best hard bait manufacture???

looking to get some new cbs and topwater baits any ideas on the best ones and why?

http://www.bassboatcentral.com/boardstuff2/pimp2.gif The best one is the one they are biting that day, problem is it's not any one bait.

depends on your budget. Lucky crafts to me are by far the best but cost the most. They are quality baits. Strike king makes decent baits if you are on a budget but you will get some bad baits. Academy sporting goods make some good lucky craft knockoffs for under $5 and you can buy them here from Al Basser

A Lucky Craft is hard to beat for quality, availability, and selection. But I also have non-LC preferences for certain types of baits. It would be easier to pinpoint if you pick an exact bait-type/technique. You can fish very effectively, obviously, without touching a $15+ bait. Component/hook quality, paint finish, consistency to run perfect out of the package, or just plain "it fits the situation"...these are a few of the "why's".

I'll just throw out some baits that are VERY good without purchasing a Lucky Craft (and there ones I throw a lot even though I have a ton of LCs)..
Strike King Red Eye Shad for lipless.

Spro Little John DD, Fat Free Shad, Norman DD-222sand Strike King Series 6 for deep cranking.

New Zara Spook One-Knocker for topwater.

Rapala Shad Rap and Storm wiggle wart for late winter cranking.

Bandit 100, 200, and 300s can cover a ton of your cranking needs.

You can get Bagley original series or KVDs new sqaurebills for less than the LC RC series.

Hope this helps a little. I'm sure I left plenty out.