Megabass Knuckle LD Square Bill Crankbait Product Review

Lure Review

The Down Low Knuckle LD by Megabass

Date:	10/17/18
Tackle Type:	Lure
Manufacturer:	Megabass of America
Reviewer:	Cal

Total Score: 7.75 - GOOD

Introduction: We shared with you our long overdue thoughts on Megabass of America's eccentric little squarebill, the Knuckle FX, but did you know the Knuckle has a less well know little brother? This brother only comes in one size and instead of the adjustable lexan lip, comes with a standard, fixed lip made of circuit board material. Introducing Megabass of America's Knuckle LD.

Megabass Knuckle LD Crankbait Specifications
Type	Shallow
Length	2 1/3"
Weight	3/8oz
Depth	1'-5'
Material	Hard Plastic
Colors	12
Hooks	2x #4 Katsuage
MSRP	$19.99

Yes, there is another Knuckle... the LD.

Impressions: Megabass's Knuckle LD is the same size, shape, pretty much everything as the original (i.e. non Jr. size) Knuckle FX. The difference, with this bait is of course the diving lip. The Knuckle LD features a fixed lip made of that tough yet springy circuit board material so many squarebill baits are coming with these days. It's an excellent material to absorb the impact, shock and abuse of being bounced and deflected off whatever may be on the bottom of the lake, river, or pond you're fishing.

The Knuckle LD is the same size and shape as the original Knuckle FX.

Real World Tests: My choice in a fishing rod for the Knuckle LD has generally been a medium powered graphite stick like G.Loomis's 852C JWR NRX or Evergreen International's RCSC-71M. Choice in reel has generally been something in the 7.1:1 retrieve ratio range and line anything from nylon monofilament (generally Sunline Super Natural, 10lb) to fluorocarbon. Let's start with casting...

The difference here is in the lip.

Though small, and light, the Knuckle LD casts like a bullet. There are no shifting balancer systems with this bait, just a tight, compact body that launches well of the tip of your rod easily firing into tight spots.

I'm not very good at skipping, so I didn't try that with this bait, but really do like the way it's so compact yet casts so well.

The LD's lip is fixed and made of circuit board material.

Dive Time: The Knuckle LD is only rated to about five feet of water. With 10lb test Super Natural, I'm not certain I broke four feet. It does begin its dive almost immediately once you start cranking though so there's very little wasted water once you begin working the bait.

The circuit board material is much thinner.

Megabass fixes the weights in this bait so it runs silent. It has a tight little wobble with a little maybe a little roll in the body too. If you manage to hit something, that circuit board lip usually does its job and deflects the bait off to the side allowing you to continue your retrieve. I say usually because it will hang in weeds and if the obstruction is big enough, sometimes the bait will hang up. It's not snag proof.

The bait's belly hook attaches to a spinning hook hangar.

Design/Ergonomics: Similar to most other Megabass hardbaits, the Knuckle LD is equipped with thin wire hooks although not the traditional outbarbs. The hook hangar on the bait's belly is equipped with a swivel allowing the hook to rotate as you battle your catch and reducing the fish's leverage to throw the bait. I'm not sure how much this is needed in a bait so small and light, but it is a design feature of the Knuckle LD nonetheless.

The rear hook is fixed.

Price & Application: The Knuckle LD is available in twelve (12) stock colors and retails for $19.99 per bait. I mention the stock colors because Megabass has always been a company that will, for no reason whatsoever, or even for the occasional, tangible, reason, offer a limited run color just for fans to fight over.

Ratings:

Megabass Knuckle LD Crankbait Ratings (?/10)
Construction/Quality	A very detailed little bait	9
Performance	Good at all speeds	8
Price	Better than the FX, but still pricey	7
Features	Sharp hooks, swivel on the belly hook, circuit board lip	7.5
Design (Ergonomics)	12 tantalizing MB colors	7.5
Application	Anytime you need to hunt shallow	7.5
Total Score		7.75
Ratings Key: 1 = terrible : 2 = poor : 3 = lacking : 4 = sub par : 5 = mediocre : 6 = fair : 7 = good : 8 = great : 9 = excellent : 10 = unbelievable! For More Details of the updated rating system visit our explanation here

Pluses and Minuses:

Plus	Minus
+ Really compact little squarebill	- Price is a little high, but typical of the brand
+ Very easy to cast despite small size
+ Gets to work quickly once you begin your retrieve
+ Circuit board lip

The Knuckle LD is a kind of stealthy little crankbait excellent when hunting in waters that are very thin.

Conclusion: The Knuckle LD is practically the same bait as the FX only with a different lip that does not have the tendency to trap and catch grass. The bait will still get caught up in grass, but at least its bill does not contribute to the problem. Both the LD and FX version of this bait have since been overshadowed by the company's slightly more radical S-Crank, but the Knuckle is more compact and feels stealthier somehow. You know what we always say here at TackleTour, you have to have both!

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