Bye Bye BuCoo, hello Crucial

[BASSclary]

So today my mom took me to BPS, (without me nagging her for a week) and I wanted to exchange my BuCoo for a different rod, because it was too powerful, and well, I HATED those darn EVA poop grips.

So basically after what seemed like hours looking for an affordable rod matching my length/power/action/grip/etc requirements, I walked out with a SC Premier.

But, as soon as I got in the car I noticed it has a large cut in the blank on the side of the rod  >

So I told mom were going back in.

But for some reason they have me $136 store credit instead of $119. But I didnt complain.

Then I saw the holy grail awaiting me, That purdy Crucial 7' M/XF staring me down. I just had to have it! ;D So I payed the $25 or whatever difference it was and hopped in the car a happy camper 

As soon as I got it here today I threw a CarbonLite reel on it, some Power Pro and hit the water.

Man casting with this thing is so light and crisp!!!

I was tossing a 3/8 ounce t-rig probably about 15 feet more than I was with my Bucoo.

And man, this thing is sensitive! I could tell you exactly what kind of bottom composition I was hopping on. I could feel just about everything and could even detect a fish picking up my lure from the bottom that I wouldn't have felt with any other rod I own.

And boy, this has one fast tip! I really like the XF on it. Rock solid hooksets that gave me confidence this fish was stuck on my line. Also for a M, I thought it had just the right amount of power because I could play them out in the open water, but I could horse them out of semi-thick foliage.

The guides and inserts are also top notch with lightweight frames (Noticeably thin to my eyes) and with New Concept Alconites for the inserts. Its holding up to braid so far, and I bet it will forever. Although, the first 4 guides from the bottom are double footed, which isn't a big deal to me, but might be to some others.  Also there are 9 guides plus the tip for a total of 10.

The cork on this rod is also amazing. Its my first "Higher end" rods with cork on it and boy it feels sooooo good compared to EVA. But this is only peronsonal preference. Another thing is I thought the grip was a little short for me, but beggars cant be choosers.

The looks of this rod have got to be sur-par. It looks stunning outside with the Chamillion paint , it would be a match made in heaven with a Curado. Maybe its the same paint minus the flake? Idk.

The laser etching on the but of the rod was also a nice touch, similar to what ABU did with there Vendetta line of rods.

Also i'm really digging the limited lifetime over the counter warranty.

SHIMANO, you've got a customer for life  8-)

Next on my list will have to be a Daiwa to try  :

[SoFlaBassAddict]

Good purchase.  I love each of my Crucial rods.  I couldn't be happier with the performance.  My only gripe is that I wish they didn't have the foregrip. Thats not a deal breaker for me though.  When I got my first it was between the Crucial and the Avid.  The Shimano just felt better in my hands.  I didn't like the shorter handle at first, but now I've really started to like it.  It makes one handed casting an absolute breeze.

[BASSclary]

For me it came down to the Crucial and Avid too.

It was a dead tie for me, so I got the cheaper one. I would love to get the Avid or a Daiwa next.

Also, SoFla when you got your Crucial, was the cork about a couple mm to big around for the real seat? Like protruding up?  Because mine was so I just sanded it down a bit.

[Shane J]

Nice rods. Congrats on the purchase, and glad you like it (just don't ever try a Cumara).

[SoFlaBassAddict]

For me it came down to the Crucial and Avid too.

It was a dead tie for me, so I got the cheaper one. I would love to get the Avid or a Daiwa next.

Also, SoFla when you got your Crucial, was the cork about a couple mm to big around for the real seat? Like protruding up? Because mine was so I just sanded it down a bit.

Yep, it is.

[RussBert]

I have a 6'6" Crucial MH/F rod. I also have 2 Avids, 7' MH/F and a 6'6" M/F. The Crucial is right between the two Avids power-wise. It's lightweight, sensitive and an all-around great rod. Seems the Crucial line of rods kinda fly's below the radar. They're not as talked about as some other rods.

I had the Crucial paired with a Curado E7. Very versatile set-up.

...was the cork about a couple mm to big around for the real seat? Like protruding up? Because mine was so I just sanded it down a bit.

Mine was like that as well, and I sanded mine flush to the reel seat too.

[rubba bubba]

You bought a rod a few minutes earlier and they gave you more in credit than what you paid for it?  Did you lose the receipt in between walk's to/from mom's car?

Did you not mention their error to them?

[BASSclary]

You bought a rod a few minutes earlier and they gave you more in credit than what you paid for it? Did you lose the receipt in between walk's to/from mom's car?

Did you not mention their error to them?

They didn't ask for the receipt because I just bought it and didnt even take the orange paid sticker off of it.

And to be Honest, I didn't mention it because I was already walking away to pick a new rod. When I was thinking about it in the car I realized it was most likely them putting tax back on the card. So really I don't think I got extra.

[BASSclary]

Nice rods. Congrats on the purchase, and glad you like it (just don't ever try a Cumara).

Why not try the Cumara?? :-?

[J Francho]

Its a "gateway"rod.

[BASSclary]

Its a "gateway"rod.

Lol im going to tell my dad that  ;D

[BossHoss]

Its a "gateway"rod.

Hahaha... Thats some good stuff

Just don't try any higher end Diawa stuff...It is more along the lines of Crack

[NorcalBassin]

Congratulations on the upgrade... your addiction is starting awful early. I didn't have my first $100 rod until I was twice your age and now I have a garage full of them. You might want to start looking for an off season job... the cravings only get worse from here.

[JDK.]

You bought a rod a few minutes earlier and they gave you more in credit than what you paid for it? Did you lose the receipt in between walk's to/from mom's car?

Did you not mention their error to them?

They didn't ask for the receipt because I just bought it and didnt even take the orange paid sticker off of it.

And to be Honest, I didn't mention it because I was already walking away to pick a new rod. When I was thinking about it in the car I realized it was most likely them putting tax back on the card. So really I don't think I got extra.

either way you should have said something..its the right thing to do.. karma