/ 
Dowz Swimmer 180 SF
The Dowz Swimmer 180 SF is an intermediate-sized hard-swimbait, measuring 18 centimetres and weighing 57 grams.
Although the 3-section Dowz Swimmer looks like it has a wobbling action, this is not entirely the case and its swimming action is somewhere between that of a hard-swimbait and a glide-bait, i.e. S-shaped.
This S-shaped swimming action, less pronounced than a pure glide-bait, is accompanied by a pronounced rolling action, and we can't say that this lure goes unnoticed! Its design is really good and its swimming action is very successful, rather unique, and it gets into action even at very low speeds.
Aesthetically, it's just as good. It has several hard fins, which have an aesthetic role but also affect its swimming action and stability, so they are essential for the lure to swim well. They are stronger and more durable than soft plastic fins, but you still have to be careful with shocks as they can break.
The only flexible fin is the caudal fin, which is made of a soft plastic that has no shape memory, making it easy to store. What's more, a spare fin is included, which is always appreciated.
As far as colors are concerned, the pike fishing base is available, with one white, one green and two perch colors. There's also a fifth original color imitating a koi carp. Illex has clearly focused on pike as its target species, and there are no specific colors for black bass.
Last but not least, the rigging is a success! The two treble hooks are mounted on rolling swivels, reducing the risk of fish unhooking.
In addition to this good design, the lure has a hook under its head for attaching a sinker and thus adjusting its swimming depth.
A lead clip placed under the head makes the lure swim upside down, allowing you to fish sandbanks and imitate a fish digging on the bottom. To keep the lure swimming horizontally, it's best to place a lead clip at the centre of the hook. Basically, the lure swims at a depth of about one metre.
Use
At 18 centimetres in length, it's far more versatile than its big brother, the 22-centimetre version. In fact, this version is better suited to pike fishing in small environments, as well as for black-bass fishing in France. It casts with good accuracy and distance, making it, at 53 grams, a big lure that can be used on light XH-type rods.
My opinion
Already enjoying the 220 version of the Dowz Swimmer, it's with great interest that I see this 180 version arriving, which I find much more versatile and easy to use. I find this new size interesting, as it corresponds well to the prey of our predators.
A standard XH type rod is all you need to use it, which means you'll have a good-sized lure on hand, even if you're going light fishing with just one rod.
Last but not least, I would like to emphasize the quality of the lure's design and manufacture.
