One of the most common questions we get is what the differences are between our Super TPE and PVC(Plastisol) bait materials. The answer is that each has techniques that they excel in. The gist of it is that one is not better than the other, but that they are both equally great. It really comes down to how the angler envisions their presentation and how the bait needs to act. See below for the full breakdown.
Rapala VMC Pro Staffer JP DeRose discusses Super TPE and PVC, which are the two different types of plastics used for Rapala CrushCity soft baits. As part of this discussion, DeRose also provides thoughts on which of these two materials and their characteristics are the best soft plastic for fishing based on the angling technique being used.
Super TPE (aka Thermoplastic elastomer ) is an extremely durable, buoyant, temperature tolerant material. This is the plastic used for the Ned BLT, Creeper, The Suspect, The Jerk and Heavy Hitter. It’s what creates the strike-triggering, tail-up position of a Ned BLT or The Jerk rigged on a jig that’s resting on the bottom. It also helps these baits, along with the Creeper, maintain a horizontal position on a drop shot rig.
Durability is first noticeable advantage Super TPE brings to the table. Its resiliency prevents panfish or short-striking walleye from being able to rip the tail off The Suspect or a Creeper grub. The material is also why a single Heavy Hitter swimbait boasts incredible longevity and can withstand multiple attacks from trophy walleye, northern pike and lake trout. The next positive of Super TPE is its buoyancy. It floats, which makes it better for finesse techniques that require some lift, like ned rigging or drop shotting.
One downfall of other TPE baits is its intolerance of extreme temperatures and can melt or even freeze making it unusable, but not CrushCity Super TPE. It’s formula was engineered to be fished all-year round. CrushCity baits made of this material will maintain their shape and fish-catching action if left in a boat compartment on a hot day as well as when exposed to freezing temperatures during ice fishing adventures, DeRose explains. “On the other side, I like having a plastisol, or PVC-style bait, when I’m using it as a trailer on a jig that I want free falling and something that I need to go to the bottom because having too much buoyancy is not a good thing in all applications,” DeRose said.
PVC/Plastisol is a more traditional soft plastic, and Rapala’s CrushCity formula is non-toxic (phthalate-free), impressively durable and dense. This is the material used for the Bronco Bug, Cleanup Craw, Freeloader and The Mayor.
The density of CrushCity’s PVC material combined with precise salt placement and content (more on this in a minute) ensure the Freeloader doesn’t impede the action or running depth when used as a trailer on a vibrating jig or a spinnerbait, for instance. PVC also contributes to The Mayor’s natural, subtle side-to-side tail kick and noticeable, but not overly aggressive, body roll. These were must-have swimbait features identified and perfected by the Rapala’s R&D team and bait designer, Jacob Wheeler.
Another reason CrushCity baits are the best fishing soft plastics for bass, walleye, trout and pike is that both the Super TPE and PVC models are made using Rapala’s Smart Injection Technology. This innovative manufacturing process allows for the precise placement of salt, scent, fleck and colour. As a result, CrushCity baits are extremely consistent with respect to colour combinations as well as fine details, like the scales on The Jerk and Heavy Hitter, and the tiny, reverse appendages seen on the Cover Craw and Creeper.
More, with Smart Injection Technology, the material is impregnated, meaning no additional liquids you have to worry about giving you longer life out of each bait you fish. The process controls the exact amount and placement of salt/scent, along with other key ingredients, allowing Rapala to maximize the performance of the baits - which directly translates into you catching more fish when a CrushCity plastic is on the end of your line. And with two different plastic formulas to use, Rapala has successfully created a comprehensive lineup of multi-species soft plastics anglers can use across a wide range of different fishing scenarios.
FEATURED PRODUCTS (CANADA)
CrushCity Creeper | www.rapala.ca/...
CrushCity Bronco Bug | www.rapala.ca/...
CrushCity Cleanup Craw | www.rapala.ca/...
CrushCity Freeloader | www.rapala.ca/...
CrushCity Heavy Hitter | www.rapala.ca/...
CrushCity The Jerk | www.rapala.ca/...
CrushCity The Mayor | www.rapala.ca/...
CrushCity Ned BLT | www.rapala.ca/...
CrushCity The Suspect | www.rapala.ca/...
1 окт 2024
