Even though I wanted to make the 8.25″ Frantic smaller I also wanted it heavier so it could cast as well as (or even better) than the original.   With the release of the UV enhanced/clear Naia series in 2020 followed by the Proteus series in 2021 I experimented with different Frantic re-designs for over a year until I found the sweet spot:  a 7 inch (180mm) UV enhanced clear solid cast body with a heavier ballasting system that comes in at just under 130g.  The wire loops were also redesigned and now feature all teardrop shapes to allow a much looser action with any hook setup you choose.  I found that the hardware on a “U” shaped belly or tail hanger often limit the movement of a lure due to the split ring and hook sitting too close to the body.  (The teardrop loops were a new configuration that was developed from the Naia and Proteus series since they only have a rear hook point).

The most significant attribute to the new Frantic 180 is the “Dead drop.”  Cast the lure and leave it be.  The new Frantic 180 has a very aggressive horizontal fluttering drop that shimmies and throws light from its internal reflective foil.  This reflected light coupled with an all natural paint pattern on a clear Frantic 180 truly defines what a dead or dying baitfish looks like.  Work it back with a twitch or another long pause you can also do a fast retrieve or a sweep and it will always frantically swim with a tight wiggle.

The new (clear) Frantic design will eventually replace the 8.25″ Frantic FS/SS models (now a legacy model); once I use up all my stock of injection molded blanks.