I agree with most of the previous posts. The guy made some mistakes and has paid for them. I have actually met Chad and his wife several times and they are very nice people.
I fish Hookup Baits all of the time and they crush it. Just about every species; tuna, yellowtail, WSB, bottom fish, etc.
They work when nothing else will.
The fishing industry is a tough business. I have a friend that started a new jig company making these
because he was tired of paying $8-$10 for a painted piece of lead with a hook. He has told me that the big boys (i.e. Tady, Sumo, etc.) have done nothing but try to undercut and push him out of the business. As such, I don't fault him for pursuing a patent to protect his business.
I do wish they were more durable.