if you want ribbed it's hard to beat the keitech but i have found the bps speed shad to be decent if you dont care about the ribs then grab some gambler ez or big ez depending on the size you want

Have had alot of luck on Rage Swimmers with a War Eagle under spin.

Like I said earlier, I have not fished the keitech swing impact fat yet. I have the 5.8 on order.  With these bigger swimbaits, I'm under the impression it's all in the movement (tail wag) of the bait. And most people are saying that is what sets the keitech apart from the rest. Many will admit the other brands may be more durable, but they go back to the keitech for the action of the bait. 

 

 

Has anyone tried Bitter's Naked Swimmer?  They look good, amazing color selection and 10 baits for $5.

 

https://www.bittersbaitandtackle.com/naked-swimmer.html

On 4/14/2017 at 7:49 AM, Bologna2202 said:

Rhythm wave! By Jackall

 

It was my best producing lure all of last year. It has just as much action as a keitech, and it's a lot more durable. It comes in 2.8, 3.8, 4.8, 5.8 versions.

 

^^^Came here to say this. 

 

I still fish the Keitechs but the Rythm Wave has become my go to. Less expensive too.

Berkley havoc grass pig is my go to swimbait/trailer. Usually around $2-$3 a pack. Very durable. Good action 

In my second year the keitechs are very durable for me. You need to rig it straight on twistlock hook. Key is to only make one hook hole in its back and have it lay flush with the bait. Off just a little and it will still swim fine and swim true but i feel the hook tears into the soft plastic more. I will try bass assasin since I like their flukes but I dont care too much about the keitechs durability. It will catch everything that swims in CT and MA where I fish.

The Rage Tail Swimmer has an action very similar to the Keitch's but seem to last for few quite a few fish and strikes. Also they are less expensive. I fish them on different kinds of 1/4 oz jig heads that have at least a heavy weight 3/0 -4/0 wide bend hook. Slow reeling works best for me. Fish them here at Lake Fork by the submerged dock lights at night. Several bass to 12 lbs have ate mine...

Some body help me! I can't stop buying more Keitech! 

But when the bite is hot Zman has some elaztech offerings that do the job. Super-glue them to a jig head and they're good a day on Lake Erie this time of year or 50/100 Smallmouths, whichever comes first. On a really, really, good day you might have to re-rig for the evening bite.  

On 4/14/2017 at 11:37 AM, BassB8Caster said:

I agree. I have yet to use any of these baits. Im venturing out into big swimbaits this year and have a 4 pack of the 5.8 on order. To me it was a better value than $10 or so plus for a big swimbait. My concern, and even more so with the bigger ones, is first cast a fish grabbing the tail and ripping it off. But they should be BIG BASS catchers!

 

I catch fish like crazy on the 4" Speed Shad, but the 6" has been pretty tough sledding. They have great action, just haven't caught much.

 

I hope you do better.

 

I have no problems buying stuff that works. That's what is great about this forum. People are willing to give their honest feedback on gear, techniques etc. Ultimately we have to decide what we are willing to pay for a bait. I'm a fan of a lot of the berkley havoc line. The stuff is affordable and works well. Getting one or 2 fish on a $2 bait may not be worth it. I'm hoping that with these larger swimbaits, the fish I'm catching are big ones. That makes it easier for me to pay more. Time will tell. I love trying new baits. So I'm sure I will give all those mentioned above a try at some point. 

 

The old Lunker City Shaker is a good soft swimbait.