21 hours ago, ohioguy25 said:

I currently use the Z Craw Jr. but I’m growing tired of replacing them every fish.
 

I would like to use an Elaztech craw profile but not sure if Turbo Crawz would be as productive or good of a fit as the Z Craw. They look a bit too big of a profile, Z Craw fits perfectly on a regular bladed jig. If not is there a better elaztech option? What about the Hella Craw? I am pretty set on a craw profile.

 

I’ve seen people swear by certain trailers and that they elicit more strikes with their action, I’m not sure how much validity there is to it but I’m hoping little to none as I would like to just set it and leave it.

In my experience, Elaztech products display less action than others;  also, their buoyance may make them more difficult to efficiently work certain depths.  There is no doubt they will last longer than others.

22 hours ago, Aaron_H said:

 

I've played around with the pin tail trailers like the Spunk Shad and the Freeloader (and I will continue to throw the Spunk Shad more to test), but the Zako is still undefeated for me when it comes to triggering big strikes.

 

To answer the OP, yes I 100% think it really matters.

Interesting. The underwater footage I saw from tacticalbassin (sorry, can’t find it now) showed the spunk shad making the bladed jig a lot more erratic compared to the zako. I thought the erratic nature of the bladed jig was the reason it gets bit. 
 

I’ve never tried anything other than the spunk shad, especially after that video reaffirmed my feelings. I should probably give the zako a shot to see if I’m missing out.

17 hours ago, FishTank said:

My routine,  Spunk Shad (pin tail style) in warm water and Zakos in cold water. The Chatter Spike is the go between.  Dirty water or if I want to run it in straight over something, I go with a fat paddle tail. 

That could explain things. I live in south Florida. The water is never cold!

It doesn't matter which one I use as they all don't work equally for me. 

 

Allen 

On 8/16/2025 at 10:05 AM, ohioguy25 said:

I currently use the Z Craw Jr. but I’m growing tired of replacing them every fish.
 

I would like to use an Elaztech craw profile but not sure if Turbo Crawz would be as productive or good of a fit as the Z Craw. They look a bit too big of a profile, Z Craw fits perfectly on a regular bladed jig. If not is there a better elaztech option? What about the Hella Craw? I am pretty set on a craw profile.

 

I’ve seen people swear by certain trailers and that they elicit more strikes with their action, I’m not sure how much validity there is to it but I’m hoping little to none as I would like to just set it and leave it.

 

Yes. I like pintail trailers.  The Crush City Freeloader works well for me.

I’ve heard that with bladed jigs using a flat crayfish type trailer will also help you pull through without hanging up as much. 
 

Whoever says that these lures get through wood well is a d**n liar.

On 8/16/2025 at 7:10 PM, Aaron_H said:

 

 

It's the profile and how well the tail moves with the blade, in my opinion.

 

The Chattershad would be the closest, but it doesn't have the deep belly like the Zako. I don't mess with elaztech stuff for the most part. I typically catch plenty of fish on a Zako before it's worn out, aside from the random unlucky fish that thrashes one.

Z Man Razor Shadz. Very similar fat body, same segmented tail. 

I have used The Z craw jr. a lot and super glue works great. Also use Zoom Fat Albert grubs, flukes and recently the Crush City Freeloader and its a day to day thing that the fish decide.