If you are just starting out, begin with open pour molds. They cost less, need no injector, and let you make detailed, multi-color baits, which makes them the friendlier entry point. Choose injection molds when you want speed and volume, since an injector fills more cavities faster with less waste.
Both make great baits. The right choice depends on how many baits you want to make, how much detail you want, and your budget. Here is the full comparison.
The quick verdict
Open pour for beginners, detail, and budget. Injection for speed and volume. Many bait makers eventually own both.
Open pour vs. injection at a glance
| Open Pour | Injection | |
|---|---|---|
| Cost to start | Lower, no injector needed | Higher, requires an injector |
| Speed | Slower, one cavity at a time | Faster, fill many cavities quickly |
| Detail and color | Excellent, easy laminates and hand-pour effects | Good, but harder for intricate multi-color work |
| Waste | A little more per pour | Less, more baits per batch of plastic |
| Best for | Beginners, custom colors, low volume | High volume, consistency, production |
What is an open pour mold?
An open pour (or top pour) mold is open on top, so you pour heated plastisol straight into the cavity from a cup. Because the cavity is open, you can do laminates, swirls, and detailed color work by hand. There is no injector to buy, so the startup cost is lower. The tradeoff is speed: you fill one cavity at a time.
What is an injection mold?
An injection mold is clamped shut, and you push plastic in through a port with an injector. Filling the cavity produces clean, consistent baits, and it allows you to fill several cavities fast. It is the choice when you want to make a lot of the same bait quickly. You do need an injector, which adds to the startup cost.
Which should you buy first?
If you are new, want to keep costs down, or love custom colors, start with an open pour mold. If you already know you will be making baits in bulk, for a club, a team, or just heavy personal use, an injection setup pays off. If you would rather not choose yet, a starter kit gets you going with the right pieces together.
Frequently asked questions
Is open pour or injection better for beginners?
Open pour. It is cheaper, needs no injector, and is forgiving while you learn color and pouring technique.
Do injection molds make better baits?
Not better, just faster and more consistent. Open pour molds can make equally good, high-end baits.
Do I need an injector for open pour molds?
No. You pour heated plastic straight into the open cavity, which is part of why open pour is the lower-cost way to start.
Can I use the same plastisol for both?
Yes. The same plastic works for open pour and injection; you may just tune the durometer to the bait.
Get started
Browse open pour molds or injection molds, add a premium injector if you go the injection route, and if you are brand new, read our beginner's guide to making soft plastic baits.
By the Angling A.i. team