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A Crank Born from Innovation : RI's Limited Edition Method Crank

Date: |
6/7/06 |
Tackle type: |
Lures |
Manufacturer: |
Reaction Innovations |
Reviewer: |
Cal |
Total Score: 8.83
Introduction: Perhaps infamous for the provocative packaging and
labeling of their products, Reaction Innovations has a solid reputation for producing high performing products with a new twist on old themes. One such product, their Method Crank, features old school wood construction paired with contemporary characteristics such as brass rattles, an internal brass wire reinforcement system, and new material diving lips. Throw these features together with a promise of "Limited Edition" and you have the makings of a bait certainly worthy of catching the occasional Enthusiast. But just how does this crank stack up against largemouth bass? Let's find out!
Reaction Innovation Method Crank Specifications
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Type |
Crankbait |
Depth |
4-6 ft |
Class |
Floating |
Size |
2.5" |
Weight |
1/2 oz |
Colors/Patterns |
Approximately 12 different colors |
Hook Sizes |
#4 front & rear |
MSRP |
$15 |
Impressions: The folks at Reaction Innovations never seem to rest on their laurels. With their Sweet Beaver plastics already a staple in my arsenal, I was quite curious to discover what a crankbait made by this company would have to offer. Exactly why this lure is promoted as a limited edition item is anyone's guess. Perhaps it's all a marketing ploy, and perhaps not. Regardless, I did not think twice about ordering this lure once I found out about its availability. RI's reputation alone made me willing to try it.

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Introducing the Reaction Innovations Method Crank
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The intriguing aspect of this lure for me, aside from its wood construction, is the fact that the standard and crawfish versions have such a
distinctive appearance. The standard, baitfish
imitator version is similar in appearance to just about any other crankbait. The crawfish
imitators, on the other hand feature protruding eyes on the rear of the bait and a body with
contours to resemble the plates of the crawfish's tail. It's built and
shaped to resemble a crawdad in full retreat during a normal retrieve. Having grown up with the old Bomber torpedo style baits, I just could not wait to get this craw version of the Method Crank out on the water!

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The Method Crank features a "secret" wood composition and a bill made of Marconite (circuit board material)
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The Field Tests: What seems to have become my staple of crankbait rigs for this year, I fished the Reaction Innovations Method Crank on two different setups: my Megabass F4-610GT3 Shiryu matched with a Conquest 101DC reel and my Custom CB843C built by Mark Janeck paired with a Conquest 51.
Complete test rig for Reaction Innovation Method Crank Field Tests
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Rig One |
Rig Two |
Rod |
Megabass F4-610GT3 |
Custom Loomis CB843C |
Reel |
Conquest 101 |
Conquest 51 |
Line |
12 lb Yozuri Hybrid |
12 lb Sunline Machinegun Cast |

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The method crank does not come with a split ring tie at the front of the lure. We used a snap at the point of attachment to allow for freedom of movement.
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A closeup of the Method Crank's unique material bill
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Casting/Pitching: Rated at half an ounce, this 2.5" bait casts like a rocket and is very easy to place with pinpoint accuracy. Interestingly enough, before even casting the lure, I had to decide how best to attach it to the end of mine line - the Method Crank comes with no split ring or even snap at the point of attachment. Well, since I often use snaps these days anyway, it wasn't that big of a decision. I just found it odd, that RI decided to leave this decision up to the end user considering the price point of this bait.

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Note the realistic contours on the craw version of the Method Crank
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Retrieve: The Method Crank wastes no time getting down to maximum diving depth, especially on smaller diameter lines like Sunline's Machinegun. I had a particularly good time throwing and retrieving this bait with my custom Loomis CB843C and Conquest 51 combo. That tiny reel just excels with shallow running cranks.

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A top view of the Craw version of the Method Crank
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My estimated running depth of the Method crank is four feet on the setups I used during testing. I get the impression that with even thinner line, the Method Crank might be able to pull off 6 feet, but that would probably be the lower limit. The bait swims through the water with a nice, wide wobbling action though not quite as wild as other wood cranks I've used. In fact, if not clearly marketed as a wooden crank, I'd have thought it was made of plastic.
Next Section:
Features, Durability
& Ratings

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