Where are you getting carpenters from for that price cause i would love to get a few more

Carpenter lures currently has gamma Diablo 105 at 114 Aus.

Plus freight local gst etc etc

Hard to beat at that price.

These lures look awesome 

snag ive got some of them for sale if you want them

coxie wrote: I bought a bunch of starwalkers from FCO a little while ago, fathers day sale I think. $24 for the 160F's and $27 for 180F's. Totally new to stick baiting so thought they would be a good start

i think this is their current pricing

At the end of the day we are spoilt for quality lures these days.....the attention to detail on some of them makes them works of art.......How much you spend depends on two things i reckon.

I have fished with poppers for a lot of years but my initial experiments with cheap stickbaits has left me a bit disappointed, I'm not sure if it's the lures or my total lack of coordination but the few I have tried don't seem to swim to well. I know there is a lot to it such as rod selection action etc.

As long as they get eaten and are strong. In my experience if you are happy catching rats and mice and the odd good fish use what you want.
If you want to give yourself the best chance at fooling that cunning old beast then you better hope that what you are using is up to the task.
Spending a bit more on a few lures is cheap when compared to time, money and effort spent..plus it is hard to watch a mate deal to fish after fish as your dud wallows on the surface with little to nil interest.

Either way what ever you use learn how to swim and cast them effectively

Maria loaded 180's are quite good for around $50