Rapala balancers: the best models, tips for choosing, price, reviews from fishermen

These days there are many excellent wobblers on the fishing lure market, but one of the best is considered to be the Rapala balancer, the catalog of which is represented exclusively by high-quality models.

This brand has occupied a leading position for more than 50 years and is not slowing down, constantly expanding its product range with high-quality balancers, spinners and other various baits.

Rapala balancers: series characteristics

The series of balancers includes five models: Flat Jig, Snap Jig, Snap Rap, Jigging Shad Rap, Jigging Rap.

Each of them has its own characteristics, but all balancers share the following characteristics:

Flattened shape, familiar to all fans of models in this category;
Large weight, allowing you to cast the bait far;
High-quality fittings and structure, allowing you to create a good game both in deep water and in fast currents;
Large range of colors and weight categories;
High-quality materials guarantee stable operation of the bait;

Let's celebrate! Balancers from the Rapala company are an excellent assistant when catching predators, but because of their game, they are best at luring perch, but are also effective for fishing for pike perch, pike, trout and catfish. At the same time, baits in this category have proven themselves to be the best for successful winter fishing.

Balancer Rapala: catalog, description, prices

The range of Rapala balancers is quite wide; five models are presented in various weight and color variations.

The list shows the minimum price for one balancer:

Snap Jig – from 600 rubles.
Jigging Shad Rap – from 500 rubles.
Snap Rap – from 550 rubles.
Jigging Rap – from 400 rubles.
Flat Jig - from 600 rubles.

Note! All models are universal, but each has its own characteristics and characteristics, so they are suitable for different types of predators in different bodies of water. In order to make a choice, you should study each model.

Jigging Rap

A classic balancer, which is counterfeited more often than other models by Chinese and Western companies. The shape is oblong, presented as an elongated fish, similar to bleak or roach.

The wiring is of very high quality - the figure eight of this model is considered ideal. This bait is used by both beginners and professionals.

Jigging Rap sizes are as follows:

2 cm	4 g
3 cm	5 g
5 cm	9 g
7 cm	18 g
9 cm	25 g

Interestingly, this model is considered the most “brightly colored” on the market. There are a total of 42 color variations - each of which has proven to be effective. Jigging Rap is suitable for catching perch, pike perch, and pike.

There is a variation of this model, Jigging RapWH - it has an eye on the lower tee, which increases the efficiency of catching a predator.

Flat Jig

A more flattened model with more weight.
Ultraviolet paint applied to the upper part of the balancer increases its characteristics when ice fishing for predators.
Flat Jig is recommended for use at great depths.
The range of this model is not as wide as other rapalas. There are only two sizes: 4 cm – 16 g, 6 cm – 34 g.
The color range includes 10 shades.

Snap Jig

The only model of the Rapala balancers, invented exclusively for catching large predators, namely pike.
Strong materials in the design and a new shape allow you to keep the predator on the hook and prevent it from escaping.
The Snap Jig is considered to be very effective.
Balancers in this category are available in sizes from 4 to 8 centimeters in length.

Snap Rap

This is a new model of Rapala balancers. As the company itself states, this bait is the best of the line.

What distinguishes it from other lures in this line is the location of the wings: they are glued on top, and not in the middle. SnapRap is suitable for professionals; this balancer is also used for spinning fishing when casting for predators.

Snap Rap sizes are available in three options:

4 cm – 4 g;
6 cm – 9 g;
8 cm – 24 g.

Compared to other models, SnapRap has less weight, but is still presented in a narrow range. This is due to the fact that the model is still young on the fishing market, we should wait for its further development.

Jigging Shad Rap

A large balancer with only one standard size: length 5 cm, weight – 9 g. This bait can be used both for winter perch fishing and for trolling.

Rating Top 5 best winter balancers for pike

The best balancers for pike in winter:
RAPALA JIGGING RAP W07;
Nils Master Nisa 50;
Scorana ICE FOX 55;
KUUSAMO Tasapaino 50;
Lucky John Pro Series "Mebaru" 67.

Let's take a closer look at each and note their advantages and suitable places for fishing with them.

№1 Rapala Jigging Rap W07

The balancer is quite large - its length is 7 cm and its weight is 18 g. It is considered the most catchy balancer for pike. A universal bait that can interest both pike, pike perch and perch in winter. Perfect for fishing on the first ice at medium depths.

The small tail fin prevents the balancer from making too sweeping movements and moving too far from the edge of the hole. This makes this model an excellent bait for fishing snags and places covered with underwater vegetation.

Advantages of the catchable balancer Rapala Jigging Rap W07:

a good game that imitates the movements of a wounded fish;
versatility;
high-quality coating that can withstand more than one pike attack;
large selection of colors.

№3 Scorana ICE FOX 55

The best option for catching pike in the dead of winter. The balancer is suitable for fishing both at great depths and in shallow waters. His game does not change either in still water or in the current. The bright color of the bait can make even the most inactive predator, which stands in one place and waits for the intended victim to swim by, attack.

Its length is 5.5 cm and its weight is 10 grams. On the first or last ice, the balancer copes with its duties in shallow water, but by the middle of winter, you can fish with bait in deeper places in reservoirs. The body of the balancer has a relief imitation of scales, which makes it even more similar to a living fish.

Advantages of Scorana ICE FOX 55:

provocative game;
the balancer has a durable coating;
quality.

№4 KUUSAMO Tasapaino 50

One of the best universal balancers, which has proven itself to be the best when fishing in open water and from ice in winter. Its length is 5 cm, weight - 7 g. The advantage of this model is that KUUSAMO Tasapaino 50 can fish hard-to-reach water areas - thickets of grass, snags, all kinds of underwater obstacles. The balancer has an unusual play, which is achieved thanks to the tail fin of the balancer, made of hard, bright red plastic.

Advantages of KUUSAMO Tasapaino 50:

realistic colors that do not make the pike wary, but, on the contrary, provoke an attack;
sharp quality hooks firmly attached to the balancer.

№5 Lucky John Pro Series “Mebaru” 67

This balancer is specially designed for hunting large winter pike. The length of the bait is 6.7 cm, weight is 18 grams. It is made of a special lead alloy, and the tail is made of hard plastic that can withstand low temperatures.

The long tail allows the balancer to quickly turn in the opposite direction at the end of the drive. There are 3 holes in the dorsal fin, thanks to which the balancer can be attached to the fishing line in different ways, changing the position of the bait and, accordingly, its game.

Advantages of Lucky John Pro Series “Mebaru” 67:

a variety of colors to suit all tastes;
defiant appearance;
strong and reliable tees, movable and sharp;
the ability to change the game thanks to the holes in the fin.

Color range of balancers

Each of the above models has a wide range of colors. In total, there are more than 50 different colors of Rapala balancers.

There are several types of colors:

Perch;
Striped;
Speckled;
iridescent;

Each of them comes in different colors.

How to distinguish an original from a fake?

Today you can easily stumble upon Chinese counterfeits with an inscription on the packaging similar to the word “Rapala”.

Professionals have identified the following ways to find the differences between the original and fake models:

The price for a Rapala balancer cannot be low, even on sale, at least 400-600 rubles;
Until 2021, on the branded packaging of the Finnish manufacturer, a slot was made in the form of a cross;
Quality of painting of the product - the original balancers only have the bait painted, its parts, hooks and fastenings are not painted;
The manufacturer's logo - Rapala - should be located on the blade near the rear hook.

Note! A cheap purchase will not bring successful fishing and will gradually develop from a joyful moment into resentment for purchasing low-quality bait. Counterfeits play terribly in the water and are not able to attract predators as effectively as original models.

How to spot fake Rapala balancers?

The Rapalovsky balancer is one of the most expensive on the domestic market, but it is worth the money. It is well known that this is one of the most catchy, versatile and reliable balancers in the world. However, I have repeatedly heard about broken tails and hooks on these balancers. Since I have been fishing with Rapala balancers for several years, I can say with confidence that nothing breaks or falls off on them. And fake balancers break, of which there are a huge number on the shelves of fishing stores. I dedicate my review today to them.

If a store offers a Rapala balancer in suspicious packaging or asks only 200 rubles for it, then it is better to refrain from purchasing it. Today, the wholesale price of the official supplier (JSC Normark) is 400 rubles for the basic Jigging Rap model and reaches almost 550 rubles for the Flat Jig. It is easy to calculate that with a minimum trade markup, the price will be at least 500 rubles, which is what we see in all the checked points. True, there are a number of particularly arrogant sellers who, without hesitation, will prove that they are “stocking up in Normark”, selling lefty at the price of the original.

We won’t argue, but rather let’s try to understand the details. For the next experiment, I bought myself three fake Rapala Jigging Rap balancers in one well-known fishing store (I’ll tell you which one at the end of the article). I borrowed the original baits from our store, as usual. At some point, I was even confused about where the real ones were and where the fakes were, but then I discovered obvious differences that would not allow me to deceive a gullible buyer:

1. On the back of the original packaging there is a slot in the shape of the letter “X” (Fig. 1, 2). I don’t know exactly why it is needed, but most likely to make it easier to open. Chinese manufacturers did not notice it and designed the packaging without this slot (Figure 3).

2. On the original, not a single drop of paint leaked onto the upper mounting eye and the lower clip (Fig. 4). On the fake Rapala, both fastenings are painted as if it should be (in the color of the balancer) (Fig. 5). This difference is clearly visible in photographs, and is even easier to recognize in a real situation (right on the display window).

The question is closed! Don't buy fakes, and if you do, be aware of what's going on!

r.1 (letter X on the back of the original)

r.2

r.3 (there is no slot on fakes)

r.4 (on the original the eyelet is not painted)

R.5 (false balancers)

My notes

*Last season, for financial reasons, I switched to cheaper LJ balancers, which turned out to be no worse than the Rapal ones, especially the blue four (report)

**A huge number of counterfeit Rapala balancers are sold by Rosydawn. The fake samples were purchased from their official store.

***In 2021, Rapala has changed its packaging design. The new packaging does not have the usual cross, everything else is the same.

Author Alexey Okunev

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Which Rapala balancer to buy: tips

Lures in this category are designed for winter fishing for a certain type of fish, so before purchasing a balancer, you need to decide what kind of predator you will fish for.

The size of the bait plays an important role; you need to understand what size perch or pike perch bites in the reservoir where you are going to fish.

It is best to assess the situation in advance by consulting with local fishermen - they know what color, shape and size of bait is most catchy in a particular body of water:

Thus, a bait up to 5 centimeters long is considered the best choice in central Russia for catching large and medium-sized perch.
For small specimens, balancers 2-3 centimeters long are suitable.
But very large trophies from taiga reservoirs will not fall for such models - for them it is better to purchase a rapala 6-8 centimeters long.

Reviews from fishermen

I've been fishing with Rapala for over two years now. Very pleased, despite the price. The bait performs well in still and muddy water. A good choice for bass fishing enthusiasts. Grade:

Novel

I'm fishing for pike in January with a Rapala Snap Jig. I’m very worried about the hooks - the price is huge, but while I was carrying it, all the purchased balancers were in my inventory. It's a good bait, but it doesn't bite in the summer. Grade:

Vladislav

I caught Rapala both on ice and from a boat - in winter the bait is irreplaceable. The price scared me at first, but after the first fishing with these balancers I don’t want to switch to others. Mostly medium sized perch take, I caught two pike perch, pike was taken only from the ice. Grade:

Svyatoslav

I am a sales consultant in a fishing store, so I am writing on behalf of local fishermen. Balancers from the Finnish company Rapala are the best choice for ice fishing for predators. Lures in this category are especially effective in the winter for fishing for perch. Can take catfish, pike perch and pike often grab it. Cases of catching trout are not uncommon. These are the best baits in our region. Grade:

Sergey.

I catch large perch at great depths with a rapala. The best, in my opinion, is the flat jig. Well, the taste and color, there is no friend. Others are simply not taken by the local perch. Grade:

Konstantin

The Rapala balancer is suitable for both beginners and professionals. Of course, before using such baits, you need to check the bottom for snags and large debris to avoid snags. Rapala models, although expensive, guarantee successful fishing.

Winter balancers for pike

When fishing for winter pike, you should not choose small balancers. Their size must be at least five centimeters. The colors of the balancers depend on the body of water and the weather. It is better if they match the colors of the fish that toothy predators are used to hunting in these places - perch, roach, minnow, bleak, and so on. It is desirable that there be a red color, similar to a wound. The cloudier the water, the brighter the balancers should be. In this case, the best balancer for acid-colored pike.

Read also: With a balancer for winter pike

The balancer is one of the few winter baits that can easily be “driven” to great depths - from 2 to 5 meters. In the first two to three weeks after ice formation, pike prefers to stand at depths of up to two meters, occasionally swimming into shallow water. In places with great depth, it is better to fish in the middle layers of water, since pike in winter do not particularly like to sink to the bottom.