Nitro 007 Viper arrives

Author: josh

Category: Kayak fishing accessories

Created on Friday, 23 April 2010 18:15

Written by Josh

Although I knew it has been in development for some time, the first I knew that Nitro had made their new collapsible 5-piece version of the Viper available, fittingly called the Nitro 007 Viper, is when a review sample arrived on my doorstep this afternoon. Much like the 007 Magnum Butt, the 007 Viper has a cloth sheath and a protective padded hard-shell case. And just like the Magnum Butt, this is a beautifully finished rod and easily the toughest, most capable collapsible rod I've ever laid my eyes on. The 007 Viper is the consummate travel companion for the 007 Magnum Butt.

The ability to be broken down into smaller individual sections makes them ideal for travelling anglers as well as having a few practical applications for kayak fishing as well. One of these being the ability to pack the rod down safely away for surf launching and landing. The other use I've found for these (what I call) pack rods is as fantastic back up rods, for single day and especially expedition use. Just in case a rod goes overboard, or an alternative rod is called upon, it can be handy to have a backup tucked away inside the hull that isn't otherwise getting in the way on-deck. Here's what Nitro have to say about the 007 Viper:

"Developed from the popular 2-piece Viper, this 5-piece 007 Viper  will perform just like its 2-piece counterpart, but travel a lot easier. Measuring just 52cms in its case, the 007 Viper packs easily into a duffel or overnight case and avoids all the baggage restrictions and security issues that accompany two and one-piece rods. And like all Nitro Traveller series rods, 007 Viper is built tough; the last thing you need is gear failure at a remote fishing destination. Whether you’re chasing GTs, barramundi, snapper or exotic species, the 007 Viper will be up to the challenge. A must have for yak fisherman, the ultimate line class with the below deck storage option for surf launching"

I will write up a full review of the 007 Viper after I've had some time to put it through the wringer with a few good fish. That'll be at least a few weeks away yet, but having the faith in Nitro that I do, no doubt a thumbs up is pretty much a certainty. After all, the original Viper has been - and still is - one of my all-time favourite rods ever.