Nearly four years and close to 50 prototypes in the making , the 6th Sense Axis is a hybrid hard-body bait that bridges the gap between a shallow squarebill and a bladed jig . Radical in action and raucous on sound and vibration , the bait is engineered to perform like no other before it .

First Impression

At first glance , the Axis looks like a large-profile , flatsided squarebill with a topshelf paint job , but it ’ s way more than that .

What makes the 1 / 2-ounce crankbait truly unique is a patent-pending bill design .

Fashioned from polished stainless steel , the wide bill pivots on a metal pin strategically countersunk in a nose slit , allowing for a wide range of lateral movement that significantly enhances the action , sound and vibration compared to most squarebills .

The No . 2 trebles are premium , so there ’ s no need to replace them . The Axis has a built-in rattle chamber and a custom snap swivel line tie to free up the movement even more . Lifelike body carvings and color schemes don ’ t get any prettier than those from 6th Sense .

In Action

Most squarebills wobble in a relatively straight line until they collide with something , but this one operates more like a bull in a china shop . It ’ s just that radical .

Put the bait in play and the free-ranging bill swings back and forth , sort of like the blade on a ChatterBait . This causes the bait to rock , roll , dart and wobble in an erratic S-motion like a frantic forage fish fleeing from a predator . Sudden pauses or snapping the rod tip changes up the action even more .

I was quite impressed with the Axis ’ ability to traverse and back out of cover , whether it was feathered through shallow hydrilla or bumped and banged around stumps or rock . It worked well in combination with the medium and medium-heavy rods I typically use with other squarebills , but you do need to be careful when casting it into a big wind on a baitcaster . It doesn ’ t do very well in that respect .

Final Thoughts

It ’ s always refreshing when someone comes up with a brand-new concept that ’ s truly in a league of its own . The Axis is just that . The bait ’ s unconventional action combined with the acoustics of the vibrating lip and rattle chamber create a

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Bass Fishing Dec 2020 - Jan 2021 | Page 64

6th SENSE AXIS METAL 2.0

Nearly four years and close to 50 prototypes in the making , the 6th Sense Axis is a hybrid hard-body bait that bridges the gap between a shallow squarebill and a bladed jig . Radical in action and raucous on sound and vibration , the bait is engineered to perform like no other before it .