Moveing to Shimano Crucial or Cumara? Have you got one/do you like it?

[Shane Procell]

I've done a little research on BR but your input would be appreciated. I'am ditching my current rod mfg. since the rods do not seem to be able to take the daily abuse that me and the guys inflict on the equipment. In the last 6 months i have broken 3 rods. It just sucks being short on equipment while one is being replace. The rods need only to be durable and dependable.

I currently throw an arsenal of Shimano Curado E7's and Saros 2500's. I'am hoping to match these reels with Crucial or Cumara rods.

Since I usually only carry 4 rods on board, rods models need to be pretty versatile. Throwing mostly T-rigged worms, senkos, jerkbaits and spinners and topwater frogs and torpedos.

I would like to get one heavy/long rod for flipping and snakehead hunting. Perhaps a 7-11" Crucial swimbait rod which i think will suit those needs??

If your happy with your Cumara or Crucial I would like to know what you like about them. If you have a particular model that sounds like it would suit my needs i would appreciate the input.

[0119]

I have both and as much as I want to like the Cumara, I like the Crucial's better. Theyve come out with the reaction series now, but the standard Cumara is very technique specific if you ask me. Geared towards soft plastic and other single hook baits.  Ive also found them to not balance with lighter reels. Ive found the Crucial to be more capable to handle a variety better. Ive been very lucky, but alot of Cumaras have been returned at my local shop for the over the counter replacement with breakage just a little higher than center.

[crankbait2009]

I upgraded my Extremem Baitcasting rod to a Shimano Crucial last year.  Excellent rod.  Super sensitive and light.

I have a 6'-6" MH/F.  i use it for all lures!!!

i would highly recommend.

[BASSclary]

I have the Crucial 7' M/XF and this rod excels at 3/8 ounce plastics and finesse jigs, but I also use it with spinnerbaits and topwater with good success.

Also, I've never fished a Cumara, (I want to!) but the Crucials are very sensitive, even more with braid, and with the lifetime over the counter replacement policy (At most stores, its up to them really) its hard to beat Shimano, especially at their price points.

[baluga]

You'll be happy with the Cumara Reaction rod.. I have the CUC63H for topwater - walk the dog application..Love it, paired it with CH50Mg..

[SoFlaBassAddict]

Shane, if you want to try out a few Crucials. Shoot me a PM. I've got several of them here at the house if you want to meet up sometime play around with them.  They've all got similar reels on them right now to what you normally use.

[hmongkidBee]

I don't agree with the some of the above posts at all.  I myself have owned both the crucial and cumara rods, but imo the cumaras are way better.  They balance nicely with pretty much any reel of your choosing.  I have mine paired with a daiwa alphas-ito reel and it looks so beautiful.  As far as technique specific, I use the 6'8' mh xfast and fast action rods for both treble lures and soft plastics.  They were made to be techinque specific, but to me you can use anyone of their models for whatever technique you want.  As far as sensitivity goes, the cumara is way more sensitive than the crucial rods will ever be.  Now I just need to get the cumulus.

[Carrington]

i have a cumara and my buddys have crucials and they always want to use my cumara when i take them out so i take that as they like my cumara better.

[Fat-G]

Cumara wins, hands down.

[SirSnookalot]

I have been using my 7' 8/17 bone( my small saltwater setup) for freshwater high banked canal use and it's great for that. Now I'm looking to replace a freshwater rod I really dislike for the very same use. I have a 8' Tsunami airwave inshore that I love, they make 7 footers in both 8/17 and 10/20.  I have casted both and seen fish up 25# ( jacks) caught on these 7' from piers no less.  Extremely light with great distance and backbone, I'm going to ordering a 8/17 for bass use.  I looked at an All Star ASR yesterday and didn't care for it.

[MNGeorge]

I have a Crucial, actually 2, my first and last.  Would never buy another one.  It weighs a ton and is not all that sensitive...it's sitting up in the rod rack and will likely never see the water again.

[Sam]

Love 'em.

You will not be disappointed. 

[Lund Explorer]

I have a Crucial, actually 2, my first and last. Would never buy another one. It weighs a ton and is not all that sensitive...it's sitting up in the rod rack and will likely never see the water again.

So which ones do you have that you don't like, and are you looking to get rid of them?

I've got two and like both.  Wouldn't mind picking up a couple more.

[GLoomis711]

Both are fine rods! 

But if you can afford it, I'd go for the Cumara.

[BassThumb]

I own the Crucial 6' 10" MH/XF and I use it for buzzbaits only. My Dad also owns or owned a pair of them that I fished with, the 7' M/F and MH/F.  The 6' 10" MH/XF works very well for buzzbaits and I have no desire to switch. But I'm a little disappointed with the sensitivity of the Crucial. It's only slightly better(if any) than a $100 St. Croix Premier.

If you're shopping online and can find used Crucials for $100 shipped, like I did when I bought mine, its a good buy. Otherwise, if you're paying retail for new rods, wait for the next Tackle Warehouse sale and go with the St. Croix Avid or the Dobyns Savvy and Champion series.

From what I've seen, Shimano makes better reels than they do rods.

[MNGeorge]

I have a Crucial, actually 2, my first and last. Would never buy another one. It weighs a ton and is not all that sensitive...it's sitting up in the rod rack and will likely never see the water again.

So which ones do you have that you don't like, and are you looking to get rid of them?

I've got two and like both. Wouldn't mind picking up a couple more.

I have only one Crucial as I stated above...it is both my first and last.  It's a CRC-70MH 7 ft. Med. Hvy. Fast action.  10-20# test line, 1/4 to 1 oz. lure wt.

If you're interested, shoot me a PM.

[Stasher1]

I had a little battle with my local BPS over the warranty on a Crucial, and won't own another one.

The over the counter replacement was definitely a factor in my decision to buy it, and if my local dealer isn't willing to do that, there's no reason to choose Shimano over the competition.

Actually, they were willing to give me a replacement, but only after I got loud in front of other customers and made a bit of a scene. It's just not worth the aggravation to me.

[Josh Bassman]

I had a little battle with my local BPS over the warranty on a Crucial, and won't own another one.

The over the counter replacement was definitely a factor in my decision to buy it, and if my local dealer isn't willing to do that, there's no reason to choose Shimano over the competition.

Actually, they were willing to give me a replacement, but only after I got loud in front of other customers and made a bit of a scene. It's just not worth the aggravation to me.

I wouldn't give them your business anymore. My local tackle shop has no problems even with the compre.

[BassThumb]

It's up to the retailer whether or not they honor the free and unlimited OTC warranty that each of us had in mind when we bought the rods. Shimano has flip flopped on this issue. First it was optional for retailers to honor it, then mandatory for a few years, which boosted sales, then optional again.

Now retailers can tax you whatever amount they choose for using the warranty. The only local place for me that will replace a broken rod charges $20 for the service, and all the other ones, Cabelas included, tell you "tough luck", even if have the receipt.

[Dockhead]

I had a little battle with my local BPS over the warranty on a Crucial, and won't own another one.

The over the counter replacement was definitely a factor in my decision to buy it, and if my local dealer isn't willing to do that, there's no reason to choose Shimano over the competition.

Actually, they were willing to give me a replacement, but only after I got loud in front of other customers and made a bit of a scene. It's just not worth the aggravation to me.

Same thing happened to me at Bass Pro. The rod still had the tags on it, she wouldn't even look at it without the receipt. One of the guide inserts was a little loose, just wanted to change it out for another identical rod but it took me asking for a manager (loudly) to get results.

But as to the op, I like the Crucial 7'2" dropshot rods, both m and mh, a lot. Don't use them for that purpose, but they are great all-around rods. Sensitive, strong and versatile.

I have one Cumara, and it is great - sensitive and strong as heck (7'2" mh/xf). Love the reel seat and foam grip.

And while this model is not exactly versatile, I think several of the other rods in the Cumara line would be able to serve a variety of purposes.

[OK Bass Hunter]

I love the 7'-2" Crucial frog rod. It's my Ragetail Shad rod also. Enough backbone to pull em outta slop and it's also a decent jig rod. I have the 7'-2" dropshot rod also.