Before I made the trip down to TX a few weeks ago I ordered a bunch of 1.5 KVD's in shad colors and the hard to get black back chart. from Cabelas. Well the four 1.5 black back chartreuse finaly were delivered to my doorstep today!

I opened the first package and instantly saw the quality of these wasn't as good as the previous 1.5's I purchased. 1. There is a very noticable parting line in the body. 2. The lip isn't very clear, is thicker, and has a big parting line. 3. The body shape is very close but thinner and thicker in some areas of the nose and tail. 4. The paint scheme now has a red gill cover??? My 2.5's don't have that.

Are these fakes or did Strike King go cheap trying to fill all the backorders? I think I'm going to send them back to Cabelas.

if its not what you ordered and dosent meet the quiality you would expect i would definately consider taking them back ...i had though about ordering some but when i found out that the wait was going to be several months i decided against it for this same reason

I would guess to handle the demand they brought on a new vendor or source and they don't have the molds right or went into production without going through a sample QA check.

Durnit and I saw today where Bass Pro finally had the chartreuse and black back in stock.

Call or email Strike King and express your concerns. Contact info can be found at www.strikeking.com or call 901 853 1455. I'm sure they'll fix you up!

just got an order of 5 kvd 2.5's from tacklewarehouse...quality looks same as the other kvds ive had. havent messed with the chartreuse/black back though.

I thought they probably started another vendor to meet demand. You'd think they could at least get the paint right. These were made in Costa Rica. I didn't save the packaging from any of my others so I'm not sure where they were made.

I was at the BPS on Ray Hubbard a couple of days ago and almost got some 1.5 black/chart. but I noticed the same things you found. They looked very cheap so I only got the 2.5's, idk what happened but they are definetely not the way they are suppose to be

I noticed the same thing on the chartreuse black back 1.5's I picked up from Academy last week. They have a red gill plate on them. The one KVD used did not have the gill plate on it.

Call Strikeking. My Dad sent some squarebill baits back to a different company because they were leaking from up around where the bill went into the body and wouldn't float anymore.

They sent him replacements.

strike king has always had issues with quality control but I was hoping it would not filter down to these new cranks. To bad

I have been using the 1.5s since b4 they came out in public and all my chart black backs do not have gill plate and resemble every other 1.5 and 2.5. Someone did something to increase production fast appaemrently.

Those look exactly like the cabellas brand.

I'm not really a crankbait fisherman but funny thing is I bought a 1.5 chartreuse/black. I think it has rattles. I bought another color pattern also . One has rattles , one doesn't. Anyway first thing I did was paint a red gill plate and then gave it a UV coating. KVDs might not have a gill plate but mine does.

I just bought some of the tournament grade rattling 1.5's in chart/black back and noticed the same thing. I know the lure isn't supposed to run straight but this thing runs sideways for the last 5 feet to the boat. Is it just that color?
Ive broken a couple on the lip where it is put together and I've noticed the paint even on the originals doesn't stay on well. The hooks put noticeable scratches on them with even moderate use. They're my favorite square bill I hope they get it fixed.

UH-O.....last time I started a thread like this I was accused of having OCD!

The scales on the Cabelas brand are molded into the bait much like the RCs You can feel and see the indentions on the sides. The SKs are smooth on the sides. In addition Cabelas does not currently make a 1.5 size squarebill in their brand. Those are not Cabelas.

wait,i might have read that wrong but are you saying that you bought a KVD 1.5 silent squarebill and it had rattles?

What I don't understand is that Zona said KVD's crankbaits rattled and I see them selling the ones that don't as the one he used - what gives >

That's why you buy Lucky Crafts!!!! Nuff said!!!

I have heard it said many times that the ones KVD uses are not the same as the ones on the shelf. They may look the same but they aint. Just what I have seen posted many times.

i heard the same thing when the red eye shad was the big deal. im sure he mods his baits or has some weird prototype versions that never made it to the shelf. he IS kvd,after all.

There are two versions of the 1.5 and 2.5 cranks. The silent ones are sold everywhere, but the rattling versions are sold only at BPS.

I went and checked the Strike King catalog and looked at the chartreuse/black back color code. There is not gill plate on it.
They seem to run fine, though. I haven't noticed a difference between the ones I purchased a while back and these new ones. We'll see on the durability.

that is such BS. There is nothing different about the baits he uses or the rod or the reel or the boat or the whatever.... Folks saying this just can't admit or understand that the man is just that good.

I'm not trying disagree with everyone cause if you don't like em send em back, but they don't look bad to me not saying they look like they should but I don;t see the problems with that everyone else does

Do u know this on a personal basis puma jim?

I found the packaging from one of my older, good quality 1.5's....it was made in China and the new cheap looking ones are made in Costa Rica. Who'd ever think the good ones would be from China. Now I just need to find some 1.5 Black/Chartreuse from China.

No. I'm saying I bought one with rattles and one without. I don't remember if the chartreuse/black was the one with the rattler or not. Anyway I went to the shop and painted a red gill plate on mine cause I wanted one on it.

That's been a thing with Strike King. Quality depnds on what plant you get them from. Need to be able to look them over when you buy them.

I had the same issue with my 2.5 Bluegill silent I bought at WalMart running all wacked out to one side. It disappointed me. I have had prior success with a 1.5 rattling that slayed bass one day but after trying one recently that didn't run true I'm now thinking about buying a different brand square bill.

gotcha.

Could it be that the molds they use for the silent version are different from rattling version?

All of mine are silent. It's the ones that are made in Costa Rica that aren't as nice. The pictures don't show the differences very well, night and day between the two in person. They were so bad that I thought they might be cheap copies.

Mine are the opposite. I bought several 1.5's @ bass pro a couple of months ago and were good quality and had made in costa rica on the package. I went back last week to get some more of the same color and i noticed a big difference in color and quality. These were made in China (JUNK). I was lucky enough to find a couple like i had that were made in Costa Rica and looked great.

Folks, I am the product manager for Strike King lure company, and want to address everyone's concerns regarding the KVD squarebills. 1st, I assure you that other than a few "secret colors" KVD always uses off the shelf merchandise just like you and I!!! He is very adamant about all of his signature baits being of the highest quality, and will not endorse a product if it is not....Regarding the red gill plate on the color 535...It was originally spec'd out with the red gill plate, however, the first batch that we got in did not have the red gill plate, and that was the bait he was using in the Classic (because that was all he had). All, of the later production has had the red gill plate, which KVD actually prefers. Regsrding 1st batch, 2nd batch etc etc China vs Costa Rica etc etc....Please see the following: The majority of our hardbait production has come from our Costa Rican facility for the last several years. We switched to that location trying to increase the consisitency and the quality of our hardbaits, and we are very pleased with the results. Now specifically regarding the KVD squarebills: we actually developed both a Chinese manufacturing operation along with our Costa Rican operation. This allowed us to to have ample manufacturing capabilities and to be able to somewhat keep up with the demand. Yes there are some very very subtle differences to the eye, but there are no differences in the quality, how they run, or the fish catching abilities between the baits. All the baits feature the same quality components, from eyes to hooks to hand tuning. I would challenge any of you to find a KVD bait that doesn't run well assuming you haven't cracked it on your trolling motor!!!!!

Regarding the Chinese made baits. These baits are held to the same high standards that we require from our Costa Rica Plant, and in fact, they have even surpassed those expectations in many cases. Also, just so there is no grey area here..IT IS NOT CHEAPER FOR US TO MANUFACTURE OUR PRODUCTS IN CHINA....It is simply another avenue for quality production.

And as always, if you are not happy with a Strike King Product. Please call customer service and let us know. We always have and always will take care of you, because we are fisherman too!!!

I believe Timmy Horton said it best in an article in Bass Master a couple of years ago. "Not all crankbaits are created equal." After you get a knack for knowing what to look for in a crankbait, it is easy to pick through the ones that didn't come out clean or has flaws. He said he went through 25 to 50 of the same make/color/depth range and literally found 4 that ran true and hunted the way he liked right out of the package.

Just goes to show even a pro that is sponsored has problems getting quality products.

I have also been asked about the silent vs rattling...Folks here is the bottom line to that. We sell a rattling version of the KVD1.5 and KVD2.5 to Bass Pro. The rattling version is only available at Bass Pro. The baits are identical and the only difference is a post that allows the weights to move back and forth within the rattle chamber, hence the bait rattles...This allows us to have both a silent and a rattling version and for the baits to run the same.

I prefer the Xcaliber series of flat bills , they cost a little more but the quality & paint is top notch.
http://www.tacklewarehouse.com/XCalibur_XCS_Square_Lip_Silent_Crankbait/descpage-XCXCS.html

in response to all crankbaits not being created equal...this has some truth to it. But actually the "one" special bait in fact does have a flaw, and sometimes these flaws make it run a little different or have some subtle sound difference that draws more strikes. These are the baits the Pro's recognize, and keep and use only in tough tournament situations..We have all seen that bait...that looks the same and fishes the same, yet consistently gets us more bites. This is the concept that we used and tried to incorporate within the design of the KVD1.5 and KVD2.5. That wandering, constantly searching motion that definitely draws more strikes...

This must be Chris. I have spoken with you a few times. You are a great guy and Niggemeyer had plenty of great things to say about you. Having said that...without sacrificing your livelihood you have to admit a bad batch here and there gets out. Everybody knows that all manufacturers face the same problem with supply vs. demand. All is well so long as quality isn't sacrificed. After looking at the original posters pics it is obvious that some get missed.

Thanks for the replies strikekinglures. I didn't think this post would get this much attention.

I picked up 7 1.5's when they first came out and they were all great looking and running baits. That's why I was just surprised to see very different looking 1.5's when I opened up my package of backordered 1.5 black back/charteuse yesterday. I'm going to try one to see how it runs. The differences are two small for a fish to notice if the action is the same.

While your here I have another question for you. Why don't you put Mustad triple grips on them? The hooks you use are good but if KVD changes them why not sell them that way? I've changed all of mine.

Thanks again for the replies.

I am sure they could put mustad triple grips on them but then you are paying $10 for a $5 crankbait.

Chris Brown is no longer with Strike King.

I hate to be the pessimist here, but I wish like he77 some of this great fishing gear would be produced right here in the good old USA.

Seems all the high end stuff is produced overseas. Don't get me wrong I love SK products and have a boat full of there products.

Just wish moe things would be made in the states.

MN baser, I hope the baits u ordered catch some great fish. Oh well fish on.

Yeah I just found that out the hard way. I guess I need to meet Charles now.

So yall are saying that the rattling ones can only be bought at BPS cause Im preety sure i got some at academy that are ratlling?Correct me if im wrong.

He said they are even hand tuned. I guess a chinese worker with an airbrush is considered hand tuning. I think my idea of hand tuning and sk is a little different. Doubt they have time for that.

If someone doesnt like the ones they have ill give you my address just send them to me. Ill let the fish decide if they are fake or dont run right and post some pics of the fish they catch cause i have yet to get one of them that has not caught fish. So ill take them and any other lures you dont want or like anymore.

I personally hand carved 17 of the "1.5" type baits for the classic and I know they are not all the same as what you are saying he throws.

This is the internet, pictures and witness statements or it did not happen.

Please. Who does not know about SK quality issues? Not saying I do not buy some cause I like the new squarebills but you just never know what kind of paint job or how they will run. Do a search and find out for yourself if you don't believe me. Like another post said it really depends on what plant you are getting your baits from. Got a friend at BPS who tells me about the different color and quality sk baits they get in from Costa Rico and China. I am sure SK has the sweatshops cranking out these baits since they are in high demand. They are fair to good baits at a good price but they are not lucky crafts. I still buy both brands

I caught a 4 lb bass Sunday at Whitney on a 1.5 SK squarebill in the sexy shad pattern. Actually it was my first time to use it. Been reading a lot about square-bill baits and am a firm believer that you have to bounce off the timber to provoke a strike. Went to Academy the Monday after KVD won the classic. I thought I was going to beat the rush but all the chartreuse and black back were gone by then. But I got the bluegill and sexy shad patterns.

And it worked the way it should. I hit a stump and thought I was hung up but the line started moving sideways.

By the way a red-orange craw pattern would be nice.

Ok so you first say that it won't run true ONLY assuming if we hit it on our trolling motor!!! 3 exclamation's! Then you say But actually the "one" special bait in fact does have a flaw, and sometimes these flaws make it run a little different

I saw this thread today and made me think about checking my purchase last week... I had picked up the fire tiger and sexy Shad 1.5KVD from anglers tackle in hurst.

I looked at them but never inspected them out of the box.. I wish I could post this picture(I can send someone a iPhone pic to post but I have no idea how to). Worst paint job ever! It's totally cracked around the underside of the squarebill almost clear to the eye. I'm returning this p.o.s. and getting a couple of the Rick clunn ones they have on sale for 6 bucks.

Bass are going to have a Masters Degree in what KVD 1.5's look like before this huge demand is met.

Glad I have my own little favorite square bill that catchs fish instead of using everyone elses favorite!

Not sure why but strike king has always had he77 with crankbaits.

MnBasser, i know your pics aren't hi res or anything but my 2 make yours look like they came from lamborghini paint shop. I swear to all that's holy these are the worst I've ever seen, maybe I won KVD's winning lure? It's gotta be used!

Strikekinglures, if I posted this pic you would be horrified your product looks this way. I'm glad I saw this thread before I took these packages to my fishing trip. Now I can replace them with something else, I love that sexy Shad but this is just unbelievably an attempt to rush baits out because of demand.

Between strike king and grande bass I sure am getting to know some new baits

Yall absolutely have some quality control issues. I picked up 7 1.5s and 2.5s tonight at bass pro. 2 of them look so horrible you couldnt pay me to throw them. I guess next time I will have to open up my packages to inspect my cb.

The KVD 1.5 in Charteuse with Black back that I have looks just like the one pictured with the red gill. On the second fish I caught on it, the corner of the bill was broke off.

I would say they are great baits since a man won the Bassmaster Classic with one. Lucky Craft didn't win it.

I bought one that was sexy shad and noticed the seam issue but I won BB at our last tourney with one almost 6lbs and it seamed to run just fine. I will purchase more.

Walmart carries them for people who like them.

if you have a crank that constantly runs to 1 side..throw it around docks so that it veers into the pilings..i have a few cranks i tuned to run sideways just for that purpose.

I just recently had trouble with my 1.5's because they run like ....I spent 30 mins trying to tune 4 different ones brand new out of the package so I ended up getting angry and giving away all the kvd square bills I had...hand tuned & high quality my arse I'm extremely disappointed never had any problems with their baits until now...ill stick with lucky craft until they get their problems fixed

They are designed to "search". They are not designed to run straight.

When it runs three to four foot in the same direction every cast I don't call that searching

Believing Pro's fish the exact same hardbaits as we can buy off the shelf is like believing those Nike irons you buy at Edwin Watts are the same as the ones Tiger Woods is playing with on tour

I've had pretty good luck with the KVD squarebills but just like duck calls, you may have to go through 5 of them to find 1 good one. I'm sorry but anything that is manufactured in mass quantity, either overseas or here in the states is going to have some with issues.

I have always got a kick out of the fact that KVD talks about how great these baits are and you need to go buy some BUT the FIRST thing you have to do is switch out the hooks! I personally just find it hilarious that a "KVD" series crankbait can't come with KVD hooks and the first thing I'm suppose to do after buying this "KVD" signature series bait is change the hooks

Strike King is by no means is the most finely tuned, finely painted lure on the market, but one doesn't have to pay $30 apiece to get a lure that catches fish. Not only will it catch fish, but will also catch money making fish. The 2010 Classic won on a Red Eye Shad, the 2011 Classic won on a 1.5. The 6XD was the choice of many Elite pros (even those sponsored by others) late last year.

There is no doubt in my mind that KVD uses the same lure that is available to the public. He might get them a earlier than the general public, but it's the same bait! And yes, KVD probably could catch them on a Lucky Craft, Norman, or Rapala, but the fact still remains that he caught them on a Strike King! And before it's all said and done, the 5XD will be the bait to have this year. Whether you're a fan of Strike King Lures or not is your choice, but there is likely no other lure company out there that can claim as many tournament wins or money won over the past 3-4 years!

Had waaaaaaayyyyy too many duds from SK lures. I'll let everyone and their grandma throw the newest hot KVD lure and I'll throw something else and catch more!

Wow,that MUST mean that SK is a better bait than LC. Phil, yes SK has been the winning bait for many tourneys but that is because of sponsorship. It is obvious that there are quality issues with their lures but folks keep buying them including me cause they do work. I don't think the quality issue concerns the fish to much. I agree about the pros using the same bait as us. Cracks me up anytime someone says their lures are different. That must mean their rod, reels, and fishing line is different too. I wonder what is special about their senko, brushhogs, jigs and buzzbaits!!

FWIW, I've sat in a boat with KVD and watched him fish his 1.5 all day in a tournament situation (Big Bass Classic on Conroe last fall). He absolutely used the same baits as we buy off the shelf. After fishing for the day, Edwin Evers came by and needed a 2.5 size bait for fishing on the final day (KVD didn't make the cut). KVD went to his truck, dug around a box and handed him a packaged 2.5 just like you would see on the shelf at the store. He really believes in this bait. We were in a no wake zone idling out of a fishing area and KVD gave me a 5 minute crankbait selection lesson and showed me his squarebill box and it had all stock baits in all stock colors, except for one in a custom shad pattern. There were like 40-50 baits in the box.

The ONLY thing he does is change every hook on every bait to his triple grips. In a way, watching him change hooks was one of the most impressive things I saw him do that day. KVD can remove the old hooks, replace the new hooks and tie his bait on in under 12-15 seconds. And I am talking he grabs the bait out of the box, takes off the front hook, puts on a new front hook, takes off the back hook, puts on a new back hook, ties a palomar knot, bites off the tag end, and is standing up to make a cast in 12-15 seconds, maybe less. It's pretty unreal to watch in person. The man is a machine.

This is first hand info, not from someone's brother's cousin's friend's neighbor who met KVD at a dock one day.

Yes Chris is now with Buckmasters. He will be sorely missed. We do not put the KVD Mustad hooks on the baits due to the cost. It would make the baits retail for about $10. Regarding the hand tuning, We actually do hand tune every single hardbait from both factories. They are tied onto 14lb line, and cast and retrieved and tuned to +/- 3". I truly do wish we could make all our baits in the USA as well, but unfortunately, the baits would be triple the cost at retail. Unfortunate, but it is the reality of the world we live in. Again, please Contact Strike King if you are ever un happy with one of our products. We stand behind all of them...Thanks

I had problems with the 6xd's a couple months ago and i sent out a email to strike king customer service, I have yet to get a email back concerning the quality issues. Other then this problem strike king baits have always been problem free for me.

For those who think the pros use the same stuff as us read this. http://sports.espn.go.com/outdoors/tourn...u_Hall_Ish_fish
And read about his roads that got washed away. And Im sure he is not the only pro that has 11 rod and reel combos worth $10,000. That just blows my mind. And not to mention his statment about some of them being irreplaceable. Im also pretty sure he had all off the shelf lures tied on lol yeah right.

He was using a lot of Daiwa Steez combos and YES they go for aover $1000 retail per combo. You can buy the exact same ones at BPS or Cabelas. Theses guys may modify their baits and have custom lures made by small garage buisnesses but I promise you the factories are not the ones kicking out the custom stuff for them. makes ZERO financial sense to not put the best product a company can on the market since fishing industry sales are usually based on fish ctaching results if that product expects long term sales.

Pretty Disappointed. I called Strike King as I've purchased 2 fouled up KVD Square Bills that run awful and no response via the voicemail or e-mail I left them. Main objective is to get new working baits sent out. It doesn't sound like they're standing by their word of fixing any issues...

some of what your saying is correct, but most of their tackle comes from the sponsor and not BP or Academy and they get the same lure except they get the best of that production line (cream of the crop) out of quality control.Each store has a different grade of product. Buy the same bait @ Tackle Warehouse, Bass Pro, Academy, Cabelos and Walmart and compare and you will notice the poorest quality is usely the one that cost less (Walmart) and so on.

HUH??????

I caught that too...

One thing to remember KVD gets all he wants free. He can go through as many as needed to get ten that run correct. That would cost the regular guy a bunch for 10 good lures!

Seems like your math might be off. I get my KVD 1.5's for $5.29 each. Lets say the hooks your using now cost $0.10 each. I can buy a 6pack of Mustad KVD Elite Triple Grips for $4.99. That's about $0.83 each. I'm sure a company like Strike King could get them even cheaper in bulk at wholesale cost, but let's say $0.83 each. So take off the $0.20 cheap hooks and add $1.66 for retail KVD's and the cost is now $6.75 not $10. You'd sell even more with the good hooks, most of us are changing them. I'd pay $7.50 for them with the good hooks just to avoid the hassle.

The first quote was in response to the Chinese MFG/Costa Rica MFG argument. I'm not an SK defender, but I don't think anyone is dumb enough to think the Chinese production cost are greater than US production cost. We have 401K's and health care, they have cots and a guy with a bull whip threatening their lives.

OK I saw this also not sure if others thought the same thing I did. But here goes
This is one of the things wrong with this country. Here is a company that enjoys there profits from selling products to us here in America. But it is all made in some foreign
country by workers making 1% of what an american worker makes. Why because they can make more profit. $$$$$ Why not tax these foreign products so that it would be as cheap or at least more competitive for things to be made in America. That way when it broke or you needed customer service you wouldn't have to talk to some person in India who is trying their hardest to speak good english BUT I CANNOT UNDERSTAND ONE WORD THAT YOU ARE SAYING!!!! For example I have and HB 1197 when I have a problem I talk to someone in Alabamba who speaks very understandable english knows exactly what I am talking about and either fixes my prob on the phone, ships me my part very quickly, or has me ship my HB to them and they fix it for me almost immediately and then quickly ships it back. And I am a very happy customer.
Sorry for the rant
But just saying.
Not knockin SK specifically I actually use some of their stuff.
I think a lot of us would buy stuff from companies that made things here in America.
I mean Americans will do a lot of things but we can't work for twenty-five cents an hour.

You are right Chris is not at Strike King anymore but there are two people that handle Customer Service at the Plant. Mark Copley who handles Media Relations and Public Relations and Valerie Dixon who handles inside Customer Service. They can be contacted though www.strikeking.com

I want to say I like Strike King and do use more than a few of their products. I understand why they make things in China and Costa Rica. I too would like to see them make things here but it's just not going to happen for low cost,low margin products. I don't want this to turn into a bash Strike King thread. I'll probably buy some more of their stuff this week, I'll just check the quality before I head to the cash register.

I've only had to contact SK customer service once, it was a great experience... it was several years ago but they had a replacement bait to my house within a week of me contacting them. Give them the benefit of the doubt and let SK have a chance to make it right. I love me some SK cranks, and I really love the price of the new 1.5 and 2.5 baits. Some companies make them in China and still charge $15 each....

So you are saying someone actually is testing/QCing each bait that comes off the production line and codes them based on quality and ships to particular retailer?

I have not had any that I have had a problem with. I also think there are alot of fishing people that have no idea how to tune a bait and likely screw it up and never get it right and then complain. It was probably fine before they touched it. If anyone thinks the seam is noticed by the fish you are working it waaaaaayyyyyy toooooooo sllllloooowwww. The products are top notch for the price point and so is the service side for legitimate concerns IMO. As far as where and who makes them....well lets just say you all want the shat cheaper, then there you have it. Alot of complainers, just save the reciept and have the retailer manage the return, they also make money off the product as well as the guy who delivers it. Why is there a need to get the home office involved in a $3.00 complaint. You can resolve it right down the street in a short period of time, then if you feel want to give them feedback send an email. I wish many more of you were that into the ethanol that is screwing up cumbustion engines, or feeding the poor in our country but it is easier to complain about a lure that swims a little left. Get a grip on reality, its just a cheap novelty item for entertainment, much like that macdonalds burger you stuff down your gullet, but the lure may last a little longer. If it was a surgical tool I might better side with more of you. These are my observations and opinions and are in no way a reflection of anything else.

FYI...I have never hand carved a lure in my life, this IS the internet.

First of all, thank you StrikeKing for posting here (if in fact you are who you say you are). Second, this discussion made me take a look at my KVD 1.5s. Seems they were all made in China with not appearance of seams. The odd thing is that I had to wait like everyone else for a black back crank, and it has no red gill plate. So, I'm thinking the bidding starts around $50. :P

Yep, I can't quite put my finger on why more major tackle companies do not post here.

Mark,thats what i'm saying, Strike King said himself in post #6117760 that they tie each hard bait onto 14lb line and tune them one at a time. I have a friend that is a manager @ a Walmart and he said they buy the cheapest lowest grade available on alot of their merchandise including tackle.

Emorydog, I had one brand new out box on my line. Took me 3 mins to get it right.

Now that being said I had a 4 and a 7lber on it. But I tied a Rc crank on and caught more fish. Bait doesn't have near the action as an RC 2.5 does!

I have bout 13 1.5s. I still throw them and catch fish. Just gonna pay more attention to them now

just an FYI.. i turned my interlink module over and the sticker on the back says "MADE IN CHINA"

You can still make lures in America and compete with china and others. War eagle is made here and they are priced right around SK prices. I believe zoom, reaction innovations, jewel, st croix rods, and falcon rods are made in America among others. (Definitely not absurdly priced) I strive to buy American made stuff. Like someone said earlier, when KVD gets all his baits for free it would be easy to go through 100+ baits and pick out the best ones. Finally if the companies don't give their pros the cream of the crop, not off the line products, they need to go back to school. Give them the best product, works perfect, so they get the most people convinced to buy their product.

i noticed the same issue on the bb,s i picked up at gander, the paint was even different shades from each one and their was some excess glue around the bill.

These are your Pics.

Norman is still made in the USA I think. They are better quality and cheaper than the china baits too.

Does Strike King still make lures in Mexico? I was going through some older KVD cranks and they say "Made in Mexico".

AMERICAN MADE crankbaits for less than $5.50 ea and look great!!
Bandit 100,200,300 $4.99 ea.
Norman originals $4.29 ea.
Norman pro series $5.49 ea.
Bill Lewis Rattle trap original 1/2 oz $4.49
American made and priced less and Strike King said if theirs was
usa made they would be triple the cost. Wow!!!!

OVER PRICED imported junk Strike King KVD series
silent 1.5 $5.79 ea,
rattling 1.5 $5.99 ea,
series 3,5,6,6xd $6.49 ea.

All of this was out of the 2011 BP catalog

WE NEED TO MAKE A STATEMENT THAT WE ARE TIRED OF THIS CHINA MADE [censored].

Go Bandit

Not sure Bandit is still U.S. made. I know I have some that say China on them. I bought them a couple of years ago though so maybe they brought it back to the U.S. since then.

i woulda never bought em if KVD didn't tell me to...lol

seriously norman makes the best cranks hands down with bandit a close second imo...

i talked to a guy who use to fish with them. THEY ARE NOT THE SAME!!!..
he said every year at the classic.. the pros will sale the EXACT one's they use out of the back of there vehichles for $75.. so no they are not the same he said he had some that they sold to public but they werent like his. there made with better quality stuff

Those are my 3 pics above. Looks to me like SK forgot to let the paint dry before boxing it up for quick shipping. I'm unimpressed to say the least...

The SK are fine I have thrown them for year if u hit rocks and knock chips in them like u should be doing they are not going to look the best but every crankbait is going to get the hell beat out of it if you are putting it in the righ places. I have a assortment of shallow crankbaits some color are more crisp in detail but i dont think the bass can eyeball the baits to hairline detail more of a flash or bounce off something makes the strike. Color to me is a up to what type of bait are in the area. Shad, Perch, and Crawfish pretty simple.
Also with any company that makes this many of anything expect some problems I have sebiles crack after a few uses and some bombers that I can't break nor scratch just the way it is.

I got my order in. The 2.5s in were made in China and did not have the red gill plate or the black dot on the side. The 1.5s were made in Costa Rica and had the red gill plate and the black dot on the side. Do I care? Not really. Given my long history in buying Strike King merchandise, I am supprized that the same color code would be different depending on where they were made. Is this the sign of things to come from Strike King or is one style being fazed out?

Bandits are made in Mexico and China now. All those brands will still have foreign made components unless they are using Eagle Claw hooks. hard to buy American crankbaits.

Maybe just maybe all of these new out of the box KVDs that are scratched and have paint fractures and dont run right is because SK performs such a good product test on every CB on 14lb test in a 6 inch rock pit or a test tank with rebar and cinder blocks to test the deflection action to see if they will intice a reaction strike. Ever think about Yea maybe SK is just that good in there product testing.

HUM!!! The 2011 Bass Pro catalog shows Made in USA under the Bandit baits. False advertisement?
That don't suprize me none, almost everything is being made in china and i'm sick of it. A Chinaman can't make nothing but alot of noise.

The way I look at it is companies like Strike King employ a LOT of Americans. Probably way more than the smaller companies at that. Even when I buy their products I am still supporting Americans and jobs right here in our country. An American working for Strike King is no less important than a guy that works for a made in the USA company in my book. He spends his salary here in this country and specifically the area he lives in and he is supporting local jobs as well.

Poor KVD, y'all are gonna kill his 1.5/2.5 sales with this blasphemous propaganda...

:-) NOT!!!......and no, the baits the top pros use are not the baits we are buying

Isnt't thats why some baits say pro series and cost a little more?

lol...just different paint schemes and a little better hardware.