Calhoun plastic - characteristics

[Senkosam]

I borrowed this from Del and thought it perfectly describes the qualities of Calhoun's plastic.

1.) Calhoun Plastic Separtates into 2 liquids, it does not settle. This makes it more consistant and easier to mix

2.) Calhoun Plastic Does not need Heat stabilizers, it has them all ready mixed in.

3.) Calhoun Plastic Can be heated to a hotter tempature (425?) before burning.

4.) Calhoun Plastic will give you brighter and clearer colors.

5.) Calhoun Plastic Does not smell as much.

6.) Calhoun Plastic Has little or no smoke.

7.) Calhoun Plastic Contains No D.O.P.'s

8.) Calhoun Plastic Will produce a crystal clear bait.

Sam

[GB GONE]

When I re-melt old baits down, my wife forces me to use an old microwave and I have to go to the shed. With Calhoun's I have been able to stay in the house and use our kitchen microwave.

My wife didn't even know I used them!!!!

Jim

PS Hope she doesn't have a usename/pswd on this site!!!

[Deep South]

I bought a gallon of Calhoun plastic a few months ago. I just opened it up this week and was surprise to see the liquid seperated into two parts. I used a paint mixer on a drill motor to mix the plastic. I also noticed there wasn't any hard plastic that settled to the bottom. I am also a first time user of Calhoun plastic and it seeems the plastic is softer than the plastic I been using.

[D.J.]

I use Lure Craft 536. How much hassle would it be to switch to Calhoun. I mean as far as refiguring my formulas etc. I get the feeling from all you guys on this board that Calhoun's in superior. Anybody use L.C. 536 anymore? I just have a feeling it is going to be a major headache. :

[basskat]

I made the switch form Lurecraft tp Calhoun and didn't change anything. One thing I did notice, it didn't seem to take quiet as much coloring.

And another thing I don't use heat stablizer in the Calhoun.

[Deep South]

basskat

I used Lure Craft 502 and switiching to Calhoun. Do you find Calhoun harder, softer, or the same density as Lure Craft.

[woodsac]

Personally, I think Calhoun is much softer then the LC 502. I used the LC 536 before switching and there really isn't too much difference between the two. I think the Calhoun might be a little softer then the 536 too.

I still add about 2 1/2 to 3 cups of softener to my 5 gallon Calhoun. I know I'm one of the few, but I add about 2 oz of stabilizer to the bucket also. Does the stabilizer make a difference? I don't know, but that little bit doesn't affect the smell and I've never burnt the plastic. Except once when I answered the door :oops: Had to shut the door to my shop room and leave the vent on for about 2 hours to get rid of the smell.

[BigZ]

DJ, you shouldn't have any problems with the plastic formulas. Calhouns works pretty well. I use Calhouns (senkos, big baits) and MF (worms), and the colorant acts the same in each. I started pouring on LC 536, I loved it, but I know better now. The only plastic that I used that sucks is that 3G trash. Foamy Nasty Smoky junk. It ruined one of my lee pots completely, foamed over, burnt and turned into a solid clump of lava rock. I only had the pot on 3, so it must not be able to take the heat. All of the hardener settles out in about 2 days too. SUCKS.

MF doesn't settle or anything, you just have to shake it a little, plus it comes in a nice square 5 gallon container and for 3 bucks more you can add a spigot to it. I like that, my mess has cut down about 300% dues to that. MF is about 30% more expensive than Calhoun, but I really only make baits for myself anyway. No need to add anything, super soft from the get go. In my opinion, the original and still the best.

I like the Calhoun stuff, but add softener to it so I get the consistency I want from it. I've had no problems with it yet, but I give it second place to MF for pouring worms. It rocks for Senkos though! I guess I have to use both from now on.

[Tubeman]

Hey Z, just wondering what the main reason is for using MF for worms. Is it softness or texture ? I've never used MF plastisols and have heard a bunch of you giving it a thumbs up. I use Calhouns for everything and mix my own formulas.

Thanks, Mike

[BigZ]

I use MF mainly because I couldn't duplicate the texture of certain handpours I have used, like Al's Worms baits. MF is super soft and durable, it is just different than Calhouns, it's hard to describe, personal preference I guess? RIght out of the container it makes worms the way I want them, no messing with softener ratios or any of that. Calhouns is fine plastic, the MF is just different. It doesn't take as much mixing either. the hardener doesn't settle out and the plastisol doesn't seperate into two different liquids. You just have to shake it a little. Pour spout on the 5er is handy as hell too. I won't make senkos with anything but calhouns, it is ideal for the bulkier baits and suspends the salt better it seems. Just my opinion.

[james bradshaw]

Calhouns plastisol is mixed about as soft as you can get, and still have your worms set up and stay together. Ive used lure crafts plastisol and I will definatly stay with calhouns. With calhouns I only need to mix a small amount of softener with the shorter senko style worms. If you put too much softener in then they become too soft, when fishing in hot weather. You spend less money and time on softener with calhouns than you would with lure crafts. and calhouns seems to mix and cook faster. Just my two cents.