MediumHeavy

I just like the give it has over graphite's crispness. I've used a graphite Powell Max the past 2 years and it's been good, but doesn't quite impress me as much as I wanted it to.

Mostly what I'll be throwing is Rapala DT-16's, Norman Deep little N's, SK 5XD's, Deep Flat Warts and some Bomber medium divers. Probably a couple others I'm forgetting.

Not really interested in the Veritas, I want something glass or composite. If the BPS wasn't 3.5 hours away, I'd be able to check out those crankin' sticks.

I'd prefer glass or composite. I don't have a way to check out the BPS cranking sticks, but I've used an older model in 7" a few times and liked it. Not sure how the newer ones are, though. Anybody have the 7'6" MH one and could tell me how it balances? Right now I'm considering: Shimano Clarus crankbait 7'6 MH BPS Crankin Stick 7'6" MH Skeet Reese Swimbait/C-rig 7'6" MIght actually just pick up a Powell Diesel cranking rod even though it's only 7" since it's cheaper and I know it balances well. But I really want something a bit longer. Anybody think the Skeet Reese rod would do? I checked one out today at Dick's and it had a pretty decent kinda whippy action that might be able to handle crankbaits. I know the quality of these rods are sometimes suspect, but this one felt nice in the store at least.

Is that over the counter warranty serious? Like, you just take the broken rod to a store and they swap it without hassle? I heard you have to send them in now.

Considering one of these two rods for cranking this summer and handling most cranking duties medium to deep, lures 3/8 to 1oz. Anybody think one is better than the other? I've only ever handled an older BPS crankin' stick and I liked the action a lot. Curious how tip-heavy either of these are and if they would feel underpowered with 3/4-1oz cranks even though I don't use those that often. I'd like a bit of backbone to rip through weeds if need be.

I can't find the clearance Menace reels online. If I could, I'd certainly order one. I live in PA, and the nearest Academy is in North Carolina.

Pretty sold picking up one these Academy reels. The higher you go up the chain they seem pretty good for the price as well. But I'll most likely start with the Mettle. I might be interested in changing the handle or at least the knobs at some point. Anybody know of aftermarket fit like the Revo or Bass Pro handles? I'd just throw the Revo EVA knobs on it, if possible. I don't even have one yet and I'm already thinking of how I'd want to upgrade it. That's pretty bad But out of commission for a few weeks with a bad back and have way too much spare time, so this is what I'm doing. I really can't wait to fish!

I may very well check out the Mettle. Unless I can find a link to order one of the old Menace series that I can look at. Thanks for all the info!

Fishwhittler, thanks for the info and pics, definitely helpful. Looks pretty decent. The reel feels solid in your hand when it's all together? I don't mind that it's an 8oz. reel as long as it feels solid and sturdy.

Online or in-store? Just looked on their site and it's $89.99. I'm not near a store, unfortunately.

Looking to get a reel right around this price at some point this year for a decent cheap all-purpose setup I can let someone use or try out or just leave in my car. Got it narrowed down to these two. Really curious about the Mettle. Does it feel solid? The specs are pretty good for the price. Free shipping is probably worth checking it out anyway. Reviews seem to be pretty good on it. Any opinions from folks with fair use of either of these reels?

I have a Powell 706CB (graphite) and it's rated heavy with lure weights up to 1oz but I feel it's a little under powered. It's great for medium divers, though. I've caught a good many smallmouth and spots on it on the rivers. I'd like to find something for medium to deep cranks, that could handle the 1oz lures a little better. Gonna look at some of these suggestions, pretty good thread. Anybody have the newer 7'6" Shimano Clarus crankbait rod? I'm leaning toward something like that or maybe the Powell Diesel cranking rod, but it's not even rated up to 1oz lures. Just read good reviews on it.

Only select models seem to be on sale at TW.

Just curious, as they seem to be doing fairly well with that series and I like my Powell rods, but the current Diesel lineup doesn't have anything that I need. But the quality for price point seems great.

I used this line all last season and thought it was great. I used 14lb test and it was strong and cast very well. I would think it's fine for cranking. Definitely worth checking out, in my opinion. I'll be buying more this year.

Has anyone used the spinning model yet? I'm thinking about picking one up.

I'd look at the Powell Diesel series rods and scour the flea market or inernet for Shimano Citica 200E series reels.

Used to use P-Line CXX in 8# for just about everything, since it has a large diameter and incredible strength. Now I'm liking Sunline Super fluoro in 12# for most things that aren't topwater. Not a fan of braid, but might end up trying some again this year.

I'd highly suggest the Powell Diesel glass. Great rod for the price, for sure. I prefer graphite, but I would have bought this rod if it had come out a year earlier. The Falcon rods are nice, too.

I used an RCX today for the first time. Caught one bass about 2 pounds and a really nice perch on it. The action was fine and the hooks held up fine. I typically change a lot of hooks on most of my treble baits to short shank, round bends. So, I'll probably do that soon. The split ring at the line tie isn't so good, but it also held up. I've not used a 110 but maybe I'll get one and compare the two. I know I'll have to change the hooks on it, because I use slightly heavier than typical rod rating and line for jerkbaits. I just wish they made an RCX in a perch color. Oh, and I caught a small pike on an RC2 and it held up fine. Was fishing it really shallow, digging it into gravel and chunk rock. No breaks or problems. Granted, this is just one outing for each of these lures but I'll definitely be fishing with them a bit more this year.

I'm curious about these rods, especially the cranking ones. I love the three Max rods I have. Anybody got the 7'6" and could talk about the weight and power/action?

Used some in 12lb today and it was fine. I didn't get any bites, but I got an X-Rap jerkbait snagged on a rock and broke the bill and straightened the front treble without the line breaking. I'm a fan of CXX and so far C21 seems pretty tough. I'll need more time with it, though. Especially after the water warms up a little and I get some bites!

I have a Powell 706CB graphite crankbait rod that handles pretty much any cranks and jerkbaits I want to throw, but also works a Zara Spook Jr. like a dream.

I recently got a Powell Max 706CB (graphite) and I love it so far. It's actually pretty versatile, too. It worked great the other evening, working a Zara Spook Jr.