New HF Icon “G2” ratchets (locking flex, less backdrag, new sizes, new grip)

[Muffduster]

Apparently, these will be available near the end of 2025. Looks like they ripped off Matco’s locking mechanism, which isn’t a bad thing as it’s the best design I’ve come across.

Video:

 

[2ndGearRubber]

This is what I'm talking about with Icon. Matcos superior locking system without the downside of the snap ring retention mechanism.

This is innovation, not just duplicating snap on products.

 

[dnschmidt]

Why introduce something that will not be available until AFTER next year's SEMA at this year's SEMA. I might be dead in a year.

 

[whateg01]

Why introduce something that will not be available until AFTER next year's SEMA at this year's SEMA. I might be dead in a year.

They don't care if you might be dead. If you might be looking for a new tool though, maybe you'll hold off and wait for this one. That's how marketing works.

 

[Fedwrench]

Why introduce something that will not be available until AFTER next year's SEMA at this year's SEMA. I might be dead in a year.

I think it's taking longer to bring new tools to market especially if they're coming from Taiwan. I'm pretty sure the forging houses there are working at maximum capacity filling existing orders from Astro and others.

 

[seber]

My main question on this, is does the selector switch work in the traditional direction or are we talking about an automatic reject.

 

[Steve_P]

My main question on this, is does the selector switch work in the traditional direction or are we talking about an automatic reject.

Click the pics in the first post.

 

[Steve_P]

I think it's taking longer to bring new tools to market especially if they're coming from Taiwan. I'm pretty sure the forging houses there are working at maximum capacity filling existing orders from Astro and others.

This must be the case- machine shops making tooling, and the forging shops, must be swamped in Taiwan; because it's taking HF over a year to rip off existing plier designs
The machine shops I've dealt with in the US like to keep a 6 week backlog of work, 4 weeks minimum, to insure they have plenty of work lined up for steady employment; because of this, it's difficult to get much done in under three months after issuing the PO- unless it's a simple job with a few parts. And there's weeks of work even before issuing the PO, even with a simple copy. And then you get in line for forging once the tooling is done.

The ratchets look good. It definitely looks like a copy of the Matco locking design, which as said works really well, and somewhat? of a copy of the SO dual 80 mechanism. They definitely have a nice selection; if the ratchets are good, they'll give Gearwrench some competition for those that don't buy on a tool truck. The current Icon ratchet lineup is pretty sparse.