VMC 5150 RD

VMC 5150 RD Barbarian Large Eye Jig 90° is a jig hook with the distinctive Barbarian bend, enlarged eye and 90° front bend. Its construction uses high-carbon steel and a Needle Cone point. The RD designation refers to the red finish, which visually distinguishes this version from the darker VMC 5150 BN.

Do not choose the hook size according to jig-head weight. The hook primarily determines how the soft plastic lure is rigged – shank length, hook-point exit position and the amount of free space inside the hook bend. Jig-head weight should instead be selected according to depth, current, drift, rate of fall and the required presentation. The same correctly rigged soft bait can therefore be used with several different jig-head weights.

The characteristic Barbarian bend uses a geometry that VMC refers to as Technical Locking Curve. When rigging a soft bait, it is important to leave enough free space between the lure body and the hook point. With deep-bodied shads, check not only hook length but also lure body depth. With slimmer minnows, the hook-point exit position and the amount of free-moving lure body are especially important.

When selecting the size, place the hook alongside the soft plastic lure and determine where the hook point should exit. A hook that is too short positions the point unnecessarily far forward, while an excessively long shank can extend into the active part of the lure and restrict its action. Use the numerical hook size only as a guide.

With VMC 5150, dimensions should not be estimated only from the neighbouring hook size. The difference between two sizes is not necessarily a simple increase in shank length. Overall hook geometry, bend clearance and the position of the point relative to the lure also change. Do not automatically move to a larger hook simply because you want to cast a heavier jig head.

The enlarged eye is one of the characteristic features of the 5150 series. It makes threading leader material and tying the hook easier, but when casting your own jig heads it also requires the mold to provide sufficient clearance around the eye. After casting and any powder coating, always check that no lead or paint remains inside the eye and restricts the opening.

VMC 5150 RD is suitable for anglers who cast their own jig heads. Before pouring lead, always place the exact hook size into the exact mold cavity and test the fit without lead. The shank, bend and eye must sit correctly and both halves of the mold must close completely without placing pressure on the hook.

A 90° designation does not mean that all 90° jig hooks are interchangeable. Different series may vary in shank length, bend position, wire diameter, eye size and the distance between the front bend and the hook axis. Compatibility should therefore always be verified for the exact VMC 5150 size and the exact mold cavity.

For individual hook sizes on SAF, we list specifically verified mold combinations. For example, VMC 5150 RD 3/0 is confirmed for molds F46, F71, F135, F133 and F198, but this compatibility must not automatically be transferred to other sizes. Browse the complete range in our jig head molds category.

The red RD version and the darker VMC 5150 BN are based on the same 5150 design concept, but when comparing dimensions and mold compatibility always compare the same hook size. The finish can be used to match the visual appearance of the finished jig head and lure, but it does not determine mold compatibility or the effectiveness of the final setup.

VMC 5150 is designed for both freshwater and saltwater spinning. Smaller sizes allow compact jig heads to be built for perch and lighter setups, the middle range covers typical zander and pike fishing, and the largest sizes are suitable for large soft plastic lures and custom saltwater jig heads.

Each VMC 5150 RD size is listed as a separate product, making it possible to match the hook precisely to the soft plastic lure, mold and required jig-head weight. Other designs, eye angles and finishes can be found in our main jig hooks category.

Frequently asked questions – VMC 5150 RD

What does RD mean on VMC 5150?

RD refers to the red hook finish. The darker alternative within the same design series is VMC 5150 BN.

Which VMC 5150 RD sizes does SAF offer?

The category includes sizes #6, #4, #2, #1, 1/0, 2/0, 3/0, 4/0, 5/0, 6/0, 8/0, 10/0 and 12/0. Each size is listed as a separate product.

How do I choose the correct VMC 5150 size for a soft plastic lure?

Place the hook directly alongside the lure and check the shank length, hook-point exit position, lure body depth and free space inside the bend. Two lures of the same length may require different hook sizes because of differences in body profile.

Does jig-head weight determine the hook size?

No. Hook size is determined mainly by the lure and the required rigging. Jig-head weight should be selected according to depth, current, drift, rate of fall and presentation style.

What is the Barbarian Technical Locking Curve?

It is the characteristic geometry of the angled Barbarian bend. When rigging a lure, enough free space must remain below the hook point so the hook can work correctly during the strike.

Why does VMC 5150 have an enlarged eye?

Large Eye is a characteristic feature of the 5150 model. The larger eye makes threading leader material and handling easier, but when casting it must also sit correctly in the corresponding section of the mold.

Is VMC 5150 RD suitable for casting your own jig heads?

Yes. Before casting, always test the exact hook size directly in the appropriate mold cavity. The mold must close completely and the hook must sit correctly in the prepared grooves.

Is VMC 5150 RD compatible with every mold designed for 90° hooks?

No. Eye angle is only one part of the hook geometry. Shank length, bend position, wire diameter and the size and position of the eye also matter. Compatibility should therefore be checked for the exact hook size and the exact mold.

What is the difference between VMC 5150 RD and VMC 5150 BN?

The main difference is the finish – RD is the red version, while BN is the darker version. When comparing dimensions and mold compatibility, always work with the same hook size.

Is VMC 5150 RD also suitable for saltwater fishing?

Yes. The series can be used in both freshwater and saltwater. Larger sizes are particularly suitable for large saltwater soft baits, always depending on the specific lure, mold and required load.

→ Browse other designs and sizes in our jig hooks category.

→ For casting your own jig heads, choose a suitable jig head mold and always verify the exact combination of mold, jig-head weight and hook size.