So... how are these different from say pegging a weight a 1/3" above the hook on a T-rig?

No comparison

I agree.  From strike transmission, to ability to come through brush, to confidence in plastic presentation, I much prefer the swing jig.....but more important, I'd never realized that Shawn Grigsby could be Glenn's brother

The only ones I've used with any success are from Freedom Lures.

The Stealth Hybrid Jig and the Hydra Hybrid Jig.

http://freedomlures.com/stealth.html    http://freedomlures.com/hydra.html

Both are effective & versatile.  The Stealth comes through cover well and the Hydra excels where deeper presentations are desired.   

As for how this rig differs from say pegging a weight a 1/3" above the hook on a T-rig ~  The Hydra version has the hook tie on the top which promotes a nice Swimming action.  Both rigs completely eliminate the weight slide in up the line which in a prominent problem with heavier weights.  They also offer a football head which I have yet to try.  http://freedomlures.com/football.html

Finally I'll say that this product is not tungsten based so if that type of material & size is important for a particular technique - this may not be the answer.  I like them ~ Quite a bit.

A-Jay

 

Thanks all.

They are all a bit pricey. I wonder if I can make something. Doesn't look too hard.

There is a mold for swing heads. I make my own for about a quarter. 

I haven't used Freedom's, but I have bought Larews, Strike King and about 4 other, more 'generic' or non-big-names.

For some reason that I haven't exactly figured out, the configuration of Larew Biffle Hard Heads come through everything MUCH better than anything else.  Wish I could put my finger on exactly what it is, but to me, the hardhead is worth it....if only because I will lose so many fewer than any other.

Most anglers fish em like a swim jig, I drag em on the bottom letting the head impart the action.

I'm experimenting with these

3 hours ago, Choporoz said:

I haven't used Freedom's, but I have bought Larews, Strike King and about 4 other, more 'generic' or non-big-names.

For some reason that I haven't exactly figured out, the configuration of Larew Biffle Hard Heads come through everything MUCH better than anything else.  Wish I could put my finger on exactly what it is, but to me, the hardhead is worth it....if only because I will lose so many fewer than any other.

Totally agree. The Larew and some local replicas just come through rock much better. The Strike King variant was the worst one I've used. 

I used the freedom stealth jigheads with great success last year fishing deep standing timber with swimbaits.  Keitech swing impact fat 4.5 with 5/0 hook was working on em good.  I used the 1/2 and 3/4 oz size the most and slow rolled it through the timber and had absolutely no problem with hangups.  Timber was really thick too.

I use the Do It brand swing jig mold and its just about the only way I fish plastics for bottom contact. very versatile and the cost is reasonable vs store bought jigs. I have tried numerous hooks and have found the long shank EWG hooks by VMC to be my favorite for now. I have yet to lose a jig due to a snag... I have ruined hooks and beat the paint off them which is another story.

I like the Biffle heads except the color so I powder coat em whatever color I want. 

3 hours ago, Catt said:

Most anglers fish em like a swim jig, I drag em on the bottom letting the head impart the action.

I'm experimenting with these

I drag them as well, great way to fish them.

18 minutes ago, Bluebasser86 said:

I drag them as well, great way to fish them.

Seconded. Will be dragging them Friday, if the largies even let it get to the bottom!!!

 

7 hours ago, Paul Roberts said:

Thanks all.

They are all a bit pricey. I wonder if I can make something. Doesn't look too hard.

The Strike King is a bit pricey but the Lazer TroKar Hook would be well suited for punching which I plan on trying soon!

thirdededed on the dragging....  my favorites are the owner pivot head, but good god they are expensive.  but they don't foul up at all, ever, and they look great when you do swim the bait back to the boat.  they're pretty "wobbly" so to speak.

otherwise, i have some from siebert that work great and a few of the SK structure swing jig heads that i just got that i'm going to experiment with.

 

 

11 hours ago, Catt said:

The Strike King is a bit pricey but the Lazer TroKar Hook would be well suited for punching which I plan on trying soon!

I'm not a huge fan of punching with a Trokar hook. It's actually too sharp and goes through the bait to snag up to easily. 

6 minutes ago, gardnerjigman said:

I'm not a huge fan of punching with a Trokar hook. It's actually too sharp and goes through the bait to snag up to easily. 

If you allow the plastic to slide down the hook, then yes it will.

My thought on swing head jig with a skirt is it eliminates the weed guard and that alone improves strike to hook set %. The strike King is a good looking design, what size hook is the 1/2 oz, 4/0?

Tom