I always tie line directly to jigs and worm hooks, but usually use snaps with cranks, spinnerbaits, etc, so I can swap out baits faster and easier.  I've never had any problems with using snaps, but I see very few other people using them.  So I'm curious as to what other folks do, and why?

Always tie direct, unless the maker of the bait provides a snap or whatever.

Good quality snaps:

jerk baits, crank baits, jigging spoons

Direct tie:

everything else

Snaps for hardbaits (cranks, jerkbaits).

Not just for quick lure changes, but because tying direct with a split ring is a weak connection. The gap on a split ring is often recommended as the right place to make your knot, but it can slide over to where the sharp ends can cut your line.

Doesn't happen with a snap.

They seem like a good idea for cranks and jerkbaits but would the weight affect suspending jerkbaits?

I use a snap swivel if I'm using a lure such as a spoon or in-line spinner that tend to cause a lot of line twist.

Snaps on cranks. 

You don't want to tie directly to a lure that is designed to dance - it kills the action. 

I use a snap on most everything except worm hooks, jigs, etc.. I have never had a snap break, and it makes changing lures, which at times I do quite often, more easy and fast. And I've had my line slide down in the joint of a split ring which I don't like.

Only once did I have a snap come apart.

Happened on the Rappahanock River in Virginia when a big catfish ate my Sexy Shad crankbait.

I was upset that I lost the lure when we saw it floating on the surface.

Lure was fine.

Snap was totalled.

Otherwise, no problems using snaps on cranks, buzzbaits, spinnerbaits and chatterbaits. 

They seem like a good idea for cranks and jerkbaits but would the weight affect suspending jerkbaits?

Depends on the size of the jerk bait. The small ones I just use a loop knot.

For cranks I like to use a snap until I discover the color / depth I need to be at.

I use snaps with all hardbaits that I use.

Only problem is that sometimes the snap gets caught up in  spinnerbait blades/beads, but it's an easy fix.

Snaps for cranks, but nothing more.

Snaps on cranks.

You don't want to tie directly to a lure that is designed to dance - it kills the action.

That is why most crankbaits come with a split ring. If they don't, either add one or use a rapala knot.

Split rigs foul up, and a duo lock snap allows you to use a stronger palomar knot.

Good quality snaps:

jerk baits, crank baits, jigging spoons

Direct tie:

everything else

x10

I always remove the factory split rings on everything that comes with them.

OK, so what are good quality snaps?  Brands/types to buy?  To avoid?

Thanks,

Dave

That is why most crankbaits come with a split ring. If they don't, either add one or use a rapala knot.

I prefer a quality snap over either of those options. 

I have used Berkley Cross Lock snaps for over 15 years and have never had one break.  I use for cranks and jerkbaits only.

I've been using duolocks much of the time this year, the weight is so insignifant that it does not inhibit the lure at all.  The loop in the duolock gives the same action as tying a loopknot, which has been used and recommended by just about every guide or charter captain I've been with. I use one or the other for every single freshwater or saltwater lure with only exception a worm hook, simple clinch knot is more than adequate.

Good quality snaps:

jerk baits, crank baits, jigging spoons

Direct tie:

everything else

x10

I always remove the factory split rings on everything that comes with them.

Likewise.  First thing I do with new hardbaits is yank the split rings.  Never had a problem with snaps.

Wow -- lots of interesting replies! I've never removed the split rings from new lures before, but I've never had one fail on me. I can't see a (reasonable) situation in which they would be the weak point in a setup. So I just hook my snap right to them.

I also tend to use the smallest snap I can get away with. (Off the top of my head which size that is). Avoid the snaps that look like the below pic -- they'll open out on you with relatively little force.  I've found the duo-lock or coastlock are very good.

Depends on the size of the jerk bait. The small ones I just use a loop knot.

For cranks I like to use a snap until I discover the color / depth I need to be at.

I do the samething. I use snaps for quick lure changes until I figure out a pattern (depth and/or color). When the bite turns off, I'll take the snap off to change the lures movement.

Split rigs foul up, and a duo lock snap allows you to use a stronger palomar knot.

It's much easier to tie a palomar onto a snap and a palomar is much stronger than a loop knot. So, using a snap with a palomar gives me a much more secure connection to the lure.

Tie line to snap and hook snap directly to lure (no split ring).

I think the optimum is tying direct to a split ring but I take them off and use a Norman Speed Clip so I can change baits more easily.  I like them because they are symmetrical and will not introduce bias into the pull point. If you have a bait that's just Dead On Perfect and catches fish like crazy out of the box, I wouldn't change a thing!  Even small changes like a different split ring size, changing to a clip or a snap can affect performance.

Better action on cranks & jerkbaits with a duolock snap. Line can get caught in a split ring & cause problems. Some lure manufactures even supply snaps on their baits like Luhr Jensen for better action.