The Westin ShadTeez and the Fox Rage Zander Pro Shad have been two of the most popular softbaits for predator anglers in Belgium and the Netherlands for years. Both catch pike, zander and perch, but they are not the same lure. They differ clearly in swimming action, body shape, durability and the situations where they shine.
In this comparison you will learn which shad best suits your fishing style, water type and target species.
What is the Westin ShadTeez?
The Westin ShadTeez is known for its deep body, broad paddle tail and pronounced rolling action. Even on a very slow retrieve, the whole body starts moving attractively. Its wide flank creates strong belly flash, so predators can notice the lure from distance, especially in clear water or when you fish slowly.
The ShadTeez is available in several versions, including the popular ShadTeez Slim, which gives a slimmer baitfish profile.
Strengths of the Westin ShadTeez
- Strong rolling action through the whole body
- Excellent at slow speed
- Plenty of belly flash
- Works for casting, jigging and vertical fishing
- Realistic baitfish colours and larger pike sizes
What is the Fox Rage Zander Pro Shad?
The Fox Rage Zander Pro Shad is designed as a versatile softbait that performs on canals, rivers, lakes and deeper venues. Its slimmer tail gives a tighter, higher-frequency vibration, while the body stays stable. That makes it easy to keep contact when jigging, fishing current or covering water at a slightly higher speed.
The rubber compound is also notably tough. One Zander Pro Shad often survives several bites, which is useful when small pike, perch or zander are active.
Strengths of the Zander Pro Shad
- High-frequency paddle-tail vibration
- Durable rubber mix
- Stable in current and deeper water
- Starts working immediately on the first turn of the reel
- Very strong for canals, rivers and active zander fishing
Swimming action: which looks more natural?
The biggest difference is the action. The ShadTeez rolls more, while the Zander Pro Shad kicks tighter and faster.
Westin ShadTeez
The ShadTeez has a wide rolling action where the whole shad rocks from side to side. This creates a lot of underwater flash. It is especially effective when predators are passive, you fish slowly, the water is clear or you target bigger pike and zander.
Fox Rage Zander Pro Shad
The Zander Pro Shad has a tighter and quicker action. The paddle moves at high frequency while the body remains relatively steady. That makes it ideal for flowing rivers, canals, fast jigging and active zander that are chasing baitfish.
Which shad is better for pike?
For pike, many anglers choose the Westin ShadTeez. The broad profile, heavy flash and aggressive roll give big pike a clear target. The 16 and 19 cm versions are especially strong when you want a larger softbait with plenty of presence.
The Zander Pro Shad also catches pike, especially in smaller sizes when pike are feeding on slender baitfish or when you need a tougher lure after repeated strikes.
Which shad is better for zander?
For zander, the choice is more balanced. Choose the Westin ShadTeez when you fish slowly, vertical jig, work clear water or deal with cautious fish. Choose the Zander Pro Shad when you want to cover water, fish canals or rivers, need stability in current or target actively hunting zander.
Which shad is better for perch?
Both softbaits catch perch well. For smaller perch, compact sizes are usually best: ShadTeez 7 or 9 cm, or Zander Pro Shad 7.5 cm. These sizes fit finesse jigging, dropshot and light predator fishing without looking oversized.
Material and durability
The Fox Rage Zander Pro Shad scores slightly better for durability. Its firmer rubber mix resists tearing after multiple bites. That matters when you get repeated taps, small pike strikes or perch nipping at the tail.
The Westin ShadTeez is softer, which helps create its natural rolling action. The trade-off is that it can show damage sooner after several fish or missed takes.
Which colours work best?
Clear water
Use natural patterns such as Roach, Perch, Smelt and Stickleback. These colours imitate real baitfish and are especially good when fish inspect the lure longer.
Murky water
Use high-visibility colours such as Firetiger, Chartreuse, UV Lemon Tiger and Pink. In coloured water, contrast and vibration often matter more than perfect realism.
Cloudy weather
UV colours often perform well in low light, especially in the Fox Rage Ultra UV range. Still test a natural colour beside a bright colour; predators do not read the rulebook.
Which sizes should you choose?
Westin ShadTeez
- 7 cm for perch
- 9 to 12 cm for zander
- 16 to 19 cm for pike
Fox Rage Zander Pro Shad
- 7.5 cm for perch
- 10 cm as an all-round size
- 12 cm for bigger zander
- 16 cm for pike or larger predators
When should you choose which shad?
Choose the Westin ShadTeez if you:
- fish slowly;
- want a lot of belly flash;
- target bigger pike;
- fish clear water;
- want a strong rolling action.
Choose the Fox Rage Zander Pro Shad if you:
- want to cover a lot of water;
- fish rivers or canals;
- need a durable softbait;
- fish actively with a jig head;
- mainly target zander.
Conclusion
Both the Westin ShadTeez and the Fox Rage Zander Pro Shad belong among the best softbaits for predator fishing.
The ShadTeez stands out with its wide rolling action, natural presentation and strong flash, especially in clear water, at slow speed and for bigger pike or zander. The Zander Pro Shad is the more versatile everyday choice: durable, stable and excellent for canals, rivers and deeper water.
Many experienced predator anglers keep both in the tackle box. That way they can switch from a broad rolling shad to a tighter high-frequency shad as soon as conditions change.