The Science Behind a Predator

June 16, 2020

Not All Baits Are The Same

You will still find many brands using traditional PVC/Plastisol blends in tackle shops and big box stores all across the country.  I wont name drop for obvious legal reasons, but anyone that has ever purchased these products are all too familiar with going through a pack or two on a single trip, especially if you are a salt water angler.  There are however, much tougher versions of "soft plastics" available to anglers that want to target the toothier critters.  

In 2020, anglers have more choices in soft baits than ever before.  Traditional PVC/Plastisol blended baits are still the most widely available bait in stores, but synthetic rubber based baits, water based resins, and newer stronger versions of PVC/Plastisol blends are also finding their way into the market.  Each option gives anglers way more choices than in the past to use soft plastics in a variety of ways, and the ability to specifically target certain species that wasn't possible before for anglers on a budget.

Knowing the Difference

The majority of the soft baits on the market are still made of traditional PVC/Plastisol formulas that offer great action and feel.  Companies do this so they can appeal to a wider range of consumers.  While being smart from a business perspective, it doesn't lend itself well to consumers that want a more durable product. 

This is where companies like Z-Man come into play.  They offer baits made from high performance elastomers (synthetic rubber), but carry a warning.  Do not store this bait with conventional plastisol based products, you will have a chemical reaction take place fusing the two together.  This type of bait makes it a viable replacement for traditional PVC/Plastisol because it is much tougher and can withstand more strikes.  It does of course, mean less bait for the same amount of money.  

Berkley also has the Gulp series, this is another deviation from traditional PVC/Plastisol blends with an added bonus.  Gulp is made from a water based resin that helps disperse the scent.  The compound is more durable than traditional soft baits, but needs additional care.  Due to it being water based, the bait is primarily comprised of, you guessed it, water.  If you have ever left one on a jig or hook overnight you know that it shrinks once the water evaporates and can be a pain to remove.  

Getting to Know a Predator

Our Predator Series soft plastics are made using a next generation version PVC/Plastisol blend.  I know what you are thinking, you just blasted PVC/Plastisol blends in your previous statements.  That was referring to "traditional" blends that are still very much prevalent on the market and comprise of the majority of baits in stores.  It doesn't mean that there are not stronger more durable versions available, and that is where we come in.  By in large, using PVC/Plastisol blends is still the most economical way to produce soft baits.  In doing so, companies like ours can offer a very durable product that is comparable to our competitors at a fraction of the price.  For our customers that means, same performance and durability, but more bait for your money!  Also, since its a PVC/Plastisol blend (that is Phthalate free) you can store our baits next to other baits without any issues or problems.  Wait, what does Phthalate free mean?  Phthalate's are plasticizers found in many PVC/Plastisol products that have been proven to have negative health affects on humans.  Our product is free from that!  

We also offer all of our Predator baits in scented or unscented.  Common myth or perception is that baits are injected with scent during the molding process.  That is simply not true.  The temperatures needed to convert the plastic into a usable form to mold and harden would quickly evaporate and dissolve any scent you would put in there.  With the exception of Gulp, since it is made using a water based resin.  The scent is absorbed by using the scented water that the bait is stored in.  Plastisol baits can be scented and just as effective, but the scent is added to the bag where it can coat the bait.  Reapplication of scent by dipping it back into the bag would need to be done every so often, but that is the same regardless of whatever scented bait you choose.

Make the switch!  Take a Predator with you today and turn predators into prey.  You wont be disappointed!