The Product Review Corner – May/June 2011
by: Tom Branch, Jr.

*Wave Away - Sonar and GPS cleaning kit. High resolution screens can provide you with a brilliant and clear display. Unfortunately, these screens also collect dust, grime, fingerprints, and water spots. Using general purpose cleaners or window cleaners isn't recommended for LCD screens. Harsh detergents and alcohol or ammonia-based cleaners can strip away the protective surface or scratch your display. The new Sonar and GPS Screen Cleaner by Wave Away is a specially formulated cleaner designed to clean and protect LCD screens. Not only is it alcohol and ammonia free, but it is designed to stick where it's sprayed. Unlike most cleaning products, our cleaner resists dripping into sensitive electronics which can cause permanent damage or failure. The kit comes with 2.7 ounces of liquid and a 12"x12" microfiber clot. The suggested retail is $14.99

*Quantum - Quite possibly the smoothest casting reels in Quantum history - the Quantum Smoke PT 100 Casting Reel weighs in at only 6.2-ounces. It provides a lightweight, fatigue-fighting performance you can count on.  A solid, lightweight, one-piece Aluminum Frame with Aluminum Side Covers, rather than Magnesium, also ensures that the Smoke PT doesn’t sacrifice on durability like similar lightweight reels.  The reel’s rigid aluminum construction not only helps keep all the internal components ultra flush with no sloppy play, it also provides a solid base under heavy winding pressure. Bassmaster Classic Champion Kevin Van Dam tested this reel for 1 year prior to it being available to the public for sale. A Micro ACS nine-position Cast Control System also allows you to fine-tune the amount of centrifugal braking to match exact casting conditions, and whether you choose a lock-down for pitching heavy cover. Layered Quantum Ceramic Drag System can take the heat and fish catching. Featuring seven Performance Tuned bearings for excellent corrosion resistance and fluid, reliable functioning, the super lightweight Quantum Smoke PT 100 Casting Reels are available at a low price and packed with Quantum’s Performance Tuned features. The suggested retail is $199.99

*Wave Fishing Tiki stickbaits - The fishing industry loves secrets, and Wave Fishing has been the best kept secret for the last 10 years. Since they started, they have developed incredibly effective and visually dynamic baits for both freshwater and saltwater Anglers. The Wave Worm Tiki Stick is similar in design to many other soft stickbaits, but there are also some distinct differences. The Tiki Sticks have a slower fall rate than comparable soft stickbaits and have less tail movement. These two features make for a very straight horizontal fall. The durability of the Tiki Sticks is excellent, but these baits still have exceptional movement, especially when rigged weightless wacky style. Like all Tiki baits they are scent enhanced with Wave Worm's special Molopo scent. The fall rate gives fish extra time to check out the bait, and even the most finicky fish will have a hard time resisting the Molopo scent. With this wide range of colors you can find a bait that will work in any situation. The suggested retail is $3.99

*LEW’s - They are back and better than every thanks to Mr. Lynn Reeves. The Lew’s rods are Lightweight and strong, the Lew’s Tournament Pro Series Casting Rods cast like a dream and will keep you in total control of what’s on the end of your line. Lew’s exclusive APT 85-million modulus carbon fiber graphite blanks feature optimum actions for a variety of bass fishing applications, while offering unparalleled strength and sensitivity. The skeletal foregrip and a split grip handle with EVA grips helps reduce weight even further. Premium Fuji K-Series Alconite Guides at Concept Spacing also help limit friction and increase casting distance, while a lightweight Fuji ACS Reel Seat ensures a solid base of operation for your reel. Lew’s Fishing Tackle has been around since 1949, and are back in the mix with a new product line. The rods include a stainless steel hook keeper. All the rods are backed by the Lew’s Limited Lifetime Warranty. The suggested retail is $169.99

*Eco Pro Tungsten Flipping Weights - These tungsten flipping weights are designed to punch through heavy weeds. Made with a high quality tungsten powder shaped using metal injection molding to reach 97% density of tungsten. The molding process produces allows these weights to be fray-free, a heavier sinker with a smaller profile. Eco Tungsten is high performance weight solution for environmentally conscious fishermen. Super hard tungsten creates more sensitivity and feedback for the angler. Tough black duraseal chip resistant finish. The suggested retail range is $5.49 - $8.99

*Flip MinoHD 8GB Hatcam (hat included) - HatcamsTM has re-invented the idea of hands-free filming with a simple patent-pending universal mount located on the brim of a baseball-style hat. Because Hatcams free up hands, more time can be spent fishing instead of focusing or adjusting for that perfect shot. Could fish tales now be a thing of the past? With Hatcams, fishermen (and fisherwomen) of all ages and skill levels can bring back their own real-life incredible stories to share with family and friends. Check out the New Flip MinoHD which features 120 minutes of record time, never before seen built-in image stabilization, and crisp, clear HD quality like you've never seen before! The camera is sleek and slim design that fits in any pocket or purse.  The camera comes with 8 GB of built-in memory; no additional memory needed. It allows you to keep your video steady on the go with MinoHD’s newest feature, image stabilization. The power on, press record and start filming – it's that simple! The camera also allows you to watch your videos on the large, 2" anti-glare color display screen. Connect the flip-out USB arm directly into your PC or Mac to launch pre-loaded Flip Share software. You can also use Flip Share software to organize and edit your videos, capture photos, send video greeting cards and create custom movies. The kit includes hat with your color of choice. The suggested retail is $234.99

About the author: Tom Branch, Jr. is a freelance outdoor writer and a full time Lieutenant/Firefighter-Paramedic with over 25 years of service with the Gwinnett County Fire Service in Georgia. He has been working in the Outdoor Industry for over 15 years and has done everything from successfully managing and developing a pro fishing team, developing new products, designing packaging, participated in different radio and television shows and developing Writer’s Conferences. He and his wife Kim live north of Atlanta in Braselton, GA with their 2 labs Jake and Scout.
Check out his blog at – http://outonalimbwithtombranchjr.blogspot.com
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