Medium Liught rod question

[Red]

Hey all, I am currently replacing my rods one by one.  I am looking at getting a 7' Medium Light rod for cranking duties.  More specific, the Lamiglas Excel XL703C.  It is rated for 8-17lb line and 3/16-5/8 lures, recommended for cranks, jerkbaits, and topwaters.  I don't normally throw any large cranks, mostly stuff like bandit 200's.  I am curious about a medium light rod and its power.  Does it have good hooksetting power, will it hold onto the fish with all those trebles?  What if I hook a 3lb bass around some flooded timber, will it have the power to get the bass out?  I ask because I have never even used a medium rod really, only MH and up.  I have the XL734C, although I haven't used it yet, it seems like a pretty powerful stick.  So anyway, if you use a medium light rod for cranking your input will be much appreciated!

Thanks

Cliff

[BASSclary]

I say dont go below a medium power IMO unless your fishing extremely light, small tubes etc

[KYntucky Warmouth]

I'd go with the M Excel, I've heard very good things about it

[Delaware Valley Tackle]

The Bandit 200 weighs 1/4 oz which is on the low end of the Med rod's rating. The Med-Lt would probably cast better and have plenty of backbone to fish open water. If you'll mostly be making short casts in more cover, the Med might be the way to go.

[tbird]

I would go with the medium action, you will have a lot more options with it than a ML

   T

[QUAKEnSHAKE]

I have a St Croix Avid 8' Med Light spinning rod but its only rated for 4-8# line and 1/16-5/16 lures. Much different than what the Med Light Lamiglas you're looking at. That one must have a much stronger backbone given the line rating.

   I can tell you that with mine Ive hooked-in to some bass that instead of lifting/pulling with the rod  I would point the rod straight and just pull back useing the line to get the fish out of grass/weeds cause didnt want to stress the rod too much. 

[kllrbee]

I got a 3 lb bass on a med lite BPS bionic rated 4-10lb and 1/16-3/8 lures.  I was using 6lb mono and a smaller floating rapala.  He went right under the lily pads into the weeds.  I got him out but it took awhile.  No doubt that you can do it, but do you want to do it all the time?

Even though your selection seems more suitable, I agree with the other guys about going to a medium.  It just seems like you would be able to do more with it. 

2 cents.

[Red]

Thanks for the info guys.  I just ordered the 7' Medium, however I don't intend to use it for cranks.  I will try it though and see how it works for crankin, if it seems well, I will get another.  The Excel series does not offer a Medium that is recommended for cranks, only Medium Light and Medium Heavy Glass.  Anyway, I will let you know how it works out.  I don't normally throw my cranks right up into the timber, but close to them.  Thanks again!

Cliff