Power
Up With Gary Yamamoto Chikara Crankbaits
Date: |
9/30/14 |
Tackle type: |
Lure |
Manufacturer: |
Yamamoto |
Reviewer: |
Wolbugger |
Total Score: 8.12 -
GREAT
Introduction:
There's a lot
to consider when purchasing a new crankbait. Its size, coloration, wobble, and
depth range are just a few aspects one must weigh. It can be challenging for a
company to design baits that tick all the boxes, but the gang over at Gary
Yamamoto baits believes they have done just that with their new Chikara line of
crankbaits. Wildly popular for their Senkos and other soft baits, do these
cranks measure up as well?
Gary
Yamamoto
Chikara
Crankbait
Specifications |
Type |
Crankbait |
Diving Depth |
100 ~ to 4
feet
200 ~ to 6
feet
300 ~ to 10
feet |
Length |
3 inches to
3 1/2 inches
|
Weight |
1/2 ounce |
Material |
Plastic |
Hooks |
Mustad
Triple Grip |
Colors |
16 |
Original |
Made in
China |
MSRP |
$7.99 |
Quality/Construction:
The size 100
and 200 Chikara crankbaits I received for testing didn't disappoint in the looks
and quality department. Like all Yamamoto products I've experienced thus far,
they feature neat, tidy appearances with good detailing. The bodies and bills
are all molded cleanly, and the internal rattles give off a pleasing tone
without being obtrusively loud.
Chikara means “power” in Japanese. Each bait comes with a pair of nicely-sized
Mustad Triple Grip trebles.
There are 16
colors available, each one featuring a holographic type of finish. The hues are
indeed vibrant, attractive, and cover a wide forage base. With that said, it
would be nice to see some solid non-holographic colors to round out the lineup a
bit better.
Quality Ratings for
Gary
Yamamoto Chikara Crankbait
|
Finish (1-5) |
Detailing (1-5) |
Hardware (1-5) |
Craftsmanship (1-5) |
Total |
Possible |
Rating (= Tot/Pos * 10) |
5 |
|
|
|
19 |
20 |
|
Performance:
The
performance of the Chikara crankbaits was tested on small Florida ponds and
while visiting Lake Chickamauga in Tennessee during late winter. I fished them
on several types of line including 20-pound braid as well as 10 and 12-pound
monofilament while using a G. Loomis CBR845 crankbait rod and 13 Fishing
Concept-A reels.
It won't help you catch fish, but check out that cool eye detailing of the Gary
Yamamoto baits logo.
All Chikaras
weigh in at about a half ounce and are easy to cast—even into the wind. Once
they splash down you'll find they float instantly, and it takes very little
speed to kick-start their action. Both bait sizes came over and through
obstructions cleanly and obviously received their fair share of dings and
scratches, but nothing I would deem as out of the ordinary. These are floating
baits so don't expect them to suspend when stopped on the retrieve.
The craw color pops nicely in the sunlight.
Next Section: Crank up that performance! |