First Impressions of Vexan Purple Haze Three 2-Packs Glow Walleye Crawler Harness
As a seasoned angler with over a decade of experience targeting walleye in diverse conditions, I’m always on the lookout for gear that offers an edge. When I first saw the Vexan Purple Haze Three 2-Packs Glow Walleye Crawler Harness, the combination of vibrant color and glow-in-the-dark features immediately caught my eye. The Vexan brand isn’t particularly well-known, so I was intrigued to see if these harnesses could deliver on their promise of attracting more fish.
My usual go-to for walleye harnesses are brands like Northland Tackle and Worden’s Lures. I was looking for a budget-friendly option that I could use in murky water conditions where visibility is low. The Vexan Purple Haze Three 2-Packs Glow Walleye Crawler Harness seemed like a potential solution, offering both color and luminescence at an attractive price point.
Upon receiving the package, the first thing I noticed was the vibrant purple hue of the blades and beads, complemented by the glow-in-the-dark accents. The build quality seemed reasonable for the price; nothing screamed “premium,” but it didn’t feel cheap either. I was excited to test these harnesses, but also slightly skeptical about how well they would hold up in real-world fishing scenarios.
Compared to my Northland Tackle harnesses, the Vexan harnesses felt a bit lighter and the mono leader seemed slightly thinner. I chose the Vexan Purple Haze Three 2-Packs Glow Walleye Crawler Harness over other budget options hoping the glow and color would be a deadly combination for walleye. My initial impression was a mix of excitement and cautious optimism, hoping these harnesses would prove to be a valuable addition to my walleye arsenal.
Real-World Testing: Putting Vexan Purple Haze Three 2-Packs Glow Walleye Crawler Harness to the Test
First Use Experience
I first tested the Vexan Purple Haze Three 2-Packs Glow Walleye Crawler Harness on a reservoir known for its stained water and abundant walleye population. I fished them by trolling behind bottom bouncers at about 1.5 mph. The water temperature was in the low 60s, and the day was overcast, further reducing visibility.
The Vexan harnesses performed surprisingly well in these challenging conditions. I was able to land several walleye in the 2-4 pound range, and the glow-in-the-dark beads seemed to be particularly effective in attracting strikes. There were no immediate issues, although I did notice the hooks seemed a bit more prone to snagging on submerged vegetation compared to my usual wire-guarded hooks.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several weeks of regular use, the Vexan Purple Haze Three 2-Packs Glow Walleye Crawler Harness has held up reasonably well. The Premium #4 Colorado blades still spin freely, providing the optimum thump & vibration crucial for attracting walleye. There are some minor scratches on the blades, but nothing that seems to affect their performance.
The 14 lb mono leader is showing some signs of wear, particularly near the knot connecting it to the swivel. I plan to replace the leaders with fluorocarbon after more use for added abrasion resistance. Overall, the Vexan harnesses have exceeded my initial expectations in terms of durability and reliability, though it’s clear they aren’t built to the same standards as higher-end options.
Compared to my previous experiences with cheaper harnesses, the Vexan harnesses have proven to be significantly more reliable. They haven’t fallen apart after a few uses, and the glow-in-the-dark paint has retained its luminosity reasonably well. While they don’t outperform my premium harnesses in terms of overall quality, they offer excellent value for the price.
Breaking Down the Features of Vexan Purple Haze Three 2-Packs Glow Walleye Crawler Harness
Specifications
- The Vexan Purple Haze Three 2-Packs Glow Walleye Crawler Harness features Premium #4 Colorado blades designed to create maximum vibration and flash in the water. This is critical for attracting walleye, which often rely on their lateral line to detect prey in low-visibility conditions.
- The harnesses are equipped with GLOW In the Dark UV Beads & Paint, enhancing their visibility in murky water and at depths where light penetration is limited. The glow effect adds an extra element of attraction, particularly during dawn, dusk, and nighttime fishing.
- The LENGTH is an Industry standard 48 Long 14 lb Mono Leader. This length is suitable for trolling behind bottom bouncers or using inline weights, providing enough separation between the weight and the bait.
- The harnesses feature RED #2 Hooks for extra flash and trigger strikes. Red hooks are believed by many anglers to increase hook-up rates, as they resemble blood and can entice fish to strike more aggressively.
These specifications contribute directly to the performance and user experience of the Vexan Purple Haze Three 2-Packs Glow Walleye Crawler Harness. The combination of vibration, flash, and glow makes them a versatile option for targeting walleye in various conditions.
Performance & Functionality
The Vexan Purple Haze Three 2-Packs Glow Walleye Crawler Harness performs admirably, particularly in low-light and murky water conditions. The blade spins freely even at slow trolling speeds, and the glow-in-the-dark beads provide a noticeable visual attraction.
The main strength of these harnesses is their ability to attract strikes in challenging conditions. The weaknesses are the mono leader and the hooks, which are less durable and sharper than higher-end options. The harnesses generally meet expectations for their price point, offering a good balance of performance and affordability.
Design & Ergonomics
The build quality is adequate for the price, using decent components. The weight is light, making them easy to pull behind bottom bouncers or inline weights without causing excessive drag.
The design is simple and effective, with no complicated components or adjustments required. There is no learning curve; they are ready to use straight out of the package.
Durability & Maintenance
With proper care, the Vexan Purple Haze Three 2-Packs Glow Walleye Crawler Harness should last for a reasonable amount of time. Regular inspection of the leader and hooks is essential, and replacing them as needed will extend the life of the harness.
Cleaning is straightforward; simply rinse them with fresh water after each use to remove any debris or residue. The harnesses are relatively easy to maintain and repair, with replacement hooks and leaders readily available.
Accessories and Customization Options
The Vexan Purple Haze Three 2-Packs Glow Walleye Crawler Harness comes ready to use out of the package. Anglers can customize them by adding different colored beads or swapping out the hooks for higher-quality options.
These harnesses are compatible with a wide range of accessories, including bottom bouncers, inline weights, and trolling sinkers. Anglers can also add small spinners or attractors ahead of the harness to further enhance its visibility and vibration.
Pros and Cons of Vexan Purple Haze Three 2-Packs Glow Walleye Crawler Harness
Pros
- Affordable price: Excellent value for budget-conscious anglers.
- Effective in low-light conditions: The glow-in-the-dark beads and paint significantly increase visibility.
- Colorado blade: Offers excellent thump and vibration to attract walleye.
- Eye-catching color: The purple haze color is known to be effective for walleye.
- Ready to use: Simple and easy to use straight out of the package.
Cons
- Mono leader: The 14 lb mono leader is less durable than fluorocarbon and may require replacement.
- Hooks: The RED #2 Hooks aren’t the highest quality and may require sharpening or replacement.
Who Should Buy Vexan Purple Haze Three 2-Packs Glow Walleye Crawler Harness?
The Vexan Purple Haze Three 2-Packs Glow Walleye Crawler Harness is perfect for casual walleye anglers and those on a budget who need an effective and affordable option. They’re also great for situations where visibility is low, such as murky water or low-light conditions.
This product might not be ideal for tournament anglers or those targeting trophy-sized walleye who require the highest-quality gear. Anglers may consider upgrading the leader and hooks for increased durability and performance.
Conclusion on Vexan Purple Haze Three 2-Packs Glow Walleye Crawler Harness
The Vexan Purple Haze Three 2-Packs Glow Walleye Crawler Harness is a surprisingly effective and budget-friendly option for walleye fishing. While it may not have the same premium components as higher-end harnesses, it delivers excellent performance in low-light and murky water conditions.
At $6.75, the price is definitely justified, making it an accessible option for anglers of all skill levels. I would personally recommend the Vexan Purple Haze Three 2-Packs Glow Walleye Crawler Harness to anyone looking for an affordable and reliable walleye harness. Give these harnesses a try and see if they help you catch more walleye on your next fishing trip!