RAPALAS still produce but..........

I have used Rapalas for many, many years and they still are my number 1 lure. I've caught just about every species on these including my largest Musky a 38 lber. They come in a great variety now days as compared to years ago. The prices are about the same no matter where you buy them, maybe save a buck here and there. The biggest complaint is the plastic lips seem to break easy now days. I personally haven't had a major issue but my son has about 8 with busted lips just from last year alone.
 
I've heard others have the same issues on these forums so I was just wondering what others feel or have experienced with Rapalas. I measured a few today just for kicks comparing the older with the newer.
Believe it or not the older Rap lips are actually a little thinner but there is a difference in the shape, not much but a difference. Not sure what year the changes came about could have been years ago. Maybe the plastic is harder or defective who knows. The old ones I have were made in Finland so there old ! 
 





Yea a $1.88 at Consolidated Warehouse 1970 Youngstown, Ohio   

Still one great lure !       An oldie but goodie !     Like me !     LOL............

Takes a licking and keeps on ticking ! Sometimes you get lucking just long enough to get the trophy in the net !
 


Son's 40lber/ 2013
 

No help for that Rap ! It's hanging in the mouth on the wall...Higgon's Bros. did a fantastic job.
Last ones we'll ever keep....unless a state record.

I have replaced hooks and split rings on a number of my lures I use for stronger game fish.
The standard stuff just isn't made for all game fish. Unless you don't mind loosing fish! 
 
I take it by snapping the lip off you kind of give it your own jerking action....sounds interesting.
Might try that with a few of the broken ones and see what action it has . 

IV never had constant lip issues my buddy does lol I have learned don't smack them on the water! I will agree the quality isn't the best but they are deadly for what I use them for need to remember to save receipts so when they do break I can send back still have one rap 5-6? Years now still producing limits of eyes she is in need of new hooks