I have read some threads about the dt crankbaits in bass resource on why their bill separate and break.Most people blame the balsa wood but I think the wood has nothing to do with bill quality or how much glue is being used to glue the lip to the bait.The wood is not breaking the bill is.So what are your thoughts? 

I had a bill fall off I blame myself for slapping it on the water to get the weeds off.

I had one break after slapping it hard on the water, the next cast the bait sailed leaving only the bill on the line. Maybe I haven't used mine enough, but that is the only failure I have had. Mine have to be 10ish years old, maybe more recently quality control isn't as good.

I've had several break from normal use. Most are just reeling the bait, bumping through rocks, and my bait feels like it disappears. When I reel in I have a bill left, that's it. I broke one when the wind caught it and blew it into the rocks on the cast, can't blame the bait for that one.

 

They're great fish catchers, just bought several when they were on sale at BPS for $5. Weird thing is I've got one that has been about unbreakable, a hot mustard DT6. Hoping my new batch will be more like that one.

DT 10 is by far my favorite crankbait.  I haven't tried all the other medium diving crankbaits out there, but the list is long.   The bills do come off.  Every once in awhile I will cast out, then half way back all I have is a bill.  I don't slap the lure on the water, or abuse them in any way.  I have some that I have crashed in to rocks triggering violent strikes for years with no problems.  Others have broken after just a few casts.  Luckily I have never lost a fish because the bill came out.  I will continue to use them because they catch fish for me.  I see they are on the best seller list at Tackle Wharehouse.  I guess Rapala doesn't feel they need to make them more durable.   I'ts not like they are afraid of changing a good thing, ( Wiggle Warts).  Why not try improving the DT?  

The DT’s I use pretty hard and They do see a bit of abuse. I have never had lip problems. Rocks will damage the finish right down to the balsa. I generally touch those areas up with clear nail polish. Build the divots up by dabbing it in there. My more productive patterns I have multiple lures. 

If people stop buying them they will fix the problem.