Rapala Rippin’ Rap 07 Lure Review

First Impressions of Rapala Rippin’ Rap 07 Lure

The Rapala Rippin’ Rap 07 Lure is Rapala’s answer to the lipless crankbait craze, offering a unique blend of tight vibration, long casting ability, and a distinctive rattle that promises to trigger strikes. This lure isn’t just another slab of metal; its carefully designed profile and feature set immediately set it apart. I was eager to get my hands on this lure, as I’ve always been on the hunt for a versatile bait that can perform in various conditions, from open water to heavy cover.

For years, I’ve struggled to find a single lure that effectively targets fish at different depths and retrieve speeds without sacrificing vibration or hookup ratios. Many lipless cranks I’ve used either lacked the enticing wobble needed to draw strikes in colder water or proved too cumbersome to rip through grass without constant snagging. The Rapala Rippin’ Rap 07 Lure offered the promise of rectifying these issues.

Upon unboxing, I was immediately impressed by the solid construction and attention to detail. The lure feels remarkably sturdy for its size, and the textured scales and holographic eyes give it a realistic appearance. Holding it in my hand, the weight feels perfectly balanced, suggesting excellent casting potential.

Compared to the Strike King Red Eye Shad and the Bill Lewis Rat-L-Trap, the Rapala Rippin’ Rap 07 Lure stands out due to its slimmer profile and more pronounced rattle. While the Red Eye Shad offers a subtle vibration, and the Rat-L-Trap is known for its wide wobble, the Rippin’ Rap seemed to strike a balance between the two, promising a versatile action. I chose the Rapala Rippin’ Rap 07 Lure primarily because of its claimed versatility and the reputation of Rapala for producing quality lures.

My initial excitement was high. I couldn’t wait to see if it lived up to the hype and whether it would become a staple in my tackle box.

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Real-World Testing: Putting Rapala Rippin’ Rap 07 Lure to the Test

First Use Experience

My first experience with the Rapala Rippin’ Rap 07 Lure was on a local lake known for its weedy flats and submerged timber. I specifically targeted areas where bass were known to hold up, using a medium-heavy casting rod with 12-pound fluorocarbon line. I experimented with various retrieves, from slow, steady retrieves near the bottom to aggressive ripping motions through the water column.

The lure performed admirably in these varied conditions. Its ability to cut through the water with minimal resistance, even at high speeds, was immediately apparent. The Rapala Rippin’ Rap 07 Lure also showed its prowess in cold water applications. The water temperature was around 48 degrees, but the lure produced a nice tight wobble that I felt would entice lethargic bass. While a couple of bumps were felt, no fish were landed.

The lure was incredibly easy to use, requiring no special techniques or adjustments. Its balance and weight distribution made for effortless casting. I did find that I needed to adjust my hookset slightly to ensure a solid connection, as the tight vibration could sometimes mask subtle strikes.

Extended Use & Reliability

After several weeks of consistent use, the Rapala Rippin’ Rap 07 Lure has proven to be a reliable and durable addition to my arsenal. Despite numerous encounters with rocks, timber, and weeds, the lure has shown minimal signs of wear and tear. The VMC Black Nickel Hooks have remained sharp and corrosion-resistant.

Maintaining the lure has been simple. A quick rinse after each use is usually sufficient to remove any debris or residue. I have noticed some minor paint chipping around the hook hangers. This however, is to be expected with any lure that sees regular use.

Compared to other lipless crankbaits I’ve used, the Rapala Rippin’ Rap 07 Lure has consistently outperformed them in terms of versatility and hookup ratio. Its ability to trigger strikes in a wider range of conditions has made it a go-to lure for situations where I need a reliable and consistent performer. The Rapala Rippin’ Rap 07 Lure is on track to become a staple in my tackle box!

Breaking Down the Features of Rapala Rippin’ Rap 07 Lure

Specifications

The Rapala Rippin’ Rap 07 Lure boasts several key specifications that contribute to its performance:

• Tall, Skinny Body Shape: This unique profile allows the lure to cut through the water with minimal resistance. It also helps to create a distinctive fluttering action on the drop.
• Distinctive Loud BB Rattle System: The internal rattle system emits a loud, high-frequency sound that attracts fish from a distance, even in murky water.
• Lipless Design: This design enables the lure to be retrieved at various speeds and depths without sacrificing vibration or action.
• Hard Vibrating Action: The lure’s tight, intense vibration creates a strong sensory signal that triggers aggressive strikes.
• Long-Casting: The lure’s balanced weight distribution allows for effortless and accurate long casts, covering more water efficiently.
• VMC Black Nickel Hooks: These hooks are known for their sharpness, strength, and corrosion resistance, ensuring solid hookups and long-lasting performance.
• Textured Scale Body: The detailed scale pattern adds to the lure’s realistic appearance, making it more appealing to fish.

These specifications are crucial because they directly influence the lure’s versatility, effectiveness, and durability. The lipless design allows anglers to target fish at various depths and retrieve speeds. The loud rattle helps to attract fish in low-visibility conditions. The sharp hooks ensure that fish stay hooked once they strike.

Performance & Functionality

The Rapala Rippin’ Rap 07 Lure excels in its primary function: catching fish. Its combination of tight vibration, loud rattle, and realistic appearance makes it irresistible to a variety of species, including bass, walleye, and pike.

The lure’s strengths lie in its versatility and ease of use. It can be effectively retrieved at various speeds, from slow and steady to fast and aggressive. The lure also handles well in different types of cover, including grass, timber, and rocks. The lure is a nice all-around performer.

One area for potential improvement is the hook placement. While the VMC hooks are sharp and strong, some anglers may prefer a slightly wider gap for better hookup ratios with larger fish.

Design & Ergonomics

The Rapala Rippin’ Rap 07 Lure features a well-designed and ergonomic profile that makes it comfortable to use for extended periods. The lure’s balanced weight distribution and streamlined shape contribute to its excellent casting performance.

The build quality is top-notch, with durable materials and a high level of attention to detail. The textured scales and holographic eyes add to the lure’s realistic appearance. There is very little learning curve with this lure.

Durability & Maintenance

The Rapala Rippin’ Rap 07 Lure is built to last, with high-quality materials and a robust construction that can withstand the rigors of regular use. The lure’s hard plastic body and corrosion-resistant hooks ensure long-lasting performance.

Maintaining the lure is simple and straightforward. A quick rinse after each use is typically sufficient to remove any debris or residue. The hooks can be sharpened periodically to maintain their sharpness.

Accessories and Customization Options

The Rapala Rippin’ Rap 07 Lure does not come with any additional accessories. However, anglers can customize the lure to suit their specific needs and preferences.

One popular modification is to replace the stock hooks with higher-end models or different sizes. Another option is to add split rings for improved hook swing and action. Anglers could also experiment with different colors and patterns to match local forage and water conditions.

Pros and Cons of Rapala Rippin’ Rap 07 Lure