Super User tcbass Posted August 11, 2014 Super User Posted August 11, 2014 I use snap swivels on all of my rods because I switch baits a lot. It may cost me a fish or two, but with the high speed movement of most bass lures I don't think it's a detriment. I use spooks, frogs, senkos, buzzbaits, spinnerbaits, jigs, and other bass lures. I think bass just aren't as picky as a fish like a walleye so you can get away with it. Well, I lost 2 big fish to swivel snaps breaking at the O-Ring. I don't know if they were northern, musky, or large bass that broke them. I don't need a swivel type, but that's just what I've always had. I've used many brands but they are usually expensive and usually rated for 35lbs breaking strength in the size I use. I bought a 20 pack (I believe) from Cabelas and it was like $17. Yikes. My friend said a swivels o-ring will get caught on a northern or muskies teeth will be popped open, even if it's not a big fish. That makes sense. I know one of them was big though because it bit my Ragetail Toad right at the boat and floated next to the boat until I realized he was hooked and he started to swim away. With one swish of his tail he was gone, blowing the O-Ring apart on my swivel snap. He appeared to be a 40"+ inch musky. That puts him roughly in the 12-20lbs. range I believe. Well, I was looking for a substitute and I found Mustad KVD Fastach Clips. They come in 2 types, one with a swivel and one without. I've only tried the non-swivel version. The swivel version's o-ring is welded, which is nice, so far less chance of a fish breaking it. What's also nice is that you can find them at Walmart for cheap. They are $2.86 for a 12 pack. Oddly enough I haven't been able to find them on Cabelas or Bass Pros websites. Tackle Warehouse does sell both versions though. They appear to come in stainless and black. I assume the black is just stainless with a black coating. Added benefit is that they seem to attract far less weeds then swivel snaps do. So that was a nice surprise. My brother, my friend, and I all used them last weekend with great results. No lost fish and we caught about 8 northern in the 2lbs-5lbs range and over 80 bass, with one being 3.1lbs. Most of the bass were in the 1-2.5lbs. range. Didn't have one failure with the Fastach's. I'm sold. I've also used them on 3 previous trips and haven't had one failure. They are easy to swap out lures and unlike snaps you don't open and close them which can bend the metal and weaken it. They are cheap and don't break. If you need a quick change terminal tackle, this is what I'd get. We used the #3 size which is a 75lbs. breaking strength. I also have the #1's, but they are fairly small and hard to use with bigger hooks. We used the #3 with our wacky rigged Senkos and had no problems. Since they don't break, I think 1 pack would last you quite awhile. Score: 10 out of 10. I believe the Break Ratings is this: #0 - 15lbs #1 - 25lbs. #2 - 50lbs. #3 - 75lbs. http://www.***.com/Mustad_Fastach_Clip_12pk/descpage-KVFC.html 4 Quote
doyle8218 Posted August 11, 2014 Posted August 11, 2014 I also use them and the Norman Mag Clips. I only use them on cranks and Jika Rigs though. Quote
Super User tcbass Posted August 11, 2014 Author Super User Posted August 11, 2014 I also use them and the Norman Mag Clips. I only use them on cranks and Jika Rigs though. Â Â I read the reviews on the Norman's and some people said they lost lures with them. I didn't want to risk that. Quote
gramps50 Posted August 11, 2014 Posted August 11, 2014 Those are interesting thanks for the review. Quote
Super User A-Jay Posted August 11, 2014 Super User Posted August 11, 2014 Nice Review ~ Â Thanks for time & effort to post it. Â A-Jay Quote
kikstand454 Posted August 11, 2014 Posted August 11, 2014 Thanks for the review! I used speed clips for a long time until I acquired too many rods! Ha! Honestly I need something like this for inshore fishing. ....ill check them out! Thanks! Quote
Super User Wayne P. Posted August 11, 2014 Super User Posted August 11, 2014 I read the reviews on the Norman's and some people said they lost lures with them. I didn't want to risk that. That is a fact, I have lost several lures with the Speed Clips. Â Just by looking at the picture of the KVD clip, I can see it is a lure looser too--no thanks. Quote
Super User tcbass Posted August 11, 2014 Author Super User Posted August 11, 2014 That is a fact, I have lost several lures with the Speed Clips. Â Just by looking at the picture of the KVD clip, I can see it is a lure looser too--no thanks. You'd think that until you use them. It actually takes a bit of effort to twist them on and off. I worried about losing lures too. 3 guys fishing and changing out lures numerous times over the course of 3 full days of fishing and not one lost lure. And I've used them for 3 trips prior and no lost lures. Fish didn't break them and they didn't lose any lures on their own. Try them out. I think you'd be pleasantly surprised. Quote
doyle8218 Posted August 11, 2014 Posted August 11, 2014 I read the reviews on the Norman's and some people said they lost lures with them. I didn't want to risk that. I use them all the time and NEVER had a problem. I can't even imagine how one would open while fishing. Seems impossible. Quote
Super User bigbill Posted August 11, 2014 Super User Posted August 11, 2014 I been using the standard cheap Wal-Mart snap swivels on my Carolina rigs, worm rods, anything that doesn't require a smooth side to side movement like inline spinners and spinner baits. I prefer the ball bearing snap swivels on my crank bait rod and topwater bait rod. I like to use the norman snaps on my lures that don't have split rings were I can't connect my snap swivels to them. The Norman snap extends out the loop so my snap swivel can be attached to the lure. Those little eyelets are made for tying too not for using snap swivels. I'll check out what you listed there. Bigbill Btw, I use nothing but the locking snap swivels. I'll be darned I can shoot the wings off a fly at 200 yards but I can't tie a lure on in the dark or light. Quote
Super User bigbill Posted August 11, 2014 Super User Posted August 11, 2014 I find it funny that I been preaching here on and off about the use of locking snap ball bearing and standard locking snap swivels to somewhat negative responses. Now that KVD is promoting and using them the game has changed. I was using locking snap swivels when using them wasn't cool. Just kidding but it's true. Quote
Super User tcbass Posted August 11, 2014 Author Super User Posted August 11, 2014 I find it funny that I been preaching here on and off about the use of locking snap ball bearing and standard locking snap swivels to somewhat negative responses. Now that KVD is promoting and using them the game has changed. I was using locking snap swivels when using them wasn't cool. Just kidding but it's true. Well, this has nothing to do with KVD. lol. If they were just Mustad Fastach Clips I'd still be using them. If you asked most fisherman who KVD is they most likely wouldn't know. They might even look at KVD and not know it's a person. Quote
Super User bigbill Posted August 11, 2014 Super User Posted August 11, 2014 I just ordered two of all three sizes to try them out. Quote
Super User tcbass Posted August 12, 2014 Author Super User Posted August 12, 2014 I just ordered two of all three sizes to try them out. I thought #1 and #2's might be too small for me but maybe perfect for you. At least it's a cheap option if it doesn't work out for you. Just a few bucks. Quote
Super User Raul Posted August 12, 2014 Super User Posted August 12, 2014 You´ll never see me using those things, I don´t change lures, I just change setups.  If you have to cut and tie another bait it means you don´t have enough gear. Quote
TrippyJai Posted August 12, 2014 Posted August 12, 2014 I have a pack in size 2 that Mustad gave me. I played around with it and it's a really cool snap, especially if you've had problems before with other snaps, I think this will be your fix. It's a little hard to remove lures though as the wire is very stiff. On certain lures, it's a pain the fingers. Â I've been using the BPS duo lock snaps for years in size #2 and it has never failed on me. I had my lure stuck on a shallow log one time and I decided to pull as hard as I could to get the snap to open and the KVD 2x strong hooks bent before the snap failed. I've caught a lot of pike/musky on them as well. They are easier to swap lures which is what I like best about them. Quote
georgeyew Posted August 12, 2014 Posted August 12, 2014 Thanks for the review. I am a fan of the standard snaps, but I may have to give this a try. Quote
kikstand454 Posted August 12, 2014 Posted August 12, 2014 Raul, agreed. Unless you don't own your own boat and are limited to how many different setups you can access at one time. As a Co angler, I have two 6'6" mh rods that are general purpose, and I have considered running speed clips on these many times. These may be a better option? Quote
Super User tcbass Posted August 12, 2014 Author Super User Posted August 12, 2014 You´ll never see me using those things, I don´t change lures, I just change setups.  If you have to cut and tie another bait it means you don´t have enough gear. Not a bad problem to have. I don't have that many set ups though. lol. Quote
Super User Raul Posted August 12, 2014 Super User Posted August 12, 2014 Not a bad problem to have. I don't have that many set ups though. lol. Â Problem easily solved ----> get more stuff ! 1 Quote
Super User tcbass Posted August 12, 2014 Author Super User Posted August 12, 2014 Problem easily solved ----> get more stuff ! Â Â I promised my gf I'd stop buying fishing stuff for the year because I have spent a ton. The most I've ever spent.....however, I did pick up the Cabelas Archery catalog today. lol Quote
Super User Raul Posted August 12, 2014 Super User Posted August 12, 2014 I promised my gf I'd stop buying fishing stuff for the year because I have spent a ton. The most I've ever spent.....however, I did pick up the Cabelas Archery catalog today. lol  In this game the one with the mo´stuff wins !!! Quote
Super User Montanaro Posted August 13, 2014 Super User Posted August 13, 2014 I just got a pack of the football head fastach. Being able to swap out hooks makes so much more sense than buying swinghead jigs with hooks welded on. Bend one hook and you have to buy a whole new setup. Think KVD used these at toledo bend. Quote
Super User tcbass Posted August 13, 2014 Author Super User Posted August 13, 2014 I just got a pack of the football head fastach. Being able to swap out hooks makes so much more sense than buying swinghead jigs with hooks welded on. Bend one hook and you have to buy a whole new setup. Think KVD used these at toledo bend. Yeah. A great idea. I wonder if it will kill the welded ones. Quote
Super User Darren. Posted August 13, 2014 Super User Posted August 13, 2014 Nice review. Very interesting new product. I like my Norman Speed Clips, and since I just bought a 50 pack, no need to change -- for now. Quote
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