Price and Applications: Berkley’s Power Blade spinnerbaits will start becoming available over the next few weeks with most retailers getting stock around the end of October. They will retail in price from $4.99 to $9.99 depending on size, weight, and configuration with most retailing for $9.99 each. Compared to other double-bladed baits of similar build quality these baits are reasonably priced and fall right in the middle of the price spectrum. There are many competing spinnerbaits that are priced at the highly contested $10 price point and there are several spinnerbaits of similar build that retail for $7.99. More expensive spinnerbaits that retail from $11.99 all the way up to $24.99 typically come from JDM brands. Berkley’s biggest differentiator is that it is the only blade that comes infused with PowerBait.

Whether or not you believe that PowerBait adds additional juice to a blade style bait even if you take the scent out of the equation the new Berkley Power Blade spinnerbaits are well built, swim evenly, and flare nicely. Overall, these are feature-rich blades at a very reasonable price.

There are many different Power Blade patterns and blade configurations available

When considering the entire lineup my favorite two combinations are the Double Willow which is a staple in every spinnerbait arsenal and probably what I fish 70% of the time, followed by the Colorado Willow combination which is also great for varying retrieve speeds in a variety of water clarities. I finish out the arsenal with one of the Colorado equipped Power Blades which can be fished slower and deliver a heavy vibration in stained water.

Dan and the Berkley team have designed a quality blade that has the added feature of PowerBait infused skirts. How much drawing power this adds to a blade style bait is hard to tell but it certainly doesn't hurt and inspires confidence in PowerBait fans

I personally rarely fish painted blades and prefer adding trailers if I want an extra pop of color but do know other anglers that like fishing blades that match the skirts for a more unified look. If you are one of these anglers Berkley has you covered with blades that are painted green, orange, white, and chartreuse.

The Power Blade prototypes all featured white heads and skirts

In terms of durability, I have found the Berkley Power Blades have held up well over months of use. The wires are tough and will flex under load without breaking. I’ve had 5+ lb. fish bend wires but have not experienced any breaks. The Fusion 19 hooks are very sharp out of the package and while I haven’t experienced broken tips, we have observed that they seem to dull a little faster than some competing hooks from Gamakatsu and Owner.

The mass production baits feature much more detail and skirt patterns that match the heads seamlessly. Add a PowerBait plastic to double down on attractant

The hand tied skirts also have stayed intact and interestingly the Power Bait scent continues to be present on baits that I have already fished for over three months. That ever-present scent isn’t overbearing and doesn’t leech over into other baits when stored together. Finally, the paint finish and eyes are also decent and while I experienced some paint scratches and chipping this is standard fare for spinnerbaits. Don’t be afraid to put them in harms way and it is often that deflection or rip through structure that gets the job done. One of the best attributes about spinnerbaits is their ability to be fished in, and around, heavy cover and the Power Blade is built tough enough to shoulder that abuse.

 
The Berkley Power Blades have proven to be durable and the hand tied skirts hold up beautifully, even the PowerBait scent seems to stay on the skirts over extended use

Conclusion: Spend an hour fishing with Dan Spangler and it is clear the man is very passionate about bait design. The depths at which he can delve into seemingly simple elements including wire gauge, blade angles, or paint finishes is remarkable. This is the kind of obsessive attention to detail that you want in a lure designer building your tackle. Dan is a tackle nerd, and here at TackleTour that is a high compliment. Pair Dan’s design and project management knowledge with the on the water experience of Pro Anglers like Edwin Evers and Shane Lehew and it isn’t a surprise that the Power Blade is designed with quality features and able to stand up to the abuse of tournament angling.

Even without PowerBait scent the PowerBlade is a quality designed spinnerbait. Add in the legendary attractant and this is a differentiated blade that is a worthy addition to any spinnerbait fan's arsenal

By itself the Berkley Power Blade is a well-designed spinnerbait that is available in many blade configurations and patterns that will satisfy most anglers across the country. Add in the PowerBait infused skirting and these blades gain an differentiating edge making them are a worthy addition to the arsenal of spinnerbait enthusiasts seeking blades with that extra sauce.