Cygnet Tackle Bobbin range
These are quite possibly the defining bobbins of our age; we’re not even sure that you can make a cooler range… like ever
The heritage of Cygnet’s ultra-cool bobbin range can be directly traced to trailblazers like the incomparable Terry Hearn, who were rocking dinky little PTFE bobbins during the 1990s. By the time Cygnet bought out niche bobbin maker, Muddy Waters, the popularity of these traditional, yet oh-so-beautiful bobbins was assured! Unsure still? Perhaps we can help… cygnettackle.co.uk
The big questions
Can I get a whole bobbin set-up from Cygnet?
Yep, there’s no mixing and matching of brands needed here – Cygnet do it all. You want chains? You’ve got ’em. Ball chains… in black? No problem. Old-school cords? You bet. The Sheffield-based firm also makes isotopes, hockey sticks (called Clinga Links), Kippa Clips and conversion kits to allow you to use Cygnet bits with other companies’ bobbins too.
What the devil is a Kippa Clip?
And well you might ask. It’s the unique ball clip that Cygnet use for all their bobbins. Its clever design allows you to fish the bobbins running on the line in traditional fashion, or fixed, thanks to two ‘wings’ that grip the line without damaging it, to show up the tiniest indications. They even do an even grippier XT version for using the big-daddy bobbins with super-fine braids.
I want them all! Can I interchange the bits?
Damn right you can. You could be using the behemoth Clinga XLs while up to your knees in Chantecoq mud one week, and tucked-up behind enemy lines on a… cough… ‘quiet’ lake the next and you’d only have to unscrew the big ’uns and screw some Old Skools on! The whole range has been designed to allow you to create your own bobbin collection and interchange the lot.
Surely a bobbin is just a bobbin, right?
Not where this range is concerned. Browsing the heads and accessories on offer will quickly convince you that Cygnet bobbins are a cut above. They’ve successfully managed to meld the cult appeal of the traditional PTFE versions, with cutting-edge manufacturing and a host of really bloody useful accessories.
How do I even choose, there are so many?
We’re with you, but our advice would be to go with your heart! Choose the bobbins you most identify with – are you Old Skool? Or Lite? Perhaps you’re Dumpy (no offence!)? Unless you require the uniquely weighty attributes of the Long Range Clingas, or even the out-there Clinga XL and XXL, build your set-up around the bobbins you love because they can all be adapted to suit a host of situations!
How does the price list read?
Ruddy, bloody well! Three of the six styles of heads (Old Skool, Lite, Dumpy) retail for £4.99 for the head and £9.99 for the Kit, whilst the other three (Standard, Long Range and the XL and XXL) cost £5.99 and £7.99 for the heads and £10.99 and £14.99 for the Kits.