Chatterbaits

For those that use Zman, what's the most popular model? I know the Project Z is the most expensive, but the few place I go they are always almost sold out of the Z. Is it that much better the the original or elite?

No

I was in Academy yesterday and the project z were on a display in the center of the aisle marked clearance. They had plenty of them. This was in N. Richland Hills. They were $6.98

I like the original and elite. The line tie on the elite is much better than the original but I still use the originally 90% of the time.

I love the original one. I see the upgrades made to the newer one and agree that the line tie is much better but I've never really had an issue with the older ones. I can change skirt colors and styles easy enough and just keep the basic chatterbait. Great lures!

I use the Project Z and the Freedom, I like both better than the original.

I use the less expensive ones because I seem to get them hung up on every stump in the lake.

The original had the best action, I think because the components were so light with the blade barely on there that the entire lure wobbled and darted on the edge of instability.

As they have beefed up the hook and blade/jig head attachment, the action appears to be straighter and more predictable.

^^^ you are correct sir!! The originals have sort of "tic" that almost feels weird and a lot of times you have to like snap your rod tip to reset it and that's when I get some bites! I had never really thought about it til you mentioned it but yep I use craw trailers a lot and thought that was what was causing it but now I believe its the in the design.

Agreed.

Give the Finch Nasty Thumpers a try. Very good hooks on them.
http://finchnastybaitco.com/

If you are focused on ZMan - the Custom model that they make exclusively for TackleWarehouse is a great option - http://www.tacklewarehouse.com/Z_Man_Custom_Chatterbait/descpage-ZMANCCH.html

I have had very good success on the Project Z especially the bream color.

Best on market the thumper has a completely unique action to it. You can even alter the type of action u want based on what style swimbait trailer u use

I only use the original

Never fished one but have read alot about them so I bought one of these recently. Then decided to learn more about them and ran across this You Tube video from the "Flukemaster." He explains how he prefers the bladed chatterbait for grass then the design of the Rage Blade and how it comes through wood better as a result of the design and how it flips up over the wood. Given our current state of "grassless" lakes here in North TX thought I would share.

https://youtu.be/f1MkhQAnd70

Appreciate the comments, guys. And I appreciate everyone from the TFF that has decided to give mine a try. It's a really good feeling when you get calls almost daily from really good fishermen who have found a new go-to bait. Don't want to hi-jack the post, so I'll leave it at that, but just wanted to let everyone on here know that I really appreciate their business and their appreciation for the 000s of hours that go into keeping guys supplied with a product they love.

Best on the market, depends on who you ask. I like the original.

+1 for Finch

Everything Finch makes is top of the line including his drop shot weights. His drop shot weights do not just fall off like so many of the others.