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I-Slide 185
Before talking about the I-Slide 187 R, let's talk about the I-Slide 185. The I-Slide 187 R is an improved version of the 185. As for the first version, it was a lure that found only a limited number of followers at the time. Some would say it was reserved for perfectionist anglers, while others would say it was poorly designed. Personally, I'm more inclined to agree with the latter...
It was badly balanced, the broken hooks and rings were of poor quality, the tail was fragile and permanently deformed... Unfortunately, it was a lure to forget.
Be that as it may, today we're treated to a revisited version of the lure, so let's avoid any preconceptions and give it a chance to redeem itself, especially as we're talking about Megabass, who know a thing or two about lures!
I-Slide 187 R Intermediate
The I-Slide 187 R Intermediate, whose R stands for Revolution, is a two-section glide bait. Aesthetically, the two lures look exactly alike. However, there are a few differences, such as the length of the link between the two sections and the mouth and gill patterns. This shows that the lure's hull has been reworked.
Unfortunately, I can't see what's behind it internally, but when I put it in the water, I'll immediately realize whether things have changed or not, and that's the main thing! The lure's swimming action is just what you'd expect, even when attached to a staple, a broken ring or a steel leader, which the old version didn't appreciate.
In constant retrieve, it draws a rather tight S, which is classic for this family of lures. Light strokes of the scions can increase the amplitude of this S.
In general, glide baits can be used both for prospecting and for focusing on specific areas.
As far as the I-Slide 187 R is concerned, it's less versatile and this version still only accepts low animation speeds, which means it can only be used in specific areas - it's not designed for fast exploration. What's more, it doesn't like currents, and can only be used in calm waters.
The tail has also been redesigned. The shape isn't exactly the same, but the most important thing is that the material it's made from has been changed. There are no replacement cues on offer, and these are available individually at the reasonable price of ?6.60. The good thing is that it can be fitted to the old version of the lure, allowing it to be put back into service permanently!
Finally, the armament has also been revised, and is perfectly suitable for use on pike or black-bass. The old shortcoming was the broken rings, and the new reference used inspires confidence.
Use
The Megabass glide bait is first used for black-bass fishing in Japan and California. In France, its size is a little large for black-bass fishing, and its use is mostly diverted to pike fishing. On the French market, we are fortunate to have colors such as Mat Chart, Viper Tiger or Mat Tiger, which are clearly designed for fishing this species.
My opinion
Honestly, the disappointment of the first version and the feeling of having "lost my money" made me go backwards towards this new version, which was released in 2023. However, as I'm a tolerant person, I decided to give this remastered version a chance.
The more I use this lure and push it to its limits, the more I realize that its former shortcomings have been improved, to meet expectations without revolutionizing the genre.
However, one point that hasn't been addressed yet is its price - 93.60?! This is clearly a drag and doesn't allow it to compete with other similar lures offered at a lower price and, what's more, with better performance.
Even disregarding the price, and considering that this lure is neither good nor bad, in all honesty, there's nothing special about it and I'd advise you to go for a Jointed Claw 178 or a Glide Way 178, which are bluffingly effective glide baits with perfectly mastered construction!
However, some colors still give this lure interest, like the Viper Tiger, which is really rare for a hard lure of this type.
I-Slide 187 R Intermediate
- Brand: Megabass
- Length: 187 millimetres
- Weight: 65 grams
- Type: Hard swimbait
- Density: Suspending
- Distributor France : Ultimate Fishing
- Price: ?93.60
