Black Magic: stand-up fishing harness and gimbal sets

1991: Brand founded in Auckland
New Zealand: Equalizer harness designed and made there
2 pins: Twin Pin: straight butt or bent butt

The story of the brand

From Auckland hooks to the Equalizer harness

Black Magic started in 1991 in a garage in West Auckland, New Zealand. On a trip to Singapore, founder Rick Wakelin came across black hooks made in Japan. They were high carbon steel and chemically sharpened. He brought a first batch home, and the first packets were on sale by October 1991.

In 1995, the brand launched the Equalizer, a gimbal and harness set for stand-up fighting. The gimbal was drawn by Lewy McConnell, the harness by Rick Wakelin. The set won Best in Show at the major American tackle show in Las Vegas. It is still designed and made in New Zealand.

In 2019, Black Magic introduced the Twin Pin Pro, with a second pin at the front of the gimbal. The brand also makes hooks, rigs and saltwater accessories. Rodhouse chose the Equalizer Twin Pin for tuna and marlin anglers.

Key dates

1991 Black Magic is founded and sells its first hooks in Auckland
1995 Launch of the Equalizer harness, Best in Show in Las Vegas
2019 Twin Pin Pro introduced, with a second front pin

Frequently Asked Questions

Everything about the brand

Where are Black Magic harnesses made?

Equalizer harnesses are designed and made in New Zealand. Black Magic was founded there in 1991, in Auckland, by Rick Wakelin. The first Equalizer came out in 1995, with a gimbal drawn by Lewy McConnell and a harness developed by Rick Wakelin. The Twin Pin version we stock builds on that same design.

What is the difference between the classic Equalizer and the Twin Pin?

The classic Equalizer has a single pin, set in the recessed position on the gimbal. The Twin Pin adds a second pin at the front. It gives more freedom of movement to trolling rods with a bent butt. It also avoids damage to the EVA foam of spinning rods. You keep one harness for both trolling and casting.

How do I choose between the Black Magic Standard and XL harness?

Both versions share the same gimbal plate: only the harness changes size. The XL version has a larger harness. In both cases, the adjustable straps let you fit the harness to your build. If in doubt, our technicians will help you choose before you order.

Black Magic at Rodhouse

Black Magic is a New Zealand brand, founded in 1991 in Auckland. Pacific anglers know it for its hooks and its rigs. Rodhouse stocks the piece it built for fighting big fish: the Black Magic harness Equalizer Twin Pin.

The set brings together a harness, a gimbal plate and a carry bag. It is made for big game stand-up fishing, on tuna and marlin. The system is designed and made in New Zealand. The plate takes the butt of the rod. The harness spreads the load between the lower back and the upper thighs. You pull with your whole body, not only with your arms.

Choosing your Black Magic harness

The Twin Pin model has two pins. The classic pin sits in the recessed position, as on the original Equalizer. The front pin adapts to the way you fish. Here are the points to keep in mind.

Trolling with a bent butt rod: the front pin gives you more freedom of movement.
Casting with a spinning rod: the front pin avoids damage to the EVA foam of your grip.
Size: the Standard and XL versions share the same plate, only the harness changes.
Fit: the straps adjust to your build before you head out to sea.

For long fights, the plate is padded. This padding reduces fatigue and helps blood flow in the legs. The light harness can be worn all day. The plate slips on in a few seconds when the fish strikes. To check the size or the fit with your rod, our technicians in Sarzeau are here to help.

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Black Magic: big game fighting belts, harnesses and gimbals