Xrap problem

 All of my Xrap Mags, in both 20 and 30 sizes (5 lures) have suffered water ingress and the wire that runs through each lure appears to have rusted through...it seems any future run-ins with any macks/tuna could result in tears.

 

I wash my gear religiously after every trip, so could very well be the hose water trapped inside. Any similar issues with you mob, and tips on preventing more ingress?

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big john's picture

Posts: 8725

Date Joined: 20/07/06

Same

Sat, 2015-04-04 12:46

 I've had the same happen to a 20. The actual lure has water inside it.

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Date Joined: 08/10/13

Lure longevity.

Sat, 2015-04-04 13:22

 Living on the west side of Exy full time I find a lot of lures washed up on the beach.  Found quite a few xraps and some look brand new with wire competely rusted through. Ive never found one that is reuseable and all have water in them. I would say they would have only been in the water for a couple of days.  The only lures I find in good nick are halcos  some have no hooks and no paint but stainless tow points still shiny.   

uncle's picture

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Date Joined: 10/02/07

nomally don't last long enough to rust

Sat, 2015-04-04 13:30

few that I've got look ok though

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EL SYD's picture

Posts: 599

Date Joined: 16/08/10

 Same problem I have with my

Sun, 2015-04-05 08:51

 Same problem I have with my new Xraps.

Tend to lose them before wire failure though.... but still should not be rusting

Posts: 30

Date Joined: 12/01/15

same prob

Sun, 2015-04-05 16:31

I have had the same problem with all my xwraps and some other brands big and small some are now unusable now as soon as i get them out of the packets i seal all entry points to the lurers with super glue and give them a light spray of automotive fish oil after seems to work so far! cant stop the finish flaking of some though oh and test ya glue in a small spot first some glue will melt the plastic

Posts: 1392

Date Joined: 08/01/09

yep have had the smaller x raps......

Sun, 2015-04-05 18:52

do the same thing with the join between the 2 halves at the rear treble hanger comming apart. Its a shame as they are a good lure. But for the money you pay, they could be improved so this dosen't happen you'd think....

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Auslobster's picture

Posts: 1901

Date Joined: 03/05/08

So this is quite widespread...

Sun, 2015-04-05 19:23

 ...time to email Rapala. Although no doubt they're already aware of it. When you consider the cost of these lures, as well as the reputation of the manufacturer, it's something that really has to be sorted out.

MJ's picture

Posts: 362

Date Joined: 23/06/09

Same issue

Sun, 2015-04-05 20:19

 All mine that get used several times have the same issue.

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catchalittle's picture

Posts: 1875

Date Joined: 04/09/08

As you said send them some

Sun, 2015-04-05 21:29

As you said send them some feedback either via facebook or email you never know they may send you out some new designs to field test for them

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chilie's picture

Posts: 60

Date Joined: 06/01/11

 I always give mine a spray

Mon, 2015-04-06 11:50

 I always give mine a spray with CRC or inox after I use them, help prevent rusting. Seems to work for me....

 

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Date Joined: 27/08/11

Coincidentally I was going to

Mon, 2015-04-06 14:28

Coincidentally I was going to post a query relating to an X-rap magnum I took out for a cast off Cosy Corner Saturday, rinsed it under the tap with the other lures I had used, then went for a brief chuck on Sunday afternoon - noticed a rusting tinge to the nose and hook loops. I was pretty irritated, $30 lure, used once rinsed and showing signs of rust?!

Given the commonalities with posts above, it looks as if some genius at Rapala has decided to do a bit of 'value engineering' and gone down the root of low cost country sourcing some cheap tin.

As per the recommendations I will be contacting Rapala to express my disappointment. As it was I found the cheap Strada from t/world casted better and got the majority of hits.....and cost 50% of the price. 

sandbar's picture

Posts: 704

Date Joined: 25/10/09

Agree

Mon, 2015-04-06 21:31

 never really thought of it too much till this post.

 

I have a few xwraps and they are all the same!  Bloody rusted. They aren't cheap either.

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You shouldn't have to do anything to them though

Tue, 2015-04-07 06:35

at $30 a pop!!!

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Date Joined: 17/06/10

At $30 a pop

Fri, 2015-04-10 14:40

I would be wanting a lot better quality than rapala are putting out on their lures right now.
I get very "miffed" at companies that come out and say they have a "new improved model" or words to that effect on some of their products. In just about all the cases I have come across what that means is that the company has found a cheaper way of turning out a product which is bad news for the consumer.
I'm quite happy to pay good dollars for a good quality product.
The word quality meant in the old days that the product was fit for the purpose for which it was designed and built, having the wire in rapala lures rust and the lure take on water after being well cared for and not subject to abuse is not in any way shape or form a quality product.

I look forward to the replies that anyone gets from rapala if they contact them about the problems they are having with this companies products. For me I shall stay with the local lure maker Halco as I have nothing but praise for the quality of their products.

They truly comply with the word quality and it's meaning, it's fit for the intended purpose, full stop. (no I didn't work for them.)

wickky's picture

Posts: 72

Date Joined: 24/11/13

 Just checked mine, 3 out of

Fri, 2015-04-10 19:37

 Just checked mine, 3 out of the 4 rusted.  the 30's are the worst.

Anyone heard anything from Rapala? 

Auslobster's picture

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Date Joined: 03/05/08

My email to Rapala Australia...

Fri, 2015-04-10 21:13

 ...which I sent during last weekend, has yet to be responded to.

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Rapala don't want to hear about problems with their product

Sat, 2015-04-11 00:02

Please post their reply, if you get one that is.

Auslobster's picture

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Date Joined: 03/05/08

Of course they don't.

Sat, 2015-04-11 02:53

What company would? But any successful business, and they DO qualify as being one of those, would make it a point to listen to any complaints from customers and handle them accordingly. Will be sending another email shortly, and then it's a phone call..I think them having a look at this thread wouldn't hurt the cause, either. 

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Date Joined: 08/10/13

Good luck.

Sat, 2015-04-11 09:29

 Rapala have expanded into one of these huge multi brand companys now.  Its probably all about profit now not quality.

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yep sad but

Sat, 2015-04-11 17:11

true...

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Uluabuster's picture

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Date Joined: 12/12/10

Try contacting Fred Goh of

Tue, 2015-04-14 10:40

Try contacting Fred Goh of Rapala VMC South East Asia. He's based in Spore but is the product manager for this region is I am not wrong ? He's quite helpful. I'll PM him on facebook.

Even before Xrap entered the market, I found some of my Fat Rap deep diver suffers the same issue. During the olden days Fat Rap Deep Diver comes with wired through construction with the wire loops that extends well into the body of the lure clearly visible from the bib. But since the new plastic Fat Rap came out, it's a just a short looped tow point that's impregnated into the plastic bib. Not wired through at all. Also, the newer loop rusts just like the X-rap and I found that to be true for all lures that come out of Estonia instead of Finland - that's pretty much ALL rapala lures these days.

On the same note, I found some of the expensive Jap lures suffers the same problem. The exposed tow points & hangers (belly & tail) are not sealed properly. Instead of super glue, I use clear nail polish to seal the gap. 2 coats generally works but it is best done straight out of the box brand new rather than after the 1st use because some salt water inevitably remains inside the lure body, corroding the wire slowly. Sealing it is not going to stop the internal corossion.

To prevent rusts on lures hook hangers & trebles, I generally soak the lures for 10-20 minutes in or spray generous amount of diluted SaltX solutions to all lures used in saltwater. SaltX dissolves NaCl to make it into a harmless compound and it seeps well into the nook or cranies of any hook hangers. So far it has worked for me.

crasny1's picture

Posts: 6985

Date Joined: 16/10/08

Just read this with interest

Tue, 2015-04-14 13:42

When I worked in kcity I had a few, used a few times but changed to halco as I found the strike rate better. But will dig out the lure box and check them out. If the above is so widespread I suspect the 3 or 4 I have in there would after 2 yrs certainly show wear and tear. Only one has bite marks on it

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Reply from rapala

Wed, 2015-04-22 16:50

Has anyone heard from Rapala about their, problem of water ingress with their, pricy lures and rust forming on the internal wire fitting.

Auslobster's picture

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Date Joined: 03/05/08

Rapala response!

Thu, 2015-04-23 09:27

 After sending a second, somewhat threatening email, I received a response. They said I could take the lures back to where I bought them, and get replacements. Not going to get into the stupidity of THAT idea....emailed them back about it being a widespread issue and how something needs to be done about their manufacturing process/quality of materials used. NOT hanging on the edge of my seat.

Compleat Nedlands's picture

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Hey guys, Just so you all

Fri, 2015-04-24 09:10

Hey guys, 

Just so you all know, we have forwarded all of this thread onto Rapala themselves so that they are made aware of this issue.

Rapala produce a very good product, but its no good to hear stories like these.

Cheers

Todd

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Compleat Nedlands's picture

Posts: 144

Date Joined: 19/12/13

 Hey again, we just got this

Fri, 2015-04-24 14:52

 Hey again, we just got this reply back from Rapala Australia regarding the X-rap 20's + 30's:

"Hi Brian,

 

Cheers for the chat earlier today.

 

As discussed, the surface rusting of the internal wire near the bib had been addressed by the factory in Finland. All X-Rap magnums 20 and 30 now have a acid proof wire that is designed to prevent corrosion. At times, it may look like water bubbles appear inside the bib. However this is only air bubbles inside the resin. If the lure wire happens to have some surface rust, the performance is not compromised, we have had no issues with fish being lost as a result. Always there to support the retailers if there is any major issues with customer dissatisfaction.

 

If you have any further questions, just let me know.

 

Thanks,

Rapala Australia"

 

Cheers,

Todd

CACW Nedlands

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Date Joined: 17/06/10

Am I reading this right

Fri, 2015-04-24 17:16

I can't see where the question about water being inside the lure has been addressed.

The issue of rust forming on the wire, "suck it up princess" appears to be the answer. What a sad response from a supplier of lures that are not cheap.

This is not the problem of the retailer. The acid process to the wire is failing and the sealing of the wire/body interface is failing and allowing the ingress of water. That's the way I have read things. May be the agent for Rapala should advise the Rapala company quality manager to log on to F/W and have a look at the posts RE: Rapala lures.

Auslobster's picture

Posts: 1901

Date Joined: 03/05/08

Big thanks...

Fri, 2015-04-24 18:38

...to Compleat Nedlands for forwarding the thread. Does seem strange that the problem has apparently only just become known to Rapala.

 

 

MattMiller's picture

Posts: 4171

Date Joined: 15/06/09

Very weak response

Fri, 2015-04-24 18:54

and typical of big business these days to just say, who cares?

MJ's picture

Posts: 362

Date Joined: 23/06/09

Poor Form Rapala Australia!

Sat, 2015-04-25 12:24

So Rapala has addressed the fault of the Xrap internal wiring but those of us that have faulty rusting versions (I have 6) just suck it up?

Adios Rapala products.

 

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lachieH's picture

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Date Joined: 02/03/13

 Today I went to Oceanside,

Sat, 2015-04-25 19:06

 Today I went to Oceanside, saw a xrap, wanted one and then remembered this post. Should be better to be honest

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Good on ya

Sat, 2015-04-25 20:57

Before you spend your hard earned buck think about the value you are getting for it.
If you want my money, get quality back in your product.

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Date Joined: 17/07/09

Rusting wire in x-rap magmuns

Mon, 2020-02-03 15:12

Hey know it is an old post but have recently moved to the north QLD coast from WA and bought some x-raps had a bit of success with them but noticed the wire rusting issues contacted Rapala explained the issue was asked to send photos of the lures in question did so then was aked to send the lures so they could send them to Finland for testing which i did. They are sending replacement lures to me these i will be sealing up as best i can. So far Rapala's response has been timely and helpful hopefully issue gets addressed if not done already.

cheers

Posts: 1084

Date Joined: 21/05/12

 took  3 back to a big chain

Mon, 2020-02-03 18:20

 took  3 back to a big chain mob -        9 months ago-end of salmon season - thought it was isolated incident

  replaced all without any questions- dont know if its cause they are aware of it- or i look like a old grumpy c>?t

i still rate them as bloody good action lures

as they should at the price

Pete F's picture

Posts: 306

Date Joined: 07/01/18

 My xrap's are the same

Tue, 2020-02-04 06:22

 My xrap's are the same condition, all bought recently. Shame the lure itself is very tough so you expect to get a long life from them. 

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hilko's picture

Posts: 58

Date Joined: 27/03/18

Similar Experiences

Tue, 2020-02-04 15:00

I wash my lures and gear every day after every trip.

Towing a Brand New Xrap 30 around 6-7 hours up at Exxy i found that the trebles were literally rusted brown when i took them out of water at end of day.

Didn't matter that they were brand new to start with at beginning of day.

https://www.wellsystackle.com.au/_products//TerminalFishingTackle/RIGGINGToolsMATERIALS(BaitOrLures)/ShogunZincSacrificialFishingHOOKANODESPkt30-667-997-.aspx

and so got this Sticky Zinc sacrifical material and cut these little sections down to approx 3 or 4mm wide strips and roll them round both the stainless hook tow points - one "roll" on each hook point or even hook.

Doesn't seem to effect the "swimming of lure" or fish strikes.

It's fiddly and slow process, but I now find that the hooks aren't brown and rusty, not shiny or grey (galv) either, and after two or three days the zinc strip needs replacing or when taken off accidentally by fish strikes.

They don't rust on the day...

I have one of the two XRaps with water in them... - i dry out each season trip (hanging upside down) - but once they fill with water - they don't seem to swim properly, like they got seaweed on it.

Certainly as issue with rusty wire in bib, hooks and water ingress.

Before each Exxy trip I often replace "the rustiest hooks".

Will Inox effect "fish and their smell senses?" In Future I will try SaltX at end of trip.

But the Xrap 30 deep divers are the best for diving and staying deep in MHO.

 

Image here:-

http://fishwrecked.com/image/xrap-sacrificial-zinc-wrap

 

davewillo's picture

Posts: 2223

Date Joined: 08/09/16

 Never owned any XRaps and

Wed, 2020-02-05 09:11

 Never owned any XRaps and based on this thread I probably wont bother. I have used Halco for years and they have never let me down on quality or performance. I have no connection to the company at all but endorse a quality local product!

Cheers!

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 PGFC member and lure tragic

uncle's picture

Posts: 9322

Date Joined: 10/02/07

Always been my

Wed, 2020-02-05 11:43

Go to lures

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Uluabuster's picture

Posts: 722

Date Joined: 12/12/10

 I make it a point to seal

Fri, 2020-02-07 14:46

 I make it a point to seal ALL of lures, big or small with superglue or epoxy where stainless steel enters the plastic body. Be it bib, belly or tail hook hangers.

 Before that I use to soak my lures in bucket of Salt-X overnight and hang it out on clothes line to dry. Then I store in back into my lure box.

 

 What happens is the the deep diver with water pressure during trollig & diving, have salt water ingressed into the body cavity as well as bib. Soaking/dunking in salt-X or freshwater will not remove these saltwater. Then when summer comes and temperature soars, the air inside the lure cavity expands and pushes the semi-dried saltwater out. Thus when I happen to open up my lure box, there's gooey stains all over other lures. The culprit's split ring, hook hangers & trebles all start to rust. Since I keep all the lures in one box, the rust spreads around and contaminate other lures.

This is a lesson I learned after few trips back from Abrolhos and since then, I never encounter the same problem anymore.