Gl2/dobyns/kistler Cranking Rod

[kschultz76]

Searched around a good bit on the internet and had a hard time finding any reviews or feedback on this so hoping someone here can chime in.

 

As a gift for someone I'm looking to get a good quality crankbait rod that is under 7' in length.  The person it is for just is completely uncomfortable with rods over about 6'8".  I know that reduces the pool of options available.  I'm looking for good general purpose crankbait rod that will handle squarebills, lipless, and up to middepth cranks (~12 ft).  If it can handle other duties like some larger topwater or deeper cranks that's great too.  I expect mostly he will use it for baits over 3/8 oz  like KVD 2.5s, XCS 100s, Arashi's, Redeye shads, etc maybe 1.5's if it can toss them.  I know there will be compromises, but this person has no rods that are really appropriate for cranks today.

Initially I wanted to get the Avid AVC66MHM but St Croix has discontinued and no one seems to have one on a shelf anywhere I can find.

 

So I've found a few candidates so far, and based on what I've read I'm leaning towards a Loomis GL2 785C.  Here's the options I've put together:

 

GL2 784C rated 3/8-3/4oz 10-20 lb

GL2 785C rated 3/8-1oz 10-20 lb 

Dobyns Champ 684cb graphite rated 1/4-3/4 oz 8-17 lb

Dobyns Champ 685cb graphite rated 1/4-1 oz 8-17 lb (TW lists as 1/4- 1 1/4oz)

Kistler KLX Crank,Rip, Twitch 6'9" MH MF 1/4-1oz 10-17lb (concerned about all the customer service issues I've heard of)

 

Would appreciate any feedback folks can provide on how these rods handle, and if any one of them would be best suited to being an all purpose crankbait rod under 7'. 

Thanks!

[HoosierHawgs]

I've never used any of these rods, so I can't really help you out, but you must really like whoever you are buying them for if your getting em that!

[smalljaw67]

Go to American Legacy fishing, and get a Team Lews HM85 6'6" medium, moderate cranking rod, they normally were $200 but they are clearing them out for $79.99. It isn't a cheap rod and the reason I'm suggesting this rod is that it is a medium but the way Lews rate their rods it more of a medium heavy with perfect specs on what you are looking to buy.

[illinifan4152]

Add a kistler magnesium ts crank, rattle, and roll rod to your list. Awesome rod for the money, very versatile. It's a 7' mhm, great for cranks, spinners, chatters, top water, jerkbaits... The list goes on and on!

[*Hank]

Add a kistler magnesium ts crank, rattle, and roll rod to your list. Awesome rod for the money, very versatile. It's a 7' mhm, great for cranks, spinners, chatters, top water, jerkbaits... The list goes on and on!

I`m thinking about trying one...ever that or a Tatula rod.

[kschultz76]

Thanks for the responses so far guys. Unfortunately anything longer then about 6'8" is out, the person this is for just isn't comfortable with longer rods and no point in getting something they won't enjoy.

[curtis9]

There is a an Avid 66MHM on ebay.  I don't know much about the other rods on your list but I have an Avid 7MM and it's fantastic.  I would expect the 66 is also a great rod.

[kschultz76]

There is a an Avid 66MHM on ebay.  I don't know much about the other rods on your list but I have an Avid 7MM and it's fantastic.  I would expect the 66 is also a great rod.

Thanks I will go check out, but always leery of using eBay to get something as a gift. That Avid was the first choice bc I have the 7'2" Legend Xtreme MHM with recoils and love it. I've been really hesitant to pull the trigger on the GL2 knowing in most respects the Avid is a much better rod.

[curtis9]

Looks like outdoor pro shop has the 66 avid crankbait rods as well.

[kschultz76]

I tried ordering from them. They don't have it in stock and when the contacted St Croix to get it they have discontinued the 66 models and are out of stock as well. Tried 3 different retailers who still list it online but same story.

[Hogsticker]

My choice would be the Klx. Great rods. If I were in the market for something to fit your criteria, I'd also look at the new Falcon Low rider 20 6'8 angler of the year model.

[benthinkin]

I love Outdoor Pro Shop. I have a retail store near me. That place makes me a kid in a candy store haha

[kschultz76]

Thanks to all who responded. I took the chance and pulled the trigger on the Avid available on eBay, hopefully it arrives brand new as advertised. After spending 40 minutes casting all kinds of cranks with Legend Xtreme MHM today I decided it was the best bet counting my experience.

I think I may have to take a chance and check out a KLX for myself sometime soon though.

[Nice_Bass]

Thanks to all who responded. I took the chance and pulled the trigger on the Avid available on eBay, hopefully it arrives brand new as advertised. After spending 40 minutes casting all kinds of cranks with Legend Xtreme MHM today I decided it was the best bet counting my experience.

I think I may have to take a chance and check out a KLX for myself sometime soon though.

I am late to this but own GL2 785C rated 3/8-1oz 10-20 lb 

I use it to throw DD22's as well as heavy lipless baits.  Great rod and without all the bulk of a glass rod. 

[kschultz76]

I am late to this but own GL2 785C rated 3/8-1oz 10-20 lb

I use it to throw DD22's as well as heavy lipless baits. Great rod and without all the bulk of a glass rod.

Any input on how it handles lighter lures like KVD 1.5 squarebills, mid sized squarebills and mid depth divers? Not being familiar with the GL2s and Loomis powers I was afraid it would be too much rod for an all purpose cranking rod. Appreciate any feedback you can share.

Thanks

[Nice_Bass]

Any input on how it handles lighter lures like KVD 1.5 squarebills, mid sized squarebills and mid depth divers? Not being familiar with the GL2s and Loomis powers I was afraid it would be too much rod for an all purpose cranking rod. Appreciate any feedback you can share.

Thanks

I used it this spring to throw 2.5's and it worked out great with those.  I don't think it would have much of an issue loading up on a smaller bait but don't really know the weight differences between a 1.5 and 2.5.

It also does throw mid range cranks like a bomber fat free shad just fine as well.  I have had it for a couple years now but to be honest, a DD22 is on it 80% of the time quite frankly.  I do throw 3/8th lipless on there, but of course that is in its range but feels like you could go  a bit lighter than that as well.   

[kschultz76]

I used it this spring to throw 2.5's and it worked out great with those.  I don't think it would have much of an issue loading up on a smaller bait but don't really know the weight differences between a 1.5 and 2.5.

It also does throw mid range cranks like a bomber fat free shad just fine as well.  I have had it for a couple years now but to be honest, a DD22 is on it 80% of the time quite frankly.  I do throw 3/8th lipless on there, but of course that is in its range but feels like you could go  a bit lighter than that as well.

Perfect that is exactly what I was trying to find out. Sounds like if the Avid doesn't work out for some reason the GL2 785 will perform well. The 1.5s are 3/8 oz so if you're tossing fat free shad and 3/8 lipless it should do well with 1.5s. Thanks very much for helping me out.

[kschultz76]

My choice would be the Klx. Great rods. If I were in the market for something to fit your criteria, I'd also look at the new Falcon Low rider 20 6'8 angler of the year model.

Even though I got the Avid for my Father, I'm very interested in the KLX rods and trying not to be scared away by the perceived warranty issues. I'm actually interested in the same 6'9" MH ModFast rod to use for target casting cranks around docks, overhangs, etc. Have you used the St Croix crankbait rods and offer any comparisons to the KLX? Does the KLX handle everything in its stated ratings, or is it better suited to some baits or weights then others?

[Hogsticker]

I don't worry about warranty to much. If the rod doesn't Break within 1 year, it's generally user error after that. You'll know if you have a defective stick after the 1st time out. Just inspect it with a magnifying glass when you get it. I have used a medium power Avid cranking rod. The Croix is slower in action, where as the Klx won't be a true moderate. More of a moderate fast leaning leaning a slightly hair to the fast side. That's what makes it so versatile. With the CRP models you can toss cranks anywhere between 2 and 14 ft, then use it to throw a Texas rig. Perfect for me cause cause I prefer a slower rod for most everything that doesn't require a really quick hook set. Soft body swimbaits come to mind. I went all custom, but had I not and on a budget I'd own a fleet of these. Better guide train on the Klx too. Those smaller Fuji guides really help balance out the rod, but there not to small. Same design on my customs. The build quality is also top notch, so that can ease your worries as you won't be sending it back for flaws and sloppy work.

[kschultz76]

Thanks Hogsticker. Agree anything that happens after 1 year is user error and service plan like you pay for on a TV not a warranty issue. The action sounds pretty interesting and appealing, sounds very similar to the action on my Megabass Orochi XX Spinnerbait Special. While I could get another of those I do enjoy trying different rods and seeing what's out there. Also seems like it would compliment my 7'2" Legend Xtreme MHM very nicely.

[kschultz76]

What kind of blanks have had custom crank rods built on? How do you like them and can you compare them to the KLX? I may go custom some time soon I keep kicking the idea around, just not sure what I want my first build to be.

[Hogsticker]

I really like Rainshadow RX8 / Immortal popping blanks for the majority of my cranking duties. Light, durable, and sensitive imo.