Triple success for Shimano and Sébile

International brands Shimano and Sébile are celebrating triple success after winning three awards each at the 2010 EFTTEX Best New Product Awards in Valencia.

Shimano, widely acclaimed as the world’s top reel maker, added to that reputation with victory for its Stella FE in the Best New Spinning Reel category. And the company dominated the rods categories with the top awards for its new Lesath AX and the new G.Loomis NRX fly rod.

Sébile added to its trophy collection by winning both the hard and metal categories in the lures section with its D&S Crank DR and Pro-Shad Spinnerbait Finesse. It also came out on top in the Best New Accessory category with its Soft Weight System, which allows weights to be switched on hooks to give lures different falling and swimming actions.
“Our first bait was sold in the US on June 10th, 2006,” so this was a great way to celebrate our fourth anniversary,” said owner Patrick Sébile. “We have produced more than three million baits since then.”

Strike Pro is another company that will be looking to capitalise on winning more than one award as it begins to promote its new ranges. It topped the Best New Braided Line category with its Strike Wire Extreme and the Best New Soft Lure category with Strike Pro Reaction Baits. The latter won a fiercely contested category thanks to the innovative use of 100% biodegradable ingredients, which means the baits are also completely edible for fish.

Pure Fishing is also celebrating two awards: in the Best New Natural Hook Baits section with its new Berkley Gulp! Carp! and in the Best Carp Bivvy/Shelter category with the JRC Cocoon Carp Crib. Hungary-based SBS Tactical Bait Products pushed Pure Fishing close in the hook baits sector and was highly commended for its Double Trick Boilies.

The Best New Monofilament Award went to French line brand Parallelium for its Hyperfluorocarbon 3Core, which will be available in retail stores soon. Managing Director Frédéric Parrier collected the same award at EFTTEX in Rome in 2008.

Winner of the Best New Fly Line was the Snowbee XS-Tra Distance, closely followed by the highly commended PE+ Jet Shooting from German brand Climax.

Meanwhile Leeda brand Wychwood repeated its success of last year in the Best New Fly Reel category, impressing the five-man independent judging panel with an “exquisite extension” of its Truefly reel into the saltwater arena. And the Best New Multiplier Reel Award was won by the Okuma Andros, just reward after two years of testing in some of the world’s most inhospitable fishing locations.

The introduction of the Best New Clothing category proved an inspired move as it attracted nine strong entries covering footwear, waterproofs, sunglasses and even a cap with a built-in flashlight. Ultimately Patagonia’s Rio Gallegos Breathable Waders prevailed.

Sponsored and managed by Angling International magazine, this year’s EFTTEX Best New Product Awards attracted more than 150 entries from exhibitors travelling to Valencia from all over the world. “The response to this year’s awards was amazing and possibly the best ever,” said Angling International’s Editorial Director Rob Carter. “The quality of the entries gets better and the panel of independent judges selected from the European media found it very difficult choosing the winners. The reaction of the winners said it all. It proves what these awards mean to people.

“Those products that were highly commended in their categories should also take some pride in their achievements. The decisions were very close and any company looking to boost their promotional activities would be well advised to include mention of the recognition they received in Valencia. Being commended at the EFTTEX Best New Product Awards proves you have a strong product on your hands. Just like with the winners, sales should follow.”