ESP Cryogen Stiff Rigger Barbless Hooks
This legendary hook pattern has been further refined and improved to make it the go-to hook for hinged stiff rig and chod rig presentations.
Compared with its predecessor the Mk-2, the super sharp point is longer and finer and more inclined towards the shank for a stronger shape. The point is also in-line with the 13 degrees out-turned eye so all the force is straight along the point section of the hook, rather than across the gape making them incredibly strong. Heavy forging and PTFE Tufflon coating plus no discernible increase in wire gauge but with superior strength, makes this the perfect pop-up hook!
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.
