Norman Lures Speed Clips Review

Beyond Specs: Living with the Norman Lures Speed Clips

After years of wrestling with knots and fiddling with less-than-ideal connectors, I found myself in need of a more streamlined solution for rigging my fishing gear. The Norman Lures Speed Clips, a product from Norman Lures, promise just that: a faster and easier way to attach lures. My existing setup involved a collection of snaps and swivels that, while functional, often added extra steps and potential failure points. I was specifically looking for something that could handle the demands of various fishing environments without compromising the lure’s natural action.

My journey to these speed clips began with a particularly frustrating morning on the water where I spent more time retying leaders than actually fishing. This led me to seek out alternatives that offered both speed and reliability. My initial impression of the Norman Lures Speed Clips was one of understated functionality. They felt robust, not flimsy, and the circular design suggested a thoughtful approach to maintaining lure performance. I had briefly considered a few other brands of speed clips, but the reputation of Norman Lures for quality fishing tackle steered me toward this particular option. My first reaction was a cautious optimism, a hope that these would indeed simplify my rigging process.

Real-World Testing: Putting Norman Lures Speed Clips to the Test

First Use Experience

My initial testing grounds were a mix of my backyard fishing setup area and a few actual fishing excursions on my local lake. I attached them to various lures – crankbaits, jerkbaits, and topwater plugs – and found the process remarkably straightforward. The circular design of the clip seemed to sit flush against the lure’s eye, and I experienced no binding or interference with the lure’s natural wobble or action during casting and retrieval. Even in windy conditions, where fumbling with knots can be a real challenge, these clips proved to be exceptionally user-friendly.

I did encounter one minor quirk: on a very cold day with numb fingers, the metal clip was a bit more rigid than I anticipated. However, once my hands warmed up, it became much easier to manipulate. This was a small learning curve, more related to environmental conditions than an inherent flaw in the design itself. Otherwise, the experience was smooth and efficient, a welcome change from my previous rigging methods.

Extended Use & Reliability

After several months of consistent use, these speed clips have held up remarkably well. I’ve subjected them to freshwater bass fishing, occasional saltwater outings for smaller species, and even used them to rig up some heavier inshore lures. There are no signs of significant wear, such as cracks or structural deformation, despite being exposed to sun, water, and occasional impacts against rocks or boat hulls. They have maintained their smooth operation, and I haven’t experienced any stiffness or difficulty in opening and closing them.

Compared to some other budget-friendly snaps I’ve used in the past, these Norman Lures Speed Clips exhibit superior durability. Those cheaper options often started to bind or develop sharp edges after a few uses, which could damage fishing line; that hasn’t been an issue here. Cleaning them is as simple as rinsing them with fresh water after saltwater use and allowing them to air dry. I’ve found no need for any special lubrication or intricate maintenance, which adds to their appeal as a low-fuss fishing accessory.

Breaking Down the Features of Norman Lures Speed Clips

Specifications

The Norman Lures Speed Clips are crafted from stainless steel, which is a critical specification for a product intended for outdoor and fishing use where corrosion is a constant concern. The product details list a weight of 0.01 oz, making them incredibly light and unlikely to add any noticeable burden to your line or lure. They measure a length of 4 inches, though this likely refers to the overall packaging or perhaps a characteristic dimension rather than the clip itself, as individual clips are quite small. A key design element highlighted is their circular design, which is intended to allow lures to “run true and produce its intended action.”

The stainless steel construction directly translates to superior strength and resistance to rust and abrasion compared to many other common snap types. This is particularly important when fishing with braided lines, which can be unforgiving on lower-quality connectors. The circular shape is designed to minimize any potential for the lure to swivel or hang in a way that disrupts its swimming or fluttering motion, a crucial factor for enticing bites. The mention of being “stronger than other snaps” is a bold claim, but the material choice and apparent thickness of the steel certainly suggest a high level of robustness.

Performance & Functionality

The primary function of the Norman Lures Speed Clips is to provide a fast and easy method for attaching fishing lures. In this regard, they excel. The ability to change lures quickly, often with just one hand, is a significant advantage, especially when fish are biting actively or conditions change rapidly. Their performance is largely defined by how well they maintain the lure’s intended action, and I can confirm that the circular design does indeed allow lures to swim with their natural movement.

The major strength here is the speed and simplicity of attachment. I found it genuinely possible to swap out lures in seconds, even with one hand partially occupied with a rod or net. The main weakness, if one can call it that, is the potential for the clip to be slightly fiddly in extreme cold or with very thick fishing gloves, as noted earlier. However, this is a minor inconvenience for the vast majority of fishing situations and doesn’t detract from their overall excellent functionality. They meet and, in terms of ease of use and action preservation, exceed expectations for a product in this category.

Design & Ergonomics

The design of these speed clips is elegantly simple and effective. Constructed from stainless steel, they possess a clean, metallic finish that feels durable and looks professional. The overall build quality is evident in the smooth operation of the clasp mechanism and the solid feel of the metal. They are small and unobtrusive, designed to be part of the fishing rig without drawing unnecessary attention.

Ergonomically, they are designed for efficiency. The single-handed operation is a key design feature that truly works. While they are small, the slightly rounded edges and the way the clip opens and closes provide enough tactile feedback for easy manipulation. There’s virtually no learning curve; if you can open a simple clasp, you can use these speed clips. The lack of sharp edges or complex levers makes them comfortable to handle.

Durability & Maintenance

In terms of longevity, these clips are built to last. Given the stainless steel construction and the absence of moving parts prone to wear (beyond the simple clasp), I anticipate these Norman Lures Speed Clips will endure many seasons of rigorous fishing. They are designed as reusable connectors, not disposable items, which is a significant factor in their value.

Maintenance is virtually non-existent. A simple rinse in freshwater after exposure to saltwater is sufficient to keep them in optimal condition. I haven’t noticed any potential failure points beyond the possibility of extreme, unnatural force breaking the metal, which is unlikely in normal fishing scenarios. Their robust construction means they are unlikely to become stiff or brittle over time, a common issue with lesser materials.

Accessories and Customization Options

These speed clips are a standalone product, meaning they don’t come with additional accessories in the traditional sense, nor do they offer direct customization options like interchangeable tips or grips. However, their purpose is to interface with a wide array of fishing lures and lines. They are compatible with virtually any fishing lure that has a standard eyelet or loop for line attachment.

Their primary “accessory” is, of course, the fishing line and lure themselves. The Norman Lures Speed Clips are specifically designed to work well with various line types, including monofilament, fluorocarbon, and importantly, braided lines. The lack of added bulk or complex mechanisms means they integrate seamlessly into any fishing setup without requiring special adapters or mounts.

Pros and Cons of Norman Lures Speed Clips

Who Should Buy Norman Lures Speed Clips?

The Norman Lures Speed Clips are an excellent choice for any angler who values efficiency and wants to spend more time fishing and less time rigging. They are particularly beneficial for anglers who frequently change lures, whether that’s due to changing fishing conditions, experimenting with different baitfish imitations, or trying to find what the fish are biting. Anglers using braided line will especially appreciate the smooth, line-friendly performance.

Conversely, anglers who prefer the traditional knot-tying method, perhaps for the perceived security or ritual of it, might not see the need for these clips. Also, those who exclusively fish in environments where lure changes are very infrequent, or where lighter, less robust connectors suffice, might find these slightly over-engineered for their needs. For anyone looking to streamline their tackle and improve their on-the-water experience, a pack of these is a highly recommended addition.

Conclusion on Norman Lures Speed Clips

The Norman Lures Speed Clips deliver on their promise of speed and ease of use without sacrificing the performance of your lures. The stainless steel construction provides confidence in their durability and resistance to the elements, and the thoughtful circular design ensures your lures behave as they should. For their price point, which is very reasonable, especially when considering the amount of frustration they eliminate, these speed clips represent a fantastic value.

I wholeheartedly recommend the Norman Lures Speed Clips to any angler looking for a reliable and efficient way to connect their lures. They are a small investment that pays significant dividends in time saved and improved fishing effectiveness. If you’re tired of fumbling with knots and want to maximize your time on the water, these clips are a no-brainer addition to your tackle box.