New Spinnerbait Rod

[MarkM]

I'm considering purchasing a new rod for spinnerbaits between 1/4 - 1/2 oz. It will also be used for texas rigged plastics, usually around 1/4 - 3/8 oz. I have a jig/frog/small swimbait rod in a Savvy 735 that I like.

I currently have a G Loomis MBR843 GL3 which I purchased about 12 yrs ago as an all purpose rod for both bass and Inshore. It is still in great shape, but I'm looking for a slightly shorter & "dedicated" rod. I'll keep the Loomis as an Inshore rod. I'd like stay below around $180.

It will be paired with a Curado 200e7.

Rods I'm considering with some comments:

1) Powell Max 683C

the 682C I think would a be little light in power.

2) Cashion 6'9" med heavy

Not certain I would like the carbon fiber handle grips as I prefer cork. I HATE foam!

3) Dobyns Savvy 663C

A tad shorter than I'd like, but not sure I could afford to step up to 683C Champion

4) St Croix Legend Tournament Bass 68MXF

last years model. I've heard some of the St Croix rods fish about a power rating higher than advertised. Is this this true of the LTB series?

Any comments/suggestions would be appreciated.

Thanks

[ww2farmer]

4) St Croix Legend Tournament Bass 68MXF last years model. I've heard some of the St Croix rods fish about a power rating higher than advertised. Is this this true of the LTB series? Any comments/suggestions would be appreciated. Thanks

Yes, they are more powerfull than other brands M rods. I own St Croix's from the Mojo, Avid, and Legend Tournament lines, IMHO they all are over powered, BUT IMHO the Avids seem more so than the others, the SCIII graphite is very stiff in fast and extra fast actions. The Mojo's and LTB's seem to be a little ..............just a little, softer.

That 6'8" M/XF LTB seems like a good choice for what you want to do.

[tentimesover]

My favorite spinnerbait rod is the Shimano Crucial 6'6" rod, MF. The model I have is all cork on the handle which I love. I recommended the rod to a pal and was surprised to see it now has a split cork handle. It seemed OK but I still prefer the all cork. I have the Legend tournament in a 6'9" spinning rod and like it, but, not as well as the Crucial for spinners. I also have the 7' Avid in a MF baitcaster and I love that rod for just about anything -- but, I still would choose the Crucial again for spinnerbaits.