I’ve found that cheap jigs and expensive ones have exactly the same lifespan in the rocks, which makes me perfectly content with dressing up a hook point from time to time. 

23 hours ago, Bazoo said:

I don't remember the name of the technique, but I've taken jig heads and heated them with a torch then dipped them in powdercoat. No toaster oven needed.

Correct no toaster oven really needed. 

 

Baking them at 325-350F for 15-20min increases the paint's durability. 

23 hours ago, Bazoo said:

I don't remember the name of the technique, but I've taken jig heads and heated them with a torch then dipped them in powdercoat. No toaster oven needed.

Correct no toaster oven really needed. 

 

Baking them at 325-350F for 15-20min increases the paint's durability. 

1 hour ago, Bass Junke said:

Correct no toaster oven really needed. 

 

Baking them at 325-350F for 15-20min increases the paint's durability. 

Correct no toaster oven really needed. 

 

Baking them at 325-350F for 15-20min increases the paint's durability. 

By like 90%

3 hours ago, Jig Man said:

By like 90%

I noticed that myself on my crappie jigs. First couple batches I didn't bake and they'd start chipping in the containers I carry them in just from bouncing off each other. Bake them, and they don't chip for quite a while, even bouncing off rocks here and there.

Greetings @Bazoo and others,

I've used lower cost products with reasonably good results. It is a matter of budget and ambition. What is your motivation? Usually, better quality comes with a higher price tag. That being said, it is important to understand what you are dealing with. 

 

Many in the forum have pointed out the budget quality products generally use cost saving processes. Different heat treatments, different materials. A quick point on surface hardening, once you get through that thin surface hardening then you are into the softer materials. Understanding that will support the rationale of why frequent sharpening may be needed. 

 

Again, as many have pointed out, when using jigs there is a tendency to relinquish them to the rocks or trees. Yes, snags are simply part of the risks for those rewards. 

 

My ambitions as a recreational angler are most likely very different from a tournament angler. Although we both share the goal of catching fish. 

 

When it comes to jigs, they can be considered a consumable. They wear out, you loose them, and etc. A lower cost unit may provide more freedom for a variety of inventory. Different sizes, colors and such without breaking the bank. 

Just $ 0.02 tossed in for thought. Be well, Cheers!