I've been fishing rattletraps for years and years... but the Classic did encourage me to try em in cold water, which I never have before. I've always used em in warmer temps, with great success. One of the best search baits there is - tie em on, and wear the paint off!
They're killer for good size white bass too(which I don't think they have here in MA. They're the official state fish back home in Oklahoma, looks like a miniature wide-bodied striper).
I've been a KVD fan for years too. I remember when he was the new kid on the block, and everyone was like "who's this young Northerner tearing up all the old pros?" Back then, most bass pros were from the South.
I don't really have the $$$ to buy sig stuff anymore. Most of the time, there's no difference anyways, just paying extra for the name.