ABT Introduces “Next Generation” Banshee Swimbait

Introduction: ABT is known for their swimbaits and the hard bodied Shad and soft bodied Wagtail have both become popular lures among tournament anglers and big bass hunters. The company is branching out and in advance of ICAST has unveiled a new series of lures under the “Next Generation” line. Included in the new series is a brand new hard bodied swimbait called the Banshee which features multiple joints and a highly realistic finish.

The Banshee (Trout Pattern) is part of ABT's new "Next Generation" line which will be officially unveiled at ICAST

Will Angler's Scream for the Banshee? The new “Next Generation” lures are designed by Allen Borden who developed the King Shad and other popular baits for Strike King. Allan put great emphasis on designing ABT’s new lures with a more life-like appearance, and it shows.

The Banshee is the most realistic looking swimbait to come from ABT yet

The new Banshee Swimbait features a narrow-profile and four-sections that is helps the lure undulate in the water as it is retrieved. It is designed to mimic the appearance of a fleeing baitfish. ABT will offer a 4 ½-inch long Banshee Swimbait, as well as a 6-inch model.

A close up of the Perch pattern. Each bait features a realistic finish and 3-D eyes

The Banshee is available in a variety of fish-catching colors/patterns that mirror blueback herring, threadfin shad, golden shiner, perch, rainbow trout, and other prey species bass can’t resist. Additional aesthetics, including 3-D eyes and detailed scale patterns, further enhance the Banshee’s realism. The patterns look very lifelike and we could tell that extra work was put into the lure’s detailed scale and coloration patterns.  

Each Banshee has four segments and the hinges are supported with steel connectors for extra durability

The Banshee is also designed to be fished at varying speeds and depths allowing it to be worked as a topwater lure or jerkbait. ABT also wanted to make the lures more durable, and while other hard swimbait manufacturers use plastic to attach the jointed sections of their lures ABT employs rugged steel connectors.

The Banshee Threadfin Shad pattern 

Crank up the X2: While the Banshee is likely to be the showstopper for ABT this ICAST the company is also introducing a new series of crankbaits under the “Next Generation”  series called the X-2. The X-2 crankbait is designed to get down quickly to 12 feet and wobble tightly making it very easy to retrieve quickly.

Also coming from ABT is a new line of deep diving crankbaits called the X2.
(Baby Bass pattern shown)

Borden states “The proprietary design also allows this lure to flow through the water with much less resistance than a traditional crankbait. That means you can fish it all day long – even on lighter-action tackle – without fatigue.” The X-2 crankbaits will be available in realistic fish patterns as well as flashier hot stamped foil finishes.

A close up of the X2 "Sexy Ghost" pattern display's the lure's 3D gill pattern and internal weighting

ABT has always tried to make their lures affordable for everyday anglers and the Banshee continues that tradition with a very aggressive price of only $12.99, and the ABT X-2 Crankbaits will have an MSRP of $8.99.

In addition to standard patterns ABT will also introduce hot stamped foil X2 patterns

Both of these lures will be displayed at the upcoming ICAST show in Las Vegas and availability will follow shortly after. Making a quality swimbait is a challenge in itself, but it looks like ABT is stepping up to the plate with their Next Generation series which that not only looks more realistic, but exhibits both a high level of quality and craftsmanship without the normally high price tag that usually comes alongside such features.

Looking for the ABT Banshee Swimbait? Tackle Warehouse has them in stock now