Cadman....... Oh yeah, the power of a great marketing plan... Cool Video....... Very large payroll for the faces endorsing the product, ( I would assume). $9.99 a pack, I had to get one of each of a couple styles just to see for myself ( yep, one born every minute).
They are very sharp out of the package, pretty good sized barb ( one of the least understood or examined aspects of a hook imho), and seemed to dull or tip roll just like all the others hooks I have put in the water. Saw a video done by a fella to test the initial puncture effort between a couple three different brands, can't remember all manufacturer's but, Gamakatsu was one of em. His rudimentary test did in fact show the Trokar out performing the others, but the others also performed the intended task, so........... Here is what I think this has done, and I am always looking for better performing products as most of us are.......... If they prove to be a marketing success and they can move enough product at these ridiculous prices, they will signal the other major manufacturer's the market will bear a larger increase in prices than they currently have imposed.
I currently use only Gamakatsu in all of my products, this for the brand recognition and my perceived performance standard,and the cost is something I am acutely aware of. This year alone a 15% increase?, I am not sure what other brands kicked it, but I do know it isn't exactly a great time to raise my prices, so I am absorbing the increase and looking at even less money per bait profit.
Flatsrat76, great pic, wish I could have seen the landing . Yes a cage match between ninja's armed with each major brand, forged by their own hands into the dreaded throwing stars and blowgun darts.
You were right Cadman, I do feel better
Mark