The Smedioks Premium Soft Plastic Mold for creating 5-inch Yama Senko lures is pretty well-regarded among fishing enthusiasts.

According to the manufacturer's description, it's made from a combination of polymer and engineered stone, which is supposed to be both durable and good for getting detailed designs on your bait—kind of like the ones used by the pros.

One of the big selling points is that you can save some money over time by making your own lures with your favorite colors and scents, rather than buying new ones all the time. Especially if you're out fishing often and need a bundle of different options.

Our research shows that folks generally like the mold's quality because it churns out detailed lures. Some even say it holds up better than the traditional metal molds.

But, it isn't perfect. A few people have noticed it can warp a bit over time, which might lead to issues with it sealing properly and potentially causing leaks—even when clamps are used. There are also occasional reports of small dents in the lures, possibly due to inconsistent temperature or pressure during the process.

To help tackle these hiccups, there are a couple of things you can do. Tweaking things like the plastisol temperature, the injection pressure, and the time you hold it during the cutting process can solve most problems.

Also, slapping on some silicone grease might help improve the seal and keep the mold working well for longer.

All in all, most people seem to be happy with it, as long as they stick to the suggested guidelines and handle it carefully. If you're into making your own fishing gear and are looking for something that's versatile and cost-effective, this mold is worth considering.

If you're thinking about using the Smedioks 3 Cavity Yama Senko 5'' mold, there are a few extra things you might need to get the best results.

Handy Gear to Have:

1. Clamps:
   Clamps help keep the mold steady while you're using it. From what we've found, some people mention the mold can leak if it's not clamped down tight.

So, make sure those sides are clamped securely during injection to keep everything contained.

2. Lubrication Materials:
   Applying some lubricant, like silicone grease or worm oil, can make a big difference. According to the manufacturer's instructions, this helps with sealing and makes removing the finished lure easier, plus it keeps your mold in good shape over time.

3. Heating Device:
   Pre-heating the mold can improve your results. The manufacturer suggests warming it up to about 100-120°F. This helps keep the casting process smooth by ensuring the mold stays evenly heated, which lessens the chance of warping.

4. Injection Equipment:
   You'll need the right injector for consistent pressure and even filling. This is key to getting great-looking lures.

Quick Maintenance Tips:

Beyond the gear, a bit of regular care can extend the mold’s life. Keep it lubricated and handle it with care to avoid warping and leaks.

Making sure it's clean and applying the right clamp pressure really helps maintain its quality.

Overall, while the Smedioks mold is known for its detailed and high-quality results, using some extra equipment and keeping up with maintenance can make your lure-making even better and help the mold last longer.

Making 5-inch Yama Senko lures with the Smedioks Premium Soft Plastic Mold can be a pretty fun experience. The mold is described by the manufacturer as being made from a unique artificial stone, which combines stone powder with polymers, making it strong, long-lasting, and great for crafting detailed lures. People say it's tough and holds up well over time while capturing intricate details beautifully.

Our research indicates that the mold does require a bit of effort to use properly. Some folks have mentioned using extra force with clamps to ensure a tight seal. This helps the molds line up correctly, preventing any leakage and resulting in a better-finished product.

A handy trick is to slightly preheat the mold before you pour in the soft plastic. This sort of ensures that you get an even fill and a consistent texture in the lure. The plastic should be heated to around 350°F (175°C), though that can vary depending on what you're using.

Once everything's lined up and ready to go, pour the melted plastic into the mold. You'll need to be patient while it cools and solidifies. After it hardens, you can gently take the lure out of the mold and tidy up any extra plastic with trimming tools to get a nice, clean look.

While you might run into some challenges, like sealing the mold tightly, overall, using the Smedioks mold is quite straightforward.

With a bit of practice and these tips, you’ll be cranking out top-notch 5-inch Yama Senko lures that should perform well when you're out fishing.