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Winn Grips are made from an advanced polymer. POLYMER IS NOT RUBBER. Therefore, Winn grips should be treated and cared for in a different manner.

October 17, 2017

Winn Reel Grip Sleeves - Get a grip on that reel for surefire hooksets, control over big fish, and all-day angler comfort!

Slip-sliding away! That’s what happens to your hopes of landing a big fish when your fingers slip off the reel knobs on a quick and sudden hookset.

The truth is, slips happen! And they happen most often when they are most costly – during tough bites and in encounters with the biggest, toughest fish in the nastiest cover or weather conditions.

But the risks of slippery reel knobs themselves will slip-slide away when you upgrade your reel handle with Winn Reel Grip Sleeves from Winn Grips, the Huntington Beach, Calif.-based maker of non-slip rod grips.

“When you set the hook really hard, sometimes your hand slips off the reel,” explains Bassmaster Elite star Brandon Lester. “That slip can give a fish a split-second advantage; and that is all he needs to escape a hook. Winn Reel Grip Sleeves enable you to keep the upper hand during that moment of truth.”

Avid anglers, tournament professionals and leading reel manufacturers all hail the virtues of “Slip Control,” the advantage that the WinnDry polymer brings to the fisherman’s fingertips. Made with the patented WinnDry polymer that has revolutionized fishing rod handles, Winn Reel Grip Sleeves (RGS) give the same sense of control and security to your fingers that Winn rod grips and overwraps deliver to the angler’s hand.

“From a user’s standpoint, adding the sleeves to your reel handle allows you to use more of your finger muscles with less fatigue,” explains Elmer Alfafara, director of business development for Winn. “You have more surface to grab, and the WinnDry polymer gives you greater control of the reel handle. You are not straining finger muscles, and you are not missing hooksets!”

Winn Reel Grip Sleeves come in two profiles: 1) a flat-sided Straight design, and 2) a rounded double-taper Barrel model, a thicker reel sleeve option. Both profiles measure 1-inch wide. A flexible EVA underlisting enables the sleeve to fit snugly over almost any paddle-style reel knob.

“I fished with the reel grip sleeves on both casting and spinning reels the last couple of months, including during key events on the Bassmaster tour,” says Lester, who will have a rod locker filled with rods and reels graced with WinnDry polymer at the 2018 Bassmaster Classic on South Carolina’s Lake Hartwell. “They are just as nice on spinning tackle as they are with casting gear; and they work equally well. A lot of times you find yourself out of position when a fish hits suddenly. You are trying desperately to catch up with the fish, and you don’t want your hand slipping off the reel handle.”

Color coordinate, color code

Custom Winn reel knobs on high profile reels including Daiwa’s LEXA-WN line and four ICAST New Product Showcase award-winning reels and rod/reel combos from Lew’s during the past 15 months foreshadowed the genesis of the RGS line. Now anglers can add the same tacky feel, control, and comfort these great reels deliver to most of the reels in their tackle arsenals.

“When it comes to tournament fishing, you need to put every single advantage you can into play,” says Lester. “And having Winn Reel Grip Sleeves is definitely an advantage, especially when you are setting the hook while fishing grass and heavy cover.”

Winn Reel Grip Sleeves are available in single-pair and three-pair packs in both the Straight and Barrel profiles. The six rollout colors – Chartreuse/Black. Charcoal/Black, Red/Black, Black, Blue Camo and Gray Camo – match well with a wide assortment of Winn rod grips and overwraps. The colors can serve a tackle organizational purpose, too – to identify reels by gear ratio or rod/reel combinations for a specific technique.

But make no mistake, it’s the performance value that will make Winn Reel Grip Sleeves indispensable to the serious angler.

“Fishermen will find that, once they get used to the feel of Winn Reel Grip Sleeves, they will want them on all their reels,” adds Lester. “It just makes sense to put the sleeves to work on your reel handle, to have the same WinnDry technology that works so well on your rod handles working for you at another critical point of hand contact. When you are flipping and pitching, throwing a frog, or fishing other heavy hookset techniques … they are really going to shine!”

Alfafara, architect of the Finger Grip Comfort (FGC) technology used in the Winn Reel Grip Sleeves and in the recently introduced Contour Overwrap line, says it all boils down to the bare essentials. “I have to tell you: Once you get used to the reel grip sleeves, fishing without them is like fishing with a naked reel.”

July 21, 2016

Winn reaps award attention, debuts new colors, new concepts at ICAST 2016

ICAST 2016: At the show

Winn rod grips have captured angler attention at international tackle trade events over the past three exhibition seasons. But the bold appearance of Winn grips on three award-winning new products at ICAST 2016 in Orlando, Florida, made it clear that the Huntington Beach, Calif.-based manufacturer of grips for sports equipment has become a force to be reckoned with in the angling arena.

Lew’s, the rod and reel maker from Springfield, Mo., took home three “Best of Show” awards for products featuring eye-catching Winn components at the ICAST 2016 New Product Showcase.

Lew’s Mach II SLP Baitcast Combo, featuring bold chartreuse split grips made from Winn’s patented WinnDry polymer and a new Super Low Profile (SLP) reel design with matching chartreuse reel knobs also from Winn, took home the Best Rod & Reel Combo award.

The Team Lew’s Custom Pro Speed Spool featuring the same SLP profile and elegant black Winn reel knobs won the Best Freshwater Reel award.

Lew’s Mach Speed Stick Inshore with its electric chartreuse Winn split grips and matching anodized aluminum trim earned Best Saltwater Rod honors.

The high-profile awards created a buzz at the Winn booth, which was already alive with new products and concepts.

Winn Grips has delivered a steady stream of innovation with its colorful, all-weather rod grips made from its patented WinnDry polymer at the last two ICAST events, and the promise of further proliferation of grip styles within Winn's interchangeable rod grip system was assured.

This year, however, Winn brought a new business concept to ICAST along with its anticipated array of new products.

Recruitment commenced for the Winn Authorized Service Center network, a web of tackle retailers trained and equipped to retrofit existing rods in angler arsenals with stylish, angler-friendly Winn rod grips. "Golfers, bicyclists and tennis players change the grips on their equipment routinely," said Elmer Alfafara, business development manager for Winn. "And a rod grip upgrade from old cork or EVA foam to Winn polymers is even more offers great advantage...We hope that fishermen will become as comfortable changing out rod grips as they are changing fishing line."

As part of the Winn Authorized Service Center rollout, the company demonstrated the performance of the Winn Rod Grip & Reel Seat Removal Machine. More than two years in development, the machine arrived at ICAST newly designed and complete with advanced safety features. It will remove rod grips and graphite reel seats while safely protecting rod blank integrity.

Winn plans to train and prepare dealers for safe and effective service center operation in select tackle retail stores across the country.

Winn also unveiled a number of new products including:

Winn Superior Rod Wrap-- Last year, Winn introduced previewed its rod wrap in three basic colors with the promise of an explosion of new colors and designs of this tape-like grip overwrap. Winn brought 11 new colors to ICAST along with three new designs for its Saltwater series to fill out a lineup that now includes seven bold solids and eight hot and trending “Camo” colors. The Saltwater series features three solid embossed “Tuna” wraps and an elegant camo-style “Dorado.”

Made from the same patented Winn polymers as Winn rod grips, it allows anglers to add a "Winn skin" to the rods with cork or foam grips in their existing arsenal and get the same secure tacky feel and all-weather comfort and performance as rods made with Winn grips.

"Anglers are finding other uses for the overwrap as well," explained Mike Coelho, national sales manager while showing Winn's new Superior Rod Wrap point-of-purchase display with demo rod handle. "They are using it on landing nets, boat handles, gaffs, and other surfaces where the non-slip properties of Winn polymers shine."

Swell Grip -- The new Swell style grip Winn introduced at ICAST 2016 may be the most significant addition to the line since the development of Winn’s innovative interchangeable grip system. Configured to the shape of popular mid grips on split grip bass rods, Swell grips include the 2.75-inch spinning (0.99-inch O.D.) grip, a 4-inch baitcasting (1.08” O.D.) grip along with companion fore grips. The Swell series debuted in Charcoal with Black Camo and Black with Chartreuse Camo color patterns.

Saltwater Straight Cylinder -- Winn also extended its Saltwater Straight Cylinder series of grips, earlier introduced in 9- and 12-inch lengths, with a 15-inch model (1.25-inch O.D., Natural cork color). Coupled with a fighting butt or butt grips, the grips can anchor rear handles of 16 to 18.5 inches or longer in custom rod designs. All lengths can perform rear- or fore-grip duty.

Winn Rod Handle System --The Orange County Convention Center floor was testing ground for another new Winn concept -- upgrading an entire rod handle at once, reel seat and all! Prototypes of the new Winn Rod Handle System included spinning and baitcasting split grip handles featuring the new Swell series grips and a full-grip spinning handle.

July 19, 2016

Winn grips share ICAST spotlight as Lew’s garners three ‘Best of Show’ awards in New Products Showcase competition

ICAST 2016 ‘Best of Show’ awards

The eyes of the fishing tackle industry converged on breakthrough new products from Lew’s at the ICAST 2016 show in Orlando. The Springfield, Mo.-based maker of premium rods and reels took home three ‘Best of Show’ awards at the New Product Showcase to lead all tackle manufacturers.

All three award-winning products – two rods and one reel – featured critical components from Winn Grips.

Lew’s Mach II SLP Baitcast Combo -- The Best Rod & Reel Combo award continued a string of victories in this category for Lew’s, which took home combo trophies in the 2014 and 2015 New Product Showcase competition as well. At the seat of control are colorful split grips made from WinnDry polymer, a patented material that maintains its tacky feel even under adverse weather conditions and promotes angler comfort and control. The new Super Low Profile (SLP) reel design with lightweight graphite frame features a 10-bearing system, double-shielded stainless steel bearings, bold chartreuse reel knobs that match the Winn split grips and anodized aluminum star drag and rod trim. Retail price: $179.99

Team Lew’s Custom Pro Speed Spool – Key features of this Best Freshwater Reel award winner are the elegant black Winn reel knobs and the 32 mm double anodized aluminum spool that brought the Super Low Profile (SLP) concept to fruition. The lower center of mass delivers better balance and enables easy palming for better angler control. “We spent a lot of time on the style of this reel,” explained Dave Hinke, product specialist. “Our test anglers absolutely fell in love with the Winn reel knobs with Lew’s Logo and the control over the reel they give the angler…We think it is one of the mostly stylish reels we have ever done.” Retail price: $259.99

Lew’s Mach Speed Stick Inshore – Inshore saltwater is a tackle segment as loaded with action as the Inshore sport fishing game itself, and Lew’s Mach Speed Stick Inshore was the cream of that rod crop at ICAST, earning Best Saltwater Rod honors in the New Product Showcase. The strong, lightweight rod with IM8 graphite blank boasted the same bold Winn split grip colors and matching anodized aluminum trim as the Mach II Baitcast Combo. “We found that this is a look that people really like,” noted Bob Brown, product specialist, long recognized for his innovative rod designs and use of advanced material technology. Retail price: $79.99

“Lew’s has always been an originator of innovation, and that is evident in the products that we brought to the New Product Showcase this year,” noted Hinke, who designed the Team Lew’s Custom Pro Speed Spool.

Both the Lew’s Mach II SLP Baitcast Combo and the Lew’s Mach Speed Stick Inshore stand out in eye-popping color. The electric chartreuse rod grips and reel knobs from Winn are emblematic of the bold, refreshing aesthetic that Winn has brought to fishing tackle.

“We put Winn grips and reel knobs on our upper end products now, and the fishermen like them,” said Brown, designer of the Mach series. “They find out Winn polymer handles are more comfortable for them, and we are tickled to death that we can put them on our product. We have been working with Dr. Huang (Winn founder) for years, and we will continue to do so. You will see more new products from Lew’s with Winn components in the future.”

Lew’s three-peat win in the Rod and Reel Combo category brought particular satisfaction to the Lew’s team and its Winn partners.

“When people walked up to the Lew’s booth, the first thing they looked at was this combination. It is that outstanding,” said Brown. “The Winn grips just make it the perfect combination. It’s like if a young guy went out and bought a new truck and wanted to put new wheels on it, but instead he found that this purchase came with the wheels already done! This really is an outstanding product.”

Sponsored by Fishing Tackle Retailer magazine, the New Product Showcase is the perennial highlight of the American Sportfishing Association’s ICAST exhibition, the world’s largest fishing tackle trade show. More than 1,000 products entered the 2016 New Product Showcase competition, which honors products voted as best in defined categories of gear, apparel and accessories.

For more information on Winn grips, check out the Winn Grips website (www.winngrips.com ) or contact Elmer Alfafara, business development manager, 714-373-6271; email: ealfafara@winngrips.com or Mike Coelho, national sales manager, phone: phone: 714-373-6271; email: mcoelho@winngrips.com

February 17, 2015

WINN MAKES ITS BASSMASTER CLASSIC DEBUT IN GREENVILLE, S.C. , HOSTS CUSTOM ROD DRAWING

HUNTINGTON BEACH, California –Winn Inc., manufacturer of the world’s finest fishing rod grips, will unveil its latest generation of rod grips to American anglers at the Bassmaster Classic Outdoors Expo at the TD Convention Center in Greenville, S.C., on February 20-22, 2015.

Winn made its formal debut to the fishing tackle industry on three continents last year, but its appearance at this year’s Bassmaster Classic expo still will be a coming out party of sorts for the California-based sports product innovator.

“American bass fishermen -- the most avid anglers on the planet – will see the high-tech performance benefits Winn has put in the angler’s hand with our latest generation of grips and innovative grip system,” said Winn owner and founder Dr. Ben Huang, whose patented polymer and design technologies revolutionized tennis and golf before taking the fishing tackle industry by storm. “We are excited to introduce these during professional fishing’s biggest event and give bass fishermen this opportunity to see the blend of function and fashion that Winn rod grips put in the angler’s hand.”

Winn and Mud Hole Custom Tackle, rod component supplier and distributor of Winn rod grips, will host a drawing for custom-built rods featuring the new Winn grips during the three-day expo held during the Bassmaster Classic tournament on Lake Hartwell. One winner each will be chosen on Friday and Saturday. The Sunday Grand Prize Winner will receive a custom-built rod used by Bassmaster Classic contender Brandon Lester.

The companies encourage expo attendees to stop by their booths and enter the contest.

Winn grips are made from Dr. Huang’s patented polymer and design technologies, which have had profound influence in sports equipment for golf, tennis and bicycling. The WinnDry polymer used in Winn rod grips eases hand and arm fatigue, improves casting accuracy and control, and maintains its tacky feel even in rain and snow and temperature extremes.

Winn’s appearance at the Classic coincides with its signing of two Bassmaster Elite Series anglers – Brandon Lester and Russ Lane -- to its pro staff in the month leading up to the Classic.

The new 2015 line-up of Winn rod grips and components will be available March 1, 2015.

For additional information on Winn grips, see the Winn Grips Fishing website (www.winngrips.com).

February 11, 2015

BASSMASTER ELITE PRO RUSS LANE JOINS WINN PRO STAFF

HUNTINGTON BEACH, California – Premium fishing rod grip manufacturer Winn Inc. has named five-time Bassmaster Classic qualifier Russ Lane to its pro staff.

“I am definitely excited to be working with Winn,” said Lane. “A lot of people know my reputation for getting maximum performance out of all of my equipment. And Winn grips bring advantages in performance and comfort that you just can’t get from other materials.”

Winn’s handsome multi-textured rod grips emerged from the patented design and polymer technologies of Dr. Ben Huang, who worked under “the father of rocket science,” Dr. Wernher Von Braun, in the development of the Saturn V rocket that took Apollo astronauts to the moon. Winn, a world leader in golf and tennis products, introduced its first full line of high-tech rod grips made from the patented WinnDry polymer in 2014.

“Russ Lane’s love of Winn products comes from his passion for tackle improvements that add to his fishing performance,” said Dr. Ben Huang, Winn founder. “He was one of the first fishermen in the Bassmaster Elite ranks to recognize the new high-tech benefits that Winn has put in the angler’s hand.”

Lane’s first introduction to Winn came through his rod sponsor, CastAway Rods, which introduced the premium Invicta rod line with Winn grips in late 2013.

“I absolutely fell in love with the Winn grips on those rods,” Lane recalls. “I noticed, first, that the grips feel tacky and give me more control. The Winn grips really shine when they get moist…I also found that my hand feels less fatigued at the end of a day of fishing. I don’t have to grip the Winn rod handles quite as firmly to maintain control.”

Now Lane has retrofitted other tools in his rod arsenal with Winn grips as well.

Lane installed the grips himself to learn as much as he could about the product. He made a pleasant discovery along the way.

“I figured it out quickly that replacing grips is really easy to do,” said Lane. “After I did the first one, it took me no more than 10 minutes to install each grip after that. It just takes several steps and a couple of small, inexpensive tools.”

Russ Lane’s love of high-tech equipment runs deep. Known to optimize his fishing reels by replacing standard reel parts with high-performance components, he also added HawgTech (www.hawgtech.com) carbon fiber reel handles featuring Winn reel knobs to his reels this past season, further familiarizing himself with Winn’s advanced technology.

Winn currently markets its grips to OEM and custom rod builders as well as to retailers, rod builders and rod repair services for after-market rod grip replacement.

Winn’s latest generation of grips will debut at the 2015 Bassmaster Classic Outdoors Expo, held in conjunction with the Bassmaster Classic on February 20-22, 2015, at the TD Convention Center in Greenville, South Carolina. The complete 2015 line-up of Winn rod grips and components will be available March 1, 2015.

See Winn Grips Fishing website at www.winngripsfishing.com for more information.

January 13, 2015

WINN MAKES PRO STAFF AGREEMENT WITH BRANDON LESTER

HUNTINGTON BEACH, California – Bassmaster Elite Series pro Brandon Lester will launch the 2015 season at the Bassmaster Southern Open on Lake Tohopekaliga in January with the logo of his new sponsor, rod grip manufacturer Winn Inc., on his jersey and boat wrap.

“I am looking forward to this opportunity,” said Lester, a rod craftsman who has built two flipping/pitching sticks and a swimbait rod with Winn grips, to fish the Open as well as the 2015 Bassmaster Classic on Lake Hartwell this February. “Winn rod grips enable me to build the best rods possible!”

Winn rod grips spring from the patented design and polymer technologies of Dr. Ben Huang, who worked under “the father of rocket science,” Dr. Wernher Von Braun, in the development of the Saturn V rocket that took Apollo spacecraft to the moon. Winn, known worldwide for its high-tech golf grips, introduced its first full line of high-tech grips made from its patented WinnDry polymer in 2014.

Winn also provides custom grips for premium rod lines made by CastAway, Cabela’s and Hammer Rods and for the award-winning Vapen Red series of Redington Fly Rods.

“We are very pleased to work with a talented professional angler like Brandon Lester,” said Dr. Ben Huang. “That he is a student of fishing and makes his own rods will help us all the more and make fishermen aware of the advantages our ‘space-age’ grips bring to their sport.”

Lester noted that Winn brings an entirely new paradigm to rod building with its array of full and split grips.

“It seems that, ever since the beginning of time, fishermen have used grips made from cork or EVA foam,” noted Lester. “Now it’s 2015. It’s time for something new! Winn grips put control in the angler’s hand and relieve fatigue. Their tacky feel is unlike anything fishermen have had before, and they get even tackier when the weather is cold and wet… It is exciting to be on the cutting edge.”

Winn has redesigned its entire grip line for the 2015 season with elegantly designed straight, curved and elliptically tapered grips as well as fly rod and specialty grips and components. It has also added a “non-slip polymer overwrap” to this season’s offerings.

Lester, who credits another of his sponsors, Mud Hole Custom Tackle, with advancing his rod-building expertise, also will bring 15 rods retrofitted with Winn grips on his return to Tohopekaliga. In 2013, his third place finish at ‘Toho” in this very same event paved the way to his Bassmaster Southern Open points victory – his ticket into the Bassmaster Elite series.

Winn currently markets its grips to OEM and custom rod builders. Winn plans to work with retailers, rod builders and rod repair services to develop a program of after-market rod grip replacement.

Winn will exhibit its latest generation of grips at the 2015 Bassmaster Classic Outdoors Expo, held in conjunction with the Bassmaster Classic on February 20-22, 2015, at the TD Convention Center in Greenville, South Carolina.

The new 2015 line-up of Winn rod grips and components will be available March 1, 2015.

See the “Where to Buy” menu on the Winn Grips Fishing website at www.winngripsfishing.com for the most current list of Winn rod grip distributors.

January 01, 2015

WINN ROD GRIPS NOW AVAILABLE

Winn Inc. has partnered with Mud Hole Custom Tackle to sell its full line of premium fishing rod grips.

Now fishermen and rod makers at every level will be able to purchase Winn products and enjoy the performance and design benefits of Winn rod grips!

Winn rod grips are made from the patented WinnDry polymer, developed by Dr. Ben Huang, who worked with Wernher Von Braun in the development of the Saturn V rocket that took American astronauts to the moon. Winn rod grips maintain their tacky feel and aid angler comfort and control even through rain and snow and temperature extremes.

As you know, CRBG members have taken special interest in the launch of Winn’s colorful array of multi-textured rear grips, split grips, fly rod grips, saltwater grips and other specialty fishing rod grips. Winn supplied test sample grips to attendees of the guild’s rod building workshop in Fort Worth, Texas, last spring as well as to select readers of RodCrafters Journal who had volunteered to build rods with the Winn grips.

RCJ reported on Winn’s market entry last spring and showcased rod projects employing Winn grips in the fourth quarter 2014 issue.

“Winn appreciates the valuable feedback from guild members,” said Mike Coelho, national sales manager. “Now, thanks to our distributors, custom rod builders everywhere will have access to Winn rod grips.”

All three distributors will carry the full line of Winn rod grips currently available as well as new products scheduled for 2015 release.

Mud Hole Custom Tackle (www.mudhole.com), with a 15,000 square foot facility in Oviedo, Fla., lays claim to being the world’s largest supplier of tackle crafting supplies. It provides rod-building supplies to small rod manufacturers, hobbyists and large OEMs around the world. Phone 1-866-790-7637 or 1-407-447-7637.

For more information on Winn Rod Grips, see the Winn Grips Fishing website at: www.winngripsfishing.com.

December 04, 2014

WINN ROD GRIPS EXPANDS DISTRIBUTION

HUNTINGTON BEACH, Calif. – Winn Inc. has partnered with multiple tackle distributors, including Mud Hole Custom Tackle, Get Bit Outdoors, and Swampland Tackle, to sell its full line of premium fishing rod grips.

“With these three companies now carrying our line, fishermen and rod makers at every level will be able to purchase our products and to enjoy the performance and design benefits of Winn rod grips,” said Mark Christensen, brand manager for Winn.

Winn rod grips are made from Winn’s patented WinnDry polymer, which maintains its tacky feel and aids angler comfort and control even through rain and snow and temperature extremes.

Winn also has created custom grips for premium rod lines of CastAway and Hammer Rods and for award-winning rods from Redington Fly Rods, and Cabela’s.

The launch of its array of colorful, multi-textured rear grips, split grips, fly rod grips, saltwater grips and other specialty grips caps more than a year of intense product development and globe-trotting to tackle expositions in Asia, Europe and North America.

“We have tested countless grips in our R&D lab, and we continue to work with custom rod builders and fishermen on improvements and new designs,” said Mike Coelho, national sales manager. “We will have an expanded line in 2015 and new products for the show season.”

In addition to providing grips to OEMs and custom rod builders, Winn will be working with retailers, rod builders and rod repair services on after-market rod grip replacement.

Get Bit Outdoors (www.getbitoutdoors.com ) is a rod building component distributor in Oviedo, Fla. Phone: 407-542-7840.

Swampland Tackle (www.swamplandtackle.com ), specializing in custom rod building and repair, is located in Houma, La. Phone: 985-852-1703.

For more information on Winn Rod Grips, see the Winn Grips Fishing website at: www.winngripsfishing.com. --- Dr. Ben Huang’s storied career began when he worked under Dr. Wernher Von Braun in the development of the Saturn V rocket that would take astronaut Neil Armstrong to the moon. The Georgia Institute of Technology invited him in 1964 to establish the university’s Graduate School of Aerospace Engineering, where Dr. Huang produced 16 PhD graduates before moving on to his business career. His long-held love of tennis led to the establishment of Winn in 1973 and landmark innovations in tennis balls, tennis strings, and tennis grips. In 1996, he applied his experience in advanced polymer technology to develop the first of multiple generations of Winn golf grips, which have brought him international acclaim.

Winn Incorporated, based in Huntington Beach, California, is a pioneer in polymer technology and worldwide manufacturer high performance grips for golf clubs, tennis rackets, tools, and fishing rods. It operates a state-of-the-art factory in China.

September 09, 2014

WINN LAUNCHES BREAKTHROUGH CUSTOM FISHING ROD GRIPS!

A new era in fishing begins today with the official launch of Winn Custom Fishing Rod Grips!

Following a highly successful season previewing its products on the international tackle expo circuit, Winn comes to market with an unprecedented selection of innovative rod grips made from its patented WinnDry material and design technologies.

Winn rod grips are the creation of Dr. Ben Huang, whose work in advanced polymers revolutionized golf club grips and had major impact on the sports of tennis and bicycling.

“We have introduced a broad line of rod grips with improved functional attributes and even more attractive appearance than the prototypes we tested last winter and spring,” said Dr. Huang, the sports-inspired scientist who worked under “the father of rocket science,” Dr. Wernher Von Braun, in the development of the Saturn V rocket that took Apollo spacecraft to the moon. “We have a wider range of sizes in popular grip designs now, and, of course, colors and grip textures that the tackle industry has never seen before.”

The all-weather tacky feel and performance characteristics of the rod grips that he and his R&D team have fashioned for fishermen have him hopeful that Winn’s tackle industry venture will be the most successful yet.

“Fishermen have benefitted from innovations in every component of the fishing rod except the seat of control – the handle,” said Dr. Huang. “When I realized the conditions that fishermen face, it became clear that WinnDry polymer is even better suited to fishing than it is to golf. And there are far more fishermen than golfers!”

Winn rod grips are available to custom rod builders and retailers as well as for O.E.M purchase.

For more information on Winn Rod Grips, see the Winn Grips Fishing website at: www.winngripsfishing.com.

July 08, 2014

WINN BRINGS ITS REVOLUTIONARY ROD GRIPS TO ICAST 2014

HUNTINGTON BEACH, Calif. – Winn Inc.’s revolutionary high-performance, all-weather rod grips will reach the angling world’s biggest stage in Orlando, Florida, this week!

ICAST 2014, July 16-18, is the next stop on an exposition tour that has earned Winn rod grips global attention.

“We already have second generation rod grips with improved functional attributes and even better aesthetics over some of the prototypes we brought to the trade shows in Europe, China and Japan,” said Dr. Ben Huang, Winn Inc.’s owner and founder. “We have expanded offerings in popular grips and sizes and created exciting colors and patterns as well.”

Dr. Huang worked under “the father of rocket science,” Dr. Wernher Von Braun, in the development of the Saturn V rocket that took Apollo spacecraft to the moon and created the Graduate School of Aerospace Engineering at the Georgia Institute of Technology before turning his attention to the development of the advanced polymers now used on sports equipment and work tools the world over.

Winn revolutionized golf club dynamics with its grip innovations and has left a similar mark on tennis and bicycling with its patented polymers and design innovations. But Dr. Huang thinks anglers will have even greater appreciation for Winn grips.

“In recent years, fishermen have enjoyed innovation in every component of the fishing rod except the seat of control – the handle,” said Dr. Huang. “It is already clear that our WinnDry polymer is even better suited to fishing than it is to golf. And fishermen outnumber golfers by a wide margin.”

Winn grips are available for both O.E.M. and after-market purchase as well as to custom rod building operations.

Performance advantage WinnDry puts non-slip performance, all-day comfort and supreme control in the angler’s hand. The advanced grip material resists moisture and maintains its tacky feel in rain, sleet and snow as well as the sweat of summer. The resultant feel and control deliver performance benefits that include longer and more accurate casts; superior sensitivity and responsiveness; and better control over big fish.

Most Winn rod grips are two-layered, comprised of a lightweight EVA underlisting (inner layer) and outer layer of WinnDry polymer. Because they demand significantly lighter grip pressure, the grips improve the angler’s handling of the rod and reduce arm and shoulder stress.

The Design Edge WinnDry polymers offer boundless color options. Winn’s unique design technologies also generate unprecedented opportunity to match rod elements or create a “signature” look.

Advanced Vertical Seam (AVS) technology, is a patented single-panel wrapping feature that matches the edge of the polymer material over the corresponding underlisting edge to create a flat, perfectly sealed and nearly seamless edge.

Advanced Integration Technology (AIT) enables Winn to combine different materials, colors and grip textures into a single design that gives anglers a wide range of firmness options and a truly endless array of designs.

“Our grips bring fishermen the perfect blend of both function and fashion!” summed Dr. Huang.

For more information on Winn Rod Grips, see the Winn Grips Fishing website at: www.winngripsfishing.com.

June 11, 2014

EFFTEX NEXT STEP IN WINN GRIPS GLOBAL MOVE

HUNTINGTON BEACH, Calif. – Europe’s largest fishing tackle show is the next stop for Winn Inc. on its 2014 barnstorming tour to spread awareness of its revolutionary rod grips.

“We already have second generation rod grips with improved functional attributes and even better aesthetics over some of the prototypes we brought to the tackle shows in China and Japan this winter,” said Dr. Ben Huang, Winn Inc.’s owner and founder. “We have expanded offerings in popular grips and sizes and created dynamic colors and patterns as well.”

Winn revolutionized golf club dynamics with its grip innovations and has left a similar mark on tennis and bicycling with its patented polymers and design innovations. But Dr. Huang envisions even greater popularity for his grips in the world of fishing.

Winn rod grips sparked an immediate response from custom rod builders who flood Winn offices regularly with questions, requests and orders to position themselves at the leading edge of rod building.

Winn offers its products for both O.E.M. and after-market purchase.

“Fishermen outnumber golfers by a wide margin, and they have so many types of rods to meet the demands of fish, conditions and techniques,” said Dr. Huang. “Our premium grips will bring rod makers and fishermen very obvious improvements over cork and EVA materials.”

The Design Edge WinnDry polymers offer boundless color options. Winn’s unique design technologies also generate unprecedented opportunity to match rod elements or create a “signature” look.

“Our grips bring fishermen the perfect blend of both function and fashion!” summed Dr. Huang.

For more information on Winn Rod Grips, see the Winn Grips Fishing website at: www.winngripsfishing.com.

March 04, 2014

WINN INTRODUCES HIGH-TECH GRIPS TO JAPANESE ROD MARKET

HUNTINGTON BEACH, California – Winn Inc. will introduce its revolutionary fishing rod grips to the Japanese market at the Japan Fishing Festival 2014 in Yokohama, March 21 to 23, at Pacifico Yokohama, Kanagawa Prefecture.

Winn, known worldwide for its high-tech golf grips, entered the global fishing rod market early this year with a booth display at China Fish 2014 in Beijing and introduction of its new Winn rod grips website: www.winngripsfishing.com.

Winn Grips spring from the patented technologies of Dr. Ben Huang, who worked under “the father of rocket science,” Dr. Wernher Von Braun, in the development of the Saturn V rocket that took Apollo spacecraft to the moon.

Winn’s trailblazing technologies, grip textures and designs have earned the endorsement of golf swing guru Butch Harmon and the acclaim of the golf world. Dr. Huang promises to match this level of excellence in tailoring grip technology to fishing rods.

“In recent years, fishermen have enjoyed innovation in every component of the fishing rod except the seat of control – the handle,” said Dr. Huang. The company launches its rod market journey with a wide range of grips, handles and rod wrap tapes made from its patented WinnDry polymer and other Winn innovations.

Winn’s 2014 globetrotting introduction to the tackle world will include booth appearances at EFTTEX 2014, (European Fishing Tackle Trade Expo) at the Brussels Expo Centre in Brussels, Belgium, June 12-14, and at 2014 ICAST (International Convention of Allied Sportfishing Trades) at the Orange County Convention Center in Orlando, Florida, July 15-18.

Winn offers its grips for both O.E.M. and after-market purchase.

Winn innovation in the winner’s circle Winn enters the rod market at full sail, riding the momentum of three award distinctions earned by two of its contract partners in 2013.

Redington Fly Rods of Bainbridge Island, Washington, earned the top award in the fly rod category for its Vapen Red fly rod line, introduced at EFTTEX 2013 in Vienna, Austria. It followed up with a “Best Fly Rod” award at the International Fly Tackle Dealer New Product Showcase in Las Vegas, Nevada, last July. The rod’s distinctive red PowerGrip was a collaborative effort between Redington and Winn.

In February, Outdoor Life magazine singled out the Cabela’s Tournament ZX fishing rod, featuring a split grip made by Winn, for an Editor’s Choice Award as one of the outstanding new fishing rods introduced last season. Dr. Ben Huang launched Winn in 1973 and owns over 100 patents worldwide for materials and design technologies in fishing, golf, tennis, bicycling, and other industries.

For more information on Winn fishing rod grips, visit www.winngrips.com.

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