I have been a loyal Rapala supporter for many years but am finally ready to branch out and try other brands and models. What is the best competition to the x-rap slashbait/jerkbait?

Lucky Craft Pointer.

Last couple of years the strike king kvd jerkbait in both sizes has been fantastic for me. 

Lucky Craft Pointer or Duo Realis 

The Duo's have been my best jerkbaits this spring. 

 

IMA flint

Jackall squad minnow 

This post made me bust out my clown colored X-Rap in the 10 size.  I smashed them this morning!

Of note, most of the "alternatives" while excellent baits ARE about twice as expensive on a per bait basis (X-Rap's around $8 - $9 vs. the others around $16.99) so if price is a factor it's hard to beat the X-raps!

4 hours ago, Brett's_daddy said:

Of note, most of the "alternatives" while excellent baits ARE about twice as expensive on a per bait basis (X-Rap's around $8 - $9 vs. the others around $16.99) so if price is a factor it's hard to beat the X-raps!

X-raps aren't anywhere near as productive for me as the 2 baits I listed. Something about them just don't produce as well unless I'm on a pond, then the fish jump all over them. 

 

If you want a similar bait that's even cheaper than an X-rap, get some Storm Twitch Sticks for about $6. Great little baits that really won me over this winter, especially the 3 1/4" Pearl Shad color.