Good crankbait rod recommendations: dobyns vs st Croix??

[clemsondds]

Hello, looking for advice on a good all around crankbait rod. Will be doing mostly 5-15’ deep around cover, with the occasional deep diver (6xd) during summers. Probably looking at a M or MH with moderate action. I have heard good things about the fury line, but also heard good things about the premier crankbait rod. Also heard shimano six is good but didn’t see a good crankbait setup. Looking to stay around the $125-150 range.  Thanks and always open to other suggestions.

[Josh Smith]

I'm enjoying a KVD that I picked up a couple years ago on clearance. It's like 7'6" or so, and made from glass.

 

Alternately, the Cherryrod HD works well, though I'd prefer better eyelets on it.

 

I might upgrade to a MH/M graphite one of these days, but more for weight savings than feel.

 

Regards,

Josh

[Alec McMillan]

I would go with the St Croix Premier cranking rod, or take a look at the Dobyns Sierra series. They are in the same price range and are both great rods.

[clemsondds]

Ok thanks. Anyone try the st Croix bass x? I’m finding it’s hard to find a moderate action rod...not too many of them out there. Bass x has a 7’2” mhm crank rod. 

[Sam]

David Fritts Speed Stick Cranking Series.

 

Great rod for the money.

[Glaucus]

1 hour ago, Alec McMillan said:

I would go with the St Croix Premier cranking rod, or take a look at the Dobyns Sierra series. They are in the same price range and are both great rods.

Sierra Series doesn't have a cranking rod.

[DSTN]

KVD Tour Cranking Rod is $99.97 on Dick's Sporting Goods site still. Plus I think the $20 off a $100 order is still good today. I don't own one but I've heard good things. Plus, if it works for KVD...

[Alec McMillan]

4 hours ago, Glaucus said:

Sierra Series doesn't have a cranking rod.

Doesn't necessarily have to be a "cranking" rod to be able to throw crankbaits on it.

[Yumeya]

I would take the St-Croix.

 

I have a Legend Tournament Glass rod and its the best cranking rod I have ever used.

[clemsondds]

Cool thanks!  Anyone have any experience with the Bass X? Kinda surprised no one has chimed in about the fury line.  Thanks 

[drew4779]

I love St. Croix rods, except for the premier series.  For one reason...the rods handle nicely but I'm missing guide inserts in all of the three I own (two crankbaits and one ML/F).  I take care of my gear.  There's no good reason they separated from the guide and I haven't had that issue on any other rod, except a cheap bps rod that I had no expectations on in regards to durability. 

 

I've never fished a dobyns rod, but hear good things and i really like all my other St. Croix rods.

[new2BC4bass]

9 hours ago, clemsondds said:

Ok thanks. Anyone try the st Croix bass x? I’m finding it’s hard to find a moderate action rod...not too many of them out there. Bass x has a 7’2” mhm crank rod. 

You will discover that more than one crankbait rod says 'Fast' on it.  If it is listed as a 'crankbait' rod, then I wouldn't be too concerned about what action is marked on the rod.  Three of my crankbait rods (each from a different brand) say 'Fast' on them.  A couple have a 'Moderate' or 'Moderate-Fast' rating.  All are sold as 'crankbait' rods.  I won't be fishing jigs on any of them....regardless of their 'Fast' rating. 

[Nathan.bass.canada]

If you are looking at a cranking rod, st-croix now offers a mojo glass exactly for that also! Could be an awesome alternative! As for myself I have an IMX PRO 845c, best all around cranking rod ever. Paired it up with a 5.6:1 and throws everything like a rocket! 

 

Nat

[clemsondds]

Ok guys, just picked up a Dobyns champion xp 705CB glass.  What do you think?  It was a in the moment purchase ha so hopefully I won't regret it.  Dicks had a $20 off good for 8 more minutes and it was on sale so it's orig $230 and I got it for $140.  Let me know what you think.  I was hoping for a little longer rod, but that was the only champion line that was on sale and useful for crankbait.  Also, can anyone suggest what else they use their crankbait rod for?

[TBAG]

Yeah, good deal on that 705, I think you'll enjoy it.

[Spankey]

I’ve been fishing two St. Croix Premiere Crankbait Rods for a long time now. I don’t throw anything else with them. 1/4 oz. to 9/16 oz. lure weights. Bandits, Bombers, Rapalas and SK’s. It’s a decent crank rod. Certainly doesn’t break the bank. It’s built slower, loads good for lure weights I’m throwing. Not made for sensitivity but it is not a light pole either. 

 

1/4 oz. or under can be a problem. Wind adds to problem but can be solved but using a moderate spinning reel. 

[FishTank]

On 8/11/2019 at 4:24 PM, Yumeya said:

I would take the St-Croix.

 

I have a Legend Tournament Glass rod and its the best cranking rod I have ever used.

I have one as well and would agree it is the best crankbait rod that I have ever used.  I have tried several over the years and nothing I have used has fit it's purpose as well as this rod has.  To me, it is crankbait perfection. 

[LxVE Bassin]

For me I would go with Dobyns because I prefer composite rods (Champion Series) for cranking. To the best of my knowledge St Croix’s cranking rods are either graphite or fiberglass.

[deadadrift89]

Another to consider Lew's TP-1 Speed 7'3" MH/Moderate Crankbait been using this for large cranks and chatterbaits lately. Picked one up at Overtons during a sale for $60. Not a lot of time on it but so far I'm liking it

https://www.tacklewarehouse.com/catpage-LEWRODS.html?from=basres

[Columbia Craw]

Smoking deal. That model will work for jerkbaits, many topwater baits, even lighter spinnerbaits. A 6XD will be a strain but a 5XD should be fine.