The Making of the Reflex 38S

A Small Lure with Big Impact

The Reflex 38S has been a long time in the making, and now, as it begins to land in tackle stores and fishing spots, we can finally share the journey of its development. An idea sparked from an Instagram message between Daiwa Australia’s lure developer, Taka Kawasaki and Kazuya Niwatoko and Kenji Mizuno from Trinity Custom Baits.

A Unique Approach to Micro Vibration Lures

Developing a small-profile vibration lure is an incredibly difficult task. Most lures in this size class fail to generate the necessary movement unless they are made of metal, like traditional blade baits. But instead of taking that well-worn path, the Reflex 38 ws designed through injection moulding, a method that allows for greater control over the lure’s action and fine-tuned movement.

“Size plays a crucial role in how a vibration lure behave. An 80mm vibration lure will never swim the same way as a 50mm one, this is because the amount of water wrapping around the lure changes with size. This difference means that simply adjusting weight distribution isn’t enough; the entire design of Reflex 38S had to be considered. The Reflex 38S was developed to offer the ideal balance of vibration, flash, and ease of use, making it a deadly choice for anglers targeting finicky predators.” – Trinity Custom Baits

For years, Trinity Custom Baits experimented with different configurations, ultimately developing the Reflex 38S for the Australian market. Kenji explains that “Small vibration lures often struggle to start their movement naturally, and if they lack a precise trigger, they tend to meander unpredictably. The Reflex 38S overcame this by focusing on a tight, high-pitch vibration that remains effective even in clear water.” The key was achieving a balance between rolling and wobbling, creating a realistic swimming motion that mimics a small baitfish.

Why the Reflex 38S Stands Out

The Reflex 38S was designed to deliver acompact yet highly responsive movement that makes it an incredibly versatile lure. Unlike larger vibration lures, which can rely on size and weight to generate action, the Reflex 38S had to be carefully fine-tuned to ensure it swims effectively despite its small profile.

Through years of refinement, Trinity and Daiwa developed a lure that exhibits a natural, high-frequency vibration, making it an excellent choice for pressured waters and cautious fish. The flashing effect generated by its tight wobble makes it highly visible, even in murky conditions, triggering reaction bites from wary predators.

A Lure That Adapts to Its Environment

The Reflex 38S doesn’t just imitate a baitfish, it can morph into whatever prey a predator might be hunting. Perfectly imitating several forage species such as mussel's, crabs & baitfish, its action and flash create the illusion of an easy meal. By refining the shape and balance of the lure, Trinity and Daiwa ensured that the Reflex 38S could perform at a high level without relying on traditional metal vibration designs. Resulting in a lure that is easy to use, highly effective, and capable of drawing strikes in situations where others fail.