Z-Man Introduces Revolutionary Sinking ElaZtech Lures: Kingpin and Stuntman

Z-Man Fishing Products, renowned for its highly durable ElaZtech soft baits, has developed a significant innovation: a new formulation of ElaZtech that possesses inherent sinking properties. This breakthrough introduces an entirely novel dimension to their signature material, making its debut in two distinct bass fishing lures: the Kingpin soft stickbait and the Stuntman soft jerkbait. This development marks a pivotal moment for anglers seeking advanced performance and longevity from their fishing tackle.

Daniel Nussbaum, the President of Z-Man, explained that achieving this sinking material has been a long-standing objective for the company. The key to this success was discovering an additive dense enough to make the material sink while also allowing it to blend seamlessly into the polymer, ensuring uniform density throughout. Extensive testing of various blends followed, meticulously refining the sink rate and action of the baits to meet their high standards.

Historically, manufacturers of soft plastic lures have relied on heavy salt saturation to make polyvinyl chloride (PVC) baits sink. However, this conventional approach has inherent drawbacks. Over time, the salt dissolves, leading to an inconsistent fall rate and often causing the plastic to become brittle and prone to tearing. Z-Man's new approach circumvents these issues entirely.

The ingenuity of Z-Man’s new material lies in its ability to fall through the water column with a slow, controlled descent. Because the density is integrated directly into the polymer, rather than coming from soluble salt, the sink rate remains constant throughout the lure's use. This also means the material retains its full strength and elasticity, characteristics that anglers have come to expect and appreciate from ElaZtech products.

Jose Chavez, Z-Man's Director of Product Development, highlighted the meticulous work involved, noting that the company spent several years collaborating with chemists to perfect the formulation. Anglers will immediately notice that the new material is firmer, less stretchy, and significantly denser. This increased density contributes to improved casting distance and accuracy, enables anglers to cover larger areas of water, and opens up a multitude of new applications for soft plastic baits.

Z-Man has strategically identified specific scenarios where a sinking material enhances lure performance, leading to the development of the Kingpin and Stuntman. The Kingpin, a soft stickworm, is meticulously designed for wacky and Texas rigging. Its perfectly balanced body and precisely spaced segments facilitate a slow, natural descent accompanied by a subtle, lifelike wobble. This proven action is particularly effective in enticing strikes from bass that have grown wary of conventional stickbaits, making it an ideal choice for finesse fishing techniques.

Chavez elaborated on the Kingpin's design, emphasizing its symmetrical profile, which eliminates the need to locate a "sweet spot" for wacky rigging. This ensures consistent performance and a balanced fall with every cast. The segmentation further enhances the bait's sinking action by strategically removing material between sections. Given the tear-resistant nature of the Sinking ElaZtech material, the Kingpin can withstand extensive use in heavy cover, allowing anglers to catch numerous fish on a single bait without needing additional accessories like O-rings or special tools.

The Kingpin will be available in 3-inch and 5-inch sizes, adapting to nearly every soft stickbait presentation. The 5-inch model is highly effective for weightless Texas and wacky rigs, while the 3-inch version offers a compact profile suitable for finesse applications. Manufactured in South Carolina, the Kingpin is expected to be released in the fall, priced at $6.99 for packs containing eight 3-inch baits or six 5-inch baits, across twelve color options.

The Stuntman, Z-Man's new soft jerkbait, shares the spotlight, crafted to emulate fleeing forage. It boasts molded eyes, realistic gill plates, a detailed scale pattern, and a broad, forked tail. When twitched, the tail creates an erratic, darting motion that convincingly mimics a panicked baitfish, transitioning into a natural sinking motion within the water column.

Chavez also pointed out the Stuntman's distinctive tail, explaining that its vertical fork functions like a rudder. Each twitch propels the bait further off-center, and as it sinks, the tail continues to move organically, presenting a unique appearance that differs from existing soft jerkbaits. The Stuntman is designed for weightless fishing at various depths or as a topwater twitching bait.

Constructed from sinking ElaZtech, the Stuntman includes dorsal and belly hook slots. These recessed slots ensure perfectly straight, weedless rigging with standard worm hooks, reducing snags without compromising solid hooksets. Z-Man recommends using its ZWG Worm Hook or the new ZWG Gaff Hook. Available in 4-inch and 5-inch profiles, the Stuntman offers natural baitfish movements combined with exceptional durability.

Major League Fishing pro Brian Latimer praised the Stuntman's versatility, noting its effectiveness in various fishing conditions, from burning it across the surface for schooling fish to letting it sink through grass or skipping it under docks. He emphasized that the Stuntman allows him the flexibility to employ multiple presentations with a single bait, eliminating the need to constantly switch lures when one tears. The Stuntman, proudly made in the USA, will be available at retailers nationwide in the fall of 2026, offered in 4-inch and 5-inch (five per pack) sizes across ten selected colors for $6.99.

This innovative sinking ElaZtech material and its initial applications in the Kingpin and Stuntman lures signify a substantial advancement in soft plastic bait technology. By addressing the limitations of traditional salt-impregnated plastics, Z-Man offers anglers a more durable, consistent, and effective tool for targeting bass, enhancing both performance and the overall fishing experience. These new offerings are poised to become essential items in many anglers' tackle boxes, reflecting Z-Man's ongoing commitment to innovation in the fishing industry.