Tying barbell jigs

Posted by: MPM

Tying barbell jigs - 01/27/15 09:44 AM

Anybody have good recommendations on barbell eyes to use if you want jigs that end up weighing around 1/8 oz?

Most of the materials I can find online either don't give the weight or weigh significantly less than 1/8 oz. Most give a size, but no weight.

The 1/4" or 5/16'' I-Balz look good, but I can't seem to find a weight for them: https://spiritriver.com/materials/tying-essentials/beads-cones-eyes/i-balz-tm
Posted by: ColeyG

Re: Tying barbell jigs - 01/27/15 10:35 AM

Lead Eyes makes a 1/10th ounce dumbbell style eye set. I haven't found any heavier.

http://www.fishusa.com/product/Lead-Eyes-Dumbbells

The I-Balz are great eyes, but they aren't very heavy for their size as compared to the Lead Eyes.

1/10th ounce eyes with some lead wire wraps on the body of your jig could get you to the 1/8th oz overall weight.
Posted by: MPM

Re: Tying barbell jigs - 01/27/15 11:31 AM

Thanks, just ordered some (along with some eyes to stick on them).
Posted by: stonefish

Re: Tying barbell jigs - 01/27/15 11:31 AM

You might want to also check out the 7/32 Dazl eyes if you aren't concerned with having jig with a pupil and a iris.
Also check and see what is available in Tungsten dumbbell eyes. They won't be inexpensive for sure.

As Coley said, the lead eyes are probably the heaviest that you will find.
The only downside to them that I've found is they aren't very durable, at least in the smaller sizes. They have a tendency to break in half and I no longer use them.

Good luck,
SF
Posted by: NickD90

Re: Tying barbell jigs - 01/27/15 11:51 AM

If the barbell eyes are not specific and a must have to the pattern and you only need added weight, you can load up the shank with lead thread under the body to whatever weight you desire. Lasts forever too...
Posted by: MPM

Re: Tying barbell jigs - 01/27/15 01:02 PM

Thanks for the tips. I might give the lead thread a try some time.