Shad Blade Or Zv Mold?

[smalljaw]

It seems like I'm fishing cold water a lot more these days and a lure that really works during the cold water months has been the heddon sonar and the silver buddys so I was thinking of getting one of those molds. What I need is help deciding which one, the shad blade or the ZV mold? They both seem real similar to me so if anyone can help me choose and explain the differences I'd greatly appreciate the help. This is a lure that I rarely use, but it does catch fish and it seems to shine in cold deep water, in one body of water I fish I cast the lure out and let it sink to the bottom and then rip it up off the bottom and let it fall back down, it is crazy but usually if there are fish close I only get to make 3 rips before it gets bit, I never really feel the strike, instead what happens is after the rip as it is falling the line stops or moves off the side and I just set the hook, thats it, not really hard. I know how to use it but what are the differences in these baits?

[cadman]

I have both molds and I personally like the ZV bait better, just personal preferance, as it seems more balanced and doesn't dive nose first. You will have a choice of a raw brass(gold looking) or brass silver plated blades. I have used both and If I paint them I use the plain brass one. You can paint the plated one as well. Now when I say painted On the brass one I have painted the blade itself and the lead head. On the plated one I only paint the lead head. One thing to remember is this, if you paint the blades, you can use powder paint , however it softens the vibration. This can be a trial and error for you. I would suggest spray painting them if you decide to paint the blade. The lead head part doesn't matter. With that said I have posted in the past about having the blades made out of 6061T6 aluminum. The reason for the aluminum, is that it is lighter and should vibrate more. Also the 6061T6 alloy is a very hard alloy, so the blade won't get all beat up and bent. Brass is soft, but the aluminum is pretty hard to bend in this alloy. I have not had any of the aluminum ones made yet, as the quantity would have to substantiate the cost. E-mail sent

Edited December 27, 2011 by cadman

[smalljaw]

Thanks for the info Ted, I got the email before I saw the post. Anyway, I know a little about Aluminum specifically the 6061 T6 alloy having worked for ALCOA for 3 years, but I never thought about the vibrating blade baits because they are a niche bait for me so those I just buy but figuring the cost and the fact that I lose anywhere between 3 and 4 every year I thought about making them, actually my friend asked me why I just don't make them and so here I am asking questions about them. Thanks for the info.

[Fatman]

Smalljaw

Get the ZV!!! much better mold and bait, as Cad said. They can be tough to find!!! and the new one at Do-It labeled ZV is not the same as the old one. It took me 41/2 yrs. of getting outbid before someone listed it wrong and I got it for $10.

As Cad said there was a really big thread about where to find the cheapest blades and then about getting aluminum ones made. I still have the files Cadman sent out to have the blanks made but he is right initial cost is steep.

Fatman

[crawdaddy]

I had the original Zonar mold and the shad blade mold. I sold them and now have the new ZV mold. I like the new version alot due to the recessed eyes. I agree with Cadman that the ZV is more balanced and creates a better vibration. Big river sauger love this bait. Best place to get new Do-It molds is Barlow's. Most new molds are $28-$30.