A-rig/swimbait setup

[LunkerFisher]

Good evening, wonderful people!

I want to try some A-rig fishing this spring, so I'll need a setup in order to do so.

I was leaning towards the Cabelas Tournament ZX Swimbait rod (on sale right now for $75), but I was hoping to get some opinions regarding to a stick I may have overlooked. I had my eye also on the Crucial Swimbait rod. I have no idea how I'm going to end up rigging my A-rig fishing, so I was thinking a stick rated for 1-4oz would be a good range to look for.

Regarding a reel, i have a 5.1:1 Chronarch right now, would this be a good choice for such a demanding rig, or should I be looking for a round or more heavy-duty reel for this application (Calcutta, Lew's Super duty)? I have no problem dumping 300-400 on a combo, but if i can get a good setup for cheaper, that's always good!

I have read a lot of the older posts, and I realize that there is a lot of personal preference that goes into A-rig setups (even line), but I am hoping to gain a little more insight into these big sticks as well as check in to see if anyone is using a slow Chronarch for their A-rig fishing.

Thanks in advance!

[Bluebasser86]

I just bought a Dobyn's Fury 795 a couple weeks ago that's about to get a pretty heavy workout this weekend flinging the rig around, which is one of the things it was designed to do. I think it's going to be a great rod for it. I have a Curado 300E on mine, but if I was looking for another swimbait reel right now, I'd be looking for an Okuma Citrix 364. There's some on the Bay for well under retail, which even at retail they're not bad. 

[fishballer06]

Another vote for the Fury 795. Definitely worth checking out. 

[DubyaDee]

I'm using a Mojo Bass swimbait rod and a 5600 size Abu round reel. It feels a little tip heavy, I think anything 7 foot 10 inches will feel that way. I haven't dedicated enough time on swimbaits or umbrella rigs to give you the answer that someone on the west coast can. 

[Cgrinder]

Fury 795 is a good place to start.

I'd probably say a rounder is the way to go. Cardiff 300/301 seems popular as a budget choice. If you had a low gear Zillion or something I would also try that. Not sure about the CH200E5.