13 Fishing Defy Black Crankbait Rod

[Brett's_daddy]

I'm looking for a new, inexpensive, composite crankbait rod. I'm zeroing in on this rod as it seems to check all the categories and everyone raves about it on Tackle Warehouse reviews. My question is, would you get the 7' model with a lure rate of 1/2oz. - 1oz. OR would you go with the 7'4" model with a lure rating of 1/2oz. - 1-1/2oz.? I do mostly shallow to medium depth crankbait fishing (I have some deep cranks but don't think I'll be using them much as I'm trying to sell my boat so I'll be back to bank fishing until finances improve enough to get another boat). Any thoughts/opinions...especially from people who have either of these model rods would be greatly appreciated!!!

[Brett's_daddy]

Nobody has info on this rod? If you have any experience with this rod I sure would appreciate your input .

[bulldog1935]

Both @Eric 26 and I fish 13Fishing ML rods using the same blank MOC. 

They're lightweight and appropriately fast, good backbone. 

Since my exact use for mine is 1/8 oz Texas Eye jigheads inshore with long casts and big fish, I can't comment on your choice for crankbaits.  I have a different MH rod for big surface plugs. 

Seems like the more moderate action would be more useful on shallow crankbaits, and lighter in hand for long days. 

[Eric 26]

I can only comment on the feel of the rod in store. I looked at the 7’-0” in store but decided not to purchase, I don’t throw enough crank baits to justify one but as mentioned by @bulldog1935 I use and very much enjoy my ml spinning rod. I know there are more expensive options but imho for the price it’s a great bang for your buck.

[Brett's_daddy]

49 minutes ago, bulldog1935 said:

Both @Eric 26 and I fish 13Fishing ML rods using the same blank MOC. 

They're lightweight and appropriately fast, good backbone. 

Since my exact use for mine is 1/8 oz Texas Eye jigheads inshore with long casts and big fish, I can't comment on your choice for crankbaits.  I have a different MH rod for big surface plugs. 

Seems like the more moderate action would be more useful on shallow crankbaits, and lighter in hand for long days. 

Yeah, they sound good, just wondering if I should get the 7' version or the bigger 7'4" version. Like I said, this will be used for reaction baits, crank baits in the 1.5 to 2.5 size mostly, jerk baits, the one bigger medium diver I'd use it for would be the DD Tactical crank which weighs 3/4oz.

[Eric 26]

1 hour ago, Brett's_daddy said:

Yeah, they sound good, just wondering if I should get the 7' version or the bigger 7'4" version. Like I said, this will be used for reaction baits, crank baits in the 1.5 to 2.5 size mostly, jerk baits, the one bigger medium diver I'd use it for would be the DD Tactical crank which weighs 3/4oz.

Not sure if this helps but I have and use a Lews 7’-3” TP1 med hvy moderate, and I feel the 7’-4” version would serve you well but I was looking at the 7’-0” version for the same scenario as you are but decided I can get away with other rods I own. With that said I’ll probably wind up with the 7’-0” version you’re contemplating at some point for that price.

[Fishin Dad]

I have the 7’4” MH.   I haven’t used it a lot.  I have a chatterbait tied on it and I am not sure how strong the rod is for a chatterbait.  It says it is rated up to 1 1/2 oz.   When I am casting, it sounds like it is cracking and popping a little.  There is no way I am close to over an ounce of weight.  I do think it would be great for cranks under 3/4 oz.   I still have to get some more time with different lures on it.  I love the feel of it.  I will give some more time next time out and see what I can figure out.   Too many rods, too little time to use them all. 

[swhit140]

I have the 7'4" Defy Black Crankbait rod I found on Wal-Mart for $56.54 w/tax. I'm using it for Chatterbaits/Bladed Jigs & Rat-L-Traps, I've been happy with it so far, but I like to use something for a good season worth of fishing to give a full honest review.

I can tell you it will handle a few 7+lb channel catfish on a Chatterbait ?

[Brett's_daddy]

Which size would be more versatile? I have a 7' medium Abu Garcia and a 7'6" medium heavy Lews but I would like to consolidate my crankbait rods into 1 and I would also like a composite rod (glass/graphite blend).

[Eric 26]

I would split the difference and get the 7’-4” version. I say this based on having a 7’ crankin stick and a 7’-3” med hvy moderate rod, I can throw a 1-1/2” square bill and then tie on a 3-1/2” crank bait and the 7’-3” rod handles both no problems.