ESP Cryogen Stiff Rigger Carp Hooks

Cryogenic tempering is a process used to improve the molecular structure in steel which in turn reduces stress and improves strength and wear resistance. It is used in many disciplines with Formula 1 engine parts being a prime example.

Bench tests on initial samples proved that the new tempering processes combined with improved designs and heavy forging resulted in hooks that were 30 – 40% stronger than previous ESP hooks using the same wire gauge. So rather than having to improve strength by simply increasing wire gauge, new manufacturing processes have allowed ESP to maintain optimum wire gauges for each size which allow for fine, ultra-sharp needle points that are now more durable than ever.

Over an exhaustive two-year field testing period where the hooks were used by around 15 independent specialist carp anglers plus ESP consultants Terry Hearn, Kev Hewitt and Martin Bowler, feedback has been wholly positive from everyone. Over those two years a serious amount of big carp have been caught on the new hooks from a wide variety of waters and every angler who has used them came back wanting more!

The legendary Stiff Rigger hook pattern has been further refined and improved using the Cryogen manufacturing process to make it the go to hook for hinged stiff rig and chod rig presentations. Compared with its predecessor the Mk-2, the super sharp point is longer and finer and more inclined towards the shank for a stronger shape. The point is also in-line with the 13 degree out-turned eye so all the force is straight along the point section of the hook, rather than across the gape, making them incredibly strong. Heavy forging and PTFE Tufflon coating, plus no discernible increase in wire gauge, but with superior strength makes this the perfect pop-up hook!

Available in barbed or barbless sizes 4, 5, 6, 7 or 8. 10 per packet.