I use the bags. The newer ones out there sound real good. The rods are drilled and have pockets to give them a better tone. I like them for their convienence. Ony thing is its hard to do a tree scrape with a rattle bag!LOL!

I bought a primos rattle bag and took the synthetic rods (that are supposed to replicate antlers) and replaced them with tines off an old rack i had. i cut the tines off the main beams and put them in the bag, (as well as the main beams cut into pieces) it works pretty good. but you cant beat the real deal, they way i did it was just so i didnt have to carry a set of antlers into the woods.

I just bought a rattling bag. Easier and safer to carry through the bush. It's easier to make sound with them too. My hands take a severe beating when I rattle real antlers. I'm just hoping the deer can't tell the difference and that they do respond.