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Data for Review

Date – 2006 season
Manufacturer – Rapala (Normark)
Reviewed by - Andrew Ragas

About Rapala X-Raps:

Rapala introduced the X-Rap lures in 2005 and represents an advancement for the well known lure giant that dominantly produces traditional looking crankbaits and jerkbaits.

The X-Rap was created as an action bait that works to trigger strikes. It is the perfect size and three-dimensional shape of a minnow. Incorporated inside of the lure are scales and a lateral line which work to capture and reflect light. The X-Rap is a lure designed for aggressive power fishing. With the lure, the angler must provide the action with the work of the arms and rod for maximum effectiveness.

The X-Rap is the extreme all-action slash-bait that defines the action in fishing. If you make the lure work, it will work for you.

Impressions:

Like many new lures that are introduced to the angling world on a yearly basis, I was hyped over the X-Rap. I have always been a fan of Rapala products and have caught some of my biggest fish on them. When the X-Rap was first introduced, I had high expectations for it and believed that it would instantly catch great fish. However, sadly, it took me at least a full lazy year to learn how to function and work it properly. The reviews written by this author are ALWAYS written with honesty. This is 100% fact.

Despite my early inconsistencies with fishing the X-Rap, they always had a special place inside of my blue power box. I knew I would get better at using them. It was all just a matter of time.

When the lures were first introduced, I was impressed with their overall make-up and quality. The finish of the lure is distinctly different than most ordinary Rapala lures because the coloration and patterns rest under the thick plastic body rather than under a thin protective coating. As compared to more expensive Japanese inspired lures such as Lucky Craft, Excalibur, and Daiwa, the Rapala X-Rap seems to be a great value when price is concerned because the its design and make-up was derived by those companies.

On the water uses (Casting, Durability, and Presentation)

According to Rapala, the X-Rap is designed for both freshwater and saltwater angling. The main intended species for the X-Rap are Largemouth and Smallmouth Bass, Northern Pike, Muskies, Salmon, Trout, Snook, Redfish and Tarpon. During its review period, the X-Rap was tested while Bass fishing across the lakes of Northern Wisconsin.

Casting & Retrieving.

Due to its slender profile and strong build, the X-Rap is built for strong, accurate casts. The X-Rap incorporates a long-cast design which enables weights to shift during the cast. This weight system is a benefit because it allows the angler to cover vast amounts of water quickly. The cast control weight system also enhances the lure's action through its rattling.

Many people often ask why the Rapala X-Rap is considered as a "slashbait" rather than a jerkbait. The reason why it is a slashbait is because there are numerous ways to fish a bait that incites an aggressive side to side action rather than just a tight-lurching forward action like most jerkbaits.

I have found three ways to successfully retrieving this lure:

Constant Retrieve: You always reel in the lure and constantly snap and jerk the rod tip so that the lure sweeps erratically in a side-to-side motion without stopping.

Hard Snap Retrieve: Rod tip is pointed down towards water and you use a quick pull-pull-pull motion through the water. After a series of 3-4-5 pulls, you let the lure pause for a few seconds at a time.

Sweep Retrieve: The sweep retrieve is similar to the hard snap. However, instead of quicker jerks, you use longer, more powerful jerks. With this method, think of Muskie fishing with large jerkbaits and the sweeping action you enforce on the lure so that it can jerk and glide through the water.

There are many other great retrieval methods for fishing the X-Rap; these are the three I have found. The key to fishing the X-Rap successfully is a creative and aggressive retrieve. In most cases this requires plenty of movement with your rod. A benefit with the X-Rap is how it can be fished and retrieved in countless ways (creative).

Durability.

When it comes to durability, the Rapala X-Rap is better than most other slashbaits and jerkbaits. The main reason is due to its protective finish which lies directly inside of the lure. On most other lures, the finish is on the outside and is less protected.

Presentation.

The X-Rap is a fun and entertaining lure to fish with. It can be a deadly lure to use when the fish are active and aggressive. Depending on how aggressively you fish the lure, it can give your arms a serious workout.

Depending on how the lure is used and retrieved, the erratic action of the X-Rap can easily impersonate injured or fleeing baitfish. If there is one particular situation when the X-Rap will shine, it should be the pre-spawn period for Bass when they are active. If not, the X-Rap can then be fished anywhere, at anytime.

Construction & Quality:  Just awesome! Sharp hooks, flashy pattern, colors & design, dressed treble hook.   5/5

On The Water Uses:  The power fisherman's dream come true! For greatest maximum fish-catching potential, lure is to be used when fish are most active.   5/5

Design (ergonomics):  Lure is easy to cast but takes some practice to become familiar with the proper retrieve methods. It took Andrew forever to learn, but it's worth the trouble. Hopefully you are more gifted than he is.  5/5

Presentation:  Bait can be used on a wide variety of both freshwater and saltwater species. Not your ordinary jerkbait, rather an action slashbait with erratic movements.  5/5

Price:  Not made in Japan??!!?? WTF! Excellent deal for just around $6-dollars!  5/5

Total Score - - - 5/5

 

Positive:

- Creative design for "old-fashioned" lure company.

- Long-lasting durability.

- Good price for the quality.

- Action comes from angler, not the lure.

Negative:

- Needs more realistic colors and finish.