Chatterbaits have produced some of the best action on the water for anglers. The combination of action, sound, and flash causes bass to come unglued, especially in spring. But for many anglers, the top-tier products of Z-Man are unaffordable, like the Z-Man Jackhammer, which is priced at $15.99 on many sites. Don’t get me wrong, the Jackhammer is a solid action bait with the best components built into it. It’s worth owning a few when possible. The core difference between the Jackhammer and the original is the build and sound.
For sound, the chattering action occurs immediately upon retrieval, which can be crucial when placing your bait in the strike zone. There are other affordable products like the Original and the Big Blade chatterbait. However, the Original’s chatter action can be difficult to engage, and the Big Blade is more for specific situations. But Z-Man offers an affordable solution. The Chatterbait Elite Evo bridges the gap between the Jackhammer and the original Chatterbait while maintaining high-quality features.
Best Chatterbait Detail
The attention to detail in the EVO series is something to brag about. With a solid paint job and sharp contour lines, a wide color line-up, and wire-tied silicone skirts, it delivers high quality at an affordable price. One detail worth noting is the detailed eyes built into the head.
I’ve always been a sucker for eyes on a lure for their ability to separate the bait from the rest of the bait fish, especially around fall. The color line-ups go further with such colors as Bama Bream and Bama Craw (pictured above). I’ve been throwing the Bama Craw paired with a Z-Man Chatter Spike in Fire Craw pattern on the California Delta and received some aggressive bites.
 Sound And Hardware
The Evo Elite chatter action engages immediately upon retrieval. This has always been one of the biggest dividers between the Jackhammer and the Original chatterbait. This is especially important when targeting a small target zone such as under docks. The body is built around a 5/0 nickel hook and comes outfitted with a wire keeper that holds your trailer in place. This is perfect for Z-Man soft plastic products due to their durable material. You’ll fish longer and catch more fish per trailer. It’s a pretty solid skipping bait, too. I’ve gotten this thing back under docks and low brush without any problems.
Final Thoughts
I’m impressed by the Elite Evo. It has the components needed for fast chattering and erratic action. And you can’t beat the price point. It has a perfect setup for Z-man trailer products like the Chatter Spike with a sturdy wire keeper. This is the ideal alternative to the Jackhammer for spring and summer anglers on a budget.
