Terminator T1 Colorado Willow Spinnerbait

One of our favorite baits for pre-spawn action has always been spinnerbaits. We’ve tried a lot of them although we have missed a few in the process. Today’s review is on one such bait. The Terminator T1 Colorado Willow Spinnerbait.

Generally speaking, we prefer a double willow configuration for this time of year but after obtaining a couple of these, we had to get them on the water and see how they perform.

The Terminator T1’s claim to fame is that it is the original titanium wire spinnerbait. Using titanium means that these lures run true out of the package, rarely if ever need retuning and the wire is virtually indestructible. Add to that, a natural baitfish head with better than average detailing and 3D eyes, beveled edge blades, the Quick Skirt system that allows the angler to change colors on the fly without retying, a very sharp stock hook as well as quality components and it warrants a thorough look.

The T1 comes in three sizes. 3/4, 1/2 and 3/8. We chose the 3/4 so that we could more easily reach some of the deeper depths that we would be targeting. We threw it both stock and with a trailer. We used it as is and with a trailer hook just to cover all the bases.

Important features for a spinnerbait

One of the things that we look for in a spinnerbait is the speed at which the blades start turning. You would think that it would be pretty standard across the board but it isn’t. Some baits use inferior swivels which require a quicker retrieve to start and/or maintain the rotation of the blades. The T1’s blades get going almost immediately and don’t require much speed to continue spinning. This is critical for feel when plying those deeper depths.

Another characteristic that is desirable in spinnerbaits is for the blades to helicopter on the fall. Here again, the T1 does just that which translates to no wasted time during your retrieve due to the lack of the blades providing the flash and vibration that are the key to getting fish to bite.

How’s the durability?

The Terminator has handled our deliberate attempts to destroy it like a champ. We’ve thrown it up on rocks, wood, against pilings, banged it off of stumps and have flat our abused this bait. We simply haven’t been able to do anything other than chip the paint on the head and thin the skirt.

The fish that we’ve caught using the T1 haven’t had any better luck than we have as far as destroying the bait either.

The Terminator T1 has held up to everything that we’ve put it through and continues to perform as if it just came out of the package.

Are there any downsides?

If we have any concerns they are as follows. While the stock hook is sharp, it can become dull in which case you will want a good file ‘cause the rest of the bait will still be in great shape.

Personally, we would like to see a longer shank hook with a bait keeper so that when you’re using a trailer, it stays pinned on better without using adhesive.

The final item on our wish list would be a hook with a wider gap but hey, that’s just us. The reality is that this bait is well designed and executed. In most outlets you can get them for around $9 which in our opinion, is a good value considering the quality of the T1.

The Terminator T1 spinnerbait is one of those baits that is truly built like a tank and will deliver an amazing amount of service for a fair price. Not to mention that they do exactly what they are designed to do – catch fish!