I recently started using the Rapala Knot on my cranks. I have no complaints so far but haven't been using it long anyone have any experience with it good, bad or a different knot altogether?

I've noticed that I have to re-tie it more frequently in order to maintain its integrety but I usually only use it on jerkbaits.

I don't like it on crankbaits cause I'm usually running them through rocks and the not seems to fail quicker in that application.  Thanks to some advice posted elsewhere here I have begun using the snap locks but I haven't decided if I like them yet or not vs. straight tie.

I thought about using snaps but not sure how I feel about them. I love the fact that you can clip a new bait on in seconds not that tying a knot takes that long. I'm just not sure how I feel about having more places of possible failure (knot and snap). I know its only one more place but one more thing to worry about.

I use snaps and tie them on with a Palomar Knot. I have no issues and I feel it improves the action at least for wide wobble type cranks.

http://www.basspro.com/Bass-Pro-Shops®-FastLock-Bass-Snap/product/7816/-261747

Tried snaps and don't like them either.

I dont like the palomar as much as the san diego knot...I used this knot the whole summer and never had one break off...even when catching muskies

Snaps - I worry that some of them bias the pull point on the bait, and they are impossible to use on medium and deep divers that have the line tie in a dimple on the surface of the lip.  JMHO, the best thing is the round or oval split ring that came on the bait, in terms of guaranteed performance and durability.  'Course, that means re-tying often.  Alternatively, I usually tie on a small size Norman Speed Clip with a Palomar knot.  They are symmetrical and the business end is essentially a round split ring.  I'm becoming addicted to them.

I practically never direct tie to crankbaits, and when I do I only do so if the bait has a split ring on the line tie. 

I mainly use snaps that I make from spring wire.  They probably don't last as long as "real" snaps do, but they last long enough and that's all I need.  I model my snaps after the Berkley Crosslock snap; that seems to be the most reliable of the designs I've used.  I've tried Duolock-style snaps, but they come undone easier.  I've never had a Crosslock-style snap come open that I can remember, but a while back I lost a crank or two using Duolock-style snaps, and I haven't used them much since.  You can use a pair of pliers to pinch the loop that goes over the shaft a little tighter shut for added security.

The reason I use snaps is because I change baits a lot when I fish, and I don't want to have to retie whenever I change lures.  I probably wouldn't want to throw an expensive swimbait with a snap, but that's the only bait I wouldn't use a snap on.

I hope this helps.

Ben