
( Brand: Wsm ), ( Manufacturer Part Number: FT80797 ), ( Part Type: Mount )
The **WSM FT80797 Ball Mount Kit** is a premium, versatile mounting solution designed to elevate your outdoor or industrial lighting, surveillance cameras, or other heavy-duty fixtures with unmatched stability and precision. This kit features a **double-ball mount system**, combining the flexibility of a **1-7/8-inch ball head** with a **2-foot-tall ball mount**, allowing for effortless adjustments in both pitch and yaw to achieve the perfect angle for optimal performance. The robust construction ensures durability in harsh environments, whether mounted on a pole, wall, or other structural support, making it ideal for applications ranging from security lighting and traffic monitoring to industrial signage and landscape illumination. The **8-foot-tall ball mount** provides additional height adjustment, accommodating a wide range of installations without sacrificing stability, while the **1-7/8-inch ball head** delivers smooth, 360-degree rotational control, ensuring your fixture can be precisely positioned for maximum coverage or aesthetic appeal. Engineered with high-quality materials, this kit resists corrosion, wear, and environmental stressors, making it a reliable choice for both temporary and permanent setups. Whether you're a professional installer or a DIY enthusiast, the **WSM FT80797** offers the perfect blend of functionality and adaptability, ensuring your equipment remains securely in place while allowing for easy reconfiguration as needed.
The **WSM FT80797 Ball Mount Kit (1-7/8" x 8 ft FT8, 2 ft FT2 balls)** is a popular choice for fishing enthusiasts, particularly those targeting species like walleye, pike, or bass with jigging techniques. Below is a detailed breakdown of its pros and cons, followed by a conclusion and recommendation.
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### **Pros**
1. **Versatility in Ball Sizes**
The kit includes two ball sizes: **1-7/8" (FT8)** and **2" (FT2)**, which cater to different fishing scenarios. The larger FT8 ball is ideal for heavier jigs, crankbaits, or when fishing in deeper water or against strong currents. The smaller FT2 ball is better suited for lighter presentations, such as finesse jigs, drop-shot rigs, or when fishing in shallower water. This flexibility allows anglers to adapt to varying conditions without needing multiple separate mounts.
2. **Durability and Strength**
WSM (Western Sporting Goods) is known for producing high-quality fishing tackle, and this ball mount kit is no exception. The construction appears robust, designed to handle the stress of heavy jigging, casting, and retrieval. The materials used in the ball mounts and swivels are likely corrosion-resistant, which is crucial for saltwater or freshwater applications where exposure to moisture is common.
3. **Compatibility with WSM s Ecosystem**
If you already use WSM s fishing gear (e.g., rods, reels, or other terminal tackle), this ball mount kit integrates seamlessly into their ecosystem. The swivels and connections are likely designed to work optimally with WSM s other products, reducing the need for additional adapters or modifications.
4. **Ease of Use**
Ball mounts are generally straightforward to install and use. The FT80797 kit likely comes with clear instructions, and the design is intended to minimize tangling or snagging during casting and retrieval. The ability to quickly swap between ball sizes (FT8 and FT2) can save time during a fishing trip, especially if conditions change frequently.
5. **Performance in Specific Techniques**
Ball mounts are particularly effective for techniques like **jigging, flipping, pitching, or casting to cover**. The spherical shape of the ball reduces line twist and allows for smoother casts, which is beneficial when presenting baits to fish in tight or congested areas (e.g., weed beds, docks, or rocky structures).
6. **Reduced Line Twist**
One of the primary advantages of ball mounts is their ability to minimize line twist, which can be a common issue when using swivel knots or other terminal tackle. This is especially useful when fishing with braided line, which is prone to twisting and tangling.
7. **Adjustability**
The kit likely includes adjustable components, such as the length of the ball mount or the position of the swivel, allowing anglers to fine-tune their setup for specific lures or fishing styles. This adjustability can improve casting accuracy and lure action.
8. **Cost-Effective for the Features Offered**
While the price may vary depending on the retailer or promotions, the FT80797 kit provides a good balance between cost and functionality. It offers two ball sizes in one package, which can be more economical than purchasing separate mounts for each size.
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### **Cons**
1. **Limited to WSM s Ecosystem**
If you use non-WSM fishing gear (e.g., rods, reels, or lures from other brands), you may need to ensure compatibility. While WSM s products are generally well-designed, there could be minor issues with fit or function when mixing brands. However, this is less of a concern if you re already invested in WSM s line of products.
2. **Potential for Overkill for Some Anglers**
If you primarily fish with techniques that don t require ball mounts (e.g., trolling, deep-sea fishing with large lures, or fly fishing), this kit may not be necessary. Ball mounts are specialized gear, and their benefits are most apparent in specific scenarios like jigging or finesse presentations.
3. **Maintenance Requirements**
Like all fishing tackle exposed to water, ball mounts can accumulate dirt, salt, or corrosion over time. Regular cleaning and inspection are required to ensure the swivels and connections remain smooth and functional. Neglecting maintenance could lead to reduced performance or failure during critical moments.
4. **Learning Curve for New Users**
If you re new to ball mounts, there may be a slight learning curve in terms of how to properly install them, adjust them, or use them effectively. For example, improper installation could lead to the ball detaching during casting or retrieval, or the swivel could bind, causing line twist.
5. **Size Limitations**
While the FT80797 kit provides two useful ball sizes, it may not cover all possible needs. For example, anglers who frequently fish with very large jigs (e.g., 2.5" or 3") or extremely small finesse lures (e.g., 1/16 oz jigs) might find the available ball sizes insufficient. In such cases, additional mounts would be required.
6. **Potential for Tangling with Certain Lures**
Some lures, particularly those with long tails or multiple treble hooks, may not work well with ball mounts. The spherical shape of the ball could cause the lure to snag or tangle during retrieval, especially if the lure is not properly balanced or secured.
7. **Cost Relative to Simpler Alternatives**
While the kit is reasonably priced, some anglers might argue that simpler terminal tackle (e.g., standard swivel knots or inline leaders) could suffice for their needs without the added complexity of ball mounts. For casual or budget-conscious anglers, this could be a drawback.
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### **Conclusion**
The **WSM FT80797 Ball Mount Kit (1-7/8" x 8 ft FT8, 2 ft FT2 balls)** is a well-rounded and versatile piece of tackle that excels in scenarios where ball mounts provide a clear advantage, such as jigging, finesse fishing, or presentations requiring reduced line twist. Its dual-ball size design makes it particularly useful for anglers who need to adapt to varying conditions without switching out gear. The durability, compatibility with WSM s ecosystem, and ease of use further enhance its appeal.
However, the kit is not without limitations. It may be overkill for anglers who don t frequently use ball mounts or who prefer simpler terminal tackle. Maintenance is required to keep the components in optimal condition, and there is a slight learning curve for newcomers. Additionally, the kit s usefulness is tied to specific fishing techniques, so its value depends on how much an angler relies on those methods.
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### **Recommendation**
**Buy the WSM FT80797 Ball Mount Kit if:**- You frequently use jigging, finesse techniques, or presentations where reduced line twist is beneficial.
- You already use WSM s fishing gear and want a seamless integration with their ecosystem.
- You need a versatile setup that includes two ball sizes (1-7/8" and 2") to adapt to different conditions.
- You prioritize durability and performance in your fishing tackle.
**Avoid or reconsider buying the kit if:**- You primarily fish with techniques that don t require ball mounts (e.g., trolling, fly fishing, or deep-sea fishing with large lures).
- You re on a tight budget and can achieve similar results with simpler terminal tackle.
- You re new to ball mounts and are unsure about their benefits or proper use.
- You frequently fish with lures that are not compatible with ball mounts (e.g., lures with long tails or multiple hooks).
**Final Verdict:**For anglers who engage in jigging, finesse fishing, or other techniques where ball mounts provide a clear advantage, the **WSM FT80797 Ball Mount Kit** is a solid and practical investment. Its dual-ball size design, durability, and compatibility with WSM s gear make it a standout choice in its category. However, it s not a one-size-fits-all solution, and its value depends on how well it aligns with your specific fishing needs. If you re unsure, consider testing it out on a few fishing trips to determine whether it improves your performance before committing to it as a staple in your tackle box.
Ball Mount Kit Double 1-7 8'' 2'' Balls: Brand WSM, Part Number FT80797, OEM Cross Reference See title for fitment details.