All things Chatterbait

[SteveTX]

After the request for some Vibrashock chatterbaits post I went to look at them. Just looking at that Vibrashock on that website I do not get the differences on such a simple lure. Now before anyone goes all ballistic on me I know there are differences. I do throw a chatterbait some. After the Jack Hammer rage it has just had me asking myself why. Why are there so much differences in opinion and price yet in reality the lures are so much the same.

I understand if there subtle design differences like a blade with holes in it or the size and shape of the blade. I get the argument of the different hooks used and the split rings. And I understand the quality of the components argument. But in the end its still a jig with a blade and every one of them will catch fish. 

So tell me whats the deal when Vibrashock can make a from what I understand a great chatterbait for $5 whats the difference in a $14 Strike King Thunder Cricket or a NuTech Elite Blade at 1/2 that price? 

[TNDiver]

I have not fished with all these, but my guess is the same for any lure.  Brand loyalty maybe some of it, but the rest is probably just perception and quirks of who fishes them.  Some people swear by only using GY Senkos but I am willing to bet others work almost as well, if not the same.

The one thing I noticed was the slight differences in blades and heads of the lures.  I am also guessing quality is different.  I read the reviews for the SK and alot complained about the eyes coming off and the skirt quality.  People will pay more for a lure that lasts and produces.  As for Vibrashock and Bo's NuTech, I am guessing that people may not know they exist as well.  Someone buys one, catches a fish and they are sold it is the best.  Some also may work better in different applications. 

[SteveTX]

TNDiver I believe you covered what I thought to be the case as well. For the record I wasn't trying to limit the scope to the brands I mentioned those were just some that crossed my mind. I use the original ZMan brand mainly and have had excellent results considering the limited time I use one.

I think you are 100% accurate on the Senko comparison. I guess when your finances allow you to tie on $14 chatterbaits it becomes a option. And if you catch great fish I can see the perception becoming loyalty. Great response.

As for the SK brand I had heard or saw a review mentioning the eyes coming off as well. Wonder if yhey addressed that considering they are at or near the top of the price range of these lures.

[TNDiver]

I am sure there is also a thinking that the more a bait costs, it HAS to work well.   I have fallen for it a few times.

[Bud Kennedy]

There are certainly many choices for this category of bait.  Many available today are fine baits each having some redeeming traits.  Currently in my tackle stash there are only two manufacturers represented.  Both work very well and are made of quality components.  My original Chatterbaits were built by True South  Custom lures a former sponsor of my website years ago.  My current favorite however is the NuTech crazy jig series.  The feature for my personal taste is that the NuTech are not prone to as many hang ups - snags as my original selection.  I like to throw products into some heavy wood cover when available.  The NuTech mostly comes through and lives to hunt during the next cast.  I further appreciate that Bo is a participating member of Ultimate Bass and is available to answer any questions that one may have.  For me this is such an advantage that it only makes sense to stay with Nutech products and right or wrong, I don't even consider another manufacturers products.  It is hard to change when you already are using the best, high quality products.  Many of us may have the same enthusiasm about Dobyns Rods.  I believe the situation is much the same.  Another trait of mine is that I don't care what product is cheapest.  I want quality and I want a company to participate in my world. Great service wins my vote every time.

[Smallie_Stalker]

I agree that TN Diver nailed this one. And Bud has added the icing on the cake 

But I'm gonna shoot my big mouth off anyway. 

One of the appeals in the Vibrashock is that it is built on a football style head. The blade sits closer to the head than on some others so along with the normal thump or vibration you get a constant ticking from the blade because it has more surface area to contact. It's subtle but it adds a little different of a sound profile to the bait.

The NuTech Crazy Blitz Football jigs are also made like this.

IMO both of these baits also have a different FEEL than a regular bladed jig built on a round head.

That can be important at times. To me it's the same as the fact that if I need a sensitive rod for bottom contact baits or whatever I would pay more to get the one I felt gave me the best feel. Sure I could buy a cheaper rod that will throw the same lure, but that difference in sensitivity, probably due to the materials used makes the more expensive rod worth it to me.

Does that mean either of them outfish other lures that cost more or less? Like all things fishing, the answer is sometimes, if that's what the fish are hitting at that particular time.

Now, as to why one company can charge X amount of dollars I would say it's because they can.

I can understand to a point that quality of components can drive cost up some, but I don't believe it needs to be as much as it is most of the time. IMO It comes down to the same principle as why bass boats cost more than some people's first homes. As long as someone is willing to pay the price they will keep making them that expensive.

That's the both the beauty and the bane of a free economy.

Just my $.02

[MCS]

I agree that TN Diver nailed this one. And Bud has added the icing on the cake 

But I'm gonna shoot my big mouth off anyway. 

One of the appeals in the Vibrashock is that it is built on a football style head. The blade sits closer to the head than on some others so along with the normal thump or vibration you get a constant ticking from the blade because it has more surface area to contact. It's subtle but it adds a little different of a sound profile to the bait.

The NuTech Crazy Blitz Football jigs are also made like this.

IMO both of these baits also have a different FEEL than a regular bladed jig built on a round head.

That can be important at times. To me it's the same as the fact that if I need a sensitive rod for bottom contact baits or whatever I would pay more to get the one I felt gave me the best feel. Sure I could buy a cheaper rod that will throw the same lure, but that difference in sensitivity, probably due to the materials used makes the more expensive rod worth it to me.

Does that mean either of them outfish other lures that cost more or less? Like all things fishing, the answer is sometimes, if that's what the fish are hitting at that particular time.

Now, as to why one company can charge X amount of dollars I would say it's because they can.

I can understand to a point that quality of components can drive cost up some, but I don't believe it needs to be as much as it is most of the time. IMO It comes down to the same principle as why bass boats cost more than some people's first homes. As long as someone is willing to pay the price they will keep making them that expensive.

That's the both the beauty and the bane of a free economy.

Just my $.02

Good post smallie.....I fish vibra shocks and all the zman (not the jack hammer or sk cricket) and nutech blitz and delta lures thunder jig....IT IS the ticking the head and the wide angle of free swinging that make the vibra shock and nutech so much better to me. Even delta lures being a free swinger with a split ring, it don't tick as much as vibra shock or blitz....I feel like once hooked they hold the fish better having an ability to rotate too...but that is just me.....The 14 dollar baits, like smallie said is in the top parts, attention to detail assembling and quality control what makes it cost more on a global production scale. Not saying Nate or Bo don't build high or higher quality it is just less people and overhead involved in their assembly and QC.....and they buy cheap split ring