Megabass iPX-12 & iPX-16: A New Generation of Deep-Diving Crankbaits
Yuuki Ito × Brandon Palaniuk — two different approaches to bass fishing, combined into one new deep-cranking system.
Megabass is set to release two exciting new deep-diving crankbaits in September 2026: the iPX-12 and iPX-16.
Part of Megabass's new ito ENGINEERING iPX series, these crankbaits combine the design philosophy of Megabass founder and lure designer Yuuki Ito with the on-the-water experience of professional angler Brandon Palaniuk.
Pre-orders are already underway through the official Megabass online store, with some colors reportedly beginning to sell out.
Two crankbaits. Two deep-water ranges.
The concept behind the iPX series is straightforward: create a deep-diving crankbait that can get down quickly, stay stable at depth, and continue working effectively around the bottom.
The iPX-12 is designed around a primary running depth of 12 ft (3.6 m), with a maximum depth of approximately 16 ft (4.8 m).
The larger iPX-16 targets a primary depth of 16 ft (4.8 m) and can reach approximately 18 ft (5.4 m).
Model | Length | Weight | Type | Main Depth | Max Depth |
iPX-12 | 64 mm | 5/8 oz | Floating | 12 ft / 3.6 m | 16 ft / 4.8 m |
iPX-16 | 74 mm | 7/8 oz | Floating | 16 ft / 4.8 m | 18 ft / 5.4 m |
Both models will be available in 15 colors.
Forward Roll Weight Transfer System
One of the key technologies inside the iPX series is Megabass's new Forward Roll Weight Transfer System.
Instead of simply moving a weight from the rear of the lure toward the front, the system uses two internal tracks that allow the weights to move independently.
As the crankbait dives, the internal weights naturally shift forward, creating the optimal center of gravity for aggressive diving.
This forward balancing allows the lure to achieve a steep diving angle and reach its productive depth quickly.
In practical terms, that means more time spent where you actually want the lure to be: deep and in the strike zone.
A completely new lip design
The geometry is designed to efficiently grab water pressure from different diving angles, working together with the Forward Roll Weight Transfer System to maintain a highly stable swimming action.
The result is a crankbait designed to remain controlled and predictable even when digging aggressively into deeper water.
High-pitch action and powerful vibration
Megabass has given both models an ultra-high-pitch action combined with strong vibration.
The relatively tall-bodied profile also produces considerable flash as it moves through the water, helping the lure create a strong visual and vibrational presence over a wide area.
That combination makes the iPX particularly interesting when you need a deep crankbait that can cover water and call fish in from a distance.
Designed to stay in contact with the bottom
Perhaps the most interesting aspect of the iPX design is what happens once it reaches the bottom.
The lure is engineered to recover quickly after contacting cover, allowing it to continue maintaining bottom contact rather than simply deflecting away and rising out of the strike zone. That makes it possible to fish the iPX with a slow, deliberate retrieve while continuously tracing the bottom.
For deep structure, rocks and other cover, this is exactly the kind of behavior serious crankbait anglers look for.
A new generation of deep contact
With the iPX-12 and iPX-16, Megabass is targeting a very specific part of the water column: the deep zone where getting the lure down is only half the battle.
The real challenge is keeping it there, maintaining stability, contacting the bottom and producing an aggressive action throughout the retrieve. The combination of Yuuki Ito's lure-development philosophy and Brandon Palaniuk's experience fishing deep water has resulted in two crankbaits designed specifically around that challenge.
The iPX-12 and iPX-16 are scheduled for release in late September 2026.
If you're serious about deep-cranking, these are two Megabass releases worth keeping an eye on.
