Graphite vs. Glass Cranking Rods

[Sam]

As we know, graphite is very sensitive and we use it for throwing crankbaits.

However, David Fritts uses an all fiberglass cranking rod and he says it is very sensitive.

And as we know, David is a master at crankbait fishing.

So guys, how about your input on which type of rod you like for crankbait fishing: graphite or fiberglass, and why?

Thanks in advance. 

[Raul]

Modern glass cranking rods are true marvels and common knowdledge applied to glass rods apply only to old glass rods, no longer they apply to modern glass rods. Old glass crank rods were heavy, noodly, thick walled with virtually no sensitivity, modern glass rods are light years away from them.

The same thing is true with graphite rods, graphite rods used to be light, brittle, too stiff and too sensitive when compared to glass rods of the same era, not exactly the best for cranking, but such no longer apply to modern day graphite crankbait rods.

So nowdays it 's more a matter of what you prefer.

I crank with graphite. Why ? cuz I like graphite, but wouldn 't mind cranking with glass as long as it 's not one of them old glass rods I used to have.

[BobP]

I crank with soft tipped graphite.  It's more sensitive and doesn't require a change in my casting action like slow action glass does, and I'm more accurate with it.  Having crankbait fish come unbuttoned is very rare so I figure if it ain't broke, don't screw with it.  If you are frustrated by lost fish, glass is worth a try if you have eliminated other causes like bad hooksets, stretchy line, or dull trebles.  It works for some guys, others not.

[fooman]

I use glass with braided line and feel like the the glass has the right amount of give on the initial strike..

With graphite I have a tendency of ripping the bait out before getting a good hook set

[mferris]

i use both,if i'm fishing in alot of weeds i use my graphite so i can rip the lure out,other wise i use my van dam quantum glass rod

[KYntucky Warmouth]

The rods I use for cranking are a 7'MH Lucky Craft which is fiberglass and a 6'10'MH e21 Carrot Gold which is graphite "nano bio-fiber".  The sensitivity of the Lucky Craft is greater than other composites and graphite rods in the competing price range like the Quantum Tour KVD. 

[cidgrad96]

"nano bio-fiber"

Explain what that is... 

When you take the paint off, they look exactly like every other graphite blank without a paint job...

[ChiCityBasser]

After reading an article about Graphite vs Glass Cranking rods and missing several fish on a graphite rod I switched over to an old Daiwa D Shock Graphite rod to use as a crankbait rod.  The misses on the graphite may have been my fault do to dull hooks or setting the hook to quickly with braid as well. Now that I'm using the Glass rod I feel my hookups have been better even with the braid. The rod is actually the same orange color as the "carrot stix" and matched with a BPS Viper in the same burnt orange color. The rod is a 6'6" rod and since they don't make it anymore and I'm looking for a 7' rod I guess I will be going with a custom glass/combo rod for next year

[J Francho]

I use two graphite rods for my cranking duties: AVC70MM and AVCMHM.  They have a moderate action, and are more sensitive than any fiberglass or glass/graphite blend rods I've tried.  Lighter, too.

[Bronzefly]

I'm a graphite cranker even having used a couple of high end glass rods.  They just feel better to me - I like the actions and sensitivity of the rods I use for cranking.  To each their own of course.