VMC Rolling Swivel Review

Why I Chose the VMC Black Stainless Steel Open Eye Rolling Swivel: A Hands-On Review

The VMC Black Stainless Steel Open Eye Rolling Swivel is a small but crucial piece of terminal tackle. It’s designed by VMC to eliminate line twist and provide a reliable connection point for hooks, lures, and other fishing gear, especially in saltwater environments. I was drawn to this swivel because of its promise of strength, durability, and ease of use in custom rigging applications.

I’ve always struggled with line twist when using certain lures, particularly inline spinners and spoons. This not only weakens the line but also affects the lure’s presentation, reducing its effectiveness. I needed a dependable swivel that could handle the stresses of fighting fish and the corrosive nature of saltwater, and the VMC Black Stainless Steel Open Eye Rolling Swivel seemed to fit the bill perfectly.

Upon receiving the swivels, my first impression was positive. The black stainless steel finish looked sleek and durable, and the open eye design seemed practical for quick and easy rigging. The swivels felt solid and well-made, suggesting a high level of build quality.

I considered other swivel options, including barrel swivels and crane swivels. However, I chose the VMC Black Stainless Steel Open Eye Rolling Swivel for its open eye design. The open eye allows for quick changes of lures or hooks without having to cut and re-tie knots, a huge advantage when time is of the essence.

Initially, I was excited to test these swivels out. I was particularly interested in seeing how well they would hold up to the rigors of saltwater fishing and whether they would truly eliminate line twist. I hoped they would live up to their promise of being a reliable and convenient addition to my tackle box.

Real-World Testing: Putting VMC Black Stainless Steel Open Eye Rolling Swivel to the Test

First Use Experience

My first test of the VMC Black Stainless Steel Open Eye Rolling Swivel was during a saltwater fishing trip targeting striped bass in the Chesapeake Bay. I used the swivels to connect inline spinners and spoons to my main line. These lures are notorious for causing line twist, making them a perfect testing ground.

The swivels performed admirably in the choppy waters of the bay. They rotated smoothly, preventing line twist even when using lures that typically caused problems. The open eye design made it incredibly easy to switch between different lures.

I didn’t experience any issues or surprises during my first use. The swivels held up well to the weight and drag of the lures, and I landed several striped bass without any signs of failure. The ease of use and immediate reduction in line twist was a welcome change.

Extended Use & Reliability

After several weeks of use in both saltwater and freshwater environments, the VMC Black Stainless Steel Open Eye Rolling Swivel has proven to be a reliable piece of tackle. I have used them extensively for fishing everything from largemouth bass to speckled trout, and they have consistently performed well.

The swivels show no signs of significant wear and tear. The black stainless steel finish has held up nicely to saltwater exposure, with minimal corrosion. They’ve retained their smooth rotation and haven’t shown any signs of weakening.

Maintaining these swivels is incredibly easy. After each use, I simply rinse them with fresh water and allow them to air dry. Occasionally, I’ll apply a light coating of oil to prevent any potential corrosion, although this hasn’t been necessary so far.

Compared to my previous experiences with cheaper swivels, the VMC Black Stainless Steel Open Eye Rolling Swivel significantly outperforms them in terms of durability and reliability. I no longer have to worry about line twist or swivel failure during crucial moments, giving me more confidence on the water. They are a worthwhile investment.

Breaking Down the Features of VMC Black Stainless Steel Open Eye Rolling Swivel

Specifications

The VMC Black Stainless Steel Open Eye Rolling Swivel features stainless steel rings and a body. This construction ensures excellent corrosion resistance and strength, making it suitable for both freshwater and saltwater applications. The open eye design allows for quick and easy rigging.

The “rolling” aspect refers to the swivel’s ability to rotate freely, effectively eliminating line twist. This is especially crucial when using lures that tend to spin or rotate during retrieval. The black finish helps reduce visibility underwater. This makes it less likely to spook wary fish.

These specifications matter because they directly impact the swivel’s performance and longevity. The stainless steel construction ensures that the swivel can withstand the harsh conditions of saltwater fishing without corroding or failing. The open eye design enhances convenience.

Performance & Functionality

The VMC Black Stainless Steel Open Eye Rolling Swivel excels at its primary job: eliminating line twist. Whether I’m using inline spinners, spoons, or crankbaits, these swivels keep my line from becoming tangled and weakened. This allows my lures to perform optimally.

The swivel’s strength is also noteworthy. I’ve used them to target large and powerful fish without any concerns about the swivel breaking or failing. The smooth rotation of the swivel ensures that it doesn’t impede the action of my lures.

A slight weakness is the relatively small size of the open eye on some of the smaller swivel sizes. This can make it challenging to attach thicker gauge hooks or split rings. Overall, the performance of these swivels meets and often exceeds my expectations.

Design & Ergonomics

The build quality of the VMC Black Stainless Steel Open Eye Rolling Swivel is excellent. The materials used feel durable and high-quality, and the swivels are well-constructed. The compact size and lightweight design ensure that they don’t add unnecessary bulk to my tackle.

The open eye design is incredibly user-friendly. It allows me to quickly change lures or hooks without having to cut and re-tie knots. There’s virtually no learning curve involved, making them easy to use for anglers of all skill levels.

Durability & Maintenance

The VMC Black Stainless Steel Open Eye Rolling Swivel is built to last. The stainless steel construction ensures that it can withstand the rigors of frequent use in both freshwater and saltwater environments. With proper care, these swivels should provide years of reliable service.

Maintenance is minimal. A simple rinse with fresh water after each use is usually sufficient to keep them in good condition. A light coating of oil can be applied periodically to prevent corrosion.

Accessories and Customization Options

The VMC Black Stainless Steel Open Eye Rolling Swivel doesn’t come with any specific accessories. Its primary function is to connect hooks, lures, and line. There aren’t any customization options available, as the swivel is designed as a standalone component.

However, the swivel is compatible with a wide range of hooks, lures, and line types from various brands. This makes it a versatile addition to any angler’s tackle box.

Pros and Cons of VMC Black Stainless Steel Open Eye Rolling Swivel

Who Should Buy VMC Black Stainless Steel Open Eye Rolling Swivel?

The VMC Black Stainless Steel Open Eye Rolling Swivel is perfect for anglers who frequently use lures that cause line twist. This includes those who fish with inline spinners, spoons, crankbaits, or any other lure that tends to spin or rotate during retrieval. They are a must-have for pro anglers.

Saltwater anglers will especially benefit from the swivel’s durable stainless steel construction. It can withstand the corrosive effects of saltwater without corroding or failing. Anglers who value convenience and efficiency will appreciate the open eye design.

Those who should skip this product are anglers who primarily fish with lures that don’t cause line twist. This might include those who primarily use jigs or soft plastics rigged weedless. Or those who are on a very tight budget and are willing to sacrifice durability for a cheaper alternative.

A must-have accessory to go with these swivels would be a high-quality pair of split ring pliers. This helps to easily open and close split rings when attaching lures or hooks to the swivel’s open eye. Using the right tools will enhance the swivel’s ease of use and versatility.

Conclusion on VMC Black Stainless Steel Open Eye Rolling Swivel

The VMC Black Stainless Steel Open Eye Rolling Swivel is a small but essential piece of terminal tackle that delivers on its promises. It effectively eliminates line twist, boasts a durable stainless steel construction, and offers the convenience of an open eye design. Its versatility makes it a valuable addition to any angler’s tackle box.

At a price of $4.99, the value proposition of this swivel is excellent. The price is justified by its performance, durability, and convenience. It’s a worthwhile investment for anglers who are serious about their fishing and want to avoid the frustrations of line twist.

I would personally recommend the VMC Black Stainless Steel Open Eye Rolling Swivel to any angler who wants to improve their fishing experience. It’s a reliable, convenient, and durable piece of tackle that will help you catch more fish. Don’t let line twist ruin your next fishing trip – grab a pack of these swivels and experience the difference!