Someone tossed me an old Field & Stream magazine and I noticed they a "review" of different fishing pliers. What was surprising to me was the range of prices, half of which are over $100.

At the low end (and their favorite pick) were the $8 Walmart specials. At the higher end, there are $150 Orvis Aluminum Saltwater Pliers or even the $90 Bass Pro XPS's. Several of the models were very poorly reviewed.

I tend to have a good Leatherman with me, along with a pair of LeadMasters that have survived several years but I just can't see myself spending $100 for something that often lasts as long as a disposable lighter before it ends up falling off the boat or in a buddy's vest. Anybody actually have any high-priced pliers that they think were worth the money? And, yes, I'm bored. I should be out fishing but this damn job keeps getting in the way!

Check these ones out. I always thought this company was about the most overpriced of the overpriced fly companies. Course if they sell them then I guess more power to them...

http://www.abelreels.com/pages/pliers.htm $275? Man!

I prefer the $9 Leadmasters. I don't have a single complaint with them so maybe I'm missing something? I doubt it...

Terrapin

Funny... those were on the list too although just the most basic of models. At least you can replace the jaws if necessary. Although I'd lose them before they ever wear out. Plus, the $20 cost to replace the jaws could buy you a couple pairs of cheap pliers.

Van Staal Titaniums can run well over $300 for a 7" pair of pliers

I paid 5 bucks for mine.

you know whats funny? people knockin' stuff they've never tried!

Sure hope those Abel pliers work better than the Abel drags......

i buy the $1.88 walmart variety needle nose ones. if they get too rusty, I toss 'em. i picked up a socket set at harbor freight (crappy-chinese made) for the boat. i keep them sealed up in an ammo box. i think i paid $3 for it. when they get rusty, i'll toss them too. can't see spending big bucks on a consumable tool, like pliers.....





willy

I bought a pair of the $20 orange ones, lost them and bought another pair and lost those at John Wayne Marina so I bought a pair of the $11 black ones.

Opening day of the Dungeness, I found a pair of the orange ones and a pair of black ones. Come to find out, the guy who lost the orange ones came back and I told him I found them and they were like the ones I lost at John Wayne...he said he found those at John Wayne and said keep em, lol. Next day I found ANOTHER pair of black ones, lol anyone need some pliers?

I got a pair of Leathermans that one of my X's gave to me.

I bought 20 pair at the wally world in Chilliwack, BC --a Loonie a pair.

I likes my leadmasters--they are good folk too. I broke the tip and sent them into them they sent a new pair with a holder.

I own the abel pliers and can't say enough good things about them. For me the fact that they cut spectra like it's mono was a major factor for buying them.

Joe

I would say the best fisherman use the most expensive pliers!

Wow, I have a pair I broke the tip on years ago. I should send them back.

I will admit that at first I was chuckeling tbout spending more than 10.00 on a pair of pliers. However JoJo's post reminded me that my cheap leadmasters don't cut spectra very well. I currently have a little pair of "good' sicissors that I cut spectra with,when the become dull will be my new roe sicissors.

Paid $13 at the hardware store in Forks in 1980 cuz the Sol Duc was CNR and barbless hooks, and I had no pliers or barbless flies with me, and they're still going strong.

I have found that not all lead masters are alike! After my dad bought some he couldn't cut hollow core like mine. Took a close look and the spot used to cut the hollw core had a very blunt srface that was pinching the lead not cutting it, thus plugging the hole. Joe's was to happy after we open the fourth pair and said "we'll take 'em ".


Later..........

Absolutley!

That may be the most impressive stat I have every read on here. I couldn't imagine not losing a pair of pliers for 27 years. That is a lot of crimped barbs.

I have had some Lead Masters for about 10 years but I never take them out in the field. I was given a $90 pair last year for Christmas (Tie Fast-same brand as the nail knot tool) and they are OK. Before that I was eyeing the Ross Pescador pliers. They are about $120 but I couldn't justify buying them even at a substantial discount. I bet they are better than the Tie Fast though.

Abel Has some Really nice pliers. they are around $200 its crazy i could never pay that i hate buying lead masters for $10

I haven't paid a dime for a pair of fishing pliers. Got my first pair of Leatherman's for Christmas several years ago. Then I got 2 more pairs as an award at work.