O.S.P. HPF Crank Specifications |
|
Type |
Crankbait |
|
Depth |
7' |
|
Class |
Floater |
|
Size (weight) |
2.5" (1/3 oz) |
|
Colors / Patterns |
10 |
|
MSRP |
$20 |
Disappointed as I was in my lack of success with O.S.P.’s Blitz crank, I was pretty anxious to try another bait from this manufacturer in hopes of renewing my faith in their product.
After all, the Rudra remains one of my favorite jerkbaits especially when in pursuit of striped bass. I was pretty hopeful when first handling the HPF.
The HPF is available in two different versions each with their unique sound
Impressions: The HPF crank shares the same honeycombed interior as the Blitz, but unlike the Blitz, this bait is available with two different rattles. The original Blitz, distinguished by the label “HPF Crank 63” on top of the bait, resonates with a loud thumping kind of knocker inside the bait. The second version of this bait, aptly labeled “spec 2” has fixed bearing for silent running.
O.S.P. leverages their exclusive honeycomb design to create a sturdy bait
The baits themselves are as expected, very slim yet with good detailing throughout the bait, and of course, the HPF comes with the same circuit board diving lip found on the Blitz. Though we’re unsure of the brand for the stock hooks, they are typical JDM being light wire and sharp.
Bottom view of the HPF crank reveals its flat sides
Field Tests: To toss this bait, I borrowed Zander’s new Shimano Cumara CUC-76ML cranking stick. The CUC-76ML is a great little stick for light, shallow running cranks like the HPF because it has a nice whippy tip, yet enough backbone to control your catch should you accidentally hook into a good one. I matched the rod with one of my rare, right handed reels, a Curado E5 – only because this low speed version of the new Curado is not available in left hand retrieve.
A look inside the original HPF (top) and the Spec 2 (bottom)...
Casting: Both versions of the HPF crank cast well. I thought there might be a difference with the original version versus the spec 2 given the difference in their internal structures, but really, any differences were minor while casting with the CUC-76ML and Curado E5 combo. I was using mostly ten pound Megabass Dragon Call fluorocarbon and was able to place the bait accurately with fair distance.
... reveals the moving bearing and brass housing of the original...
... versus the obviously fixed bearing of the Spec 2. Note also the
honeycomb design on the inside is not really as deep as we thought it might be.
