Keitech alternatives

[Sifuedition]

I've recently fallen in love with a keel weighted Keitech Fat Impact. That is, a weighted Owner Twistlock hook rigged with a Keitech. This setup allows the bait to "swim" with more body movement. Obviously the boot-tail paddles, but, with this specific rig, the front gets some wiggle too between the hook and the centering pin. Looks fantastic in the water, and works pretty well. The drawback, as usual, is cost. Keitech isn't using the most durable plastic, and it seems to me, this rig is somewhat prone to tearing up at both points. The centering pin can rip up the nose such that you can't re-rig it and the keel weight can tear up the body in a hurry if the fish manages to push the bait over the weight. This wouldn't be so bad if Keitech didn't charge accordingly to being one of the most popular brands.

 

I have tested Big Bite Baits Suicide Shad, Havok, and a few others, but, even on this rig, they only get the boot-tail wiggle, not the body wiggle. I've caught fish on them, but not as many. I just bought some Z-man to test out the ElaZtech in a swimbait, but haven't fished them, yet. I suspect the action I'm looking for is highly reliant on the ribbed body the Fat Impacts have. Anyone have a suggestion for a cheaper alternative with a similar action?

[A-Jay]

While I also prefer the Keitech baits - 

The SK Rage Swimmers are also pretty decent and a little easier on the bait funds.

Either way - if you're not already using it - get some Mend-it soft bait glue.

Many bait's if still mostly intact can be glued back to very usable condition at least one and sometimes more. 

And this does include most any non-Elasztech bait, including but not limited to - swimbaits, worms craws, creatures . . .You get the idea. 

A-Jay

[GrumpyOlPhartte]

@Sifuedition: Just recently obtained some Biospawn Exoswims. They are 4-inch ribbed baits which, while not inexpensive, arguably are more durable than Kaitech baits.  I’ve mentioned before that if you make up an order, let it sit overnight!! Usually the next day they offer to knock off 10% as motivation. My experience with these is limited but so far, so good. Website is www.biospawn.com.

[TnRiver46]

These are hand poured, not very durable either but I think they are much cheaper. He always throws in freebies too, or as the Cajuns would say “lagniappe” or something like that........

[ohboyitsrobby]

I'd look at the strike king rage swimmers also. A little more durable and wallet friendly. I picked up a few packs a while back for $2 a piece at real mart

[slonezp]

Kalins Sizmic Shad

[OkobojiEagle]

Lunker City Swimmin' Ribster needs to be suggested

 

 

oe

[QUAKEnSHAKE]

Wait for the Keitech website 50% off sale and load up. Like a Senko there really is no substitute.

[Dens228]

I started using Biospawn this summer too. They hold up well. 

[DSTN]

I've been using the Yum Pulse in the 4.5" size the last couple years. I can't compare the movement to a Keitech because I've never used any but the Pulse has nice movement at a pretty good range of speeds. Plus they are usually 2.99 a pack. Looks like Cabelas has a couple decent colors on sale online for $1.88 a pack right now too...

[fishballer06]

Since the Keitech craze has caught on, there are a ton of great Keitech imitators. Some of them being:

 

Eco Pro Swing Shad

Jackall Rythym Wave

SK Rage Swimmer

BPS Speed Shad

Biospawn Exoswim

Netbait Spanky

Reaction Innovation Dipper Series

Lake Fork Magic Shad Series

 

However, if you desire a more durable plastic, you're going to lose some action, particularly at slower retrieves and in colder water temperatures. Take any of the above baits and a Keitech and drag them beside the boat at slow and fast speeds. You'll quickly see the difference in actions when the baits are moving at a slower speed.

[Munkin]

Sent you a message.

 

Allen

[roadwarrior]

Rage Tail Swimmer

 

[ww2farmer]

4 hours ago, QUAKEnSHAKE said:

Wait for the Keitech website 50% off sale and load up. Like a Senko there really is no substitute.

This ^^^^

I have not been impressed by copies of the keitech baits....sorry...rage tail included.

 

Some senko copies are "acceptable", such as the yum dinger, but imho, originals of almost every design are still the bar.

[Catt]

Been throwing Bass Assassin Die Dapper for years both in fresh & saltwater.

[bowhunter63]

Rage Tail Swimmer

[Sifuedition]

Some really good suggestions. Thank you everyone. Nice range of options as to price and style. I probably will try a few of them, but I'll definitely need to keep an eye out on the sale for the originals. Any idea when those happen, or is it random?

[Sifuedition]

@fishballer06

BPS made a really good Senko alternate. That seems promising, even though they are not a lot cheaper.

 

There were some really good savings posted, too. I'm definitely going to try some of the cheap ones. Even if they don't work out, they are too cheap not to try. Nothing to lose by giving them a shot.

[NorthernBasser]

8 hours ago, fishballer06 said:

 

Jackall Rythym Wave

 

I throw these as much as a Keitech nowadays. I love the little wobble they have as well. 

[slonezp]

7 hours ago, Catt said:

Been throwing Bass Assassin Die Dapper for years both in fresh & saltwater.

Have they changed since they were first introduced? It was like trying to stick a hook thru a tire.

[Catt]

1 hour ago, slonezp said:

Have they changed since they were first introduced? It was like trying to stick a hook thru a tire.

 

Never had that problem, they're soft but don't tear up easily which I why they're good for Redfish. 

 

I also throw the Boss Shiner, Elite Shiner, & Tapout Worm.

[Smalls]

13 hours ago, fishballer06 said:

Since the Keitech craze has caught on, there are a ton of great Keitech imitators. Some of them being:

 

Eco Pro Swing Shad

Jackall Rythym Wave

SK Rage Swimmer

BPS Speed Shad

Biospawn Exoswim

Netbait Spanky

Reaction Innovation Dipper Series

Lake Fork Magic Shad Series

 

 

The Eco Pro swimbait was the first I had ever tried, and I bought them because they were way cheaper than Keitech. After a while I stopped seeing em locally, so I switched to Keitech, but I’ll gladly wait for an order of the EP’s now. I swear they’re identical baits, but the EP’s have caught me way more fish 

[ItsHardwick]

I’ve been using some rage swimmers I picked up at Walmart on a whim. You know the ol, I’m here to get something else but I can’t leave without at least checking out the fishing aisle purchase. Like there’s actually going to be something new in there lol. 

 

They were pretty good but I went through them and I just made a pretty big Keitech order including some of the bigger big ones which I’ve never used before. Pretty excited to try them out. 

[Big Rick]

I've tried many brands and the closest I've found is the BPS Speed Shad. They have nearly identical actions. I test them in my pool. They biggest difference is the Speed Shad doesn't have the squid scent that Keitech uses. You can correct this somewhat by putting some scent on them, of course, and it seems to soften them just a touch which makes them that much better..

[Catt]

14 hours ago, slonezp said:

Have they changed since they were first introduced? It was like trying to stick a hook thru a tire.

 

Let me clarify I throw the BANG® series ?