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tackle bandit scales & fish grips any good ?

4K views 15 replies 8 participants last post by  Goodrich79 
#1 ·
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#2 ·
Both look ok to me Jeff but there is no way I can really tell from just the picture. The grip appears to be the same one Mac-b uses so I would have some trust in it for that reason. I know he has tested his,

The scale is another thing that a pic will not help on. You might be able to test it to see if it is close to accurate. I have a different scale but the buttons appear to be the same. What I would say is with the buttons exposed like they are it is very easy to turn the save on when it is in a bag or box in transport. So finding s dead battery may be a problem.

I taped a rigid foam block above and below these buttons to protect them from being accidentally pressed. At least yours uses AAA batteries. Mine used stupid button batteries.
 
#9 ·
Jeff, I am not have not seen that exact scale but my scale is very similar in capability.

Here are some issues to expect.

Keep in mind not of these issues mean the unit is bad but will just help you on what to expect.

Handle. Some have rings some have a handle like this one. Mine is like this and you can get maybe three fingers in it. Because with catfish we are aften talking about really big fish, where you are in a awkward position to hold and read the meter, a rope or wooden dowel would make it much easier. Take the Blue Cat in my avatar, to weigh it you would he holding the meter almost above your head so you could not just be using your fingers in the handle. I even gave some thought to bringing three lengths of PVC on the boat to make a tripod.

The tape measure is not long enough for a big cat. It is close but at 1 meter (39.3 inches) is not enough for a big cat. And I don't think the metal the tape is made out of is rust proof so keep the meter in a dry area.

I found the choices for weigh in pounds and ounces or KG to be fine for what I use it for.

I see folks put that hook under the jaw bone of their fish and I really wish they would not do that. That is why I think a sling for the fish to lay in is much better. They can ge purchases at carp fishing stores. Another alternative is to weigh the fish in the net. Just hook the weight scale hook on the net hoop. You had remove the weight of the net by either weighing and subtracting it or most have a tare button that will start the scale at zero with the net on it.

the fact that it uses AAA batteries is a really good aspect. My current scale is much like this one but uses button batteries. I am not a fan of those. I would recommend taking the AAA batteries out of the unit when you are not using it. That will help protect your unit from corrosion and help prevent finding dead batteries because the buttons were getting pressed while in your tackle bag.

If you leave the batteries in all the time you might want to tape or glue a strip of thick foam on each side of the buttons to prevent accidentally turning the unit on when in storage to transit.

Ok, again not a deal breaker just some things to expect. The price is about right and you should enjoy the unit.

If you do find things you like after using it, starts a thread telling us about what you like. The same goes for what you don't like.
 
#11 ·
I have a few pairs of those tackle bandit grips and I have the scale. The grippers work just as good as any of the others I've used. But I haven't tested them on a trophy yet. I've seen many guys online using them on trophys though. The scale I haven't used yet. It'll probably be for eater fish, channel cats, etc. Its very small and in my hands it feels like it would crush trying to weight a trophy catfish. I like the whisker seeker scale better, I just wish it was 150 instead of 110lbs. Not that I've caught a 110lb fish lol.
Everyday carry
 
#12 ·
thanks folks . the WS looks very nice , but almost $50 shipped is above my budget . is the " KastKing Waterproof Floating Digital Fishing Scale with No-Puncture Lip Gripper" a decent scale for someone who isn't hard core about catting ? only $33 shipped and comes with a pair of grippers too . amazon ratings look pretty decent , but i don't trust any rating by any seller entirely .


https://www.amazon.com/KastKing-Waterproof-Fishing-Hanging-Floating/dp/B07C3SDV44/ref=sr_1_13?crid=3NWGRX21ILDHK&dchild=1&keywords=fishing+scales+digital+waterproof&qid=1596801432&sprefix=fishing+scale,aps,206&sr=8-13
 
#13 ·
I suspect they would be OK. They do look an awfully lot like the Berkley or Rapala scales. Also they are only 50lbs and that's fine if that's all you want. I am currently using a H2O digital scale from Academy that was only $14. It has worked well all year. I too did not want to spend $40 for the Whisker Seekers at the time. But I will next time and I will have a 110lb scale.
 
#14 · (Edited)
just saw that KK makes a 110 lb. scale for @29 shipped and it uses 2 aaa batteries . i'm not even sure i could lift 110 lbs. with my back but i've always been a fan of overkill and getting more than i need .
https://www.kastking.com/kastking-p...nt-digital-scale-with-tape-measure_p0284.html

i'm guessing none these companies "make" any of these scales . they just contract them out to be built overseas and most are the same inside with different cases , colors and paint jobs ...... like most things these days . hopefully the more expensive ones contract for better components and case designs ........ it is what it is .
 
#15 ·
I have a few pairs of those tackle bandit grips and I have the scale. The grippers work just as good as any of the others I've used. But I haven't tested them on a trophy yet. I've seen many guys online using them on trophys though. The scale I haven't used yet. It'll probably be for eater fish, channel cats, etc. Its very small and in my hands it feels like it would crush trying to weight a trophy catfish. I like the whisker seeker scale better, I just wish it was 150 instead of 110lbs. Not that I've caught a 110lb fish lol. View attachment 313894
I just picked up the WS scale and grips and they are nice. My old Rapala scale only went to 50 lb and we are trying to top that now ;)
 
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