Bass Pro Shops XPS Squarebill Crankbait Review

Colors: 12 Length: 2 1/2" Weight: 3/8oz Cost: $4.29 

Intro:

Most folks, ourselves included, look to get the most bang for their buck when it comes to fishing tackle, especially fishing lures. How could we feed our habit if we spent all of our cash on expensive baits, right? Well, when it comes to inexpensive lures, there are hits and misses, and everybody has their own personal preference, but store brands are known to give a great value for the money. The Bass Pro Shops XPS brand is no exception! I spent a good amount of time using the bait, and with good reason!

Overall Rating: 8.75/10

Finish: 5/5

This bait may be low in cost, but the finish is one that is reminiscent of many of the high end Japanese baits on the market today. They feature holographic or fine painted finishes and lazer eyes, both of which immediately attracted me to the bait. It also features finely detailed gill plates and other body contours.

Hooks and Hardaware: 3.5/5

This is a spot this bait is somewhat lacking, but it still fares well. It has nice features, including an ovular split ring and free hanging hooks that help your bait run much straighter. Where this bait is lacking is in the stock hooks. They are standard nickel trebles, which may be fine for the weekend fisherman, but should definitely be replaced if these baits will see any tournament use. They are plenty strong, and I haven't bent any, but they are not as sticky as I would like them to be.

Action: 5/5

When it comes to action, this is one heck of a crankbait. It has a wide wobble which works well for actively feeding shallow fish in the spring and summer time. It has no rattles and has a very natural movement, which is
great when the skies and water are clear. These are also some of the truest running crankbaits I've used, I cannot seem to over run them, even fishing them on a high speed reel. 

Durability: 4/5

For a value crankbait, the XPS Squarebill faired very well in terms of durability. The finish stood up to a season of use extremely well, with nary a chip or scratch. The hooks have dulled slightly, and the bill has minor abrasions from being bumped off stumps and rocks, but this is not something I would be overly worried about as I never managed to actually break a bill, something common on baits with circuit board lips.

Conclusion: 

A lot can be said for this bait, considering it's price range. They have great finishes with a good color selection, run straight and have an action fish can't resist, and are very durable. These baits are good to go, just change out the stock trebles!