Find the right soft plastic molds kit for creating custom fishing lures. This guide highlights five kits that suit beginners, hobbyists, and more serious tinkerers. Each option is described with who it’s best for, why it’s a strong pick, and a practical caveat. If you want to craft craws, worms, swimbaits, or Senko-style sticks, these kits cover common lure profiles and injection setups.
Summary table of selected products:
| Product | Brand | Key Benefit | Best For | Limitations |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| INJEX Petite BASS Lure Making Kit | FusionX Fishing Lures | High-density resin molds with 60-degree taper injector | DIY lure makers seeking precise presets | More setup required for beginners |
| Smedioks Soft Plastic Injection Mold | Smedioks | 3-cavity precision mold with vented channels | Detail-focused crafters aiming for professional results | Higher learning curve for first-timers |
| Man Crates DIY Fishing Lure Making Kit | Man Crates | Three exclusive molds with full DIY kit | Complete kits for all-in-one construction | Bulkier footprint; more parts to manage |
| Otoolling Soft Plastic Mold Lure Making Kit | Otoolling | 10 cavity aluminum 2″ crappie mold with compatible port | Efficient batch production on the go | Smaller lures may require careful ejecting |
| CooB Starter Kit Aluminum Injector | CooB | Two high-density molds with aluminum injector | Beginner-friendly starter kit | Limited mold shapes compared to larger kits |
INJEX Petite BASS Lure Making Kit
Key features: CNC machined high-density resin injection molds (5″ Worm, 3″ Swim Bait, 2-1/2″ Craw); FusionX 60-degree tapered stainless steel mold injector; six colors of X-Cube plastic resin. This kit emphasizes precise cavity dimensions and a versatile injector, making it best for anglers who want consistent lure shapes and faster production cycles. It’s ideal for hobbyists who enjoy a structured, repeatable process and who target bass or similar species with craw and worm profiles.
Best for: Operators who value repeatable shapes and a clean finish. Choose this if you want a compact, multi-profile setup with a dedicated injector and a color range ready for immediate use. A potential limitation is that beginners might need time to dial in temperature and resin consistency for perfect pours.
Caution: Ensure proper ventilation and follow resin color mixing instructions to avoid bubbles and color contamination.
Smedioks Soft Plastic Injection Mold
Key features: Professional-quality CNC-machined acrylic stone mold with 3 cavities, precise dimensions, bubble-free injection via enhanced vent channels, ability to customize baits with color, glitter, and scent. This mold is designed for serious hobbyists who want high-detail lures and reliable consistency in every pour.
Best for: Users pursuing detailed, professional-looking lures and who enjoy experimenting with colors and additives. It’s better for those who already have or plan to acquire a compatible injector and plastisol. Limitation: the acrylic mold may require careful handling to avoid scratches and maintain seal integrity.
Caution: Use appropriate release practices and avoid overfilling cavities, which can cause air pockets or drips.
Man Crates DIY Fishing Lure Making Kit
Key features: Complete DIY kit with three exclusive molds for Crawdaddy, Mudbug, and Worm lures; plastisol, coloring, glitter, and scent included; a step-by-step lure making guide for pro-level results. This kit emphasizes a full-package approach for those who want to start from scratch and end with market-ready-looking baits.
Best for: Beginners to intermediate makers who prefer an all-in-one kit with straightforward guidance. Choose this if you want a ready-to-start system that minimizes extra shopping. Caution: The variety of items may require organized storage and a dedicated workspace.
Limitation: Mold shapes are specialized; if you need other profiles, you may require additional molds later.
Otoolling Soft Plastic Mold Lure Making Kit
Key features: Complete 10-cavity aluminum mold, designed for reliable bait production; 2″ crappie prototype, three cavities for 10 detailed lures per pour; 5/8 inch injection port; durable aluminum construction and compatibility with standard injectors; no lubricant required for easy release. This kit emphasizes batch efficiency and durability for frequent pourers.
Best for: Anglers who want higher output and a sturdy, repeatable process. Choose this if you prioritize aluminum durability and a larger cavity count. Caution: Aluminum molds can get hot during pours; handle with care to avoid burns and ensure consistent demolding.
CooB Starter Kit Aluminum Injector
Key features: Premium soft plastic molds and lure making injection kit; two high-density molds (Senko 5″ worm and Easy shiner 4″ shad) with a 45ml aluminum injector including a locking nozzle. This starter kit focuses on essential profiles commonly used by new and intermediate lure makers.
Best for: Beginners who want a simple, cost-effective entry into soft plastic lure making with a dependable injector. Avoid this if you need a wide variety of shapes from the start; more molds can be added later as you expand your lineup.
Buying Guide: Key Purchase Considerations
What mold material should I choose?
Aluminum molds are durable and excellent for high-volume production, with quick heat transfer. Acrylic and resin molds can offer finer detail but may require more careful handling and consistent resin mixes. Your choice depends on how many lures you plan to produce and how much detail you want per lure.
How many cavities and what profiles do I need?
Let’s match profiles to your target species. Common profiles include worms, crawfish, and shad or swim bait shapes. If you fish multiple species, choose a kit with a mix of cavity shapes or plan to buy additional molds later.
Is an included injector necessary?
Eye the injector quality and compatibility with standard plastisol. A good injector with a proper seal reduces air pockets and improves consistency. If a kit lacks a reliable injector, budget for a compatible model separately.
What about color, glitter, and scent options?
Color options and additives can dramatically affect lure performance. Ensure your kit supports color customization and provides guidance on blending so you can replicate local forage colors and conditions.
What level of experience is required?
Professional-grade molds demand careful temperature control and venting to prevent bubbles. Beginners should start with kits that include guides, simpler molds, and basic safety instructions.
Where should I store and organize?
Keep molds clean and dry between sessions. A dedicated workstation helps prevent loss of small parts and maintains a consistent workflow, especially with multi-mold DIY kits.
Frequently Asked Questions
- What is the best starter soft plastic molds kit?
- Can I use any plastic resin with these molds?
- How do I reduce bubbles in soft plastic lures?
- Are aluminum molds better for bulk production?
- Do these kits include safety guides?
- Can I mix and match molds from different brands?
Good starter options include kits with two molds and a simple injector, such as the CooB Starter Kit when you want a straightforward entry, or the Man Crates kit for a full DIY experience.
Most kits use standard plastisol or compatible resins. Always confirm resin compatibility with your specific mold and injector to avoid poor demolding or excessive resin viscosity.
Use molds with vent channels or air vents, keep resin at recommended temperatures, avoid overfilling cavities, and pour slowly to minimize trapped air.
Yes. Aluminum molds withstand repeated heating and cooling, making them ideal for higher-volume production. They can get hot, so use protective equipment when pouring.
Many kits provide basic instructions; for best results, follow manufacturer guidelines on ventilation, handling hot materials, and safe storage of chemicals and pigments.
Yes, as long as your injector and resin systems are compatible. Mixing brands offers broader lure shapes but requires careful calibration of temperatures and venting.