New Products — Jan. 2015

Product introductions from the pages of Sport Fishing magazine
  • Updated: January 19, 2015
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Furuno 1st Watch Wireless Radar

Furuno‘s 1st Watch Wireless Radar — DRS4W — offers small‑boat anglers an affordable option for bringing radar to their vessels. The compact 4 kW radome pairs with iOS mobile devices such as iPads and iPhones via a free app to display a simple radar interface that operates with all the familiar Apple gestures. Change range from .125 to 24 nautical miles, and read bearing and distance (iPad only). The only wired connection is a power‑supply cord on the dome, which weighs 12½ pounds. The dome’s retail price is $1,695. Furuno has allowed third‑party app development for use with the DRS4W, so expect even more functionality soon.
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Penn Battalion Surf Rods

Penn says the inspiration for its Battalion Surf Series rods comes from anglers targeting stripers, tarpon and redfish off the beach. The Series includes seven 8‑ to 12‑foot spinning and four 10‑ to 12‑foot conventional sticks. The light, thin two‑piece graphite‑composite blanks combine the sensitivity and pulling power for both casting and fighting fish all day. All rods feature sculpted grips covered in rubber shrink tubing for an optimal hold. Penn used Fuji stainless‑steel guides with aluminum‑oxide inserts and Fuji DPS reel seats. Prices range from $99.95 to $139.95.
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Hobie Pro Angler Tandem Kayak

Hobie has introduced a 17‑foot tandem version of its popular Pro Angler 14 and 12 solo kayaks. The Pro Angler 17T comes in three configurations, including traditional in‑line tandem seating, face‑to‑face social tandem or solo. The new boat includes Hobie’s patented MirageDrive system and Vantage XT seating, and adds new features such as the H‑Rail System for mounting accessories, a tracking skeg for covering long distances, and a battery platform for an optional trolling motor, crate or small cooler. The 17T weighs 185 pounds fitted and 230 pounds fully rigged with standard features, and has a 900‑pound capacity. It costs $5,299 and comes in one color: dune.
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Shimano BeastMaster 9000

Shimano built its new BeastMaster 9000 for heavy‑duty kite‑fishing and deep‑dropping applications. Its brushless, high‑torque GigaMax motor provides 250 pounds of winding strength with 55 pounds of drag. The Thermo Adjust Drag stops the motor from rotating when the drag slips, and the Heat Free System II releases heat through vents on the side plate. The reel features a 3.1‑to‑1 gear ratio and holds 1,870 yards of 50‑pound braid. The BeastMaster 9000 costs $1,699.99.
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Simrad Advanced HD Digital Radar

Simrad combined the latest in digital‑signal processing with high‑performance open‑array scanners to create the new Advanced HD Digital Radar family. The lineup includes 4‑ and 6‑foot 10 kW arrays as well as a 7‑foot 25 kW array. All incorporate long‑life magnetrons and brushless motors; features include auto-tune, gain and sea‑clutter adjustments, and auto-harbor and offshore modes. Units support both true and relative motion to distinguish moving targets from landmasses. A high‑speed heading sensor can be added to enable chart overlay on compatible multifunction displays. The radars cost $6,199 to $11,361.
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Bogs Ultra Mid 10-inch Boot

Bogs, makers of all‑weather boots and shoes, designed the Ultra Mid 10‑inch boot originally for dairy farmers who needed traction on slippery concrete surfaces. But the nonmarking rubber soles also grip boat decks. The boots feature easy‑on pull handles and 7 mm waterproof Neo‑Tech insulation. An internal midsole with a rubber sponge provides extra cushioning and warmth; the insole is treated for odor protection. Ultra Mids come in black and in full sizes from 4 to 15. They cost $126.
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P-Line XTCB and XTCB-8

P****‑****Line has introduced two new braided lines — XTCB and XTCB‑8 — featuring DuPont Teflon Surface Protector, which increases abrasion resistance while allowing the line to pass through the guides with less friction for longer casts. P‑Line says XTCB offers better knot strength and is constructed with an extremely tight weave. The standard XTCB is a four‑carrier line; the deluxe XTCB‑8 features eight strands of fiber. XTCB starts at $14.99 for 150‑yard spools; XTCB‑8 starts at $18.99 for the same‑size spool.
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