Yo-Zuri/Duel
The company was established in the 1950s in Japan (most commonly cited as 1956). It quickly gained a reputation as a manufacturer that utilizes advanced technology to create lures that closely resemble live baitfish.
The Secret of the Two Names:
Duel (Japan): The Duel brand name is used for the Japanese Domestic Market (JDM). Under this brand, the newest, highly technical models are often released first for Japanese anglers.
Yo-Zuri (International Market): The Yo-Zuri name is used for export and sales in international markets, including North America and Europe. Despite the different names, both brands represent the same parent company and often produce identical lures.
Key Technological Innovations:
Weight Transfer Systems: The company pioneered the use of the Magnetic Weight Transfer System. This technology allows the lure to fly farther and more accurately because the weight shifts to the tail during the cast and then returns to the center during the retrieve for perfect balance.
Coating Realism: Yo-Zuri/Duel is known for its innovative internal finishes, including 3D prismatic and holographic coatings. These create intense light reflections that imitate scales and maintain their integrity even if the external finish is damaged.
Specialization: In addition to crankbaits and minnows, the company is a global leader in the manufacturing of high-quality squid jigs (Egi) for catching cephalopods.
Legacy:
Yo-Zuri/Duel set the standard for high-quality plastic lures. Its influence is felt worldwide, as its technological solutions have been adopted by many competitors. The company continues to remain at the forefront, constantly improving the quality of materials and hardware.
