Rapala
(XR10) X-Rap
Specifications |
Type |
Modified Jerk Bait |
Class |
"Slashbait" |
Material |
Plastic |
Colors/Patterns |
13+ |
Weight |
7/16oz |
Size |
4" |
Hook
size |
Two
No. 5 (Treble hooks) |
MSRP |
$6.99 |
Impressions:
Rapala is a giant in the
industry and while best known for their lures they also sell a complete range of
branded rods, reels, and tools. For most anglers the first vision that comes to
mind when the name “Rapala” is mentioned is a crankbait. For years the Rapala
offerings represented the "premium crankbait," delivering both high quality
finishes and strike inspiring action. In more recent times Japanese lure
manufactures like Yozuri and Lucky Craft have redefined the idea of a “premium
crankbait,” and the Rapala offerings seem like a downright value when you assess
the price delta.

Unlike the Rapalas we are used
to...the new X-Rap "Slashbait"
When I first examined the X-Rap I was impressed
with the overall build quality, and the distinctive torpedo like profile. The
finish was different than most Rapalas in that the coloration rested under the
thick plastic body rather than just under a protective coating. The finishes the
lures did have scales, but they looked less realistic than some competitor
offerings because they didn’t pepper the actual surface of the lure. Lures like
the Lucky Craft Pointers have very realistic looking finishes because the scales
are directly on the surface of the lure.

The X-Rap has a scale pattern
beneath the plastic body
On the downside lures like the LC pointer are much
more prone to damage. The other notable element of the X-Rap is a dressed rear
hook, complete with flash strips. The lure is available in 13 colors, and the
dressed hook varies in color (white, orange, red) depending on the body pattern.
Complete Rig
for Rapala (XR10)
X-Rap field tests |
Rod |
GLoomis MBR783C
Kistler He69APC |
Reel |
Shimano Chronarch 50Mg |
Line |
12
lb. Yozuri Hybrid |
Real world tests:
According to Rapala the X-Rap is designed for
Bass, Pike, Salmon, Trout, Walleye, Snook, Redfish & Tarpon. We
tested the lure primarily on largemouth bass in local reservoirs. Many of our
editors remarked that the X-Rap looked like the ideal lure for ripping up
Stripers so we also spent a serious amount of time observing whether or not the
lure could incite a frenzy of striper action.

The lure features a streamlined
body that lends to the lure's unique side to side action
Casting: The
X-Rap is an easy lure to cast not only because it weighs 7/16th of an
ounce but also because it features a proprietary long cast system that works by
shifting weights during outcast. By using a weight shift system the X-Rap is
able to be cast easily and accurately. I found the system to work consistently
among three different lures we field tested. In comparison to the Yozuri Mag-Minnow
the Rapala system doesn’t increase the cast to such a large extent, but it
absolutely does work. Overall I am impressed that Rapala would put a cast system
into this lure, it absolutely makes sense as this lure is designed to cover vast
amounts of water rather quickly. The cast control system also plays into the
action of the lure once the X-Rap is in the water by rattling.

A feather tail complete with flash
strips is added on the
rear treble hook to add yet another element to reaction bait fishing (shown wet)
Retrieving: Why
does Rapala call the X-Rap a “slashbait” rather than a jerkbait? The reason is
that there are various ways to fish the bait that incite an aggressive side to
side track rather than just a tight lurch forward like most jerkbaits. There are
really three ways to retrieve this lure: constant, hard snap, or sweep retrieve.
A 'constant" retrieve is a continual draw of line and no movement of the rod.
When retrieving this style the lure imparts very little action, and we had
little success with this technique getting fish to even follow, let alone
strike. The key to fishing the X-Rap successfully is a creative and aggressive
retrieve. In most cases this requires plenty of movement with your rod.

|
Point your
rod tip down and vary your retrieve. With the X-Rap the angler has complete
control over the lure's track |