Savage Gear Tpe Soft Vibe Lipless Crankbait, Sinking Review

First Impressions of Savage Gear Tpe Soft Vibe Lipless Crankbait, Sinking

The Savage Gear Tpe Soft Vibe Lipless Crankbait, Sinking promises a lifelike presentation and versatile action for targeting a variety of fish. Savage Gear has built a reputation for innovative designs, and this bait aims to deliver a unique vibrating action thanks to its soft TPE construction. The sinking design allows anglers to effectively target different water columns, making it appealing for both shallow and deep water scenarios.

I was seeking a lipless crankbait that offered a more subtle presentation than traditional hard baits. The loud rattling and aggressive wobble of some crankbaits can sometimes spook pressured fish, especially in clear water conditions. I wanted something that could mimic the natural movement of baitfish with a more muted action.

Upon unboxing, the first thing I noticed was the incredibly soft and flexible TPE (Thermoplastic Elastomer) material. This felt significantly different from the hard plastic of most lipless crankbaits. The finish was realistic, with detailed scaling and lifelike eyes. The overall build quality appeared solid, though I was initially concerned about the durability of the soft plastic. Compared to a Rapala Rippin’ Rap or a Strike King Red Eye Shad, the Savage Gear bait stood out due to its unique material and promised a different vibration profile. I chose this bait hoping its softer action would trigger strikes when other lures failed.

My initial reaction was a mixture of excitement and slight apprehension. I was excited to test the unique action of the soft plastic and see if it would translate to more bites. However, I also wondered if the material would hold up against toothy predators and repeated casts.

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Real-World Testing: Putting Savage Gear Tpe Soft Vibe Lipless Crankbait, Sinking to the Test

First Use Experience

I tested the Savage Gear Tpe Soft Vibe Lipless Crankbait, Sinking at a local lake known for its clear water and pressured bass population. The weather was overcast, with a slight breeze creating a subtle chop on the surface. I fished it around submerged weed beds and along rocky shorelines, experimenting with different retrieves.

The bait performed exceptionally well in these conditions. Its subtle vibrating action was noticeable even at slow speeds, and it tracked straight and true. The TPE material allowed the bait to move more naturally through the water, mimicking the undulating motion of a fleeing baitfish. I landed several bass in the 2-3 pound range, all of which struck the bait aggressively. There were no immediate signs of damage to the lure.

Extended Use & Reliability

After several weeks of use, the Savage Gear Tpe Soft Vibe Lipless Crankbait, Sinking has proven to be surprisingly durable. While the TPE material does show some minor scratches and hook rash, it has held up much better than I initially anticipated. I have also caught several pickerel, known for their sharp teeth, without any significant damage to the bait.

The bait is easy to clean and maintain, requiring only a quick rinse with fresh water after each use. Compared to other lipless crankbaits I’ve used, the Savage Gear bait offers a unique combination of realistic action and reasonable durability. It has outperformed my expectations and become a go-to lure in my tackle box.

Breaking Down the Features of Savage Gear Tpe Soft Vibe Lipless Crankbait, Sinking

Specifications

• Manufacturer: Savage Gear
• Tackle Weight: 3/4 oz (21.26 grams)
• Length: 2 1/2 in (6.35 cm)
• Material: TPE (Thermoplastic Elastomer)
• Type: Lipless Crankbait, Sinking

These specifications translate to a bait that casts well and sinks at a moderate rate. The 3/4 oz weight is ideal for covering water quickly and reaching deeper areas. The 2 1/2 inch length mimics a variety of baitfish sizes, making it versatile for targeting different species. The TPE material gives the bait a unique, lifelike feel and a subtler vibration than traditional hard plastic baits.

Performance & Functionality

The Savage Gear Tpe Soft Vibe Lipless Crankbait, Sinking excels at attracting fish with its realistic swimming action and vibration. It shines in clear water conditions where a subtler presentation is needed. The bait’s sinking design allows anglers to target different water columns, from shallow flats to deeper channels.

The main strength of this bait is its unique vibration profile, created by the soft TPE material. A slight improvement could be the addition of internal rattles for murky water situations. It definitely exceeds my expectations for a soft plastic lipless crankbait.

Design & Ergonomics

The build quality is excellent, with a realistic finish and detailed scaling. The TPE material is soft to the touch but surprisingly durable. The bait is easy to handle and casts well, and its weight is comfortable for extended use.

The design is user-friendly, requiring no special techniques or modifications. Simply tie it on and start fishing.

Durability & Maintenance

While TPE is not as tough as hard plastic, it is more durable than traditional soft plastics. The bait can withstand repeated casts and encounters with fish, though it may show some signs of wear and tear over time. Maintenance is simple.

Rinsing it with fresh water after each use will keep the lure in good condition for a long time.

Accessories and Customization Options

The Savage Gear Tpe Soft Vibe Lipless Crankbait, Sinking does not come with any additional accessories. However, anglers can easily customize the bait by changing the hooks to suit their specific needs. For example, treble hooks can be swapped out for single inline hooks for fishing in heavy cover.

The bait is compatible with most standard treble hooks in size 6 or 8. Other modifications might include adding split rings or using a snap swivel for easier lure changes.

Pros and Cons of Savage Gear Tpe Soft Vibe Lipless Crankbait, Sinking