You may not like it, but I know what I'm talking about. There has always been a lot of variation in BM's plugs. Exactly what you would expect from a premier "garage" builder working with wood, and just like the man he copied, D Pichney. Most swim great, some not so great. When they cost 10-12 bucks, if you got a dud it was no big deal, part of the price of fishing wooden plugs. But if you are new to throwing big wood, and are caught in in the hype surrounding BM plugs enough to consider spending 30, 40, or 50 bucks for something to fish, the possibility of buying a dud is something to consider. Here's some more proof.....which darter would swim the best?

Or these?

maybe the special consistent ones went to people of the inner circle :hidin:.

Nice work George :cheers:.

Or these? Point is these things are wood built by a talented guy (basically) in his garage. There is a lot of variation, which is part of the challenge of using wooden plugs. All things being equal, I'd rather fish a BM than anything else, but when you buy one and tie it on, you never know what you're going to end up with (and I'm not talking about paint blemishes). Not an issue if you plan to hang it and show it off.....or use eels.

OK I think the point was made

I can't take it anymore
I hate to see the nit picking of one of the best plug company's in our time :hs:
discuss it all you want but everyone is gonna have their opinion, good and bad

good homework George .. On the Danny,, thats new stock and old stock.. Do you think they may have changed in that time .. I notice his plugs are fat in the can ..to cast well I suspect ..like the atom jr. .. I say the heavy darter will be better .. Mine roll out at 2.8 ...,,,... 2.9 - 3.5 they hold current fine .. Thats how much a stick of hard maple varies .. in plugbuilding we have constructive critisism on eachothers work . Not to slam .. doesn't carry well out of there i've noticed .. My history of fishing bm's is limited.. I know you put alot of time with them Numby and always praise the needles.. ya spit the truth ..

As others have pointed out, BM were first rate fishing tools. For people who can still get them a retail cost, they are worth every penny, but for those who are trying to rationalize paying twice cost for the chance to fish one....well just know what you are getting into.

There has been some over da line crap in this thread but also some good information and points of view.

Don`t throw the baby out with the bath water :wave:.

That's right. Even in Mass, I accumulated a good collection from the same shop over a period of two years from 2003-2005. The real over the top stuff is pretty recent.
The bottom line=superb plugs, but I wouild never pay above retail.

I hear you man but i know the variations are not accidental and are taking place purposufully, to ensure that they swim properly. Most people believe using the same dimensions without regard to wood will get you the same results and that is not always 100% true.

Agreed on your point and that is why i won't pay $50 for a plug.

I think that BM receives a lot of bad publicity for the wrong reasons and this thread may be adding to it. So i wanted to put in my 2 cents. i definetly can tell you know your stuff. Happy new year and good fishin in 2008

Billy

Very true Billy. Different generations have slight variations to make up for various changes to the plugs over time. For example eyes forced changes in the darter and the density of the wood required a change in the shape of the Dannys.

It's not to say you'll never see a "unique" plug but what you see from generation to generation is a choice in design.