Are Simms Pro Nippers Really Worth It? An Honest Review
You’re on the river, eyeing a perfect spot, confident a fish is coming on your next cast. You decide to switch flies—maybe to a Wooly Bugger—and reach for your Simms Pro Nippers, which thankfully are right where they should be. Losing these is not an option.
For fly anglers, losing nippers happens all the time. But cheap nippers are replaceable, so it’s easy not to care. But over time losing nippers becomes frustrating. A while back, I tried a little reverse psychology: invest in a high-quality pair that I’d actually want to keep track of. Enter the Simms Pro Nippers.
In this post, we’ll dive into the pros, cons, and why the Simms Pro Nippers are worth the investment for every serious angler.
Verdict of Simms Pro Nippers
★★★★★
The Simms Pro Nippers are a premium fly fishing tool that offers top-tier quality, with features like durable anodized aluminum construction, replaceable stainless steel blades, and an ergonomic design that fits comfortably in hand and feel good to use. They also include a magnetic fly holder for easy knot tying and a side-facing eye cleaner that won’t jab you. While they come with a higher price tag, their long-lasting design and replaceable blades make them a worthwhile investment for anglers who value quality. However, if you tend to lose your nippers often, the cost might give you pause.
Pros
+ High Quality Build
+ Ergonomic Design
+ Extra Features
Cons
– Premium Price
– Overkill for Casual Anglers
Features of the Simms Pro Nippers
Quality
At first glance, the Simms Pro Nippers strike you as a high quality item. They’ve got an eye-catching design paired with a little heft to them that indicates they’re not made from cheap materials.
The Simms Pro Nippers are made of anodized aluminum, which gives them an excellent combination of durability and corrosion resistance. Whether you’re fishing in saltwater or freshwater, these nippers can handle the elements.
The stainless steel blades are another key feature—they stay sharp even after heavy use on thick tippet material and finer leaders. The blades are sharp, easily cutting everything from thin tippets to the thicker stuff. I use these for my freshwater fishing (mostly trout, bass, and carp) but for the real thick saltwater stuff, I stick to pliers. But for everything up to about 20 lbs, I’m using these nippers.
While subtle and absolutely non-essential, there’s something satisfying about the feeling of snipping line with these nippers. While cheaper options and even nail clippers get the job done, there’s a gratifying feeling of cutting line with these bad boys that makes the mundane task of changing flies out that much more enjoyable.
Ergonomic Design
One thing that sets the Simms Nippers apart from cheaper options is the comfortable, ergonomic design. They fit perfectly in hand, making them easy to use in any condition, like when your hands are cold and wet. You get a firm grip, and the smooth, sharp cuts make trimming leaders and tippet hassle-free.
Sure, other options out there also cut line. However, I will say that struggling to grip smaller, cheaper pairs of nippers doesn’t ruin a day of fishing, but it can cause that little bit of frustration that irrationally bothers you longer than it should. These things won’t do that and I’ve been pleasantly surprised with how easy these are to find, grip, and cut.
Additionally, the closing mechanism also feels better than other nippers that I’ve used. Instead of a spring, it uses magnets to operate that, as Simms describes it, “never wear out.” I don’t understand the science behind that, but so far I believe them!
Replaceable Blades
The replaceable blade feature on the Simms Pro Nipper is a big plus. Nippers, like any cutting tool, will dull over time, but instead of having to replace the entire tool, Simms offers replacement blades. This extends the lifespan of the nippers and adds significant value, especially if you’re an angler who spends a lot of time on the water.
I don’t know if I’m normal or if I have some sort of cognitive defect, but I get attached to things. I like stuff that lasts for a long time and will hold onto something for years and years. The replaceable blade allows you to keep these nippers for an extended period of time.
I have had mine for quite some time now and haven’t even come close to considering replacing the blades yet. But when that time comes, I’ll be happy that I’ll be able to hold onto these- even if it’s for some inexplicable attachment reason.
Fly Holder
This tool also features a magnetic fly holder that simplifies tying knots on smaller flies. With the fly holder, you can secure your fly, making it much easier to tie knots without fumbling with small flies and tippet material—especially in challenging conditions like wind or low light.
Thankfully, I’m still at the age where my eyes and fingers still work fine but there are times when tying size 18-22 nymphs or dry flies can be a struggle. This feature of the nippers does actually come into play and can help avoid the frustrations of tiny flies matched with tiny tippets.
Side-Facing Eye Cleaner
The Simms Pro Nippers come with a side-facing eye cleaner, which is a thoughtful touch. I’m sure I’m not alone when I say I’ve been jabbed by the top-facing eye cleaner found on most other nippers. Not only does it do a great job of clearing out glue or debris from your fly’s eye, but its placement means it’s less likely to jab you.
It’s little features like this that make the Simms Pro Nippers such a quality product. It’s a small nuance, but an appreciated one. Plus it saves you from having your delicate little fingers from getting stabbed.
Price and Value
Yes, Simms Pro Nippers come with a premium price tag compared to budget alternatives. But with all the features—durable build, ergonomic design, replaceable blades, and useful extras like the fly holder and eye cleaner—you’re investing in a tool that will last you years. Plus, it just feels good to use.
While you could save money on cheaper nippers, they often wear out faster, and the constant need for replacements will end up costing you more in the long run. With these, you can be confident that you’ll have a functional set of easy to use nippers for a very long time.
Final Thoughts
I know it might sound strange to talk about nippers like they’re some sort of heirloom, but hear me out. The Simms Pro Nippers are one of those tools that just feel right every time you use them. There’s a weird satisfaction in snipping tippet cleanly and smoothly, and knowing you’ve got a piece of gear that’s going to last you for years just adds to it.
Fly fishing and the gear you collect along the way has a way of sticking with you, not just physically but in your memories. When you’ve been using the same nippers season after season, they start to remind you of all the fish you’ve caught, the good days on the river, and even the mishaps. Sure, they’re just nippers, but there’s something about high-quality gear that makes the whole experience better.
And honestly, while it might seem a bit over-the-top to get attached to something so small, we fly anglers have a way of finding sentiment in our tools. The Simms Pro Nippers, with their durability and thoughtful design, are the kind of item that stick around. You’re not just getting a tool; you’re getting a trusty sidekick that you’ll be reaching for trip after trip. Even if it’s just to snip some line, it’s those little moments that keep us coming back for more.
Click the link to get your set of Simms Pro Nippers:
