First Impressions of Vexan 6-Pack PHAT BOY 8 Crankbait Lures
As an outdoor and tactical gear specialist with over a decade of experience, I’ve seen countless fishing lures come and go. However, the Vexan 6-Pack PHAT BOY 8 Crankbait Lures immediately caught my eye with their promise of trophy bass catching and a unique design built for heavy cover and open water. These lures from Vexan boast an all-new deep thud internal rattle system designed to trigger strikes even in the toughest conditions, a claim that I was eager to test.
I’ve been facing a problem on my local lake; the bass have become increasingly lure-shy. They’ve seen it all, from standard crankbaits to the latest trendy swimbaits, making it difficult to entice strikes. I was specifically looking for a crankbait that offered a different sound profile and action. Something that could cut through the underwater noise and get the attention of those stubborn bass.
Unboxing the Vexan 6-Pack PHAT BOY 8 Crankbait Lures, the first thing I noticed was the vibrant color schemes. The combination of purple, orange, yellow, white, and green was striking and immediately suggested a wide range of visibility in varying water conditions. The build quality seemed solid enough for the price point, although the plastic body felt a little lighter than some of my higher-end crankbaits.
Compared to my usual go-to crankbaits – a Strike King KVD 2.5 and a Rapala DT6 – the PHAT BOY 8 has a noticeably wider profile and a more pronounced rattle. The Strike King is a reliable all-around choice, while the Rapala dives deep quickly, but neither has the specific deep thud rattle that Vexan advertises. I chose the Vexan lures in hopes of unlocking a more reactive strike from the bigger fish holding in deeper, murkier water.
My initial impression was a mix of excitement and cautious optimism. The unique design and rattle system had me eager to hit the water. Yet, I was also slightly skeptical about the overall durability based on the lure’s weight. The proof, as they say, is in the fishing.
Real-World Testing: Putting Vexan 6-Pack PHAT BOY 8 Crankbait Lures to the Test
First Use Experience
I tested the Vexan 6-Pack PHAT BOY 8 Crankbait Lures on my local lake, known for its heavy cover and fluctuating water clarity. My primary setup included a medium-heavy baitcasting rod with 12-pound fluorocarbon line. The area I targeted had a mix of submerged timber, weed beds, and rocky ledges, providing an ideal proving ground for a crankbait designed for diverse conditions.
The weather was overcast with a slight drizzle, and the water had a moderate stain to it. This meant visibility was reduced, making the lure’s color and rattle even more critical. Immediately, I appreciated how well the lure cast. The weight distribution felt balanced, allowing for accurate casts even in a slight headwind.
Retrieving the PHAT BOY 8, the deep thud rattle was indeed distinct. It was a lower frequency sound than many of my other crankbaits, creating a noticeable vibration in the rod. The lure tracked true and deflected well off the submerged timber, avoiding snags which are extremely common in this lake.
After about an hour of fishing, I finally got my first strike. A solid 3-pound bass hammered the lure near a submerged log. The Vexan hook held firmly, and I landed the fish without issue. I noticed the fish was hooked cleanly in the corner of the mouth, suggesting a positive reaction to the lure’s action and sound.
No major issues presented themselves during the first use. The lure performed as advertised, and the unique rattle seemed to make a difference.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several weeks of consistent use, the Vexan 6-Pack PHAT BOY 8 Crankbait Lures have proven to be a valuable addition to my tackle box. I’ve used them in a variety of conditions, from sunny days with clear water to muddy water after heavy rains. The lures have consistently produced strikes, even when other baits failed to elicit a response.
Regarding durability, the lures have held up reasonably well, although some minor wear and tear is apparent. The paint has chipped in a few spots, particularly around the bill and hook hangers, from repeated collisions with rocks and timber. However, this hasn’t seemed to affect the lure’s performance. The hooks remain sharp, although I did replace one that had slightly bent after a particularly aggressive strike from a larger fish.
Maintenance is straightforward. I simply rinse the lures with fresh water after each use and occasionally apply a thin coat of clear coat to protect the paint. The hooks are easy to sharpen with a small file.
Compared to my previous experiences with other budget-friendly crankbaits, the Vexan PHAT BOY 8 outperforms in terms of consistent action and strike-inducing rattle. While not as durable as some of my higher-end lures, the price point makes them an excellent value.
Breaking Down the Features of Vexan 6-Pack PHAT BOY 8 Crankbait Lures
Specifications
- Manufacturer: Vexan
- Tackle Weight: 1/2 oz
- Hook Size: 1
- Color: Purple/Orange/Yellow/White/Green (Various Combinations Within the Pack)
- Length: 8 in (overall packaging length – body size is actually 2-1/2 inches)
- Quantity: 6
- Condition: New
- Last Chance: Yes
- Weight: 1/2 oz, offers a good balance for casting distance and control.
- Body size: 2-1/2 inches. This compact profile makes it ideal for imitating smaller baitfish.
- Hook: Vexan #4 black chrome finish. The black chrome finish provides excellent corrosion resistance, ensuring the hooks remain sharp even after repeated use in harsh conditions.
These specifications matter because they directly influence the lure’s performance and effectiveness. The weight and body size dictate the casting distance and action, while the hook size and quality determine the hook-up ratio and the lure’s ability to land fish. The color variations allow anglers to adapt to different water conditions and target specific species. The Vexan #4 hooks are a decent standard size.
Performance & Functionality
The Vexan 6-Pack PHAT BOY 8 Crankbait Lures perform their job admirably, particularly in situations where a distinct sound profile is needed. The deep thud rattle effectively attracts bass, even in murky water or areas with heavy cover. The lure’s action is consistent, providing a reliable wobble that triggers strikes.
A significant strength is the lure’s ability to deflect off obstacles. This minimizes snags and allows anglers to fish in areas that would be inaccessible with other crankbaits. A potential weakness is the paint’s durability, which could be improved to withstand more abuse.
Overall, the lures meet and slightly exceed expectations for their price point.
Design & Ergonomics
The PHAT BOY 8’s design is well-thought-out, with a focus on creating a unique sound and action. The materials used are adequate for the price, although higher-quality plastics and finishes would enhance durability. The weight is balanced, and the lure casts easily.
There’s minimal learning curve. The lure is ready to fish right out of the package.
Durability & Maintenance
With proper care, the Vexan 6-Pack PHAT BOY 8 Crankbait Lures should last a reasonable amount of time. Regular rinsing and occasional touch-ups with clear coat can extend their lifespan. Hook replacement is straightforward, and readily available from Vexan or other brands.
Maintaining these lures is simple, requiring minimal effort.
Accessories and Customization Options
The Vexan 6-Pack PHAT BOY 8 Crankbait Lures come as a set of six, with no additional accessories included. Customization options are limited, although anglers can replace the hooks with higher-quality versions or experiment with different split rings. The lures are compatible with standard crankbait accessories, such as trailer hooks and rattle inserts.
Pros and Cons of Vexan 6-Pack PHAT BOY 8 Crankbait Lures
Pros
- Distinct deep thud rattle effectively attracts bass in various conditions.
- Excellent deflection off obstacles minimizes snags and allows for fishing in heavy cover.
- Consistent action provides a reliable wobble that triggers strikes.
- Affordable price makes them an excellent value for anglers on a budget.
- Versatile color schemes cater to different water conditions and target species.
Cons
- Paint durability could be improved to withstand more abuse.
- Hooks may need to be replaced with higher-quality versions for larger fish.
Who Should Buy Vexan 6-Pack PHAT BOY 8 Crankbait Lures?
These crankbaits are perfect for: Budget-conscious anglers looking for a versatile and effective crankbait. Anglers who frequently fish in areas with heavy cover and submerged timber. Those who appreciate a distinct sound profile that can trigger strikes when other lures fail. Also, anglers new to crankbait fishing will find these easy to use and effective.
Who should skip this product? Anglers who demand the highest level of durability and are willing to pay a premium for it. Professional anglers who require specialized lures for specific tournament conditions.
Must-have accessories or modifications? Consider replacing the hooks with higher-quality versions if targeting larger fish. Adding trailer hooks can improve the hook-up ratio in some situations.
Conclusion on Vexan 6-Pack PHAT BOY 8 Crankbait Lures
The Vexan 6-Pack PHAT BOY 8 Crankbait Lures offer an excellent value proposition for anglers seeking a versatile and effective crankbait without breaking the bank. Their unique deep thud rattle, consistent action, and ability to deflect off obstacles make them a valuable addition to any tackle box. While the paint durability could be improved, the overall performance and affordability of these lures make them a worthwhile investment.
The price is absolutely justified, especially considering you receive six lures.
I would personally recommend these lures to both beginner and experienced anglers looking to add a new dimension to their crankbait fishing.
Give the Vexan 6-Pack PHAT BOY 8 Crankbait Lures a try and experience the difference a distinct sound profile can make. You might just land your next trophy bass!