I scored a free pair too as a fishing buddy from this board works with the guy who makes them. (tell Art I say Hi)

I think they are a great design, perfect for plugging and trolling. They lock your rod into place so that no fish could pull the rod out, they would literally have to break whatever the holder is mounted to off for you to lose your rod. The release is easy to use, once unlocked you can raise your rod right out of the locked holder. It is also designed so that you can quickly release your rod while it is pumping hard from a big king on the other end.

I havent personally tested them yet because I am between salt boats, but I have them in a safe place and they will go on my next boat.