In 2022, the Otago Polytechnic Engineering Department carried out controlled testing on four popular brands of hooks in New Zealand. The hooks tested were suicide-style hooks in the 6/0 size range, including the Mustad Big Red 6/0. Their testing covered two major areas: Hook strength and corrosion resistance (durability).

Hook Strength

For strength testing, the hooks were mounted in a vice, and then weights were added in 8kg increments to a total weight of 41kg. Photos were taken after testing comparing tested hooks to new hooks.

By measuring the amount of deformation (straightening) in each hook, a comparison of inline strength was established. Testing results showed that the Mustad Big Red 6/0 is significantly stronger than any of the other leading brands of hooks tested.*

Confidence in your hooks is crucial when targeting big fish.

Corrosion resistance

A corrosion resistance chamber was set up which applied heated salt water in cycles to replicate a series of fishing conditions over a period of 26 days. Testing results showed that Mustad was more than twice as resistant to corrosion than any of the other leading brands of hooks tested.* The times of first sign of corrosion for the other brands were all between 200-300 hours, whereas the Mustad Big Red 6/0 time of first sign of corrosion was 648 hours.

"Testing results showed that Mustad was more than twice as resistant to corrosion than any of the other leading brand of hooks tested"

*Testing was carried out by Michael Grant as part of his final year Engineering Course and supervised by Adam Liberatore, Senior Lecturer of Engineering Technologies, Otago Polytechnic, Engineering Department

For more information click here: https://www.bernsport.co.nz/mustad

July 2023 - NZ Fishing News
Copyright: NZ Fishing Media Ltd.
Re-publishing elsewhere is prohibited