Slammer Time
It’s the annual mid-year launch from our Oxford-based pals—ESP—and this time it’s some fancy new hooks
Since its launch back in 2016, ESP’s Cryogen range of hooks has found a loyal fanbase hugely appreciative of the sharpness and durability of the metalwork. The range has steadily expanded to include unique patterns like the Trig-Hammer and now we have two new additions to the Cryogen line up in the shape of the Claw-Hammer and the Slammer. Here’s what they have to offer…
1. Claw-Hammer pattern
This is a new and improved version of the existing ESP Cryogen Gripper hook. It’s a wide-gape hook with a beaked point and in-turned eye, making it ideal for bottom baits and wafters, particularly over hard, gravelly lakebeds where a straight point might otherwise burr over. This new version, however, has a noticeably longer point which ESP promise is even sharper than before.
2. Slammer pattern
If beaked points aren’t your thing, then the Cryogen Slammer’s straight-point profile might be the one for you. It’s a revamped version of the existing Classic pattern—which was one of the very first Cryogen hooks available—but with a widened gape and that very noticeable longer, finer point.
3. Increased wire gauge
On the larger sizes of these two new patterns—that’s sizes 4 and 5—ESP have thickened the wire gauge by 0.1mm. It might not sound a lot but it is noticeable to the naked eye and it does add extra strength and backbone to these hooks—not that the Cryogens were ever weak before! Now, though, the bigger sizes should be capable of some serious heavy-duty work.
4. Added sharpness
If you’re worried that added thickness might make for a duller, blunter hook; fear not. ESP say the new longer, finer points enable that thicker wire to be tapered into a supremely sharp point without any loss of performance. Another new tweak is a slightly enlarged eye diameter for rigs that use thick lines or multiple passes with the same material.
5. Cryogen technology
The backbone of the Cryogen range is the unique way in which the hooks are tempered for strength after being formed. Each hook is subjected to both extreme heat and ultra-low cryogenic temperatures (hence the name of the range) to improve the strength of the steel. All the hooks are available in barbed and barbless with a slick PTFE finish in sizes 4, 5, 6, 7 and 8.
Inside The Slammers
CARPology quizzes ESP chief designer and the man behind these two new patterns, Dave Ellaytt.
How long has the development of these two new patterns been, from the original idea to launch?
“From the initial approved CAD drawings to launch has been about 18 months, with samples, testing, design tweaks, revised final CAD drawings, packaging design and production etc. all done in the interim. All our hooks are made to spec, so the gestation period can be quite lengthy, although it’s a lot better than it used to be.”
How many hooks did you test during that period?!
“Across multiple samples in each pattern by various anglers… lots!”
And what does Tel say about them?
“He loves ‘em! Most of the fish caught on the ‘In The Edge’ film shot during the summer of 2021 were on prototype Claw-Hammers in size 6. As you know, Tel is a stickler for point sharpness and these meet his requirements straight out of the packet.”
