Strike King or Xcaliber square bill cranks ?

[Big-B_2579]

Just wondering everyones preference between the Strike King 1.5 / 2.5 , and the Xcaliber 200 / 300 square billed cranks. Just bought 4 of the Xcaliber (2 - 200 , and 2 - 300 in both xxx shad and citrus colors) ; I'm fairly pleased with them , except the fact that one of the baits did not run true @ all , and is very hard to tune. Just wondering opinions on the two.

Thanks.

[SoFlaBassAddict]

I use both of them.  The finish on the Xcalibur cranks is far superior.  The SK cranks tend to scratch very easily.  They're both good lures though.  I believe the SK squarebills run a bit deeper.

I toss both of them on a fairly regular basis.

[Hooligan]

IMO they're different baits and not necessarily interchangeable.  The XCalibur baits are a wider wobbling bait with substantial roll in the 200 and 300 sizes.  The SK baits seem to be a tighter bait with almost no roll at all.  I haven't really had the opportunity to throw the SK 1.5 and 2.5 a whole lot, that's my experience on them thus far.  That said, I love the Xcalibur baits in the smallest size.  It has a great finish, the right roll and wiggle and it comes through cover excellent.

[Big-B_2579]

*200 / 300 not 250 /350 (in o.p.) sorry , got mixed up.

Do the xcaliber baits come smaller than a 200 ?

[Steven Ladner]

*200 / 300 not 250 /350 (in o.p.) sorry , got mixed up.

Do the xcaliber baits come smaller than a 200 ?

Yep, they come in a 100 as well.

[Big-B_2579]

I didn't know about the 100 , the store where I bought mine only had the 200 and 300 . I haven't thought to look in bass pro. Glad you told me that Marc.

  8-)

[lynyrdsky1]

The hooks are better on the Xcalibers but the Strike kings have better action. My opinion tho, I'd put Xcaliber hooks on a Manns Baby -1 and use it.

[guitarkid]

I was'nt really impressed by the xcalibers, the action is good, but I like bandits better. With that being said the SKs are awesome.

    -gk

[johnD.]

I was'nt really impressed by the xcalibers, the action is good, but I like bandits better. With that being said the SKs are awesome.

-gk

Yep and especially in Alabama..I tie on a bandit when I fish up there

[Hooligan]

Interesting, the Xcaliber is more appealing to me in terms of action and the way it comes through cover in comparison t the Bandit.  It definitely comes through wood better than the KVD.  It's funny how we've all had different experiences with the same series of baits and have all formed different opinions on them.

[flippin and pitchin]

They each have their place.  I picked up 2 200 Xcalibur's and they are as large as I want to go.  Red gave me a 100 on the Christmas exchange and it's a super bait. Now i'm going to throw a wrench in the gears.  I also picked up 2 of Cabelas "Pork Chop" square-bills.  They mirror the Xcalibur.  NICE baits.  I was really surprised at the quality for a 3.99 on sale bait.  They only have the 9/16 oz which is the same size as a 200 series Xcalibur.  Anyone looking to pick up such a bait should at least look at the Cabelas product first.

Options, options options.

[Big-B_2579]

Believe me , Bandit is my #1 when it comes to all-around crankin' , I was just considering these two for "heavy cover" baits (as advertised).

Just out of curiosity, why do yall like the smaller size ? And , when you talk about the "roll" are you talking about when you pause the bait ? (most of the time , I "chunk and wind" running into bottom, cover, structure, only occasionally pausing if I'm not gettin' bit)

[lynyrdsky1]

I use bandit for everything from 100 series to 300 series and the flat maxx but I like the action of the Manns Baby -1 when you need it to stay no deeper than a foot or 2. Trust me when I say tho, those xcaliber hooks are worth putting on any crankbait.

[Hooligan]

Just out of curiosity, why do yall like the smaller size ? And , when you talk about the "roll" are you talking about when you pause the bait ? 

For me the 100 is more erratic in retrieve. 

What I mean by roll is that the bait doesn't move just side to side from the lip back.  The belly rolls out on the bait which is what makes it more erratic.

[Bryce C]

IMO they're different baits and not necessarily interchangeable. The XCalibur baits are a wider wobbling bait with substantial roll in the 200 and 300 sizes. The SK baits seem to be a tighter bait with almost no roll at all. I haven't really had the opportunity to throw the SK 1.5 and 2.5 a whole lot, that's my experience on them thus far. That said, I love the Xcalibur baits in the smallest size. It has a great finish, the right roll and wiggle and it comes through cover excellent.

This has been my experience thus far with both baits....I prefer the strike king right now because it runs a little deeper and has a slightly more subtle action, but once the water warms a bit more here I think the xcaliber's will be the better bait.  Also the hooks on the xcaliber's are good out of the box imo and the strike kings I change out to gamakatus short shank round bend hooks.

[Big-B_2579]

Thanks Hooligan. Gonna be trying to find the 100 Xcaliber. I looked in bass pro , and they didn't have them listed in the 100 / 200 / 300 options. Instead they had 2 different sizes; 1/2 oz. (2" length) , and 5/8 oz. (2 3/4") . Not sure but I imagine this is the 200 and 300 , right ?

[Hooligan]

No, that's the 100 and 200.  100 is 2" and 1/2 oz, 200 is 2 3/4" and 5/8 oz, 300 is 3" and 3/4 oz.

[Big-B_2579]

10/4 , thanks , Hooligan . You've sure been a lot of help. I agree with you also about how interesting it is how everyone has different experiences and opinions with the same tactics. That's what makes this site so informative and fun.

Really appreciate your help.   8-)

[ww2farmer]

I bought a bunch of both. I have always been a big Strike King guy, but those Xcalibers looked too good to pass up. On top of that I have also added some of the new Luck E Strike RC's as well. I got square bills comming out my ears now. Which is good, cause I use them. And was using them before the sudden spike in popularity.

[Bluebasser86]

I've had pretty good luck with the xcalibers so far. I haven't got to use the Strike Kings yet but as soon as it warms up a little I've got some ready and waiting!

[MediumHeavy]

I haven't tried the Xcalibers, but I've already caught fish this year on the Sk 1.5's here in chilly PA. I've been tempted to pick up some of the Xcaliber ones, though. The SK's are so hard to find now anyway.