8/8/09

The Tube Fly Tech Swim Tank by John Nagy

Tony DiBenedetto studies a tube fly's performance in the Tube Fly Tech Swim Tank
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Tony DiBenedetto of Tube Fly Tech has recently manufactured a “swim tank” for testing tube flies and other standard streamer type patterns right off the fly tying vice before they are fished in your favorite stream or river!
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The Tube Fly Tech Swim Tank is ideal for evaluating tube fly component systems and standard streamer designs as well as new material performance. This is accomplished by “swimming” the fly design in a simulated current flow in the Tube Fly Tech Swim Tank which closely mimics the hydrodynamics of a stream or river flow. Tony DiBenedetto says that “short of a snorkel outfit, there is no other effective system on the market right now to evaluate fly pattern materials, components and systems.”
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I use the Tube Fly Tech Swim Tank in testing my steelhead tube fly patterns prior to hitting the tributaries. It has helped me develop patterns that maximize their “swimability” in the current flow (e.g., more natural and lively) as well as are more balanced on the swing. (See www.TubeFlyTech.com for Tony DiBenedetto’s findings in regard to solving “hang-down” effects in tube fly and streamer patterns as well as video of Tube Fly Tech Swim Tank in action.)
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Tony DiBenedetto’s background of orthotic and prosthetic device design/manufacture and his experience in working with materials such as thermoplastics, thermoset acrylic, expoxies and polymers and other materials made the actual manufacturing of the swim tank a rather simple process (although there was a fair amount of trial and error and experimentation and testing in designing an effective swim tank prototype.)
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Specifications on the Tube Fly Tech Swim Tank include:
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- Tanks are constructed of high grade optically clear acrylic with NO seams along the length of the tank which increases rigidity and reduces chances of leaks.
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- The completely clear acrylic construction allows for nearly 360 degree viewing for you video and photography buffs.
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- The dimensions of 27 inches long 4.5 inches wide and 10 inches deep make it easily portable.

- The pump system has adjustable flow rate and will push 740 gallons per hour or close to nearly one liter every second at the highest setting with four lower settings (pump system imported from Italy).
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- Approximately three gallons of water are needed.
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-Tank Price: $325.00 (plus shipping and handling)
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Tube Fly Tech also offers T’s Fur (aka “Bionda Fleece), a natural fur product for tying long streamer patterns like steelhead Temple Dog style tube flies as well as sculpin, bass and saltwater patterns. T’s fur long fibers (4 to 6 inches) are extremely soft, supple, semi-translucent and provide incredible action in the current flow. T’s Fur is completely free of stiff guard hairs and excess under fur and is available in a variety of popular colors including custom dyes.

Please visit www.TubeFlyTech.com for information on how to purchase the Tube Fly Tech Swim Tank, T’s Fur and other Tube Fly Tech products.