Monday, February 28, 2011

Here's a nice Article from Basseast.com written by Prostaffer trevor Knight

Weighing In: Not all tungsten sinkers are created equal
By Trevor Knight

Over the last ten years, the two biggest advancements in fishing tackle have been the refinement of fluorocarbon lines and the introduction of tungsten sinkers.  We all know that not all fluorocarbon lines perform the same, but it seems fewer anglers are aware that not all tungsten sinkers are created equal.  I myself thought I was using the top of the line tungsten sinkers in years past.  It was not until I was introduced to Reins tungsten slip sinkers that I really knew what a quality tungsten sinker should look like.

The biggest reason for the switch from lead to tungsten sinkers over the past few years is the fact that tungsten is denser than lead.  That higher density has several advantages.  The first advantage is that tungsten sinkers are more compact in size than lead sinkers of the same weight.  Having a smaller sinker of the same weight helps an angler cast farther, deliver the bait with a smaller splash, slide through cover more effectively, and create a more natural presentation.  The increased density of tungsten also allows it to transmit vibrations more effectively than lead.  The result is better sensitivity, allowing an angler to detect the differences between different bottom compositions as well as those subtle bites from finicky bass. 

The reason I like the Reins TG slip sinker over other tungsten sinkers is the fact that it is even denser and more compact.  Reins accomplished this by using a higher percentage of tungsten in their sinkers and by using nickel to comprise the rest of the weight.  Some tungsten sinkers on the market use a combination of iron, nickel, and other alloys to make up the rest of their tungsten sinkers.  Nickel is denser than iron and some of the other alloys used.  The end result is a tungsten sinker that is smaller in size than other tungsten sinkers on the market.  A 5/16 oz. Reins sinker is smaller in size than the leading competitor’s 1/4 oz. tungsten sinker.

Tungsten sinkers have become more popular in recent years in part because they are environmentally friendly.  Some states have instituted bans on selling lead sinkers because of the risk to aquatic birds that may ingest the harmful lead.  Tungsten is 100% safe for the environment.  When compared to steel and brass sinkers, tungsten is by far the best choice due to the much higher density.

Another aspect to consider when purchasing tungsten sinkers is whether or not it has an insert.  It is debatable whether or not an insert is good in a tungsten sinker.  Personally, I like having an insert in my sinker, which is another reason why I love the Reins slip sinker.  If there is even one small burr or imperfection inside the tungsten sinker, it can nick or damage the line as it rubs against it.  Line damage can result in a breakoff during a hookset or while fighting a large fish.  Some anglers believe that having an insert reduces the intensity of the vibrations transmitted from the sinker to the line; however, I feel that the difference is negligible, especially with the increased density of a quality tungsten sinker. 

The shape of the sinker is another important attribute of a quality tungsten sinker.  The majority of tungsten sinkers on the market are the common bullet shape.  What sets a high quality tungsten sinker apart is a design that tapers at the back third of the sinker.  This tapering helps the sinker slide through cover, and more importantly, it helps increase hook up ratio.  The reason is that the taper causes the weight to come out of the fish’s mouth more easily preventing the fish from clamping down on the weight.  This allows the hook to quickly set into the fish’s mouth instead of being slowed down as the fish clamps down on the sinker.

A small detail that sets a Reins tungsten slip sinker apart from others is the matte finish.  The majority of painted tungsten sinkers have a glossy finish on them.  The glossy finish will create flash that can spook a finicky bass.  A matte finish is more natural and eliminates the problem of unwanted flash from the sinker.  Reins sinkers are available in a non-painted version and in black or green pumpkin matte finishes.  It is the attention to little details like this that makes some tungsten sinkers superior to others.  So the next time you purchase tungsten sinkers, keep these notes in mind to ensure that you get the best results out on the water.