has anyone used these? my buddy swears by them.

Of course. The 5/8oz Aggravator is an excellent prespawn spinnerbait. There really isn't anything like it....super short arm....twin wire weedguard. I bought 10 of them about 4 years ago because I didn't hear anyone mention them and I was afraid the company would go out of business. I only own and throw the 'Aggravator' out of the Zorro lineup, but this bait is gold slow-rolled deep in prespawn. Here is a pic of one of my Aggravators....

ahh there's a picture of my baby :

In most cases if I am slow rolling a spinnerbait that is the lure I use. I love it in off colored water too. Mine don't look as nice as yours though...yours got more paint than mine.

Stan died last year and two other anglers have bought his business they are now back producing these baits again bait shop here is full of them again. These are great spinnerbaits.