The Avid Rig Loops are an excellent alternative to ‘loops’ for the boom section on the hinged stiff rig.
There are many variations of the hinge stiff rig nowadays. The original version, popularised in the 90s by Terry Hearn (and others), required large, round loops. The round loops are achieved by pulling with a rounded implement, such as a baiting needle handle.
It can be irksome having to loop before casting and then re-loop after a few casts. The loops can straighten out and ‘unround’ somewhat after casting and reeling in.
The Avid Rig Loops eliminate this and provide a uniform solid loop. The rig loop is a large oval metal loop attached to a swivel. Simply tie your boom section to the oval loop and your stiff hook section to the swivel.
The metal loop allows the rig and swivel to move as they should and will likely perform better over bottom debris, such as silkweed, far superior to a loop created out of line/hook link material.
The swivels also turn smoothly, which is essential for hinge-stiff rig hooking mechanics.
Tying the boom section to a metal loop is also stronger than creating a loop out of the material itself.
A simple yet very effective piece of terminal tackle that offers many benefits over traditional loops for those who use hinge-stiff rigs.