Need a MH Cranking Rod Recommendation (100-200 budget)

[Wewlad]

I sold off an old GL2 G Loomis I had coupled with a Calcutta 100GT TE because it just wasnt doing what I wanted it to do. 

 

 

Do you fellows have any recommendations for a 7ft + Medium Heavy cranking rod? 

 

I do like Shimano and G loomis, never tried anything else. 

 

 

[fishballer06]

If you're dead set on Shimano/Gloomis and under $200, then the Zodias is perfect for you.

[Wewlad]

Thank you for your input Fishballer.

 

 

Should I go with a Glass model? 

[NYBasser]

Dobyns Fury 704CB or Shimano Crucial CRCC70MHB. Have used both, and they are awesome, prefer the Dobyns slightly more though.

[dsqui]

Check out the new shimano exage line they have a 7'4" mh crankin stick for $99.00

[fishnkamp]

The correct Dobyns model is a Dobyns Fury FR705CB. I really like all of the Dobyns rods and the Fury line is a nice one,l but it is his entry level of rods.  It sells for $110 

 

However, I have a really neat option for you.  If your budget can go to $200 than check this out.  Gary Dobyns recently received a group of Champion XP rods that are brand new from the factory, but mislabelled. The wrong marking is on top the rod, in the normal place, but were properly marked on the flip side of the rod. They are perfect, except for this mistake, and they come with his standard warranty.  He decided to sell them at a hugely discounted price. There are two models to choose from. One is a DC735 CB Glass and the other is DC 736 CB Glass.  These rods normally sell for $240 and are available for $170.  There are a bunch of guys I know snapping them up and loving them.  I can give you more info if you want it, just pm me.  You can go look at them on his site, just bring up the Dobyns website and click on the "store" menu option. Here you will find info on the "mislabeled rods as well as their refurbed rods. Many times there are good rods in the refurbed section. These could have been demo rods or rods that were returned under warranty and the factory has repaired it. Many times they upgraded trade ins.  Check them out also. I know some guys that have purchased these too. I originally ordered one of these for my frog rod. I ended up with my dealer offering me a super deal on the same rod new, so I went that way instead.

 

I use a few Dobyns rods and will be getting more. I also fish a few rods from Irod. One of these is a Irod Genesis II IRG703CC. This is a 7 foot medium heavy moderate rod rate for 1/4 to 3/4. I love it for traps, small to mid sized cranks and squarebills.  However they have several rods for launching crankbaits.  All of these rods feel terrific in your hand and much like the Dobyns they are very light and well balanced.  Check the Genesis II rods out.

[Wewlad]

I have never used a Dobyns before.

 

I'll look into them, thank you fishnkamp.

[kschultz76]

Depending on the range of weights and baits you need to throw based on personal experience I'd suggest the following:

 

- Kistler KLX Crank Rip Twitch series MH/MF they offer a 6'9" that's great for close quarters target casting and topwater, and 7' and a 7'3" version that likely is better for long casts. I have the 6'9" and love it. When the run sales you can get it below $200.  I may add the 7' or 7'3" someday. 

 

- St Croix Avid 7' MH/Mod or Avid X. Got the 6'6" version for my Dad and it's a nice stick for moving treble baits(he's not comfortable with anything longer). A bit softer then the Kistler, and certainly the longer 7' blanks will facilitate longer casts and absorb some more shock. I have the prior gen Legend Xtreme 7'2" MH/Mod and the extra length is def more parabolic then my Dads Avid. 

 

Rods I'd consider but have no hands on experience with myself that are in your price range are the Daiwa Tatula reaction bait rods or glass rods ( not into the glass thing myself), the Megabass Levante Flatside Special or Spinnerbait Special or Launcher, an ALX Zolo,  Dobyns or Phenix. 

 

In the MB Orochi I have the Spinnerbait Special and Jerkbait Special. The Spinnerbait is faster/less parabolic and more powerful I think then my St Croix, and I think a bit more powerful then my Kistler. The Jerkbait Special is awesome for small light cranks, really sweet casting rod, more parabolic. I'm told the Flatside Special handles like the Jerkbait Special just longer. 

 

Personally I don't like EVA grips or glass rods, and tend to prefer a Mod Fast for most crankbait a I fish. I'm not cranking deep ledges. 

 

Hope some of that helps. 

 

[Quarry Man]

Dobyns Champion Cranking from TW for 199 $

 

http://www.tacklewarehouse.com/Dobyns_Champion_Cranking_Rods/descpage-DCCGT.html

[tander]

I will admit to being  a Lew's junkie, but check out the Lew's David Fritts Perfect Crankbait Rod, for $79, it's hard to beat.

[Finnz922]

Irod "Gabe's Rip Rap Special"

Irod "Fred's Crank Launcher Jr"

[Nscheele]

A less expensive yet still excellent option is the Abu garcia Veritas winch series. I've got a 7' medium moderate and a 7'6" medium heavy moderate. They are great rods, EVA split grips, great guides and a very nice action. They are on sale from pretty much everywhere I've looked for 79.99 right now. 

[Poolshark]

I like g loomis and I'm not sure which one you had but the 845cbr is a good all around crankbaits rod. I've used bass pro cranking sticks for a long while and I loved them. I'll be getting another. 

I also have been using the Abu Garcia Ike series 73 mm composite a lot lately and it fishes slightly above its weight rating because of its faster tip. . It handles everything from the 1/4 ounce squarebills all the way to the deeper diving baits just fine. It loads perfectly for long casts