fishplate42
Well-known member
Let me say now; I have championed the ZT-Pro hook tyer from day one. I bought one (Pictured above), and I reviewed it at the time, see HERE. I still think it is an excellent piece of kit.
A couple of months ago or so, Gizmo Angling announced that the original model would no longer be available and an upgraded model would replace it. Upgrade kits for existing owners would also be available. Fair enough and they have had a lot of problems with supply, but I can understand how a new, small company can get caught out. They have tried to keep everybody informed and ended up eventually getting there, or thereabouts by now. The full saga is published along with other stuff on their Facebook page that can be found HERE if anybody is interested.
I know this sort of thing is not for everyone, but I was wondering if anyone on here bought one and had bought the so-called upgrade? As far as I can see, none of the faults in the original have been addressed, namely the handle movement and the backlash in the toothed belt. It seems to be a new plastic base with a couple of trays incorporated and a complicated method of collapsing it down to make it transportable. To be frank, why would you want to take it to the bank? It is much easier to fold the original flat by simply removing two screws.
Okay, again shown on the FB site, you can kick the thing around the yard in its packing and hit the plastic base with a ball pein hammer, neither of which I have any intention of doing.
It is a shame that Gizmo has gone down the change for change sake route but I have seen it before in other small industries where someone had a great idea and instead of running with it and sorting out the minor irritating "niggles" they 'improve' it by changing it for change sake.
As far as I can see this is not an 'upgrade', it does not tie hook lengths and better and by taking it apart, any fine adjustment is lost. Or am I missing something?
Ralph.
Last edited: