reefrunner ripoffs???

[Boatnut]

I was searching ebay today when i came across some crankbaits that were dead ringers for reefrunner deep divers and ripsticks. Same colors and everything. When I inquired to the seller if they were, indeed, "reefrunners", he replied that they looked the same,came in same colors and fished the same etc. but were not bought under the Reefrunner name.
Is someone selling ripoffs? or is the manufacturer selling them without there label?
just curious,

Mike(boatnut)

[Mac]

Sorry to be sarcastic, but do you suppose that you can tell the difference because the ripoffs will run straight out of the box? Don't take me wrong, I run deep little rippers a lot of time that I'm fishing over 10 ft deep, but I've always had to tune them.

[FreeByrd]

Mac,
They are very finicky as far as tuning goes but the action achieved when you get it tuned right is a big reason for their effectiveness. If you don't have one - there is a little tool designed to tune crankbaits. I believe it is called a "Lure Tune R" - about the size of a pencil with a slot in each end to fit over the eyelet. Works better than trying to tune with a pair of pliers.
Not sure about the knockoffs - I heard about either some "seconds" or imitations earlier this year never saw them though. I heard the knockoffs didn't have the VMC reverse barb hooks?
Steve

[Mac]

No question that I am out-fishing my buddies with them. I've seen a web site to buy the tuner on here and guess it is time to buy one. Could someone furnish it please?

What is your favorite color? I can't buy them here anymore as the place that had them is closing out their fishing department and I'll have to order them from now on.

[Dave in Mpls]

Mac-

I believe this is the tuner FreeByrd is refering to:

http://www.joebucher.com/tackle/accessories.html

Regards

[FreeByrd]

Mac,
Dave gave you the link for the Tuner. Works MUCH better than the needlenose. Colors - that's a loaded question if you've seen my tackleboxes. Seems like I have most of them. Here are some of my favorites. These are on Lake Erie.
1) Eriedescent (original, Chrome, Gold)
2) Fried Chicken
3) Confusion
4) Purple Demon
5) Copperhead
6) SilverBullet
7) MonkeyPuke

Some of these were limited edition colors earlier this year. Denny has or can get all of them at the Sportsman's Outpost in Vermillion, OH. Call him on 888 855-9032.
Good Luck,
Steve

[Mac]

Thanks again board!!!
I wish they had a color chart. The names may be cute, but they are not very descriptive unless I go out to the zoo and overfeed the monkeys. I've been doing best with those close to firetiger here in NE SDAK.

[FreeByrd]

Mac,
www.reefrunner.com
click on "standard colors" and "custom colors"
click the small pics to see a bigger view.
Forgot to mention "red hot tiger" as another good one for stained/dirty water.
Steve

[Dave in Mpls]

Mac-

If you've been doing good on the hot colors, don't overlook "Flame". I've been doing great on it and firetiger on Mille Lacs.

FreeByrd has you pointed in the right direction as far as color charts and other colors I've had good luck with around the midwest.

"Monkey Puke" was nothing like I expected it to be!!

Regards