Dang, Mr. Parsons, you have to bring this up, huh?!? :o

Well, I can't really say too much about the rattletraps/diamond shads as I never really got into them but since I have started throwing these type of baits, I LOVE the LCs! It obviously helps that I won the Spring Lake tournament on them and have had them help me win a few events but I think there are some distinct differences.

A few of the keys seem to be the action, sound and apperance. If you notice, all the baits have different sounds or even no sound at all. I think what has helped LC gain the popularity they now have is due to much of this (sound, action, apperance). Something different for the fish. The same goes with some of the other brands which are slightly different.

In terms of overall cost/value, what LC brings to the table is primarily in development. They now have many different models which work for different applications. Take for example the LVR D series. This bait works supremely well in shallower water with weeds. It is known as the "weed cutter" series specifically for this. This is also the bait I used for Spring Lake and think it is partially the reason I was able to catch the fish I did. In addition, it has a larger profile than the regular LV series.

Now, the regular LV series (like the LV 500 or 100) is more compact, is slighly louder (IMHO) and gets down quicker. I like it when fishing a little deeper water or need a smaller profile but want to make long casts.

Rattletrap/Diamond Shads are basically the same as they have always been and just have a few minor modifications made to them. In addition, the components tend to be cheaper and you HAVE TO change the hooks. With LC, you don't (although I do...EWG baby!). The lack of real development for their part has left a void LC and other companies are taking advantage of (sounds like the car makers, huh?)

I realize this sounds like an advertisement but think there is a difference and will gladly sell you the rest of my rattle traps!

Thanks for bringing this up and I hope I don't bore anybody!

Todd