Dollar for dollar...

USMCbassman · 10-31-12, 09:12 AM

who do YOU feel is the best crankbait manufacturer and why?

WaffleJaw · 10-31-12, 10:18 AM

Im not the biggest crankbait guy....But the last few months Ive been starting just about every trip with them.
Im becoming a big SK fan!
The 1.5's 3/5/6XD are taking a lot of space in my box...Plus I like the stock hooks...Mustad I think,but cant remember?

WTL · 10-31-12, 03:13 PM

H2O. Value cant be beat.

3dkicker · 10-31-12, 05:03 PM

I've had a lot of success with LC's RC baits over the past couple years so I'd have to go with them. They are a bit pricey but I get them when they're on sale and make sure I use good quality heavy line so I don't break them off. Also I try to have a good lure retriever with me. Don't think I've lost one yet.....

keithdog · 10-31-12, 06:10 PM

My vote would have to be for Strike King when talking best value. They flat out perform, hold up well and don't cost a leg. I love my Lucky Crafts, but when talking dollar for dollar, it's Strike King. Bandit cranks are a good value for the dollar, but they don't offer near the selection options of Strike King.

Highhawk1948 · 10-31-12, 06:44 PM

Rapala is my favorite

bassboogieman · 10-31-12, 07:15 PM

I like Lucky Craft, but they are not "value priced". 2nd choice would be Xcalibur, still not a value. I have a few Strike King KVD 1.5's and they are what I would classify as reasonably priced and they work! I've bought about a dozen of the H2O cranks to try, they strongly look like L/C, and are a very good value. They haven't had a fair test from me yet but I hear they work.

USMCbassman · 10-31-12, 07:29 PM

This is interesting...

Tavery5 · 10-31-12, 08:16 PM

If you are only interested in the best regardless of price, then I will have to go with Megabass, a close second for me is Lucky Craft.

Why, Finish, hooks, weighting, movement in the water, run true, they just build nice baits.

From a value sense, I think the H20 and 6th sense lures are some of the best bang for the buck out there.

Jrob78 · 10-31-12, 08:50 PM

For me the best crankbait manufacturer is Lucky Craft. The main reason is this, they have the largest selection of styles, sizes, colors, running depths and models to choose from. The baits have excellent finishes, run beautifully and are top quality, they are the baits American baits are measured against. You could fish Lucky Craft exclusively and just about not need a hard bait from any other company. They cost a bit more but not much.

Strike King offers some good baits with an ever expanding selection, XCalibur makes great baits but the selection is limited, Spro makes awesome baits in a limited selection and they cost just about as much as Lucky Crafts. H20 makes really good baits at a great price and they do have a pretty good selection but they aren't very wildly known and most people don't like buying online sight unseen. For me, Lucky Craft reigns supreme and I own more LC's than any other baits from any one company.

Bassin' Gal · 10-31-12, 09:31 PM

I have a little shallow diving Spro that I wouldn't take any money for. Love that little thang! Can't speak to the value though. The hubby feeds the monkey around here. I just sit back and reap the benefits.

bassinbob · 10-31-12, 10:07 PM

I'd have to say of those I own Lucky Craft is the best value. Why? because they work. No muss no fuss. Great right out of the package. A close second choice is the SK sexy shad.

bamabassman · 10-31-12, 10:29 PM

in MY opion..it is not OVERALL crankbait. it is the specific TYPE of crankbait. bill lewis rattle traps, bombers for shallow o med, etc. for me it depends on EXACTLY what i wanitng form a crank. so manufactuer doesn't come in the picture. does that make any sense? lol.

kennethdaysale · 11-01-12, 08:14 AM

I own wads of different cranks in most if not all the brands mentioned and a bunch of others(Bomber-Bagley-Sisson-Rebel-Cordell-Livetarget-Jackall-Manns............+) yet I often find Rapala baits tied on my crankin rods. Day in and day out I've come to believe that if a bass won't eat a Shad Rap then..............................................

aikenyounggun · 11-01-12, 10:37 AM

I am gonna agree with bassinbob and bama here in a couple ways. And I will preface this as I do not consider myself a cranker above all else, I don't do it a whole ton, but I do it some.

First off, Lucky Craft is my answer to the question. I have supreme confidence in these baits and we have often discussed how confidence truly makes you throw a bait and gives you an advantage of catching fish on that lure. They are a little pricey, but you know you are getting the best of the best and they consistently catch fish for me.

And it respects to Bama, I also believe it depends on what I am looking for. I have also become highly impressed with the spro little johns (original and the md). They flat catch fish for me, and yes, they are pricey. But I would rather pay a couple extra bucks to buy something I know I will use because I know it is quality and catches fish. And also, I love rattle-traps (and yes, I call them rattletraps, not lipless crankbaits, and there is a reason), they catch fish for me. And as Ken hit on, shad raps can be killer. And not quite crankbaits, but hardbaits, I love spooks.

But all around, for a wide range selection of baits and colors, Lucky Craft gets my vote (and my money usually).

islandbass · 11-01-12, 07:11 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Highhawk1948

Rapala is my favorite

x2 This is my opinion too.

Dave63 · 11-01-12, 07:58 PM

SKs are the best bang for the buck for me. I have a few other types (Bomber, Bandit, Rapala, Bagleys), but far and away SK is the most numerous.

carolina-rig-01 · 11-02-12, 09:25 PM

For me Strike King and Bomber both are what I would consider bang for your buck brands. I own several baits from high end brands like Lucky Craft, IMA, ect. and love them. But if your talking about crankbaits that will catch you a lot of fish and not break the bank then I think Strike King and Bomber are about as far as you need to look.

keithdog · 11-04-12, 10:46 AM

Can anyone tell me where to purchase H20 crankbaits? I've heard of them here in the forums, but have not seen any in the stores.

woody · 11-04-12, 12:29 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by keithdog

Can anyone tell me where to purchase H20 crankbaits? I've heard of them here in the forums, but have not seen any in the stores.

http://www.academy.com/webapp/wcs/st...es_10151_10051

-Mark

keithdog · 11-04-12, 12:59 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by woody

http://www.academy.com/webapp/wcs/st...es_10151_10051

-Mark

Thanks Woody. I'll check it out. The Monkey no doubt is pleased you could help me.

bassboogieman · 11-04-12, 01:30 PM

Academy is relatively new to internet sales. Thankfully they did start that up, so those of us above the Mason/Dixon can also get them.

keithdog · 11-04-12, 02:01 PM

I was checking out the H20 crankbaits, and they do look like a decent bait. I like the color schemes. Since they seem to have a folowing here in the forums, I think I'll pick up a couple to try out before next spring. Price is sure right!

Jrob78 · 11-04-12, 02:10 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by keithdog

I was checking out the H20 crankbaits, and they do look like a decent bait. I like the color schemes. Since they seem to have a folowing here in the forums, I think I'll pick up a couple to try out before next spring. Price is sure right!

They really are quality baits. When you hold one and examine it closely, you don't feel like you're holding a $3 bait. I like the crankbaits, especially the CRS and CRM as well as the CRS+. The jerkbaits aren't suspending except for the deep diver. The topwater popper and walking bait are nice too.

All baits come with VMC hooks standard, except the photo finish patterns, they have Owner's.

keithdog · 11-04-12, 02:23 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jrob78

The jerkbaits aren't suspending except for the deep diver.

All baits come with VMC hooks standard, except the photo finish patterns, they have Owner's.

If thats true, I'm interrested in the jerkbaits too! It's getting hard to find a non suspending hard bodied jerkbait now days.

10-31-12, 09:12 AM	#1
USMCbassman BassFishin.Com Veteran Member Join Date: May 2012 Location: Oceanside, CA Posts: 532	Dollar for dollar... who do YOU feel is the best crankbait manufacturer and why?

10-31-12, 10:18 AM	#2
WaffleJaw BassFishin.Com Super Veteran Join Date: Jul 2009 Location: Dallas,TX (DFW) Posts: 2,212	Im not the biggest crankbait guy....But the last few months Ive been starting just about every trip with them. Im becoming a big SK fan! The 1.5's 3/5/6XD are taking a lot of space in my box...Plus I like the stock hooks...Mustad I think,but cant remember? __________________ [nelsoncustomrods.com]

10-31-12, 03:13 PM	#3
WTL BassFishin.Com Premier Elite Join Date: Dec 2001 Location: Huntsville, Al Posts: 7,466	H2O. Value cant be beat. __________________ Selling live waterdogs for less since 2005.

10-31-12, 05:03 PM	#4
3dkicker BassFishin.Com Super Veteran Join Date: Jun 2006 Location: Spotsylvania, VA Posts: 4,483	I've had a lot of success with LC's RC baits over the past couple years so I'd have to go with them. They are a bit pricey but I get them when they're on sale and make sure I use good quality heavy line so I don't break them off. Also I try to have a good lure retriever with me. Don't think I've lost one yet..... __________________ Smitty www.smittystubes.com

10-31-12, 06:10 PM	#5
keithdog BassFishin.Com Premier Elite Join Date: Jul 2006 Location: IN Posts: 8,308	My vote would have to be for Strike King when talking best value. They flat out perform, hold up well and don't cost a leg. I love my Lucky Crafts, but when talking dollar for dollar, it's Strike King. Bandit cranks are a good value for the dollar, but they don't offer near the selection options of Strike King. __________________ Just one more cast, and then some!

10-31-12, 06:44 PM	#6
Highhawk1948 BassFishin.Com Member Join Date: Mar 2012 Location: Lake Panasoffkee, Florida Posts: 86	Rapala is my favorite

10-31-12, 07:15 PM	#7
bassboogieman BassFishin.Com Super Veteran Join Date: Feb 2006 Location: Parkesburg, Pa. Posts: 3,762	I like Lucky Craft, but they are not "value priced". 2nd choice would be Xcalibur, still not a value. I have a few Strike King KVD 1.5's and they are what I would classify as reasonably priced and they work! I've bought about a dozen of the H2O cranks to try, they strongly look like L/C, and are a very good value. They haven't had a fair test from me yet but I hear they work.

10-31-12, 07:29 PM	#8
USMCbassman BassFishin.Com Veteran Member Join Date: May 2012 Location: Oceanside, CA Posts: 532	This is interesting...

10-31-12, 08:16 PM	#9
Tavery5 BassFishin.Com Super Veteran Join Date: Dec 2009 Location: Wichita, KS Posts: 2,427	If you are only interested in the best regardless of price, then I will have to go with Megabass, a close second for me is Lucky Craft. Why, Finish, hooks, weighting, movement in the water, run true, they just build nice baits. From a value sense, I think the H20 and 6th sense lures are some of the best bang for the buck out there. __________________ They call me Ishmael

10-31-12, 08:50 PM	#10
Jrob78 BassFishin.Com Super Veteran Join Date: Sep 2009 Location: Dallas, TX Posts: 4,671	For me the best crankbait manufacturer is Lucky Craft. The main reason is this, they have the largest selection of styles, sizes, colors, running depths and models to choose from. The baits have excellent finishes, run beautifully and are top quality, they are the baits American baits are measured against. You could fish Lucky Craft exclusively and just about not need a hard bait from any other company. They cost a bit more but not much. Strike King offers some good baits with an ever expanding selection, XCalibur makes great baits but the selection is limited, Spro makes awesome baits in a limited selection and they cost just about as much as Lucky Crafts. H20 makes really good baits at a great price and they do have a pretty good selection but they aren't very wildly known and most people don't like buying online sight unseen. For me, Lucky Craft reigns supreme and I own more LC's than any other baits from any one company. __________________ There are 3 kinds of people in the world…those who can count and those who can’t. HRN4L

10-31-12, 09:31 PM	#11
Bassin' Gal BassFishin.Com Active Member Join Date: May 2012 Posts: 387	I have a little shallow diving Spro that I wouldn't take any money for. Love that little thang! Can't speak to the value though. The hubby feeds the monkey around here. I just sit back and reap the benefits.

10-31-12, 10:07 PM	#12
bassinbob BassFishin.Com Super Veteran Join Date: Nov 2004 Location: Pitts. Pa. Posts: 3,801	I'd have to say of those I own Lucky Craft is the best value. Why? because they work. No muss no fuss. Great right out of the package. A close second choice is the SK sexy shad. __________________ you can have my fishin rod when ya take it from my cold dead hands

10-31-12, 10:29 PM	#13
bamabassman BassFishin.Com Premier Elite Join Date: Jan 2008 Location: cedar bluff, alabama Posts: 15,292	in MY opion..it is not OVERALL crankbait. it is the specific TYPE of crankbait. bill lewis rattle traps, bombers for shallow o med, etc. for me it depends on EXACTLY what i wanitng form a crank. so manufactuer doesn't come in the picture. does that make any sense? lol. __________________ so many lures, so little time.

11-01-12, 08:14 AM	#14
kennethdaysale BassFishin.Com Super Veteran Join Date: Aug 2011 Location: rock hill, sc Posts: 2,315	I own wads of different cranks in most if not all the brands mentioned and a bunch of others(Bomber-Bagley-Sisson-Rebel-Cordell-Livetarget-Jackall-Manns............+) yet I often find Rapala baits tied on my crankin rods. Day in and day out I've come to believe that if a bass won't eat a Shad Rap then.............................................. __________________ Sometimes you gotta risk it to get the biscuit.

11-01-12, 10:37 AM	#15
aikenyounggun BassFishin.Com Super Veteran Join Date: Jan 2009 Location: aiken, SC Posts: 2,051	I am gonna agree with bassinbob and bama here in a couple ways. And I will preface this as I do not consider myself a cranker above all else, I don't do it a whole ton, but I do it some. First off, Lucky Craft is my answer to the question. I have supreme confidence in these baits and we have often discussed how confidence truly makes you throw a bait and gives you an advantage of catching fish on that lure. They are a little pricey, but you know you are getting the best of the best and they consistently catch fish for me. And it respects to Bama, I also believe it depends on what I am looking for. I have also become highly impressed with the spro little johns (original and the md). They flat catch fish for me, and yes, they are pricey. But I would rather pay a couple extra bucks to buy something I know I will use because I know it is quality and catches fish. And also, I love rattle-traps (and yes, I call them rattletraps, not lipless crankbaits, and there is a reason), they catch fish for me. And as Ken hit on, shad raps can be killer. And not quite crankbaits, but hardbaits, I love spooks. But all around, for a wide range selection of baits and colors, Lucky Craft gets my vote (and my money usually). __________________ <>< Rather be Fishing ><>

11-01-12, 07:58 PM	#17
Dave63 BassFishin.Com Active Member Join Date: Jun 2010 Location: Farmersburg, IN Posts: 341	SKs are the best bang for the buck for me. I have a few other types (Bomber, Bandit, Rapala, Bagleys), but far and away SK is the most numerous.

11-02-12, 09:25 PM	#18
carolina-rig-01 BassFishin.Com Premier Elite Join Date: Feb 2006 Location: Webb City, MO Posts: 6,387	For me Strike King and Bomber both are what I would consider bang for your buck brands. I own several baits from high end brands like Lucky Craft, IMA, ect. and love them. But if your talking about crankbaits that will catch you a lot of fish and not break the bank then I think Strike King and Bomber are about as far as you need to look. __________________ You only live once. But if you do it right, once is enough.

11-04-12, 10:46 AM	#19
keithdog BassFishin.Com Premier Elite Join Date: Jul 2006 Location: IN Posts: 8,308	Can anyone tell me where to purchase H20 crankbaits? I've heard of them here in the forums, but have not seen any in the stores. __________________ Just one more cast, and then some!

11-04-12, 01:30 PM	#22
bassboogieman BassFishin.Com Super Veteran Join Date: Feb 2006 Location: Parkesburg, Pa. Posts: 3,762	Academy is relatively new to internet sales. Thankfully they did start that up, so those of us above the Mason/Dixon can also get them.

11-04-12, 02:01 PM	#23
keithdog BassFishin.Com Premier Elite Join Date: Jul 2006 Location: IN Posts: 8,308	I was checking out the H20 crankbaits, and they do look like a decent bait. I like the color schemes. Since they seem to have a folowing here in the forums, I think I'll pick up a couple to try out before next spring. Price is sure right! __________________ Just one more cast, and then some!

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