Shakespeare X Tools (Hybrid X Pliers and Floating Cutters)

Shakespeare X Tools (Hybrid X Pliers and Floating Cutters)

There are a few essential items on the market that serious fisherman have learned to never leave home without. Whether it be bluegills, trout, or salt water game fish that you chase, these few special items make you days fishing not only easier but much more enjoyable. A good set of fishing pliers is one of these special fishing necessities, saving you time and trouble adjusting baits and setting up lines and keeping you precious hands out of harms way. Chances are you have probably never given much thought to the pliers you carry in you old tackle box but the new X tools by Shakespeare might just change that. Shakespeare rods, accessories and tools certainly are popular among anglers over the last few decades due largely in part to their high quality products and these tools keep up with this high standard of quality. Their previous generations of tools were among the best values on the market, and the new Hybrid X Pliers and Cutters feature carbide cutting blades and still manage the same great price.

Shakespeare X Tool Specifications
Overall Length 6” Cutters & 8” Pliers
Material Plastic
Blades Tungsten Carbide Cutting System
Additional Features Lanyard, line cutter, soft floating grip, co-molded jaw inserts

Design: The new design of the X series of tools makes these tools easy to handle no matter how intricate the work is that you are doing. Problems crimping shots or opening split rings was not any factor when these pliers were tested. In addition to the ergonomic design of these pliers soft foam pads were placed on the handles of the X tools to allow comfort for the user. These pads make the x tools a pleasure to use and help the tools float high and dry.

Field Test: The Shakespeare Hybrid X Pliers and Floating Cutters were tested in freshwater conditions and held up to plenty of abuse while fishing the rough waters of Lake Superior. Seeing as quality pair of floating fishing pliers are also a great idea for the fly fishing enthusiast wading the river the Hybrid X Pliers were also tested while fishing the many rivers and streams in this respected area.
Operation: In essence all pliers and cutters are relatively simple to operate, and Shakespeare X tools following along with this tradition. The new tungsten carbide blades on both the pliers and the cutters makes cutting any mono and fluorocarbon lines, yes even braided line a breeze. Let me say that one more time, the blades on these tools have no problem cutting though braided line in the 60, 80 and even 100 pound classes. The design of the Hybrid X Pliers makes these pliers easy and smooth to open (one handed) allowing the angler to do a wide variety of tasks ranging from unhooking fish, tuning crank baits even tightening screws on the boats dash board.
The Hybrid X Pliers also feature heavy set jaws with co-molded inserts that make it easy apply pressure on objects with out slippage. The lanyard attached to the tools bottom is great for keeping the tools where they can be most useful; at you side when you need them. Too many times with the scrabble that ensures while you have a fish hooked, the location of your tools can slip you mind. Having these pliers or cutters fastened to you wrist or waist will definitely make your days on the water more enjoyable.

Toughness: Any half way decent pair of pliers or cutters should last a long time under normal circumstances. With that being said the main reason anglers have to replace their fishing pliers is because of dropping them into the water. With the new design and floats added to the handles the X pliers and cutters will not be visiting the lake bottom unless you do. Other then losing your favorite fishing tools corrosion is probably the next biggest problem. The X tools plastic design and tungsten carbide cutters should stay free of rust and in working order for many years of service.

Overall: The Shakespeare X Tool line of Pliers and Cutters tested very well in the two different freshwater conditions and are in general very light and extremely durable. These pliers are a great idea for boaters, pond jumpers and fly fisherman alike. You get the best of all worlds with the X Tools, a product suited for heavy applications but without the added weight making them a valuable addition to your travel tackle box. The addition of floating handles and a wrist lanyard will help keep these tools at your side and you fishing happier, longer.