Brush Tail On A Glide Bait Or Swimbait. Is There An Advantage?

[ghost]

I don't get the hype of a brush tail on either bait mentioned.  From expensive glides and swims to the Chad Shad, even now BPS Swerve Glide bait and wake baits are having brush tails.

 

Is a brush tail more aesthics and just to drive the price on a glide/swim bait?

 

I'm quite fine with a plastic tail, as long as the tail can be replaced. It seems a brush tail will wear and fall off faster than a plastic tail.

[AlabamaSpothunter]

To me the brush tail just looks much more natural in the water.   I've had luck on both, but I prefer the brush tails.

 

As for durability I'd have to disagree.  I'd say a good brush tail is far more durable than those replacement plastic tails.   Just don't store either type wrong.  

[VolFan]

I have absolutely no scientific data to back this up but I think my hook up percentage is better with soft tails, either brush or soft plastic. I also think that a hard tail increases the glide and shortens the side-to-to side turning radius, depending also on the joint. I love a good brush tail.
 

Just feelings, not necessarily facts. 

[Pat Brown]

On 3/7/2025 at 9:08 AM, AlabamaSpothunter said:

To me the brush tail just looks much more natural in the water.   I've had luck on both, but I prefer the brush tails.

 

As for durability I'd have to disagree.  I'd say a good brush tail is far more durable than those replacement plastic tails.   Just don't store either type wrong.  

 

This has been my experience.  Basically they're a PITA 😂😂😂❤️❤️❤️

[AlabamaSpothunter]

3 hours ago, VolFan said:

I have absolutely no scientific data to back this up but I think my hook up percentage is better with soft tails, either brush or soft plastic. I also think that a hard tail increases the glide and shortens the side-to-to side turning radius, depending also on the joint. I love a good brush tail.
 

Just feelings, not necessarily facts. 

Kevin the owner and designer of KGB Swimbaits and the Chad Shad said it was a happy accident how the back treble hook hangs on the brush tail on the Chad Shad.   

 

This allows many fish who just short strike or swipe at the tail to get hooked up. 

 

So in the case of the Chad Shad, I'd say having that soft brush tail absolutely leads to more hookups, especially on smaller fish.   

 

I've found big fish many times head shot big swimbaits so it doesn't matter as much.