MACHINIST Posted August 22, 2007 Report Share Posted August 22, 2007 I am getting ready to order some more plastic for my addiction....I mean hobby:yes:.I was getting prices for 5 gallon pails of plastic from dels and lurecraft.They are about the same in cost(lurecraft being a little lower).I have been using dels so far and I don't think I want to change but just in case I would like to know if there is a difference in performance,colors from recipes,and so forth.My friends all love the worms I have made and want me to make more so I am going to get at least a 5 gallon pail. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
GARVINBASSMAN Posted August 22, 2007 Report Share Posted August 22, 2007 I use MF love it no problems at all. I have not used dels or LC so i cant compare i just know what i use. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jmik26 Posted August 22, 2007 Report Share Posted August 22, 2007 I started with Calhouns and had a ton of problems, maybe my fault, who knows. What I do know is, I use LC 536 now and I have not had a single problem. I have ran about 20 + gallons and my baits stay consistant and have the same texture everytime. The only thing about LC is it does tend to settle and you have to mix it with a drill. MF is very comparable to LC, maybe a little softer, but just as good in my eyes. The best thing to do is call up the other places in question and have them send you a sample. That way you can see what fits you best. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MACHINIST Posted August 22, 2007 Author Report Share Posted August 22, 2007 Will my color recipe be the same or close from calhouns to m-f to lurecraft though? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
saint308 Posted August 22, 2007 Report Share Posted August 22, 2007 You will find that plastic is like beer, everyone has their favorite and their favorite is the best. Just find one you like and go with it. I used calhoun at first as well, but now I use MF. My recipes were the same with both brands of plastic. Saint. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BBC Posted August 22, 2007 Report Share Posted August 22, 2007 I agree with everyone here so far. We all have our favorites. Color formulas will be the same. Each brand has a slightly different softness (more important when making sticks) and you will have to add different amounts of softener to them to get the same hardness. My advice is to request a sample of whatever formula you are considering from LC and MF. I was using Calhoun's when I started just because I was buying everything from Del. I got a sample of MF supersoft and I found it was easier to work with and was a little softer than Calhoun's supersoft formula. My customers didn't notice any difference in the performance of the baits (durability and softness) when I switched. I would definitely look into all the suppliers before buying a 5 gal jug. Even if you decide to stay with Calhoun's, you'll know that is what you want to use instead of always wondering if the grass is greener on the other side. In the end way everything when you make the decision (cost, shipping, location of supplier, personal preference, etc.). Eric Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dampeoples Posted August 22, 2007 Report Share Posted August 22, 2007 The color recipies shouldn't matter, as plastic is clear once cooked. The differences come in with the additives. I have used Ozark, Calhoun and LC, and they went from stinking bad to LC's. Never tried MF, and hear good things about it, but like Saint said, LC is my favorite, and it's the best, so I'll stick with it Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Delw Posted August 22, 2007 Report Share Posted August 22, 2007 This is a hard one to type but try to understand. There is no difference in the plastic but yet there is ( told you it was going to be tough) Some plastics will allow you to get hotter MF Calhoun and Lurecraft have different types of plastic as far as hardness m-f super soft wont be the same as lurecrafts super soft or Calhouns soft plastic. softener or hardener can fix that , that is why all three sell softener and harden cause everyone likes a different hardness In the heating if you heat one plastic to lets say 350 another plastic might turn yellow(start to burn) at 350 Having your plastic at 320 to be pourable for one manufacturer and then using another manufacturer you might have to adjust the heat to get the same viscosities(sp) The most common problem that people complain about is consistancy. What ever plastic you get you still have to make sure its mixed extreamly well, this will eliminate the consistancy part of it. l. Thats pretty much how it works Delw Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Senkosam Posted August 22, 2007 Report Share Posted August 22, 2007 Lurecraft or MF for consistent quality. If Calhouns has been good, stay with it, but compare prices, including shipping. Colors stay good with all three. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
millsryno Posted August 22, 2007 Report Share Posted August 22, 2007 I've always like my Calhoun's from Del-Mart. I never had a problem with it. I also have tried MF and it is a bit softer, but smokes more when cooking. LC, my buddy used exclusively and he liked it. They all have minor difference, like somebody said, like beer (good comparison by the way). There isn't ONE hands down favorite or best for all people It's good to try them all out and see for yourself what you like. You also might want to consider figuring out who's glitters, colors, etc. you want as it will save you on shipping to order everything together. Also, when you factor in shipping, you might notice that the prices are very different from one to the next and this should also be taken into consideration. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
One Sock Posted August 22, 2007 Report Share Posted August 22, 2007 I have used all 3 as well and IMO MF SS is probably the best plastic out ther when you consider all factors, consistency, price, shipping, softness, handling etc etc. again just my opinion Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
g3kk0 Posted August 23, 2007 Report Share Posted August 23, 2007 Have to agree with OneSock, MF hands down. (and actually tried LCs Soft, but not Calhouns) Stock quality, shipping, and container quality were my main concerns as I buy in bulk. Thank the lord I live within 30 miles of MF, but if gas keeps going up...I may just have him ship it to me Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
earthworm77 Posted August 24, 2007 Report Share Posted August 24, 2007 I started with Lurecraft but found that it separated and needed to be shaken often to be consistent. I then used Calhouns for several years and didn't have any problems. Finally I had issues with it bubbling so bad or being so inconsistent I stopped using it. I now use a plastic from Ozark tackle that has been great. It doesn't settle and doesn't smell like chemicals the way some of them do. I've written several books on pouring and do a ton of seminars and internet chats and I highly recommend it. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SwampBaits Posted August 24, 2007 Report Share Posted August 24, 2007 I would try Ozark, if they had a medium strength available. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BassnRandy Posted August 24, 2007 Report Share Posted August 24, 2007 Got to go with the M-F. Calhun's bubbled and foamed like a mug of beer. Don't have to mix the M-f. Shake the jug occasionally and no bubble problems. I like the L.C. but you have to keep it mixed. L.C. probably smells the least of the three according to my wifes nose. I also think it makes a better and softer finesse bait. But for overall use I gotta stick to M-F. Heard many good things about Ozark. Just never tried it. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bassbug Posted August 24, 2007 Report Share Posted August 24, 2007 for overall ease of use, go with MF. Oh, and they are great to work with. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Senkosam Posted August 24, 2007 Report Share Posted August 24, 2007 Ozark sounds good Craig, but how does it compare $ wise and shipping? You can use the same LC softener to make senko-soft sticks? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Richard Prager Posted August 25, 2007 Report Share Posted August 25, 2007 M-F......quick ship, consistent from batch to batch, doesn't settle and you can get ($3.20)a screw in spigot for easy dispensing. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
One Sock Posted August 25, 2007 Report Share Posted August 25, 2007 Oh and I never have to order any softner or hardner with the mf ss. The complete package when it comes to plastic Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
earthworm77 Posted August 25, 2007 Report Share Posted August 25, 2007 Frank, I paid 92.00 last 5 gallons and 25.00 to ship. I guess it is comparable to most of the rest plus I think it is superior to LC and Calhouns. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dampeoples Posted August 25, 2007 Report Share Posted August 25, 2007 I think the question has been answered, and I'm guilty of it as well, but the thread has turned into a mine is better than yours thing now! That's another thread entirely Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
LedHed Posted August 25, 2007 Report Share Posted August 25, 2007 Craig Does Ozark have a web site? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dampeoples Posted August 25, 2007 Report Share Posted August 25, 2007 Here it is, Sonny: http://www.ozarktackle.com/softplasticsuppliesindex.html Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
