Z Man JACK HAMMER Chatterbait | Is this lure worth the $$$? (Underwater Footage)

[@MidwestBassHunter]

I have a feeling I'm going to get some angry comments on my opinion of this lure... What are your thoughts on it?

[@claytonedney8568]

Use them every tournament.. last year won 4 in a row and 6 total throwing them.. 2 so far this year with them.. throw mine with a trailer .

[@MidwestBassHunter]

@@claytonedney8568 what type of trailer do you prefer, I have been using a paddle tail with it.

[@claytonedney8568]

4" Yamamoto Zako Swimbait

[@claytonedney8568]

Green pumpkin.. but I use all different colors.. depending on water color

[@claytonedney8568]

I will even throw it with a steel leader in big pike lakes.. so I don't loss them..

[@josephdurkin8180]

It does really chug underwater... That's a nice sound, I could see a 5lb bass getting pissed off at that sound and destroying that bait

[@charlesneilio7861]

Seventeen dollars? That’s a quart of gas! Let’s go Branden.

[@MidwestBassHunter]

🤣

[@dcgravity7822]

Finally broke down and bought one from TW out of curiosity after hearing all the hype. Half ounce Spot Remover on 30# braid from a Tatula T-R reel. This lure casts a mile even in a head wind! But on 3rd cast, line snapped and it went sailing and my wallet with it.😭😭😭😭

[@MidwestBassHunter]

Ouch!!!

[@dcgravity7822]

@420 Bassman Didn't snap at the knot--used a double Palomar; I think the line was compromised. Berkley X9--happened again on same reel another time and on my Curado as well. I strongly advise against buying this line. Removed all the Berkley and went back to Sufix 832 and it never happened again.

[@georgevega9597]

Oof

[@and-ct9yz]

What braid did you use

[@dcgravity7822]

@@and-ct9yz Berkley X9, and I've been advising anyone willing to listen to stay way the heck away from it. I've recently been using Sufux 131 and have been very pleased with the results. Long time user of Sufix 832 but annoyed that it faded so quickly. Line integrity never suffered though.

[@jessecooper9795]

1 year later and people are buying these as soon as they come out. Best bladed jig on the market

[@MidwestBassHunter]

They are damn good. I have a few jackhammers but I catch a lot of fish on the original as well.

[@madisonlindahl]

For 17 bucks, this better be a fantastic lure!! 😁👍👍🐟

[@MidwestBassHunter]

It better be gold plated for $17

[@claytonedney8568]

Won 4 tournaments in a row and 6 total for year with one last year.. one pole on the deck..

[@Shurmash]

If you want the original Chatterbait to work like a jackhammer, just make sure the blade is completely flat. With a totally flat blade it has the most water resistance which will make it kick on instantly just like the jackhammer.

[@JoelFishes]

I know it's been specifically quoted for winning Bassmaster tournaments, but if you want a chatterbait with crazy erratic darting action, get the Omega Rapture - $8 or something like that, and actually has a more wide, erratic darting motion than the Jackhammer from what I've seen.

[@MidwestBassHunter]

I've never tried an Omega anything, I'll have to check them out. The peice is definitely more reasonable...

[@steveevans4932]

are the blades on the jackhammer attached directly to the hook eye?

[@MidwestBassHunter]

Yes

[@steveevans4932]

@@MidwestBassHunter ok i just wanted to know, before i purchase one. cause i don't like the wire attached to the blade.

[@m2m-minutestomidnightbassi925]

Hey, you might have thought of this already but the Strike King Thunder Cricket is going to be this years “It” Bladed jig. Might be interesting to do a review of that with an in the water side by side against the Jack Hammer. It would be nice to know if it’s 80% as good as a jack for 60% of the price. Btw I tried the new Terminator Bladed jig and it’s like trying to pull a sheet of plywood through the water. Way to much resistance

[@MidwestBassHunter]

I have thought about that, gotta get a cricket first.

[@instantjizz]

Thunder cricket from strikeking is created by using licensing from zmans jackhammer design. So that being said the thunder cricket is an offspring of the jackhammer. So my guess is the jackhammer is probably still better but the cricket is gunna be more affordable and preform almost as good. Kinda like cars your deciding between getting the toyota(thunder cricket) or get the lexus(jackhammer) both are reliable and work well. Ones just a lil nicer.

[@trainrunnersantafe1]

Thank for the info.

[@MidwestBassHunter]

No prob

[@keegansvendsen7364]

My heart stopped for a second when you threw it at the end. Had to rewind it to see that the lure was tied up

[@MidwestBassHunter]

Gotcha! 🤣 I was hoping someone would comment on that!

[@funkymojo111]

Wow, nice underwater footage!

[@MidwestBassHunter]

Thanks Jose, if you look at my channel you’ll see lots of videos with underwater footage. Thanks for watching!

[@jadeshand2990]

Great footage btw.

[@MidwestBassHunter]

Thanks!

[@jxstevep]

just lost mine this morning! Good Lure, but i wont be replacing it.

[@MidwestBassHunter]

Painfull...

[@DJloudpack3208]

Did it chatter on the fall 🤔

[@MidwestBassHunter]

No it doesn’t chatter on the fall

[@chadtindell4388]

Your underwater coverage is amazing I love your lure reviews keep up the great work and yeah I bought one too lol

[@MidwestBassHunter]

Chad Tindell thanks for the kind words, I’ll keep the videos coming.

[@1888CHAD8881]

Can you fish a lure like this without a trailer??

[@MidwestBassHunter]

CHAD ANDERSON yes, you can fish it with or without a trailer. I do prefer a trailer but have caught many fish on this type of lure without a trailer.

[@Sum1Fishy]

When bass are spawning, I use no trailer since allot of times they'll just "nip it" rather than engulf it whole. A more compact presentation works better. During full on summer days, a bulkier presentation (trailer on) gets more aggressive full committed strikes.

[@j.t.cooper2963]

Had to buy one to get that Firecraw color. $15.99 at Academy. Now way am going to spend $80 to upgrade my colors to a Jackhammer. I'll stick to the $4 standards. Cool video! 👍🏻😎

[@MidwestBassHunter]

I just caught a 21” on an original last Sunday (video coming soon) but I pretty much like all the chatterbaits, gosh the jackhammers are expensive though. I have to admit that I have bought a couple more since I made this video, but I have a ton of the originals. Thanks for watching!

[@j.t.cooper2963]

@@MidwestBassHunter I didn't realize they were made in China. I figured Japan at that price. I'll bet their profit margin is ridiculous.

[@williewoodall8305]

Killer vid sir! I use the Zman For musky, Worth every penny...awesome hooks.

[@MidwestBassHunter]

Thanks, they do make some excellent stuff, some interesting f the best out there! Where do you musky fish at?

[@williewoodall8305]

@@MidwestBassHunter I fish for musky on Lake Mcbride just north of Iowa City!

[@chadtindell4388]

Great video bro I love your content

[@MidwestBassHunter]

Thanks!

[@jbard8180]

Saw a KZbinr compare the Regular Chatterbait vs Jackhammer. in an exact scenario testing the regular Chatterbait outfished the Jackhammer almost 3 to 1. I think sometimes they like the flash of the regular chatterbait as opposed the painted blade of the Jackhammer. Not worth paying more money when it doesn't even outfish the original..

[@MidwestBassHunter]

Well, I would say the flash depends on the conditions and you can get Jackhammers with chrome blades. I’ll say this, I 100% believe the jackhammer is a better bait. Better hook by far and it operates better and more consistently. It will probably get you a bite or two more everyday with all conditions the same, when they’re on a chatterbait. Is that worth triple the price. I think not, however, I still own a bunch of jackhammers…

[@Sum1Fishy]

Unless you're that guy that owns 12 Curados DC reels for the occasional fishing, I think this is a novelty item at that price point. You can't fish a bait confidently & aggressively at $20 a pop, especially if you're an urban bank beater! That's the cost of 10 Cotton Cordell $2 crankbaits from Walmart lol

[@MidwestBassHunter]

Well stated, this is a great lure, no doubt, but it’s outside of my budget. Scared to lose it.

[@gunnerlindahl1316]

Cant wait to fish with that

[@MidwestBassHunter]

It's so expensive I'm scared to use it.

[@bradwalters6221]

It's worth it. 3x the fish for 3x the price

[@MidwestBassHunter]

You’re probably right

[@jessemedinajr1485]

Thanks for posting what keeps me from buying is the price. Still have to catch a fish on the original so need that hurdle first before even buying. I do know zman does have a model in between that's like 10 bucks called the freedom or custom. Believe the biggest difference are the swivels, hook and bait holders. Have you tried any other models besides the original and Jack Hammer?

[@MidwestBassHunter]

Yes, I have a freedom, also have a review of that, and the Project Z (wich is awesome and less than $8, review of that is coming out soon. And of course the original which is great. This bait is great, no doubt, but not $17 great, thanks for watching man!

[@jessemedinajr1485]

@@MidwestBassHunter Nice I will go through your other videos to check those out. 👍

[@MidwestBassHunter]

@@jessemedinajr1485 if you go to my video just becore this one, I did a compilation of underwater footage of bladed jigs including the Freedom, I did a more comprehensive review about a year ago.

[@janosczovek8524]

I really like the jackhammer but it expensive , lovely review thanks 👍

[@MidwestBassHunter]

Agreed, a little too expensive for me.

[@m2m-minutestomidnightbassi925]

Just ordered 2 1/2oz models of the TG’s (Tungstens) on eBay 😃 Price is around $19 shipped from Japan. Also an Australian seller has them in the 3/8’s Not available here until after iCast. If you order one to test and don’t like it, I’ll take it off your hands if it’s a in a dark color like, black, black/blue or GP colors

[@MidwestBassHunter]

I'll check em out.

[@kalecastaneda]

I heard the zman customs are really good for 6.99

[@MidwestBassHunter]

I’ve heard that too but I haven’t tried one yet, gonna have to get one.

[@trevorbraden5448]

Yeah man they are great..... I personally like them better than the Jack hammer

[@3GKFISHING]

Awesome video

[@MidwestBassHunter]

Thanks, I’ve got lots of videos like this with underwater footage! Thanks for watching.

[@crfishing1980]

I was looking at them today, there 23 in Canada, didn't buy it because of the price. Would hate to break the line with that on,

[@MidwestBassHunter]

Yes, it would be heart breaking!

[@DEBOSFishing]

Good vid man. I seem to lose chatterbaits more than any other lure 😂 Hard for me to justify spending that one one. Looks awesome in the water though!

[@MidwestBassHunter]

A little to spendy for this guy, that's for sure.

[@fishingok4582]

Good job 👊🏽

[@MidwestBassHunter]

Thanks man!

[@austinbassin4420]

Project z is best bsit for the money! You should have put a trailer on.

[@MidwestBassHunter]

I think you're right check out my video on the Project Z kzbin.info/www/bejne/p5awpJV6oZiljrc

[@austinbassin4420]

@@MidwestBassHunter yea I love mine. I have a few different colors. I use the Zako for the trailer. It has a very tight shimmy. Looks great and the bass in Tx lakes luv em! Nice Vid thanks!

[@MidwestBassHunter]

@@austinbassin4420 thanks for watching!

[@wsunweed]

I completely agree with your opinion. I don't sell chatterbaits due to patent reasons but I make them almost everyday. My cost is less than a dollar and because I am small, I have no economies of scale. Zman is probably making these for 60-70 cents each if not less. I think it's dispicible to charge these prices. Our society is breeding youth that has no concept of money and Zman is getting in on the racket. You are paying for marketing not a fish catching devise.

[@MidwestBassHunter]

I will say it’s a great lure and I bet they cost a little more than that to make. They also get imported from Japan. All that being said they still are quite spendy.

[@wsunweed]

Midwest Bass Hunter you might be right about the cost considering they are made in Japan but I am just talking about input cost (not marketing, shipping, packaging, r&d, equipment or Capitol). My cost is as follows for a little perspective: Ultrapoint Hook: 0.15, silicone: 0.35, snap .08, paint .05, tie nylon:

[@m2m-minutestomidnightbassi925]

Guys, there is an eBay seller from Japan that sells them from 10.99 to 11.20. They are more than worth buying at that price. Quick shipping as well. Just do not put “zman” in your search because they aren’t a zman product. Just search “Jack Hammer Bladed jig” then sort by lowest price. z man had nothing to with the design and manufacture of these baits. They only distribute them for “Evergreen” In the US

[@claytonedney8568]

Are they the same size or the smaller ones? I seen some that were half the size I want..

[@m2m-minutestomidnightbassi925]

Clayton Edney they’re identical. Never seen a 1/2 size Jack Hammer or heard of one and I’m all over tackle and gear message boards. They do have some color combos we do not get here. Color selection at the seller seems to be down this year over last. Last year there were 44 different colors to choose from, including 3 Green Pumpkin and 4 Black Blues lol

[@m2m-minutestomidnightbassi925]

Clayton Edney btw post a link on those smaller Jack Hammers, I’d try a couple of those

[@claytonedney8568]

video.bassmaster.com/detail/videos/bladed-jigs/video/6031623522001/jesse-tacoronte-on-keys-to-bladed-jig-fishing?autoStart=true

[@claytonedney8568]

Only one I've seen .. was on this video

[@WhitchurchFishing1]

Glad I get mine at half price

[@MidwestBassHunter]

Good for you man!

[@grandwonder5858]

Where you got your half-price ones at?

[@charlesneilio7861]

What did your wife think of what it cost for your underwater camera equipment? Had to be more than 17.00

[@MidwestBassHunter]

🤔🤔🤔

[@daviddillabough]

That is low key a finese muskie bait that outfishes 90% of other muskie lures. I only use the cheap ones but i catch about 1 muskie per day. The project z ones are cheap, better profile, nice skirts for about 1/3 the cost.

[@MidwestBassHunter]

How do they hold up to a big fish?

[@daviddillabough]

​@@MidwestBassHunter Never broke one off with about 50 musky on them. If it does break it will be the blade tearing apart at the jig eye. trolling them for about 50hours will noticable start to wear out the thin part of the blade, the heavier the jig the worse.

[@m2m-minutestomidnightbassi925]

Uh-oh, Evergreen is coming out with a tungsten Jack Hammer. You’re going to have another one to have to test out. I’ll buy it , if you don’t want to pay the expected $20-$22 price, when released and have it shipped to you for testing and if you don’t lose it, you can ship it back to me. Deal?

[@MidwestBassHunter]

Sure!

[@m2m-minutestomidnightbassi925]

Midwest Bass Hunter lose it you buy it? Ok I haven’t seen the actual release date but I’ll find it on tackle tour and get back to you. Dave

[@MidwestBassHunter]

Maybe I can just buy one myself. Where do you buy them from?

[@m2m-minutestomidnightbassi925]

Midwest Bass Hunter they haven’t been released yet, as far as I know, just doing so promo stuff for it in Japan. I’ll check with a couple JDM sellers and see if they know

[@m2m-minutestomidnightbassi925]

Midwest Bass Hunter according to the Evergreen website they were released on April 26th...though probably in Japan first. If o remember when i get home from fishing, I’ll email The Tackle Trap or Japan tackle and see when and if they’re getting any soon

[@grandwonder5858]

Hey, why don’t you throw that lure my way! You said $17 is too expensive for that lure and then you throw it away? What the......!

[@MidwestBassHunter]

Haha, it was tied on, gotcha... 🤣

[@fishingjoe683]

For that kinda money it better make me coffee in the morning. I make my own chatterbaits and spend far less than $5 a piece (price for an original)

[@MidwestBassHunter]

Nice! Care to send me a sample 🤔

[@fishingjoe683]

@@MidwestBassHunter That could be arranged. It's just some BOSS jig heads mini ball is my go to for a smaller profile in my highly pressured lakes, a Dirty jig skirt. Pick up some medium sized blades off Amazon, snaps and split rings. I can make twenty for less than fifty bucks. 😉

[@melvinwhitten1760]

the picasso tungsten knocker shock blade is better and cheaper. It starts soon as it hits the water.

[@MidwestBassHunter]

Nice, I have some Picasso’s but not the Tungsten model. I’ll have to check one out, thanks.

[@DATBOI-wv4fq]

I got mine in 3/8 oz

[@MidwestBassHunter]

That’s a good size

[@UWPcustombaits]

so I was going be smart and buy one and just change the skirts like every other chatterbait until I tried to take the skirt off and was like wtf lol should have watched your review first..

[@MidwestBassHunter]

Yeah this ones a little different, good bait though but a little spendy for me. Thanks for watching!

[@andreww402]

The original chatterbait is just as good and half the cost

[@MidwestBassHunter]

Less than 1/2! I won't say the original is just as good but it is very close! I'm with you, cool bait but toooo expensive.

[@m2m-minutestomidnightbassi925]

Midwest Bass Hunter no even close brother.

[@larrymor]

You did not perform the ultimate test: Does it catch fish??

[@MidwestBassHunter]

I did another video fishing with it. Here’s the link kzbin.info/www/bejne/aZKtnpyFg7eMf68

[@m2m-minutestomidnightbassi925]

Looks and sounds fantastic. I’ve been sold on them since they came out.

[@nickmcallister5207]

It better come with 60lb braid

[@MidwestBassHunter]

And a steel leader.

[@trevorbraden5448]

They are nice.... but not 17 dollars nice.... if you put it next to the 4 or 5 dollar ones it isn't barely any different..... .mainly the trailer hooks on them are different only thing I can see and color match blade

[@MidwestBassHunter]

I actually have a video with a side by side comparison.

[@williewoodall8305]

P.S. Go Hawkeyes!

[@MidwestBassHunter]

I live and fish in Iowa and have for many years, but I ain’t no Hawkeyes fan!

[@williewoodall8305]

haw haw! thatś hilarious

[@bclin2003]

SEVENTEEN DOLLARS!!!!????

[@MidwestBassHunter]

Uh-oh, my wife saw this... 🤕

[@vernonhokeah7968]

You should have done the same thing with a different chatter bait just to be fair. I ain"t nobody but I have used a Z-Man and a Jack Hammer to me the only dfference is the price. I don''t think I'll buy another Jack Hammer.

[@MidwestBassHunter]

I’ve got another video on my channel with several different chatterbaits compared side by side.

[@vernonhokeah7968]

@@MidwestBassHunter cool, I’ll check them out.

[@jadeshand2990]

Agree, way too expensive

[@MidwestBassHunter]

I have to admit I have bought two of them, they catch em but dang, that’s a lot of money.

[@jadeshand2990]

@@MidwestBassHunter I bought one to try, but I could probably catch my personal best & not buy another. Too poor. LOL!

[@johnm2617]

Dude dont have no trailer on it ??? So the action will be different ! Who throws a bladed jig without a trailer !

[@collegefootballfan7909]

It's expensive but you get what you pay for.

[@MidwestBassHunter]

No doubt it’s a great lure. I caught my biggest bass of the year in 2020 on a chatterbait original that cost $4. I love the Jackhammer but the cheaper models are great too. Have you tried any other bladed jigs? Thanks for checking out my video.

[@collegefootballfan7909]

@@MidwestBassHunter No this will be my first time fishing with one.

[@MidwestBassHunter]

Don’t be scared to use the cheaper ones they work great. Here’s a video with a giant bass I caught with a chatterbait original. kzbin.info/www/bejne/n5LJpWaQr72JeZI

[@collegefootballfan7909]

@@MidwestBassHunter ah ok I’ll check them out

[@breckencoady1159]

Good lure but too expensive

[@MidwestBassHunter]

I agree, it's a great lure but so is an original Chatterbait and I can get 3 different colors for the price of one of these.

[@Antjuan28]

Only worth it if you catch more fish. I can see a huge difference

[@MidwestBassHunter]

The jackhammer is a great lure, just not sure it’s 3x better than the original.