My rapalas are breaking?!?!

I've noticed that the eyes on Husky Jerks went from nice, 3D eyes to painted on eyes that don't look near as nice.

Originally Posted by Road hunter un-logged

In response to the questions and comments about the Rapala lures breaking I just wanted to post a few answers.

1. Rapala warranties lures from defects in manufacturing. If the lip pulls out of the bait, I would say that is a defect. Go to our website and follow the warranty replacement information.

2. In answer to all of the other questions, no we have not changed manufacturing processes. We watch these issues very closely because the fact of the matter is that people are using stronger lines and rods which are harder on balsa lures than plastic lures.

3. Later this week at ICAST we are introducing a new balsa constructed lure called balsa extreme. It will be stronger but my guess is it will not instantly replace everyone's favorites.


I just wanted to quickly answer these questions before leaving.

Thank you for your support.

If the lip pulls out of the bait and I lose the fish of a lifetime due to your shoddy construction, how will Rapala compensate me? And why would I continue to purchase baits that I have to constantly send in at my own expense for replacement because of Rapala's shoddy construction? And yes, you have cut corners on the manufacturing process. These baits should have through-wire construction to prevent the loss of fish. Rapala has certainly raised the prices enough the past few years. Instead of lining your own pockets, maybe you could add through-wire construction on all your baits. I'm sure you would love everyone to buy your new sure-to-be overpriced balsa extreme-Maybe the trebles are glued on this bait!!! Don't try to blow smoke with excuses that any intelligent person reading your post can't see through. And don't blame fishermen for breaking the lures with strong lines and rods, just make the baits strong like the lines and the rods. I wish I could thank you for your support, but unfortunately I can't!

[rapman]

i don't believe the material strength is the same today as it was 30 years ago. i have used raps in the last ten years that lasted less than an hour. i doubt much had rapala stayed in the family that we would be experiencing these problems. bottom line, no matter what any rep says, today's raps are junk compared to years ago. and as i speak, i have two in front of me, one from 1969 (my first) and one bought last year. the lips are different.

btw, will rapala pay for shipping both ways also?

Originally Posted by rapman

btw, will rapala pay for shipping both ways also?

I can answer that one for you rapman: NO WAY!!! Couldn't you tell from the smug and patronizing answers the "rep" gave? Who wants to replace a bad bait with another bad bait anyway. You send your broken baits to Rapala and they send more of the same so you can also send those back when they break. That is, if a trophy fish doesn't swim away with a mouth full of treble hooks attached to your lure and all you have on the end of your line is a split ring and plastic lip! Way to go, Rapala. The fish is sure to die and the consumer loses confidence. That's a great business model you have going, and it won't take too long before fishermen choose other brands. Maybe then you will be motivated to produce a solid dependable bait at a fair price.

[rapman]

you'll notice my user name, the rap being the shortened version of rapala. for years that was the only lure i carried in my vests and wader pockets. i usually kept my supply at ten dozen or better. that has been changing the last few years. the prices have skyrocketed but the quality has diminished, imo. i guess it's time for a change after 45 years of using them. ratz.

[NathanH]

There is no doubt that there are many good options still on the market, Salmo's tend to have wired through construction. Also less expensive options such as Reef Runner,Smithwick,Bomber,and others all make solid lures in some lure classes. I cannot say much for Strom since it changed hands but still love that old stuff if you can find it.

Originally Posted by NathanH

There is no doubt that there are many good options still on the market, Salmo's tend to have wired through construction. Also less expensive options such as Reef Runner,Smithwick,Bomber,and others all make solid lures in some lure classes. I cannot say much for Strom since it changed hands but still love that old stuff if you can find it.

Storm is now owned by Rapala and they currently manufacture Storm baits. Along with Trigger X, Suffix, Blue Fox, Terminator, etc. I too liked the old Storm baits before Rapala began to build them. Again, the quality has suffered!

[mrbreeze]

Originally Posted by REW

My understanding is that the current manufacturing plant is using a different material for the lip and a different process to mount the lip in the lure. It is apparent that neither is as stable and long lived as the previous process.

I suppose that one option is to move to a different vendor if you don't like the product. Take all of your other rapala's back and get your money back if new in the box.

REW

Where did you hear this?

[rapman]

you're right rew. looking at alternatives already. there are always options on the table and one thing for certain, nothing remains the same.

[tugger]

If the slimming down of product design/quality is in fact true this is a Sad Story. Rapala was built on quality lures, what a shame!