Now that they've been out a few years, anybody use bait ball lures with any success?

If yes, which work better, the "sorta-round" ones or the long skinny-like-jerkbait ones?

Search only pulled up comments that they're one more marketing gimmick to catch fishermen.

I bought the jerk bait version and threw it a couple of times without success. Then I cast it into a tree and it flew into ten pieces and I'm not willing to spend that again.

I'll put it in the same effectiveness category as Lazer Lures and the Livingstons

Gimmick

Seems to me that it would only work in ultra clear water. If your fishing stained water and fish are using lateral lines I don't see it doing any good. I am not sure about being a gimmick but I don't see it outperforming other lures.

I've thrown them quite a bit. They're definitely not a gimmick, they actually do catch fish. I've had a few really good days throwing them. Mainly the jerkbaits. That said, I've thrown them side by a pointer and some others and there isn't much of a difference in bites/fish. So yes, they catch fish. Better than other hard baits? Nah, not really. Definitely not for the price.