Ok, here's a question for you experienced crankbaiters. Should I use a snap swivel when using a crankbait? Would the action impede or improve when using one? THANKS!!

In a word, no. The extra hardware will affect the balance and action.

Tom

thanks Tom!!

i use swivels and snaps all the time on crankbaits, i do not believe it messes up anything.  if i remeber correctly in kevin van dams book i believe he said it is fine to use them also and he is one of the best.

I don't ever use a swivel, and don't see the need to.  Only people I know that use a swivel are the ones that don't go out too often, and would rather have the ability to change baits quickly instead of re-tying.

I remove the split ring, and add a duo lock snap.

Ok, here's a question for you experienced crankbaiters. Should I use a snap swivel when using a crankbait? Would the action impede or improve when using one? THANKS!!

A snap swivel ? ---> no

A snap ? ---> yes you can, if you are trying to cut corners like not checking your line frequently then I suggest you continue to direct tie, but if you are one of those with OCD like I am who constantly cheacks his line condition, yes you can use a snap .... as long as you use a good quality snap.

I tried the norman speed slips a few times but i'd rather just retie... They work fine and i think they are better than using a swivel but i think youre better just to retie.

i use swivels and snaps all the time on crankbaits, i do not believe it messes up anything. if i remeber correctly in kevin van dams book i believe he said it is fine to use them also and he is one of the best.

X2

I always use snaps for crankbaits. IMO, it gives the crank more action.

I agree with bankbeater & JF. I always use a duo lock snap for all cranks. Easier to change baits & depending on what knot you use gives the bait better action.

I use the Norman Speed Clips. They work great, as long as you remove the original split ring. I only use snap swivels on my wife's rod since she doesn't go out often and likes to change lures quite often.

Duo locks have no adverse affect, I've been using them all year with all hard baits.  I recently staring using them for saltwater inshore too, which I never thought I would do.

i use the Norman speed clips in the "magnum' size for swimbaits , i have not had a problem with them at all , they are VERY strong .have not used the smaller one . i used to use duo-lock snaps , but man , they are a pain in the butt to use > also tried some berkely cross lock snaps but i got the small size and they are too small to deal with . may have to get some bigger ones and give them another go around . i really like using snaps for crankbaits , makes changing out crankbaits alot easier , just be sure to tie a good knot and then you are set 

I remove the split ring, and add a duo lock snap.

Same here. I tried Norman Speed clips for a while but then I had two open up with fish on. After losing a couple of lures and a couple of fish, that's enough.

 

I have used the norman speed clips w/o incident.  They are pretty decent clips.

I've lost lures and fish with the Speed Clips, but it still use them.

The most secure snaps are the coastlock type, but they are difficult to install on some crankbaits and topwaters.

Carrington, the chance of KVD using a snapswivel on a crankbait is as much as him using live bait during an Elite tournament.

I rarely use clips as I've had a few issues over the years with several different types. They are very convenient though for those who like to change baits frequently. I know several who seem to use them without incident, just not for me. Additionally, certain lines and knots will hold better with a split ring than a snap due to tying to a piece of metal with a larger diameter.

-T9 

I often use a duo-lock style snap when I know I'm going to be changing cranks. I'll direct tie if I know I'm going to fish the same crank or can dedicate a rod to that crank.

On a related topic - has anyone noticed that some cranks are now being sold with duo-lock style snaps on the line tie instead of a split ring? The WiggleWart that I just got had a snap as well as several others I've bought recently. Interesting...

Duo-lock snap on cranks and jerkbaits for me, too. 8-)

I retie without using the clips or snaps. nothing wrong with them, i just prefer to tie directly to the o-ring. JMO.

Goose53 wrote

On a related topic - has anyone noticed that some cranks are now being sold with duo-lock style snaps on the line tie instead of a split ring?  The WiggleWart that I just got had a snap as well as several others I've bought recently.  Interesting...

LuhrJensen provided duo-lock snaps on most all of their lures. They were a big supplier of lures to the west coast salmon/steelhead/trout fisherman. They knew their lures would provide better action sold that way. Rapala bought them out about 2 years back.