Pros And Their Sponsored Equipment 2024
wngan9447 reply :
This question came up with a few buddies.
Do pros really use the equipment they are sponsored by? Or are they using exactly what they are advertising.
I play billiards and tennis competitively and there's a variation of what the pros advertise and what they actually use.
In tennis, Nadal uses an older version of the racquet he advertises. The company just paints the older racquet to look like the newest one.
In pool, some Pros use the butt end of a cue from the sponsor, but the shaft is made to a different spec or from an entirely different company.
I'm wondering if fishing rod companies will color higher end blanks the same color as lower end rods for pros to use to help sell.
Just curious.
gulfcaptain reply :
Randy Howell isn't sponsored by Rapala, but most of that last days catch was on I believe a DT6 Redcraw as I believe B Paulinik gave him a few more incase he ran out before he went to the Livingston proto type he had. So I do believe they fish whatever lures they want. KVD may be the only one that may only fish with Strike King, but from what other pro's say he gets all the good stuff first to try. But then again the lures SK makes for him fit his style of fishing and has been sponsered by them for years so his strong points are covered. Rod and reel, I think they fish with the top end level rods and possibly proto types or models that may not be released yet. So I'm sure rod and reel wise they do use sponsored equipment, lure wise, they try to use what's given to them but I'm sure they have other boxes of lures that aren't. And I don't believe SK makes a bucktail hair jig so I know atleast 1 lure that KVD uses that's not made by SK.
tomustang reply :
They use whatever they can to win.
Sam reply :
A few years ago my good friend and bass fishing guide Jim Kerr always had me take a photo of him holding up the biggest bass we caught while he had put on his Abu fishing shirt to send to Abu as they were one of his sponsors. Jim passed away four years ago and I still miss him.
Jim told me that the pros always hawk their stuff even if they don't use it all the time.
If a pro throws Bait A from his sponsor A and then changes to Baits B, C and D from other companies he can say he threw Bait A even thought he never caught anything on Bait A in the tournament.
Listen to what the pros say. They will not lie. They just tell you what they want you to hear as there is a lot of money on the line.
The old guys, like Parker, Houston, Menendez, Dance, etc. will tell you the truth more than the current pros who have to rely on discounts and monetary rewards. KVD and Ike are very honest but they do not tell us how they modify their baits.
It is part of the game. Of course there are pros that do use certain baits and equipment and are very successful with them. Once again, it is a part of the game.
Glenn reply :
Yup, those two answers are very true. I'd only add that rod manufacturers do not "paint" or otherwise alter the gear like you mentioned tennis and pool sponsors. Do the pros use prototypes? Yup. Testing and providing feedback on gear is part of their contracts. Do they use the gear and baits from their sponsors? Yes they do, but for the most part, there's no exclusivity clauses. So they're free to use other gear too, if the situation arises where they need to use something not provided by their sponsors.
But you all know this - not one rod company, not one reel company, not one bait company, makes everything for every angler for every situation. So if you see a pro using a non-sponsored bait or rod, no big deal. I doubt any of you exclusively use the entire bait lineup of one single bait company either. 
EmersonFish reply :
I know in golf, pros use some equipment that looks just like what we can buy off the rack, but the major equipment manufacturers can tweek every club and get everything dialed in just the way the pro wants it. They even have trailers at the tournaments where they can make adjustments. I don't know if bass fishing is quite at that level, but I've always assumed the top guys have access to people at the companies who can make sure they are very happy with what they are using.
As far as baits go, I've pretty much assumed they used their sponsors stuff enough in tourneys to say they did, but otherwise used whatever it took to catch fish.
Brayberry reply :
I know a "retired" pro fisherman, he had quite a few big time sponsors, and he won a BASS tournament a few years ago. He prefished in practice, and found that the fiesh were hitting jerkbaits. During the tournament, he caught almost all his fish on a particular jerkbait. Laster Bassmaster showed a picture of the lure's he caught his fish on, and there were 2 baits in the picture, one was called a "unnamed lure" but was blatantly obvious it was a Smithwick Rogue (not a sponsor), the other bait was a other jerkbait (sponsored company). Later he told me that every fish he weighed in was on the Rogue, but still threw the sponsored bait occasionally till he caught a fish on it, so he could honestly say I caught all my fish on these 2 lures, when in reality, the only fish he caught on the sponsored bait was a 10" bass.
Catt reply :
Like all sports bass fishing "Pros" come in all levels!
The KVD's can select who they want as sponsors, lower level "Pros" not so much.
Just like the "Pros" sponsorships come in all levels, it is not uncommon for the KVDs to have multiple lure sponsors.
TrippyJai reply :
If the fish are biting a specific bait, they are going to fish that bait. I think it's more important to do well in a tournament than not do well fishing a sponsored bait that isn't catching fish.
Ike was using a SK 6XD along with a DT16 on one of the latest TW Vlogs and was open about it.
KVD was known to throw the MB 110.
KVD was throwing a Fat Free Shad along with the 6XD because Tim Horton was leading a tournament.
Randy Howell caught most of his fish on the DT6.
Preytorien reply :
I would think the primary importance to a sponsor is getting that giant colored/logo'd jersey up on stage. Whether they used their specific product is the second. I'm sure marketing-wise Livingston would've loved to have pictures of Howell holding up a giant bass with their lure in it's lip, but if he used a DT6, they don't mind too much, he caught what was needed to win, using what needed, and now Livingston's name was on the stage of the biggest tournament. If I remember correctly, TW sold out of the Livingston's pretty fast, so I'm sure they're not complaining too much. From a marketing standpoint - exposure being the name of the game - they're likely still revved up from seeing him in front of people with their name clearly visible. I know myself I went and checked out Livingston lures after that, I really didn't know too much about them. Now I do. Mission accomplished for them, right?
I know in cycling, concerning customized equipment, they have a pro-cycling rule that all equipment used by a sponsored pro MUST be available to the market within I believe 6months from the time it's first used in a race. Pretty much anything you see a pro using, you can buy, with the exception of custom paint jobs.
Delaware Valley Tackle reply :
Every pro sport is about advertising at the end of the day. I don't buy products of any kind based on who else uses or claims to use it. It's all about exposure and brand recognition. When you're browsing the aisles a logo will draw your attention subconsciously if you've seen and heard about it enough times. That's the true power of advertising. If a pro angler needs to use something else to get onto the podium to expose viewers to the logo etc. no one will complain (sponsor wise).
doyle8218 reply :
It is marketing, It is no different in any other field. They don't lie...but they are misleading.
senile1 reply :
On 8/22/2014 at 8:57 PM, Delaware Valley Tackle said:Every pro sport is about advertising at the end of the day. I don't buy products of any kind based on who else uses or claims to use it. It's all about exposure and brand recognition. When you're browsing the aisles a logo will draw your attention subconsciously if you've seen and heard about it enough times. That's the true power of advertising. If a pro angler needs to use something else to get onto the podium to expose viewers to the logo etc. no one will complain (sponsor wise).
I agree. The equipment used by the pros makes us aware of the product, but one should base equipment decisions on what works for him or her. Reviews of equipment from sites you trust and other individuals, as well as experience, are useful in making these decisions. What a pro uses, or claims to use, doesn't carry much weight for me since professional anglers have a monetary interest in promoting their sponsors' products.
lmoore reply :
On 8/22/2014 at 11:33 AM, Brayberry said:I know a "retired" pro fisherman, he had quite a few big time sponsors, and he won a BASS tournament a few years ago. He prefished in practice, and found that the fiesh were hitting jerkbaits. During the tournament, he caught almost all his fish on a particular jerkbait. Laster Bassmaster showed a picture of the lure's he caught his fish on, and there were 2 baits in the picture, one was called a "unnamed lure" but was blatantly obvious it was a Smithwick Rogue (not a sponsor), the other bait was a other jerkbait (sponsored company). Later he told me that every fish he weighed in was on the Rogue, but still threw the sponsored bait occasionally till he caught a fish on it, so he could honestly say I caught all my fish on these 2 lures, when in reality, the only fish he caught on the sponsored bait was a 10" bass.
They had some of the same/similiar stuff going on at Grand Lake for the Classic a couple years ago, if I remember right. The Rogue is just too good of a bait 
bass1980 reply :
Alright how about this one....Skeete Reese. He's always using his yellow WM rods. IMO they aren't very good. Does he use the exact same models available to the public or does WM make some better rods for him with better blanks and such but still just painted the same color?
IMO I don't think Skeet will take that risk but I'm just making wild guesses.
WRB reply :
Most pros have rods made to their specific specs by the sponsor they represent. Reels are fined tuned by the pro or a highly skilled tech. No reason not to do this, they don't claim to use off the shelf equipment unless that equipment is working good for them. Modifying or tuning lures is a big part of bass fishing and every angler should be doing this, not just the pros.
Would you spend your hard earned money to enter a tournament and handy cap yourself by not using lures that work the best, if you do you just donate money to,who wins.
Tom
kikstand454 reply :
'Skeet rods.....i dont think theyre that good.....'
^ YOU don't think they're that good. .....that doesnt mean HE doesn't.
At the end of the day, pros only care about one thing. Their performance. Sponsors are great and all, but they stop calling when you stop making the third day cut. Winning or at least placing well is MUCH more important than pimping a product you don't believe in. Skeet must believe in the equipment becuase i doubt he would jeopardize his career over a broken rod in the classic. Furthermore... what purpose would wright n McGill have in having a "better" skeet rod and not selling it to the masses? Since the MUST know of the 50/50 oppinion of the rod, any improvement would make THEM money. This is the same argument I have with people questioning Quantum. Staying relevent is the only way the pros stay in the money. .. both on the trail and with their sponsors. They're not going to put all that at risk fishing known junk.
fishindad reply :
Only Skeet knows for sure but I seriously doubt he's having W&M paint Loomis NRX (as an example) rods yellow and passing them off to appear as if he fishes with his retail rods. Ike has a video where he flat out says he uses exactly what we can buy off the rack from Abu. Yes, the pros do use prototype tackle and lures BUT, I would doubt when money is on the line that they would trust anything that hasn't been thoroughly tested, meaning they've spent hundreds of practice hours with the rod/reel/lure, etc. and know the lure's characteristics inside and out. I have heard guys like Kota Kiriyama say they fish with Shimano rods and reels that aren't yet available to the (US) public but I think that's strictly with the Japanese companies.
Think of it this way, it really doesn't matter what the top guys use or they'd all use NRX or Legend Extremes (as an example of top end rods) and Steez reels - why not use the best? Companies pay them to use their stuff and if they were "caught" using another company's gear you can bet we'd hear about it and it wouldn't sit well with said sponsor(s). KVD could win with Quantum, Fenwick, Loomis, whatever, it's that he has a great long-term working relationship with Quantum and has them make gear to his specs so why switch? If he switched he'd need to get used to the different feel, just like the golf club example, and it would affect his "game" for a time. But I wouldn't doubt if all tackle companies made "special" rods or lures for certain top pros that the public can't get for a season or two. I just think that it really doesn't make much difference. It's making the right presentation in the right location at the right time and it doesn't matter if it's a Strike King jig or a Jackall jig...my two pennies.
frogflogger reply :
Nothing wrong about Skeet's yellow rods - the rod is fine for someone of Skeet's abilities - he'd do okay with an ugly stick - as would any pro on the major circuits.
FishTank reply :
I can't remember where I had seen it but I watched a show that was basically, "A Day In the Life of KVD". He explained how he got up in the morning at 3 or 4 o'clock and pretty much how he worked until it got dark with not much in the way of food, rest or a bathroom. The most interesting thing was how one of his crew took care of his reels and rods. In not to many words he said that by the time Kevin received his reels for the day, they would rebuild them to his specifications with "other" parts. Not sure what "other" parts he used but I took that as they were not the factory ones.
Grantman83 reply :
When tackle tour did the review of the skeet reel they mention looking at his rig and seeing the exact rods and reels available for sale.
Guys in my club have marshaled for Edwin Evers and they both said he had all pro qualifiers and carbonlite rods on his deck.
I think when it comes to rods and reels, they use what they are paid to use. Skeet rods may not be the best but they are more than adequate considering he will get new ones at the drop of a hat should they break. Same with the reels.
Lures are a different story IMO. They will use anything that works
xanadu reply :
Quote
Skeete Reese. He's always using his yellow WM rods. IMO they aren't very good
Quote
WM make some better rods for him with better blanks and such but still just painted the same color?
Why not? I have noticed that most people that don't like them don't like Skeet Reese and have never used one. If you watch 2013 Bass elites, there was at least two other pros with a couple of Skeet Reese rods on their deck. Would W&M make fake rods for pros that they don't even sponsor?
gulfcaptain reply :
Edwin Evers crankbait rods are BPS Crankin Sticks. Then again, hey he has all the BPS lines to choose from as well as whatever they sale. I've seen Brent Chapman use the W & M rods as well, but also saw them break when he was flipping a fish in the boat. I do believe most pro's could walk in buy a rod and get the job done. They didn't get there by being "okay" fisherman, they are the top of our sport and work hard to be there.
NorcalBassin reply :
Brent Chapman won AOY in 2012 using Skeet's rods... you don't need a G Loomis or Megabass rod to win. Although, it can be more fun fishing with high end gear 
Zimobass reply :
I was fortunate to fish with a top BASS pro in the US, a few years ago, and felt that he was honest with me. His reel sponsor did not make the best reels in the world, but they did the job well enough. He never had a reel last more than a few months of hard use.The sponsor would replace the reels when they failed. Something that he also said, was that all his reels had better quality gears and bearings than the models that were available to the public.
When I buy any product, I want the best for the money, with reliability and longevity.
doyle8218 reply :
I wonder if Michael Jordan wears the same Jockey underwear they sell in the stores or are they are custom made for him.
And what about that Jello pudding that Bill Cosby eats? I bet it tastes different.
lizardcaster reply :
On 8/22/2014 at 7:07 AM, gulfcaptain said:Randy Howell isn't sponsored by Rapala, but most of that last days catch was on I believe a DT6 Redcraw as I believe B Paulinik gave him a few more incase he ran out before he went to the Livingston proto type he had. So I do believe they fish whatever lures they want. KVD may be the only one that may only fish with Strike King, but from what other pro's say he gets all the good stuff first to try. But then again the lures SK makes for him fit his style of fishing and has been sponsered by them for years so his strong points are covered. Rod and reel, I think they fish with the top end level rods and possibly proto types or models that may not be released yet. So I'm sure rod and reel wise they do use sponsored equipment, lure wise, they try to use what's given to them but I'm sure they have other boxes of lures that aren't. And I don't believe SK makes a bucktail hair jig so I know atleast 1 lure that KVD uses that's not made by SK.
And he said I caught all my fish on this Livingston lure, oh its the best its the best, then later came back and said, ok it was a rapala, my Livingston is still a prototype....Nice image he portrays, or trys to after that huge blunder on stage in front of a national audience. They use what they can to catch fish, and then tell you what their sponsors want you to hear.
kikstand454 reply :
Terry's rods/ reels APPEAR to be stock in this FB photo. ...hard to tell the difference of course. ... he's implying he ordered them and they arrived.
ColdSVT reply :
^^ good lord he has like 30rods there
Or 40 lol
kikstand454 reply :
Someone in the comments counted 47. I didn't bother. 8k just in rods. .. lol
JayKumar reply :
If it matters, some of what's in this thread is wrong, some is right. I've been covering the sport for 20 years (dang, gettin' up there!), know many of the Elites well, etc. Sorry, not bragging just know about this from firsthand experience. The bottom line is the pros will use whatever they feel they need to use to catch the fish to win. Afterward, some are allowed say what they used honestly, some are not. Imo the issue is not as big of a deal or difference as some think, but that's just my opinion
The pros are usually WAY more honest than weekend warriors -- which I understand, but just sayin'....
HomersTomaco reply :
When you watch tv and actually look at the lures KVD is throwing a Megasbass Vision 110 and a Lucky Craft Pointer a whole lot when he is using a Jerkbait.
On 8/22/2014 at 7:07 AM, gulfcaptain said:Randy Howell isn't sponsored by Rapala, but most of that last days catch was on I believe a DT6 Redcraw as I believe B Paulinik gave him a few more incase he ran out before he went to the Livingston proto type he had. So I do believe they fish whatever lures they want. KVD may be the only one that may only fish with Strike King, but from what other pro's say he gets all the good stuff first to try. But then again the lures SK makes for him fit his style of fishing and has been sponsered by them for years so his strong points are covered. Rod and reel, I think they fish with the top end level rods and possibly proto types or models that may not be released yet. So I'm sure rod and reel wise they do use sponsored equipment, lure wise, they try to use what's given to them but I'm sure they have other boxes of lures that aren't. And I don't believe SK makes a bucktail hair jig so I know atleast 1 lure that KVD uses that's not made by SK.
timothy_spain reply :
The G-Man on using non-sponsor products: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZO_9kOzp3_E
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