Iforgotu812 Posted January 9, 2014 Report Share Posted January 9, 2014 I'm new to tackle making and was looking to purchase a wire forming jig. I'd like it to be able to form trout spinners up to Muskie size. I have a few questions that hopefully you can help me with. I've searched the web up and down for a good but inexpensive wire forming/bending tool and the kind of answers I'm looking for are from somebody that's used them. I'm interested in two that are in the price range of under a $100. The Twistech and the Boggs. I've seen good things about both and also bad. So I'm looking to you guys and gals for a well informed decision. So my questions are these: FOR THE TWISTECH, 1. Is it great for trout sized baits? I've heard it makes large loops that might be to big for smaller baits. 2. I've heard it can't do .051 and the .062 wire size. The .041 has around 325lbs breaking strength and the .062 is 360lbs, So will the .041 size be durable enough for Muskie and is it worth buying the .041 upgrade package? 3. I'd like the ability to turn out quite a few lures and on a broad size. Is this unit capable of producing lots of lures without breaking? 4. Is their anything else I should know about it that has occurred in using it that I haven't heard? FOR THE BOGGS, 1. How we'll does this unit do loops? 2. Is it durable? 3. How we'll does it do trout sized spinners all the way up to Muskie? 4. Does it handle the larger wire sizes quite well and is it worth buying the upgrade as well? Your help is greatly appreciated. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
toadfrog Posted January 9, 2014 Report Share Posted January 9, 2014 The twist Tech has a large lure advantage over the Boggs But the Boggs is easier to use to make trout size spinners . I found the little finger that turns and actually forms the wire on the twist Teck to be something of a pain in the rear . That is only my oppinion .It's a lot in what you get used to . Both tools are durable and both will do the job . No matter which tool you get you just as well get the upgrades . You will in the end have a need of them . Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Iforgotu812 Posted January 9, 2014 Author Report Share Posted January 9, 2014 Thanks toadfrog. I don't mean to question you or everybody on here to death but, have you or anybody else made any larger lures on your boggs? If so can you tell me what's the max length or lure size you can make on it? Should I start out with the B model with the D upgrade and then just buy the C later? I hear if you start out with the A you can't upgrade it. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
smalljaw Posted January 9, 2014 Report Share Posted January 9, 2014 I see wire up to .062 for musky spinners but some in the .052 as well, I never saw any in the .041, that is more of a wire diameter used for bass. That said, most love the twist tech but I haven't been able to find a die that goes over .041 and everyone I know that makes Musky bucktails and such all use the boggs, so I think if you want to get into making Musky sized spinners you have to get the boggs. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
toadfrog Posted January 9, 2014 Report Share Posted January 9, 2014 (edited) The most versatile tool is the worth Pro . Check out you tube .Every wire former is on there . I wish back in the day I had went with the upgrades but I only do wierd stuff which puts me in a peculiar situation . Try finding a bender for .090 ss wire . LOL I have a Twist Tech ,Haggens which is basically a Boggs ,a Herters which is basically a Cabelas . Couple of those junk hand benders ect. If you plan on doing trout to musky and salt water best set your hat to buy all the adaptions because you just can't go from a trout lure to a musky without changing and adapting for wire size .I personally never buy a tool that has one function and can't be upgraded . That is if I can help it .So I'm in the end going to have to say the Boggs is your best bang for the buck Unless you want to drop a several hundred or more . Yes I think I'd go with the B &D get the C later . Now that's just me keep in mind I'm not normal . Edited January 9, 2014 by toadfrog Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Iforgotu812 Posted January 9, 2014 Author Report Share Posted January 9, 2014 Thanks. Some of the mepps spinners are in .041. They seem to be durable. The only reason I can figure for say .051 and .062 is lateral strength. Tensile strength shouldn't be a factor when .041 has around 325lbs and .051 is around 360lbs Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Roadkill Posted January 10, 2014 Report Share Posted January 10, 2014 I have used the Hagen's professional wire former with the Musky adapter kit for some years and make everything from about a #3 Mepps style up to 10 and 12 inch Musky spinners. Have never had a problem but I don't go above .051 wire (never found a need for anything larger). Price is a little tough but resonable and like I said it has lasted for many years and counting. I think the price for the former and the adapter is around $180.00 Not too bad if you plan on doing a lot of building. Whatever you decide, good luck. We can always use people who build a quality product. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ROWINGADUBAY Posted January 10, 2014 Report Share Posted January 10, 2014 I would stick with the .051 diameter wire for the durability of your spinner even with the .051 sometime I have to either straighten the shaft or replace the shaft after a fish. I do have a little box in the boat with spare spinner parts and a round nose pliers. for on the water repair I have a hagens but still use my round nose pliers most of the time Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
