Innovative carbon rod construction component takes home top honors in Orlando
A decade of design work paid off Thursday as American rigging company took home “Best of Show” honors at sportfishing’s largest trade show with a sleek and nearly weightless custom rod component: the Tsuka 2 Complete Carbon Handle.
“Components are often overlooked,” said Darrin Heim of American Tackle Company. “But at this point, it’s hard to miss because it’s a real innovation.”
The Tsuka 2 full carbon shaft is a masterpiece from the Florida-based custom shaft maker, known for introducing the MicroWave guide system about a decade ago. Heim said the company has been working for nearly ten years to refine the manufacturing process for its carbon rod handles, first working with reel seats and rod ends before finally borrowing a blown carbon construction technology from the rod industry. bikes to create the new ICAST Best of Show. champion.
According to Heim, carbon rod handles have been available in the fishing industry since the 1980s; However, his team believes the time has finally come for the material to be seen as a widespread replacement for traditional handles made of cork.
“In my opinion, this is the perfect time to jump on the bandwagon and push carbon,” Heim said. “There is a demand, but there has not yet been the same appreciation for carbon in this industry that we see in others like cycling. People are used to using cork, which is essentially tree bark, and have been using it forever. But we believe that carbon will be the preferred material of the future. It is lightweight, it is extremely durable and strong. It’s lovely. It’s sensitive and we think the time is right for carbon to be widely accepted.”
Previously, Heim said that most carbon products in fishing were cylindrical products that were cut by hand, fired, and then sanded into shape. Now, using blow molding, more products with curves and ergonomic designs are coming to the show floor.
This years ICAST New Products Exhibition presented 1,087 new products from 292 companies. After 37 category winners were crowned yesterday, American Tackle Company came out on top as sole “Best of Show” owners. Heim said the business has won category awards before, but this is his first Best of Show win at ICAST.
“It’s great to represent the rest of the custom bar manufacturers and bar component companies in the industry,” added Heim.
ICAST 2023 New Product Showcase Best of Category Winners
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Navigate the ICAST Show with the ICAST App
Loaded with useful features, the ICAST mobile app, sponsored by ANYTHING Brands possible, is a one stop shop for maps, event schedules, booth locations and exhibitor listings. Available on Android and Apple devices, the app is a convenient digital companion for keeping a busy week organized.
Keep up with ICAST
ICAST can be found on social media at: Facebook – @icastfishing – Instagram – @icastshow and Twitter – @ICASTshow. When posting, use hashtags: #ICAST2023 #ICASTshow #ICAST.
Thanks to the sponsors of ICAST 2023!
ASA extends our sincere thanks and appreciation to our members for their generous support of ICAST 2023.
Platinum:Recreational Boating and Fishing Foundation, under armor and Wired2Fish
Gold:, Coastal Conservation Association, crocodile bay, Engel Refrigerators, Fishing tackle retailer, garmin, Major League Fishing, KastKing, Shimano, Santa Cruz rod, VisitOrlando and way point tv
Silver:AFTCO, ANYTHING Brands possible, Bonnier Corporation, Get Folks Fishing Foundation and swamp wear.
Bronze:beer stopper, Hook + Bullet and hook and tackle