle store stocks, less expensive and work the same.  I put on a duolcock on a #2 (45# I think) for my barracuda tubes, other than that I tie everything fresh and salt.  I have been using power swivels but only with in line spinners.

I cant remember the last time I used a snap swivel. I use #1 and #2 duo lock snaps from eagle claw for some applications. And I use #0 & #1 spro ball bearing swivels to reduce line twist when needed.