Today I was checking out some Rapala jerkbaits in store, specifically the Rip Stop 12 and the Shadow Rap Deep. The Rip Stop said it was "suspending" and the Shadow Rap said it was "slow sinking." I can certainly understand the difference and I understand there are times that one would work better than the other but what is more of a "traditional" type and which should someone just trying jerkbaits go with? I bought 5 or 6 vision 110s to try but thought I'd try a Rapala too.

Highly recommend the IMA flit jerkbaits. I bought 5  100s I believe last year and they all suspended perfectly out of the package. They are very affordable and great action. Wrecked em a few times last December and early this year. I would go with suspending vs slow sink. But honestly you never know if they want a slow sink that day. Probably be more effective with slow sink, coaxing them out deeper cover in the cold.

#10 X-rap

 

oe

7 hours ago, pauldconyers said:

Today I was checking out some Rapala jerkbaits in store, specifically the Rip Stop 12 and the Shadow Rap Deep. The Rip Stop said it was "suspending" and the Shadow Rap said it was "slow sinking." I can certainly understand the difference and I understand there are times that one would work better than the other but what is more of a "traditional" type and which should someone just trying jerkbaits go with? I bought 5 or 6 vision 110s to try but thought I'd try a Rapala too.

Which type would be the "opposite" compared to the 110? Maybe it would be best to buy something different than I already have?

The standard 110 is a 'slow-float' not a true suspending bait.  The 110 FX is a true suspending version.  The Shadow Rap being a slow sink would technically be the opposite if you want to go that route...But don't forget you can weight the 110 ever so slightly to get it to slow sink if you wanted.  Using Suspend-Strips on the body doesn't effect the action too much (I don't notice any difference).  

5 Megabass 110 visions is about $100 why use anything else?

As memtioned Storm SuspendDots are easy to add near the front hook if you want the lure slow sink.

I wouldn't waste time on the Rapala jerk baits until you learn how to use the top jerk bait on the market.

Tom

6 hours ago, WRB said:

5 Megabass 110 visions is about $100 why use anything else?

As memtioned Storm SuspendDots are easy to add near the front hook if you want the lure slow sink.

I wouldn't waste time on the Rapala jerk baits until you learn how to use the top jerk bait on the market.

Tom

x2, the Rapala jerkbaits have been less than impressive for me and I love jerkbaits. I've done well with the smaller Xraps in ponds but that's it.

If you want to learn jerkbaits just start with the basics. Go with a suspending model and something easy to use. Going Megabass right away is ok if you want to spend that but don't start going all over the place just yet. I have a ton of baits and they all work at different times and places but if I reduced to 1 bait I could make it work. So now you have the Megabass Vision 110, use that and learn it and since money isn't an issue, I'd say to get yourself a Lucky Craft Pointer 78, it suspends well and has a smaller profile but is still heavy enough for easy casting. Once you understand how those baits work, then expand your horizons with other baits but a 110 and a 78 will be a good way to learn as both those baits will work under various conditions.