Knockoffs vs the real thing

Just curious as to how many of you are purchasing knockoffs for painting or are painting up the originals?

I just started painting seriously last week and am pretty addicted... That said, I'd like to purchase several baits to have fun with but wouldn't be thrilled painting crankbaits all winter if half of them didn't run right, suspend, etc.

That said, what do you guys do? Are their specific baits which I'd be safe purchasing knockoffs and others avoid? I'm fairly picky about jerkbaits suspending well so I may just stick with originals, but cranks like RC 1.5s and what not, am I ok?

Lastly, I'm really looking for a good DEEP diver to paint up. #18 on Bustinbass claims 20ft but do you think it's a TRUE 20ft bait or more like a 12-15ft runner?

I'm new to knockoffs as you can tell. Everything I've been exposed to in the past was the real deal originals but as you all know, the real deal originals cost a pretty penny, especially when you have found this addiction/hobby.

Just painted up 7 different baits in yellow perch. Can't wait to epoxy them and post them up!

Thanks.

Before you start painting knockoffs, read this: Anatomy 101: John Mills on Knock-offs. The deep diver pictured in the article is the #18 blank from Bustin Bass, and you can see the inconsistencies in the bait. I have a couple of those deep divers, and they both blow out if you reel too fast. You'll get more consistent results repainting name-brand lures, or building your own.

<table width="90%" cellspacing=0 cellpadding=0 align=center><tr><td>Quote, originally posted by Fishwhittler &raquo;</td></tr><tr><td class="quote">Before you start painting knockoffs, read this: Anatomy 101: John Mills on Knock-offs. The deep diver pictured in the article is the #18 blank from Bustin Bass, and you can see the inconsistencies in the bait. I have a couple of those deep divers, and they both blow out if you reel too fast. You'll get more consistent results repainting name-brand lures, or building your own.</td></tr></table>

+1

the guys at Pizz Customs sell the Bombers im just scared to buy the knockoffs im like you if you spend all that time and they aint worth a darn.

Really great info there! Thank you so much.

I received a PM from a member as well with some insight. One thing I forgot was all of those ugly colors I pass up when they're on sale. I suppose off color DD22s and what not, don't matter now.

I'll keep an eye out.

The more info, the better. Thank you!.

Pratice on knock-offs then when you perfect your technique get some older outdated originals and go to town. Keep an eye on the discount bins at Wally world, Bass Pro and Cabelas you will be surprised what you can get for a couple of bucks. I purchased about 100 original pre rapala wiggle warts from a tackle shop that went out of business. Got a damn good deal on those babies. Wish they had more as I would have loaded up the truck

[quote=Fishwhittler]Before you start painting knockoffs, read this: Anatomy 101: John Mills on Knock-offs. The deep diver pictured in the article is the #18 blank from Bustin Bass, and you can see the inconsistencies in the bait. I have a couple of those deep divers, and they both blow out if you reel too fast. You'll get more consistent results repainting name-brand lures, or building your own.[/quote

http://www.bassboatcentral.com/smileys/thumbsup2.gif http://www.bassboatcentral.com/smileys/thumbsup2.gif

No knockoffs for me, Waste of time putting your custom paints on them!!

Grab a couple old baits and get started. If you will stop after painting and do not topcoat (if using waterbased paints) just wash them off and paint again. One other word of warning is do waste your time and materials on baits that do not run correctly, except for practice painting.

I have a whole lot of baits that I have cut apart from knockoffs to Lucky Craft, Bagley, Bandit, Norman and the list goes on and I have never seen a KO bait worth painting.

This is not true, some knock offs are not good but some are better than the original or just as good, you just need to find out witch ones.

Some need to find out before they sell them... http://www.bassboatcentral.com/smileys/Laugh.gif

Some dont run right, sometimes weights/rattles get stuck in the wrong places, some swell up like a balloon. They all paint nice though. http://www.bassboatcentral.com/smileys/doh.gif

Thanks again for the replies guys.

I am not against a bait with a small defect or two. I have half a dozen Balsa POES which outperfom my others I am guessing due to defects (knots in wood or something like that) so perfect is not always best.

I'd just hate to paint up a dozen baits only to see them all blow out of the water when cranking them, or sink like a rock when they should suspend, etc etc.

All great info. I guess the only way to really know is to try them.

Now I just gotta perfect my lure turner.... I epoxied some baits last night for the first time and woke up to find half of them on the floor and stuck together... SOOOOOOO ANNOYED right now. http://www.bassboatcentral.com/smileys/mad.gif http://www.bassboatcentral.com/smileys/mad.gif http://www.bassboatcentral.com/smileys/mad.gif The wedge I used to hold the X-acto knives must not have been tight enough. I watched them for a good 2 hours before going to bed too and they seemed fine.

Live and learn...

Thanks again!

remember when you paint them it can affect the action some as well. the weight of the paint and clear can alter some of the action esp jerkbaits and flat sides

Wait till you drop a fresh epoxied bait on the floor!!

If your serious then buy in the off season. You will be able to buy factory baits [ugly colors] at dealer cost in 2 months. Dec-Mar is not the time to be buying leftovers. Every dude with a harbor frieght AB is in the basement slinging paint right now.

Just so you know incase you decided to sand them poes are cedar not balsa, cedar dust is toxic.....