Z-Man Evergreen Jackhammer vs Strike King Thunder Cricket

[@AlexRuddFishing]

Make sure to hit that *SUBSCRIBE* button if you enjoyed this video! Z-Man Evergreen Jackhammer: bit.ly/31MTKS8 Strike King Thunder Cricket: bit.ly/2TweOwb On a side note the Jackhammer has a Decoy not a Owner snap!

[@cjboone9224]

What’s the Trailer

[@dustinbrunson9262]

You can add split rings to were the blade attaches to the head, this improves vibration a lot! You can also switch out blades , maybe even add a football head and play with your weight ratio , in certain conditions it pays off to drop it faster and deeper into the water column. There is really alot you can do with chatters and for me making my own Is the best!

[@stevemccormack8101]

Love the Thunder Chicken. Jackhammer is good too but up Northeast here most of our lakes are clear water so quieter baits tend to excel

[@MIbassfish]

OTCDestiny I like the painted blade as well in clear water versus the flashy gold blade on comparable bluegill colors.

[@stevemccormack8101]

Angling Addiction I agree!

[@lexxb6386]

I love the jack hammer and thunder cricket but they are definitely pricey. Picked up a few on monster bass for 50% off so not bad.

[@brnowak_fishing]

I will say, I like the jackhammer just because of the “crispness” of the vibration and how quickly it starts. That super thin blade vibrates soooo fast! At 0:55 I thought you said “bitch mark” It’s that dang southern accent

[@AlexRuddFishing]

Those fish up there love the Jackhammer!

[@jaketorrey9435]

Really appreciate you taking the time to break these baits down. Great info!

[@AlexRuddFishing]

Thanks for watching man!

[@ScottHynson-if9vn]

Nice breakdown of the 2 bladed jigs. I'm a strike king guy, but have several Z Mans on hand. Both work great

[@kerryparks6744]

I've never had ANY luck with the jigs have a split ring connecting to the blade. I've had them spin on me. Anyone with else have this issue with custom made baits. I prefer Zman's, but watching this makes has definitely opened my mind! I will have to pick up a couple a thunder cricket!

[@great207]

I recently purchased some Jackhammers. Cant wait to try them this spring. Thanks for the video!

[@neilpremo3601]

I've been experimenting with the picasso shock blade lately.. you should do a comparison on that one as well!

[@frantyf]

Yes its an awesome blade also!

[@carsonisfishing5757]

Neil premo I have never used one do they sell Picasso shock blade in store

[@jimmig387]

Great quality video. Great images and close ups. Distinct and to the point. Great job.

[@RockyTopSplash]

Really like these style of videos from you Rudd, I bet everyone else does also, probably gets better audience retention for you as well.

[@Blackbird0216]

i prefer the jackhammer over thunder cricket..im lucky enough to have every color in the original and stealth. the stealth is a very underrated lure but it fills tht finesse & clearwater only role tht thunder cricket cant yet

[@Wildkyle51]

This is the best breakdown of these baits I’ve seen yet!

[@AlexRuddFishing]

Thanks!

[@jefferystovall9617]

I have started fishing a lot more this year with bladed jigs. I have a mix. I have some rage blades and Z man chatter baits. What the best colors. Also the best water temperature to us them.

[@victorxavier9977]

Great break down Alex you always have great infomative videos!

[@drafish]

Great explanation of the differences in these two baits. We’ve had some concerns about the Z Man bladed baits but there is a big difference in the two. I have not thrown theThunderCricket but after Alex’s video I might pick up a couple of the Thunder Crickets as I Fish a lot of clear deep reservoirs (loaded with spots). My first time viewing this site. Excellent video! Now I’m a subscriber!

[@donniemcmasters1610]

I some how knew it was gonna be both. Cuz you don't really do vs videos.Cuz we know that on any given day one will out perform the other. Thanks for all the great content!

[@mattpastell3728]

Thanks for your input, I just ordered both!

[@AlexRuddFishing]

Nice!

[@michiganroots9179]

Got em both. Best of both worlds!

[@AlexRuddFishing]

Yes sir!

[@jaysfishandwhips1328]

Jackhammers powdercoated blades wear off after two casts. Nd the twisted wire they use for their skirts pinches it and causes the skirt to fall apart. Dual wire keeper is also one too many and wastes more plastic than it saves. I agree on the difference in sound. The thunder cricket also comes in a tournament grade version which is made of a tungsten jighead and better skirt tie. They also have their gold blade lineup. I always take 10lb braid and tie the existing skirt myself nd put a drop of super glue that way it never slides or twists. Always lasts longer. I just cut and remove the original rubber

[@kenbrown5449]

Hey Alex! First time I've watched one of your vids and you've another subscriber. Excellent presentation and explanations! Thanks for doing the work for us! lol!

[@AlexRuddFishing]

Thanks for watching man!

[@Motorcyclewindtherapy]

This is a great breakdown of the difference, thanks, Alex! I think the Zman willowvibe will do my high, fast vibration and I'll stay with the Jackhammer for 90% of my chatterbait duties. I thought it was interesting you said in the comments you had a box of OG Chatterbaits and limited success... until you picked up these 2. I caught exactly ONE bass on an OG Chatterbait....had a box full...and the one bass was on one without a skirt and just a swimbait on it. Now the Jackhammer... that's tied on my one of my rods all the time now.

[@umami0247]

Still a spinnerbait guy but I have started to use these baits. Finding these baits either of these is tough like ammo. I go with color over cost most of the time but both baits are pricey.

[@justinm.3594]

I would love to see you compare them on the water.

[@AlexRuddFishing]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/eGamipJ4iNKHaLc kzbin.info/www/bejne/nHLNe6Npq8R2otk kzbin.info/www/bejne/g5vPYZ9nn7KehaM kzbin.info/www/bejne/bKeyfYKbhM2tbNE kzbin.info/www/bejne/gZzFg3ibg7yJrLc kzbin.info/www/bejne/b5rPqIVjgNF4e5Y Here's just a small piece of my trial with both baits.

[@Tuscanygp]

They're both cool , but this is part of the reason I invested in do it molds poison tail mold. I make my own bladed jigs and swim jigs for next to nothing after the initial cost.

[@AlexRuddFishing]

Theres nothing more satisfying than catching a bass on something you made.

[@andriesgeddes4692]

Cool video, I'm from South Africa and my local tackle shop has the daiwa prorex chatterbait which I really like. Please try to see if you can get hold of it that side and give it a try

[@areddfishing7473]

Well explained. I use the jackhammer in more muddy water and grass I feel it comes through better. I feel the thunder cricket is harder to snap out of the grass. I like the thundercricket in clear creeks with wood.

[@brettsiegle9163]

I think the two biggest differences I’ve noticed are the attachment of the jig head to the blade, and the quality of the skirt. The JH has a solid attachment between jig head and blade, so when the blade vibrates it actually contacts the jig head and makes additional noise other than just the vibration of the blade itself. The TC has a slight pivot at this connection, so you won’t get that contact between the blade and jig head. The skirts are also quite different, but so is the price point. Ultimately, both catch fish, both work great, and both can last a long time. For half the price, the TC is worth a shot; may need to replace the shirt after a while. The JH is still my gold standard, but the wallet cringes if you lose one.

[@Roboworm99]

The Phenix bait is no longer made anymore. They had received a cease and desist order from Zman. It’s the one Brett Hite helped put on the map. D&M used to make a great one too but they too received the cease and desist. Another great one is the Picasso Shock Blade.

[@BodeknockerBrumbill]

Jackhammer has tungsten head I believe. Part of reason for price but also different sound.

[@AlexRuddFishing]

The American models don’t. The original Evergreen Jackhammer did before they brought it to America. They then repackaged and rebranded and separated them into the TG and normal. The TG is now the tungsten resin one.

[@jacenchrisbaker]

I think they both serve different purposes, which is why I throw both, and I think you break down exactly why. The Jackhammer IS a fish catching machine, but so is the Thunder Cricket (Bruised has been my go-to in this rainy as Hell year in the Carolinas) and they both get it done!

[@christianclair5159]

Thanks man, and those close ups are tight!

[@nickcavazos5718]

Strike king made the pure poison way before the jackhammer came out. That was their attempt. Luckily it lead to the thunder cricket. I snatched a bunch today ending with a 4 lber

[@AlexRuddFishing]

That's what that thing was called! Thanks for watching.

[@MaxOstrovtheheadyhive]

@@AlexRuddFishing You had the Tour Grade Rage Blade by StrikeKing, correct, as well. ; ) I have a couple I have yet to use, but figure they'll be good in thicker/heavier stuff, and they seem to be a bit larger, too. So, maybe good to throw on high-pressured waters, or when targeting larger fish..? I'd love to hear your take on it, and maybe some others you might suggest to try or stay away from. The Rage Blade definitely looks way different... Thanks for another great vid!

[@joemac3748]

You nailed it on this video bro awesome. I watched like ten other videos about these two chatterbaits and your video was by far the best man with how you explain each one and that one isn’t better then the other one and they are both great for depending on how the fish are.👍🏼🔥👌🏼

[@AlexRuddFishing]

Glad you enjoyed it man!

[@basser913]

Thanx for this review. I wouldent have ever bought the Thunder Cricket. Glad I did. I am slaying Bass and Snook on it. On the Myakka River. You can teach and old dog new tricks.

[@alexkincaid5617]

What advice would you have for someone new to bass fishing, and not to sure where to start for baits? I've been using texas rigged creature baits and senkos, but I'm looking to expand beyond just that. I get how a lot of baits are supposed to be used, I'm just having trouble implementing them to where and what I'm fishing. I know this is a pretty open ended question, but if you had to chose one or two baits, what would they be and how do you use them?

[@AlexRuddFishing]

I've got a video coming out soon that will help you out. Until then though I'd pick up a swimjig, bladed jig, and a top water and start to learn those really well.

[@alexkincaid5617]

@@AlexRuddFishing Awesome man! I'll be on the look out. Thank you. I'm gonna start throwing the swimjig today.

[@fisherman7275]

Learn dropshotting as well with plastics. And my advice if you're gonna try a vibrating jig, spend the money on one of these two, stay away from the cheaper ones. I've got a box of old chatterbait originals, don't like them, didn't like how the fished and stopped fishing them. Tried the jackhammer, and now I always have one tied on when I'm out. Welcome to the sport.

[@alexkincaid5617]

@@fisherman7275 Thank you! I've read a lot about dropshotting, but I haven't tried it out. I'll have to give it a go. I will probably pick these two up sooner or later as well. Thanks again for the info!

[@Ranger374_]

Great video Alex! You are absolutely correct, I mainly fish dirty water and the Jackhammer rules in it! I've been crushing them all year on it. Love all your tips and advice! Keep up the great work!

[@AlexRuddFishing]

Thanks for watching man!

[@Ranger374_]

@@AlexRuddFishing You da man! :)

[@DMVWhiskerKing]

I like the Z man Evergreen one the best of these two . Just don't like the skirt at all on the Strike King chatterbait. Overall paint job and skirt Z man wins 😉🤙 Nice information man as always.

[@AlexRuddFishing]

Thanks for watching man!

[@DMVWhiskerKing]

@@AlexRuddFishing No Problem 😁👍

[@TeamJesusOutdoors]

Have you tried the Chatterbait Custom? I believe that it is exclusive to Tackle Warehouse, but it is $6.99 and has many of the features of the Jackhammer at a fraction of the price. Its my goto chatterbait.

[@HBeretta]

Great channel dude! Subscribed.

[@matthewstoltzfus6688]

Have both of them and in 3 to 4 colors and all different weight sizes

[@subsailor1445]

I've tried both of them but have caught more fish on Zman Custom chatterbaits. Those seem to work for me and have money for several different types of trailers. Kinda of a no brainer but to each his own.

[@rodplunkett8651]

What trailer did you have on those two lures ? Thank you for the review

[@romyoverlandingandoutdoors2566]

Sick Beard brother. Great review.

[@BlueLineFishing]

Great review and thoroughly explained. Thanks!

[@johnny-b-fishing8156]

What kind of jig are you using on the chatter bait in the video I like them small and nice

[@jnj2233]

Add a VMC Ball Bearing Swivel size 3 or 4 in between a phoneix chatterbait blade and a jighead. Think Phenix Vibrator Blade Kit was available from TW! Great chatterbait blade!

[@bigredbass7898]

Thanks for this video. Very informative. Ive fished the jackhammer quite a bit and it flat out catches em in dirty water and grass. I gave my thundercricket to a buddy so ill have to pick up another one and try it out. Bladed jigs for the win!

[@AlexRuddFishing]

Thanks for watching buddy!

[@bamadondon0495]

U think the new swimghead bladed jig coming out will have a new pitch to the blade?

[@AlexRuddFishing]

Oh I'm sure. They all have a distinct sound.

[@SimonC82686]

Never been a fan of bladed jigs, everyone swears by them but I've only ever caught 1 on a mini max and was probably using too big of a trailer for it. Bought up quite a bit of the originals, elites, and even those finesse willowvibes but never caught anything with them, so I hardly ever take them out the house anymore. I finally caved in and picked up some jackhammers and those hog farmer/missile baits spunk shad trailers. Hopefully I'll have better luck with the bladed jigs when spring rolls around. As a bank angler Cherokee was pretty tough though, once they started draining the lake we only had like a month to hit those accessible creeks and pockets before it was bone dry and all the cover was out of the water.

[@ImageClipsbyTim]

Awesome vid! THanks for sharing!!

[@fishin2themax245]

Great vid. How do you tie it on? Do you have acid demonstrating that?

[@belldn3]

Quite sure they both catch bass but a couple of just one is my whole check, lol.

[@BRandomFishing]

I loved this, great take on both. Little secret i have never caught a fish on a chatter bait

[@4shorefishing779]

BRandomFishing have to put in the time for sure. It doesn’t produce the numbers as a ned rig does but usually produces bigger better quality bass. Make sure to use appropriate colors for your water and body of water and find a good trailer for it with good action. Clear water and spring time light colors work great for me the rest of the year or darker water green pumpkin or darker colors i do well on. Don’t give up it will be worth it good luck brother!

[@RockyTopSplash]

Alright.. I promise I haven't watched the video yet, here is my guess on what you going to say.. "they both catch fish, but have distinct different vibrations, for clear water use a white thunder cricket, for dirtier water use the jackhammer with chart/white"

[@buckeyebassintv2190]

Can you do a video on how you wrap braids around frog hooks help seal the hole up I've tried a couple different ways and I don't think I'm doing it right LOL🍻👊

[@Hardballleather]

Put super glue or hot glue gun it

[@AlexRuddFishing]

I've never done it myself.

[@isLife-nn5yl]

You got a new subscriber after this video. Nice review.

[@joekidd6432]

I too have used both and hands down the jackhammer blows away the thunder cricket! It’s by far and away more durable especially with the skirt being hand tied. But the thing that I dislike about the cricket the most is the eyes coming off after just a few catches. This has to be fixed by Strike King.

[@JoseMartinez-dq4km]

Great video like always now I must look at that cricket

[@AlexRuddFishing]

Thanks for watching bud!

[@Scotty2Hotty2969]

Couldn’t have said it better! Head on with that comparison! Just got some Strike King NED ocho baits! Unique design!!!

[@AlexRuddFishing]

I need to pick up a few.

[@OhKee12]

Old Town Family that’s what I like to see!

[@AlexRuddFishing]

Heck yeah man! They are good folks. I’ve got a Top Water and a Predator now. Waiting on my iPilot and 106 Powered by Minn Kota. They have been a awesome partner to the channel.

[@OhKee12]

Alex Rudd Fishing I’m on their pro staff as well. Glad to see they are taking care of you. Great people. And Great channel 👍🎣

[@MainahTony]

ive never used these baits. been getting them from MB. THANK YOU for this video. do you know if that jackhammer has been in any of thier boxes? i kno thunder crickets have been in a few. i THINK i have a Zman, not sure if jackhammer tho

[@AlexRuddFishing]

There hasn’t been a jackhammer but we are going a Z-Man takeover box this coming month and it will include a Z-man - cross eyes chatterbait.

[@MainahTony]

@@AlexRuddFishing and that cross eye is a good one right?

[@MainahTony]

@@AlexRuddFishing thank u Alex. Appreciate ur reply

[@MySpinner]

did the jackhammer fixed it's skirt?

[@garyk76]

i’ve used both all spring caught fish on both i like both a really alot

[@kerryparks1979]

Do you prefer The Rage tail Menace 3.5" or the magnum 4"? Thanks

[@AlexRuddFishing]

The normal 3.5

[@shawnmoniz6617]

Great comparison vid. Just got the Jackhammer. Took me awhile since i love the Z-man Weedless one so much already in a color not offered for Jackhammer (Breaking Bream)... What was the trailers you had on those?

[@samdean9584]

Strike King Rage Menace

[@shawnmoniz6617]

Dang... had them in my hand today at Bass Pro Shop and put them back..

[@AlexRuddFishing]

Yeah man pick some up they are amazing! Hit that link in the top of the comments and pick some up through Amazon! They are usually cheaper.

[@cabraljoshbeer]

Great review Alex 👍

[@jdeanschlosser77]

Z man switched out their ties. It's now a single heavy gauge wire..... Much better than the snap

[@frantyf]

Alex I'm been looking for a perfect chatterbait rod for a 8 month at least and I'm still doubting I would like to try Evergreen The Serval hybrid rod 6'11 MH 1- 1-1/2 the problem that I see its weight around 189gr its too much for a EG rod... and its 2014 model... maybe new model is planning to arrive early... What rod Do you use for 1/2 chatterbaiting ? Thank you very much in advance!!

[@AlexRuddFishing]

7'6 MH Lew's Mark Rose cranking rod paired with a Lew's Super Duty 6:8

[@CA-sl2xw]

Great content here! I also fish both, thanks for the situational deep dive. Do you always trailer a menace grub? I’m trying to dial that in, been using a Lake Fork magic shad with great success. Thoughts on trailers? Thx Alex

[@AlexRuddFishing]

I always run a Menace. I've tried the Zako, Zman chatterbait tralier, swimbaits. I always go back to the menace.

[@AlexRuddFishing]

@@gregc2621 not on a bladed jig but behind a swing head yes. I caught some quality smallmouth on it.

[@AlexRuddFishing]

@@gregc2621 its a lot bigger appendage so it kicks a lot harder but they don't really have the same action. The rage is more a flap where as the spicy is like roll

[@AlexRuddFishing]

@@gregc2621 thanks bud! Glad your enjoying it.

[@edkennard72]

thank you for explaining about what a Chaturbate is I've always wondered and I never knew and I take I really thank you for taking the time to show us and like the other person said I'm sure there's other people that have heard about them but didn't know what they were and now we do thank you

[@bluebullbt]

Great comparison

[@kristopherwiita4509]

What trailer is on one in video ?

[@bassinthegrass88]

strike king also does make the pure poison bladed jig as well as the rage blade. its a cheaper model much like the zman originals. havent tried it yet though as I have always mostly stuck to the zman chatterbaits. picked up a few jackhammers and they whack em. trying to find a thunder cricket but havent found em north of the border yet. great video alex. come up to canada and fish some great lakes smallies!

[@AlexRuddFishing]

I need to make my way up there sometime! I think Ben and I are going to try to make a trip sometime.

[@joshandthejam7806]

Useful info. I have Zman in a bunch of colors because they have always worked really well for me. Hard to fix what aint broken. ;)

[@bama7263]

Great video the best I have seen

[@brandonthompson8413]

Alex, have a question.... Do you actually notice a difference in the amount of fish or the quality of fish that you catch with the Jackhammer or Thunder Cricket vs the original standard $4-5 Original Chatterbait? I have been slaying them on the original chatterbait lately and I personally haven't found a reason to justify a bait that costs 3-4 times what my originals cost. Thoughts?

[@AlexRuddFishing]

I have a box of OG chatterbaits I don't throw anymore. I use to catch some fish on a chatterbait when I picked up a Jackhammer for the first time and then the Thunder Cricket that all changed. It went from a bait I had around to one I have tied on all the time.

[@brandonthompson8413]

@@AlexRuddFishing thanks for the reply. Is the hook heavier wire than on an OG Chatterbait? What type of rod/ line do you throw them on?

[@AlexRuddFishing]

@@brandonthompson8413 yeah the Jackhammer has a Gamakatsu flipping hook and the Thunder Cricket has a Owner Jungle hook in it. I use 7'6 MH Lew's Pro Series cranking rod, 20lb Fluro, with a Lew's Super Duty

[@kellyrichardson2700]

What color/size Rage Menace are you using as a trailer on those?

[@AlexRuddFishing]

The regular size in whatever color matches up with the skirt I'm throwing.

[@TeamJesusOutdoors]

Great review

[@angleratlarge6787]

Alex; Any skirts that are held together with a rubber band are terrible - they don't last! If you store them in your boat compartment and they get hot they just fall apart? I recently purchased some 24 gauge wire and wire twister pliers and wire on all my skirts that are banded. They will then last incredibly longer that the cheap rubber bands. All companies that tout a premium product should wire the skirt on.

[@AlexRuddFishing]

I've got a old Nichols spinnerbaits from the 90s that still have the original rubber band keeper on them. I get what your saying but it isn't the end of the world.

[@FishingWithBIGD]

some great info man - I still Luv the Jackhammer

[@johnrich9278]

What your opinion on the booyah melee jig?

[@AlexRuddFishing]

Never used one

[@Fishingwithdave2024]

What action rod do u use or recommend for chatter baits?

[@AlexRuddFishing]

I use a Lew's Custom Pro 7'6 MH crankbait rod. So it's a moderate action composite rod.

[@BD1JR]

What color trailer is that menace

[@AlexRuddFishing]

Glacier

[@macabee1955]

The man. The beard. The fisherman! Your videos are amongst the most absolute informative of all KZbin fishing videos. Most enjoyable. 🐟😊

[@jigforbass1414]

Is the trailer toward the hook or rigged the other way if it’s the other way y do u do that

[@AlexRuddFishing]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/hZ6rc56Orsuorbs

[@krislewis273]

Great video! You sold a few of each to me

[@crappiecurlzbasslivesmatterllc]

What trailers were those?

[@AlexRuddFishing]

Menace grubs

[@killahdj]

Great vid

[@sheaffergrubbs6056]

You still got the skeeter

[@3GKFISHING]

What gear ratio are you fishing them with?

[@AlexRuddFishing]

6:8

[@3GKFISHING]

@@AlexRuddFishing thanks for the reply

[@paretteable]

The Rage Blade is the truth if you haven’t used one you should try it. The first time I used one I caught 5 fish in 5 cast. Ridiculous action

[@AlexRuddFishing]

I have used one! They are pretty legit.

[@RockyTopSplash]

I love the rage blades!!

[@pattierew3325]

WHAT MAKES THE JACKHAMMER WORK WELL AND BE EXPENSIVE IS THE CHEAP BLADE.

[@dickiehoskins9835]

I throw the keitech 3.8 as my trailer and love it. I throw 3/8oz . What's your preference on rod action and length. I been throwing 7'4mh moderate action. Always awsome video man!!

[@RockyTopSplash]

That is my set up also buddy.. well 7'2.. anything with a single hook your going to want a MH for hooksets. That Keitech is killer.

[@AlexRuddFishing]

7'6 MH Moderate action Lew's Custom Pro cranking rod paired with a Lew's Super Duty 6:8

[@royroth5310]

NICE REVIEW

[@matruthn.m.bassin]

But they are Both Made from Z-Man if you read the Back of your package of your Thunder Cricket ?!?!

[@AlexRuddFishing]

No they licensed the attachment point from Z-man. There’s just a logo stating that on the package. They also do that on the Z-too which uses Elaztech.

[@Bass_Fishing_101]

Isn’t the head tungsten

[@AlexRuddFishing]

Coated but not fully tungsten. They have another JDM exclusive version called the TG that is fully tungsten.

[@Bass_Fishing_101]

@@AlexRuddFishing I can’t find that, you have a link? All I see is the vike

[@AlexRuddFishing]

@@Bass_Fishing_101 it’s a JDM product so it can only be bought or imported from Japan.

[@Bass_Fishing_101]

@@AlexRuddFishing I see Picasso has a tungsten chatterbait

[@limperlunk7292]

Why are they 20.00 again?

[@AlexRuddFishing]

JH is $15.99 the TC is $13.99

[@jhondoe6664]

Where's the Skeeter