Shimano Crucial

[joshmark]

I'm looking to buy a new casting rod in the 150-200 dollar range. I was thinking the shimano crucial split grip, any reviews? I want to use it for most of my bass fishing i know one rod won't sufficiently cover everything but that's what I'm doing so should I get a med hvy or med fast action? Also how would the avid x compare to the crucial?

[Bluebasser86]

Might check here to see if there's anything that can help

 

[stlaw77]

I have several of the old Crucials and had one break. Shimano replaced with one of their new ones and I didn't care for it. For that price range I would recommend one of the Zodias rods.

[mrpao]

I have three of the new version. Two full cork and one split  grip.

To me they are a decent  rod but I like cork handles.  Fairly sensitive  and average  weight.  I prefer  the full cork over the split. To me, its just more comfortable  to cast.

If you are a fan of EVA and like red then you should  probably  go with the Zodias.  I haven't  held a Zodias, but I  have heard others say it fishes  like the first model  Cumara.  Which was a far superior  rod to the crucial.

I use my crucials  for spinnerbaits  and squarebills.  They do a good job at it.

[RB 77]

I haven't used the new ones but have several of the old ones and one of them is my all time favorite worm rod. It just has that certain "je ne sais quoi" about it. Good luck if you grab one of the new ones. I have handled them in the store for a minute and they feel light and crisp for the price.

[Preytorien]

  On 3/2/2016 at 8:45 AM, mrpao said:

I have three of the new version. Two full cork and one split  grip.

To me they are a decent  rod but I like cork handles.  Fairly sensitive  and average  weight.  I prefer  the full cork over the split. To me, its just more comfortable  to cast.

If you are a fan of EVA and like red then you should  probably  go with the Zodias.  I haven't  held a Zodias, but I  have heard others say it fishes  like the first model  Cumara.  Which was a far superior  rod to the crucial.

I use my crucials  for spinnerbaits  and squarebills.  They do a good job at it.

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I can agree with this. I own 2 crucials and a Zodias. The Zodias is a better rod all around, but the Crucial is no slouch. I've tended to use my Crucials though as a spinning rod setup with the Zodias going to casting. Either way, I've been happy with both and would be both again in a heartbeat.

[fishballer06]

I own two of the new Crucial rods (a 6'10" MH-F and a 7' M-M). Both are good rods, but I feel that there are better rods in the price, especially since Shimano changed up their warranty program. 

I suggest a St. Croix Avid, or an Abu Garcia Ike or Veracity series, for your price range. 

[robster80]

i dont care for that glossy finish on the new ones. i have one of the gen1 crucials i still use all the time 

[Silas]

On the St Croix sale at their website you can purchase an Inshore Gulf Coast model ( 2015 model) which runs $300 but is on a discontinued sale for $150 shipped. Best deal I found and ordered mine today shipping free. 

I believe there are 3 models left. 

[Tmmytomato]

I have about ten Crucials - most of them are five to six years old and two newer versions. I have had no issues with any of them that are six years or newer. There was a certain model (drop shot baitcasting rod) that had a weak point about eight years ago which Shimano honored under their old lifetime warranty. All the rest have been excellent. I also have some Cumara, Exprides and Zodias. I haven't yet fished enough of the Zodias but I really like that rod so far. 

Many manufacturer's actions are different meaning a Medium with a fast tip on one brand might be very different from the same rod in the same length and action of another brand. As I said I like the Shimano Zodias so far. I have had older versions of the St. Croix Avid which is an outstanding rod. I was never a fan of their Premier rod series that was one step down from the Avid. Have had some of the guys in my bass club that have been somewhat unhappy with the Abu Garcia line with above average breakage.

Everyone seems to have their favorites. Some people defend a brand just because that's what they bought without much comparison to other brands. I have probably owned well over two dozen different brands of rods in the last forty years and have been very happy with a number of them. Some company's quality changes from time to time too. Try using some of your friends gear for a day or two and get what feels best for you regardless of brand name. I know what i am happy with.

 

 

 

[aprilbass101]

With that price range you have a lot of choices too choose from Josh. I'm not a big Shimano rod fan because of their warranty specifically! I'm sure their very nice rods but if your going to spend that much money for your investment (rod) than I would lean towards a very good warranty as well. There's a lot of rod companys in that price range that backup their products way better than Shimano. It's personal preference honestly but I agree with some of the comments in here that there are better rods for that price! Good Luck on the shopping

[Fishin' Fool]

  On 3/2/2016 at 2:37 AM, joshmark said:

I'm looking to buy a new casting rod in the 150-200 dollar range. I was thinking the shimano crucial split grip, any reviews? I want to use it for most of my bass fishing i know one rod won't sufficiently cover everything but that's what I'm doing so should I get a med hvy or med fast action? Also how would the avid x compare to the crucial?

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If you go to Monster Fishing Tackle you can get a G Loomis  IMX for that price range if you sign up for their mailing list. I've been very impressed with the few purchases I've made from them.