Crankbait Rod Comparisons

[ETnbasser]

I’m currently searching for a crankbait rod that’s missing from my arsenal. I need one for baits up to Deep x300 or 5XD (15’ range). I’ve been looking at but haven’t put my hands on any of these and am wanting some user input (none are available locally). 

IMX-Pro 845c CBR

IMX-Pro 857c CBR

Doblyns DC705CB

Doblyns DC706CB

Expride 72MHG

Megabass Valkyrie 71MH

 

While cranking is my priority for this rod, I know the bottom 2 are glass but I’ve been told they both fairly versatile. I don’t have any input about the others. I don’t want a broomstick or a tip heavy rod, just got rid of a Dobyns DC805CB for this reason. I just found that rod too unwieldy, granted it was an 8’er. I appreciate any information that you can provide. 
 

Paul

 

[MN Fisher]

Just to muddy the waters

 

St Croix Victory 7'2" Heavy/Moderate - they rate it for cranks up to 15' diving depth.

 

I have the 7'2" Medium-Heavy/Moderate (one step down), and it's light, well balanced and should be very good as my new crank rod.

[ETnbasser]

4 minutes ago, MN Fisher said:

Just to muddy the waters

 

St Croix Victory 7'2" Heavy/Moderate - they rate it for cranks up to 15' diving depth.

 

I have the 7'2" Medium-Heavy/Moderate (one step down), and it's light, well balanced and should be very good as my new crank rod.

I was literally just trying to look at St Croix’s website but it’s terrible for real information other than specs. They used to have a very informative website with technique references etc. 

Thanks

[WRB]

St Croix glass crank bait rods LGC74MHM, 7’4”, 3/8-1 oz., rod weight 5.7 oz!

Tom

[FishTank]

I was recently was on a search for the same kind of rod. I was looking for something that could throw a deep crank a long way, not destroy my arm on the retrieve and do a good job of setting the hook. I ended up with the G. Loomis IMX Pro 866CBR Deep Flex. I have only used it a few times but it handles big baits really well but it seems under powered or just thin for a deep heavy rod. 

 

I also have the Megabass Valkyrie 7'1'' H with spiral wrapped guide.  This rod can do just about anything.  I have thrown up to the Big M on it and down to 1/2oz frogs. It can cast anything a mile. My only gripe is that when using deep baits it can vibrate pretty hard but it's not a huge deal. 

[ETnbasser]

13 hours ago, FishTank said:

I was recently was on a search for the same kind of rod. I was looking for something that could throw a deep crank a long way, not destroy my arm on the retrieve and do a good job of setting the hook. I ended up with the G. Loomis IMX Pro 866CBR Deep Flex. I have only used it a few times but it handles big baits really well but it seems under powered or just thin for a deep heavy rod. 

 

I also have the Megabass Valkyrie 7'1'' H with spiral wrapped guide.  This rod can do just about anything.  I have thrown up to the Big M on it and down to 1/2oz frogs. It can cast anything a mile. My only gripe is that when using deep baits it can vibrate pretty hard but it's not a huge deal. 

Thanks for this information. I’m stick debating on which to get. Wish more selection was available locally. 

[softwateronly]

This probably is not helpful and not traditional, but I throw a deep x 300 and an 8xd on a exprideA 7'7H.  It has served me well, soft enough to keep em on, but stiff and sensitive enough to feel/rip the weed tops. Also a great a-rig, scrounger rod.

 

This shouldered chunk was a DD tactical crank....

 

scott

[clemsondds]

Might want to look at the IMX 906c cbr...an amazing mid-depth cranking rod.  I have the dobyns 705cb and while it's a great rod, I prefer the IMX.

Just a thought

[KP Duty]

On 12/22/2022 at 9:12 PM, FishTank said:

I was recently was on a search for the same kind of rod. I was looking for something that could throw a deep crank a long way, not destroy my arm on the retrieve and do a good job of setting the hook. I ended up with the G. Loomis IMX Pro 866CBR Deep Flex. I have only used it a few times but it handles big baits really well but it seems under powered or just thin for a deep heavy rod. 

 

I also have the Megabass Valkyrie 7'1'' H with spiral wrapped guide.  This rod can do just about anything.  I have thrown up to the Big M on it and down to 1/2oz frogs. It can cast anything a mile. My only gripe is that when using deep baits it can vibrate pretty hard but it's not a huge deal. 

I think my 864 deep flex has a lure rating that is a little high as well.  The 864 is rated 3/8-1oz, but should be 1/4-3/4oz, with 1/2oz being the heaviest I'll throw on it.  Great rods though...

[Scott804]

Not a big deep crank guy, but I just love to pick up my St Croix Legend Glass. Beautiful rod and easily the most enjoyable crankbait rod I have ever used. 

[rangerjockey]

5XD's don't pull all that hard.  I personally would probably go with the 705 CB and have a rod I could use for other purposes.

In the interest of full disclosure, I live on a lake that isn't exactly known for a deep crankbait bite except for a few weeks in the summer and even then, you could probably catch the same fish on a swimbait.

[Bankc]

On 12/20/2022 at 5:14 PM, ETnbasser said:

I was literally just trying to look at St Croix’s website but it’s terrible for real information other than specs. They used to have a very informative website with technique references etc. 

Thanks

Any of their bass-oriented, moderate rods should be great for cranking.  But the one thing I'd point out with St. Croix is their rods tend to be a bit more powerful than their rating.  I have a MH/M Premier, and even though it's rated for 3/8-1 oz., I'd say it's closer to a 0.5-1.25 oz. rod.  It'll cast a 1.75 oz. lure about as well as a 3/8 oz.  A 5XD or Deep X 300 is right in the sweet spot for that rod.  But if you're frequently going to be throwing lighter lures as well, I might consider a Medium/Moderate if you go with St. Croix.  They tend to cast better at the upper end of their rating than the lower end.  

[ETnbasser]

3 hours ago, Bankc said:

Any of their bass-oriented, moderate rods should be great for cranking.  But the one thing I'd point out with St. Croix is their rods tend to be a bit more powerful than their rating.  I have a MH/M Premier, and even though it's rated for 3/8-1 oz., I'd say it's closer to a 0.5-1.25 oz. rod.  It'll cast a 1.75 oz. lure about as well as a 3/8 oz.  A 5XD or Deep X 300 is right in the sweet spot for that rod.  But if you're frequently going to be throwing lighter lures as well, I might consider a Medium/Moderate if you go with St. Croix.  They tend to cast better at the upper end of their rating than the lower end.  

Thanks for the input. I have one SC but it’s a short jerkbait rod about in line with its lure rating.