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Mustad says that its proud heritage in innovation has led to yet another industry-first in cutting-edge hook-manufacturing machinery designed to maximise wire strength and minimise fish loss.
Wire forging effectively improves hook pull strength without increasing the overall wire diameter and weight of the hook. Under standard forging techniques, fishing hook wire is pressed at the shank to elongate the wire in line with the pull direction. Strength manifests from this change in diameter where it matters most and significantly decreases hooks bending. Mustad employs rigorous testing to learn about and improve upon fishing hook development technologies.
“Saltwater angling applications are our bread and butter,” says Enrico Parmeggiani, Head of Global Product Development at Mustad. “So innovating in demanding offshore fishing techniques is necessary. We pride ourselves on a team of engineers that has put years of development and testing into this game-changing technology.”
Clever engineering from Mustad has created a new wire forging process unmatched in the fishing industry. Mustad’s proprietary, patented Ultra Nor forging technology presses the wire at all sides, compressing it into an ‘I-Beam’ shape so that no material can escape or expand during the process. This compression changes the dynamics of the high carbon steel, utilising the slow tempering process that Mustad uses to improve strength to bolster the holding capacity beyond the competition.
In cross-section, the I-shape structure looks like a railroad track. This important load-bearing reinforcement structure greatly increases the bending and deformation resistance of the hook.
When a normal hook punctures a fish’s body, the viscosity and the tension in the blood create negative pressure on the surface of the hook. The hook is clamped by muscle contraction, forming a vacuum state that hinders the hook’s penetration. The I-shape forging creates a small room for air flow and destroys the vacuum, reducing the negative pressure and improving the hooks penetration.
Compared to standard forging techniques, Ultra Nor improves pull strength by up to 20% for the same wire gauge; a huge advantage in a sport where the margins between you and the catch of a lifetime are thin.
“Ultra Nor forging technology will be introduced to many of our legendary hook shapes loved worldwide,” says Parmeggiani. “We’ve also refreshed an iconic Mustad hook that tuna anglers will be thrilled to welcome back.”
Mustad has selected from its range several series of hooks that excel at catching and releasing beasts from the saltiest of seas. From bait hooks to lure hooks, the new Ultra-Nor forged series will catch the eye of any serious offshore fisherman. To match the strength of Ultra Nor forging, Mustad’s latest saltwater hooks have been coated with Titan Steel finish. The nano-thin finish holds up to over 500 hours of saltwater corrosion, second only to stainless steel.
“Testing these hooks have proven their success in satisfying demanding anglers,” concludes Parmeggiani. “Ultra Nor forging technology is already finding applications on a significant hook range expansion in the seasons to come.”
New Ultra-Nor forging technology will be on full view at Angling International LIVE in Budapest in September.
T: +1 305 925 9972
mihovil.vudrag@mustad.no
www.mustad-fishing.com
