Black Magic Equalizer®
When you’re targeting big game fish, hooking them is one thing, but landing them is another.
Our world famous Equalizer® is a specially designed gimbal and harness set, which allows you to apply maximum pressure to your fish without applying maximum pressure to your body. The innovative design divides the strain between the upper thigh/buttocks area and the lower back.
Sometimes you can be hooked up to these fish for hours, and the Equalizer® is the ultimate system for fighting fish over a period of time thanks to its patented design which maximises leverage, and increases comfort and blood circulation during long battles.
KEY FEATURES
EACH SET INCLUDES:
- Gimbal plate
- Harness
- Webbing belt / Drop strap belt
- Carry bag
- Instructions on how to use your Equalizer® or Twin Pin Pro system
ORIGINAL EQUALIZER® FEATURES
- The pin at the rear of the gimbal recess is designed for straight butt rods. The pin recess is designed to allow a full range of motion for a straight butt rod, without interference from the gimbal plate
- Insert an adaptor (with a single screw to attach to the gimbal plate) for bent butt rods.
- The adaptor brings the pin to the front of the gimbal plate and stops the bent butt rod from hitting the gimbal plate when lifted
TWIN PIN PRO FEATURES
- Built-in pins for both straight butt and bent butt rods – no need for an adaptor
- Straight butt rods use the pin at the rear of the gimbal recess
- Bent butt rods use the pin at the front of the gimbal recess
- Placement of the pins is designed to give you maximum range of motion, without interference from the gimbal plate
GIMBAL PADDING
The rear of the gimbal plate is padded with a special material utilising sports medicine technology to give you more comfort and better blood circulation during long fights. The padding is similar in construction to that used in the manufacture of rugby headgear.
GIMBAL PROTRUSION
A rear protrusion on the back of the gimbal plate anchors the plate ensuring it doesn't slip sideways on your legs mid-battle.
GIMBAL MANUFACTURING
The gimbal plates are manufactured from light weight yet robust molded and contoured plastic, eliminating extra weight and bulk.
HARNESS
The stand up harness has 2 padded sections - one goes around your lower back and the other under your bottom/thighs. This distributes the pressure and strain of the fish over a wider section of your body, reducing pressure points and body fatigue during the fight.
WEBBING BELT/ DROP STRAP BELT
The lightweight webbing belt/drop strap belt can be worn all day, then simply slip on the gimbal plate when the fish strikes. Webbing belts are available in Standard or XL sizes.
CHOOSING YOUR EQUALIZER® GIMBAL PLATE
Our gimbal plates are manufactured from light weight yet robust moulded and contoured plastic, eliminating extra weight and bulk. The plates incorporate sports technology for increased comfort and better blood circulation during long fights. The unique design of the gimbal eliminates sideways movement when under load, especially in sloppy seas.
CHOOSING YOUR EQUALIZER® HARNESS
Our harnesses are lightweight and their padding conforms to your shape. You can wear it all day, then simply slip on the gimbal plate when you get a strike. The harness is available in 3 sizes - small, standard and XL.
GIMBAL AND HARNESS SIZES
Our gimbal and harnesses come in a range of sizes and set ups to suit every angler. We highly recommend popping into your local tackle store to be fitted for your Equalizer®, to ensure it fits perfectly, but the below measurements will give you an idea of what gimbal and harness will best suit you.
HOW TO GUIDES
HOW TO WEAR THE HARNESS CORRECTLY
It’s important to wear the harness correctly as this distributes the pressure and strain of the fish over a wider section of your body, reducing pressure points and body fatigue during the fight. Check out Scott and Mig's easy to follow guide to ensure you're wearing your gimbal and harness set correctly.
CORRECT POSTURE AND TECHNIQUE
1. POSTURE
This is the correct posture to take when fish is taking line from your reel. Your knees should be slightly bent and your feet should be slightly apart. Your back will be slightly arched so your body weight is supported correctly by the harness. Your arms should be feeling very little strain, as the harness takes all the load, leaving your hands free.
2. TECHNIQUE
This is the correct technique to lift your fish and gain line once your fish has stopped taking line. Your knees should be slightly more bent. Your back is still slightly arched and supported by the harness, but the load is increased on the harness by effectively 'sitting' in it. As you sit in the harness and transfer weight, your rod will lift the fish.
3. THE GRIND
Your rod is at its heightened position and is loaded to its full potential. Once you've lifted the fish, wind on line while you lower your rod and then repeat. At all stages you should have the rod slightly bent, thus keeping a constant pressure on the fish.
HOW TO INSERT THE BENT BUTT ADAPTOR TO OUR ORIGINAL EQUALIZER® GIMBAL PLATE
The bent butt adaptor allows you to use our Equalizer® gimbal for both straight and bent butt rods. Made in New Zealand from heavy duty, marine grade stainless steel.
Slide the adaptor into the rod bucket until it sits flush against the pin at the rear of the bucket.
Insert the screw through the pre-drilled hole in the adaptor to secure it the gimbal.
HOW TO CORRECTLY USE THE TWIN PIN PRO SYSTEM
The Twin Pin Pro gimbal has 2 pins.
One in the traditional recessed position, at the rear of the rod bucket is for straight butt rods.
The second pin is at the front of the rod bucket for bent butt rods.
Placement of the 2 pins allow your rod to have full range of motion without interference from the gimbal or the need for an adaptor.
EQUALIZER® ACCESSORIES
To ensure you can get maximum benefit from your Equalizer® and Twin Pin Pro gimbal and harness, we have a range of quality accessories that allow you to adapt your set up to suit you.
REVIEWS FROM INDUSTRY LEADERS
"The Twin Pin Pro is a world renowned gimbal and harness system that's essential for targeting big game fish. We've been running these harnesses for years and hooked some really big fish. Our favourite features are the padding on the back of the gimbal and the grab handle at the back of the harness, it's great for security - someone can grab onto it to keep you steady if your fish is doing a big fast run. We wouldn't go game fishing with it!" - Scott Parry and Mig Rumney - Fishing & Adventure
“If there is a mix of butt types in the boat’s spread, anglers can now have maximum leverage whether using a straight butt or a bent butt rod, without the need to change harnesses. Simply drop the gimble nock onto the appropriate pin for the style of rod and then fish without restrictions. No penalty.” - Sam Mossman (New Zealand Fishing News)
“The Black Magic Equalizer® gimbal and harness system is without doubt the best on the market. It’s extremely comfortable and significantly reduces strain and fatigue on the angler. One of it’s best features is the fact the angler can comfortably wear the belt without having to wear the gimbal so the angler is ready for the fish to strike and the crew can easily place the gimbal on at the beginning of the fight. Another excellent feature is the fact they’re available in different sizes so you can buy the size that fits you” - Dean Linardos (Hooked Up magazine, Australia)
“This is the only gear we dare use when fighting everything from monster black marlin to giant bluefin tuna! We travel all-around the world and though we may fish with rods and reels provided by our hosts, we always bring our own Black Magic belts and harnesses” - Captain Andy LoCascio
“A quantum leap for the comfort, safety and fish fighting power for the stand-up fisherman.”- Steve Sneddon (Sportangler Magazine)
“When fishing for granders we use only the best equipment available, these fish don’t give you a second chance. This is the most advanced gimbal and harness in the world, it gives the angler the edge.” - Dennis “Brazzaka” Wallace – “Born Free” – Cairns, AUS
“Ready for action, lightweight, sturdy and innovative.” - Rick Pollock – “Pursuit” – Whakatane, NZ
“The Black Magic Equalizer has become the system of choice for the bluefin fishery” - Carl Liederman – Capt. Harry’s Fishing Supply – Miami FL
EQUALIZER® HISTORY
Black Magic's original Equalizer® gimbal and harness was launched in 1995 and promptly won the ‘Best in Show’ award at the prestigious American Sport Fishing Tackle Show in Las Vegas. The gimbal was designed by the late Lewy McConnell, and the ‘sit in’ harness was developed by Black Magic Tackle founder, Rick Wakelin.
Since 1995, many improvements and developments have been made including high tech black padding added to the back of the gimbal to increase comfort and blood circulation in the legs during long fights.
The harness has had several improvements including adjustments to the shape to make it more comfortable and a better fit, and the buckles and material have also been upgraded to maintain a high level of quality and durability.
An XL wide gimbal and harness was introduced in January 2008, with the Twin Pin Pro gimbal released in 2019. The Twin Pin Pro gimbal allows anglers to use either straight or bent butt rods without any adaptors.
The Equalizer® now sells in over 50 countries and is one of the most recognised stand-up fighting systems in the world.
