I picked up a couple of the Xcalibur XT3 Twitch Baits at this year's Spring Classic in Pearl Shad and Ghost and finally had an opportunity to throw them this weekend.
Let me first say that I am a big fan of Lucky Craft Pointers...I have caught a lot of fish on them the past few seasons, and love the fact that they run true out of the box, cast like a bullet, and have some of the most purdy finishes out there. BUT, at $15-16 a pop...well, that's pretty darn expensive...
The Xcalibur bait is a very nice looking lure. The finishes are pretty nice, maybe not as nice as a pointer, but nice nonetheless, AND they seem to be durable (granted, I have only thrown them a hundred or so times, but, so far so good). They cast equally as well as the pointer, and have some very nice hooks. They run true out of the box, with a nice side to movement when worked, and they have a very nice, subtle "wobble" on the pause. The two I threw had a slight nose-down stance when at rest and I could get them down around 4 or 5 feet (from what I could tell). So far, I am pretty impressed with them. And, the smallmouth didn't seem to mind them either. Now, they aren't cheap either ($12.99 per), but they are $4 cheaper than a pointer, giving us an alternative to the higher-priced japanese baits. I'll keep everyone posted on their performance and durability as I use them more.
If you like pointer check out the knock offs at jannsnetcraft.com We tested them out last weekend for the first time, they run shallower and don't suspend as well but pretty good and only around $5 a piece after you put hooks on them. It would be easier to pay $15 for a lucky craft if the pike didn't like them so much, but they are worth it.
-Matt
A Michigan company, reddragontackle.com has Pointers on sale for $10. I ordered a few because I have heard so much about them but did not want to pay $18 for one. Have not had a chance to throw them yet but they sure look purty.