First Impressions of Spike It Marker Set
The Spike It Marker Set promises an easy and effective way to customize soft plastic lures. As an avid angler with over a decade of experience chasing everything from largemouth bass to saltwater gamefish, I’m always looking for ways to gain an edge on the water. Lure customization is a crucial tactic, and this set from Spike It offers a convenient approach, especially for on-the-go adjustments.
I’ve often found myself wishing I could subtly tweak a lure’s color or add a scent boost in the middle of a slow bite. The Spike It Marker Set seemed like a practical solution to this problem. My first impression was cautiously optimistic – could these markers really deliver on the promise of long-lasting color and scent?
Unboxing the Spike It Marker Set, I was met with four vibrant colors: chartreuse, red, orange, and blue. The markers felt substantial in hand, similar in size to a standard permanent marker. There were no immediate indicators of exceptional quality, but they didn’t feel cheap either; just functional.
Compared to other methods of lure customization, such as dipping lures in dye or applying glitter, the Spike It Marker Set seemed significantly less messy and more convenient. I considered using colored plastisol, but the effort involved deterred me. These markers promised a simpler, quicker solution, which heavily influenced my purchase. I was hoping for a quick, easy, and effective solution, and the Spike It Marker Set appeared to offer just that.
My initial excitement stemmed from the potential for immediate, on-the-water lure adjustments. If these markers lived up to the hype, they could become an indispensable part of my tackle box.
Real-World Testing: Putting Spike It Marker Set to the Test
First Use Experience
My first field test of the Spike It Marker Set occurred during a bass fishing tournament on a local lake known for its clear water and finicky fish. I tested the markers on a variety of soft plastic lures, including worms, creature baits, and swimbaits. Initial application was simple; the markers glided smoothly across the plastic, depositing a noticeable layer of color.
I primarily targeted areas with submerged vegetation and rocky structure, where bass often ambush prey. The chartreuse marker proved particularly effective for adding a bright strike point to the tails of my dark-colored worms. There was no overwhelming odor, which was a good sign for not spooking the fish.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several weeks of consistent use, the Spike It Marker Set has proven to be a valuable, yet somewhat flawed, addition to my tackle arsenal. The colors remain vibrant, although they do fade slightly after repeated exposure to sunlight and water. Durability has been acceptable, with the marker tips holding their shape even after extensive use on rough-textured lures.
Cleaning the lures is usually unnecessary, as the marker ink slowly wears off with use. I have noticed, however, that the red marker tends to bleed slightly more than the other colors, especially when used on porous plastic. Compared to my previous attempts at lure customization using dips and dyes, the Spike It Marker Set is significantly cleaner and easier to maintain. While the color intensity may not be as long-lasting as with permanent dyes, the convenience factor makes it a worthwhile trade-off.
Breaking Down the Features of Spike It Marker Set
Specifications
The Spike It Marker Set includes four markers, each containing a different color: chartreuse, red, orange, and blue. Each marker contains a scented ink designed to attract fish. The markers are designed for use on soft plastic lures, allowing anglers to customize colors and add scent.
These specifications matter because they address the key needs of lure customization: color alteration and scent enhancement. The variety of colors allows anglers to adapt to different water conditions and target species. The added scent provides an extra attractant, potentially triggering more strikes.
Performance & Functionality
The Spike It Marker Set performs reasonably well in its intended function of customizing soft plastic lures. The markers provide a quick and easy way to alter the color of a lure, adding visual contrast or mimicking the appearance of local prey. The scent is noticeable upon application but does dissipate over time.
One of the main strengths of the Spike It Marker Set is its ease of use. The markers are simple to apply and require no special tools or preparation. A weakness is the limited color selection. It would be beneficial to have a broader range of colors available, such as black, purple, or green. Overall, the Spike It Marker Set meets expectations for quick and convenient lure customization, but it doesn’t necessarily exceed them.
Design & Ergonomics
The Spike It Marker Set features a simple and functional design. The markers are lightweight and comfortable to hold, similar to standard felt-tip markers. The ink flows smoothly, and the tips are durable enough to withstand repeated use on soft plastic lures.
The markers are generally user-friendly, with no learning curve required. However, the lack of a clip on the marker body can be inconvenient, as it makes them prone to rolling off surfaces. The markers are made of plastic and have a screw-on cap to prevent drying, which works well.
Durability & Maintenance
The Spike It Marker Set is reasonably durable for its intended purpose. The marker bodies are made of sturdy plastic that can withstand the rigors of being stored in a tackle box. The marker tips are also relatively durable, although they can fray slightly with repeated use on rough-textured lures.
Maintenance is minimal, consisting primarily of ensuring the caps are securely tightened to prevent the ink from drying out. The markers are not designed to be refilled, so once the ink is depleted, the marker must be replaced. With moderate use, a set of markers should last for at least one fishing season.
Accessories and Customization Options
The Spike It Marker Set does not come with any additional accessories beyond the four markers themselves. There are no readily available customization options for the markers themselves, such as replacement tips or ink refills. However, the markers can be used in conjunction with other lure customization products, such as glitter, dyes, and scent attractants, to create a variety of unique lure designs.
The markers are compatible with virtually all brands and types of soft plastic lures. The color adheres well to most plastics, although some experimentation may be required to determine the optimal application technique for different materials.
Pros and Cons of Spike It Marker Set
Pros
- Easy to use: The Spike It Marker Set offers quick and convenient lure customization.
- Versatile: The colors can be used on a variety of soft plastic lures.
- Scented ink: The added scent can help attract fish.
- Portable: The markers are easy to transport in a tackle box.
- Affordable: At $13.88, this set represents a reasonable value for anglers seeking an easy way to customize their lures.
Cons
- Limited color selection: The Spike It Marker Set includes only four colors, which may not be sufficient for all situations.
- Fading color: The color can fade over time with exposure to sunlight and water.
- Bleeding: The red marker tends to bleed slightly more than other colors.
Who Should Buy Spike It Marker Set?
The Spike It Marker Set is perfect for:
- Casual anglers who want a simple and affordable way to customize their lures.
- Tournament anglers who need to quickly adapt to changing water conditions.
- Kayak and bank anglers who need to travel light and prefer a less messy alternative to dips and dyes.
Who should skip this product?
- Anglers who require permanent and highly vibrant color changes. They would be better served by using colored plastisol or dyes.
- Anglers who are sensitive to scents. While the scent is not overpowering, it may be noticeable to some individuals.
Must-have accessories or modifications?
- A small container of lure cleaner can be helpful for removing unwanted marker ink.
- A variety of soft plastic lures to experiment with different color combinations.
Conclusion on Spike It Marker Set
The Spike It Marker Set is a useful and convenient tool for anglers seeking a quick and easy way to customize their soft plastic lures. While it has limitations, such as a limited color selection and potential for fading, its ease of use and portability make it a valuable addition to any tackle box.
The price is justified for the convenience and versatility it offers. I would personally recommend the Spike It Marker Set to casual anglers and tournament anglers alike. It’s a great way to add a personal touch to your lures and potentially trigger more strikes. So grab a set, experiment with different colors, and get ready to catch some fish!