I'm in the market for some lipless cranks, and was gonna order some Xcalibur XR50s, but browsing Academy's site I came across some that look pretty nice for around half the price. Has anyone ever given these a shot, and if so how are they? Thanks.

I love academys h20 line of baits and these are good also. However unlike the square bills I do not feel they are on par with the major manufacturers like the red eye shad or Excaliburs ( which the latter I feel is the absolute best). I really can't explain it they catch fish and run true. I guess it could be the sound which seems to be more like smaller but more beads inside if that makes sense. For under $4 though it certainly won't break your wallet to have a few on hand.

I just hate to pay $6-$7 for one lure. I recently bought some cheap mangler crank baits, and they are amazing quality. I was hoping the H20s were a good, cheap alternative to the Xcaliburs.

Well they are good and inexpensive but I don't see them being as good as excalibur. However if you ask me if I would rather have 2 h2os or 1 Excalibur then I would probably have to go with the h2o

Has anyone ever given these a shot, and if so how are they?

Yes, I've used them quite a bit this year - 192 fish so far. Do they work? 9.54lb LMB - caught with an H2O Xpress Rattlin' T - 5/8oz - blue over chrome....

Now, are there higher quality lipless cranks - yes. Are there lipless cranks with better fall characteristics, nose down running, or other specific characteristics that may be important in certain circumstances - yes. BUT, for general purpose use, I find that these work very well. I got mine in 6-packs that Academy had on clearance for under $10 - a great price. I bought them to use in low yield, high risk water (fewer fish, lots of stumps) and ended up using them a lot this year.

Also - be aware that Academy has (at least) two types of lipless cranks. I've been using the "Rattlin' T", which has a profile similar to an Xcalibur XR. Academy also has the "LCR" which has a profile somewhat similar to the Aruku Shad - I have not tried these yet.

I'll have to admit though, that after I caught that 9.54 on the H20 last week, I tied on a Red Eye Shad and have been fishing the RES in that lake for the past week (and got a 3.5 pounder the following night)...

Well that settles that I guess. Have to grab a few to try out

i'd go cheap when learning a new lure b/c you'll lose a bunch to logs and sticks. don't bother changing out the hooks until ur more experienced with not sticking the trebles in everything besides fish. it sucks breaking them off when ur fishing from shore. its at least better if ur in a boat and can rescue them half the time. i still use cheap cotton cordell super spots. sometimes i change the hooks out. if i didn't i know to just the play big fish more with my rod