NavyVet

Thanks for the input and keep it coming. The only reason I am looking at a new spinning reel is that for the past 25-30 plus years, I am still fishing with the original Zebco Cardinal 3's and 4's which were made by ABU and marketed by Zebco. I know I am dating myself, but I am sure some of you remember them. I have one Cardinal 3 and one Cardinal 4 left in working order and use them on a regular basis. However, they are now worn and parts are near impossible to find. If the newer models compare to them, I will be happy. Finest spinning reels ever made in my humble opinion. Maybe the new ones are as good or even better, but I would be hard to convince. Fishing that many years with the same spinning reels and never having to replace them I am very unfamiliar with the newer models.

Looking for a quality mid-size spinning reel. Will be used for dropshotting and shakey heads primarily. Will also get used some for jig fishing walleyes on occasion. I have looked at the Shimano line and particularly Stradic C14 seris. Open to any and all suggestions and opinions.

Thanks for all the input. Now let me throw in another rod. Loomis GL2 Model 845CBR. Also a 7 foot medium heavy graphite cranking rod with the same specs as the Dobyns Champion and St. Croix Avid. Have narrowed my choice to one of those three. The Loomis is a split handle, but I kind of prefer a straight cork handle like the Dobyns and St. Croix for cranking but it is not a deal breaker. Really appreciate opinions and input. I put more stock in opinions of guys on this forum who have actually fished and are familiar with equipment rather than a salesman or catalog description.

How would the Dobyns 705 CB graphite cranking rod compare to a St. Croix Avid AVC70MHM cranking rod which is also graphite and has the same specs. Any and all opinions would be appreciated. Which one would be the best choice?

Is the Dobyns Champion 705 CB cranking rod glass, composite, or graphite? The way it is listed on TW I take it that it is a graphite cranking rod. Anyone with any experience with this rod in particular or with that seris of Dobyns Champion cranking rods? Just want oto be sure.

I am planning on buying a new crankbait rod in the near future. Lots of options out there. Will be throwing baits up to and including 3/4 oz. including a variety of 3/4 oz. deep dives. Have read about many brands including Loomis GL2, Shimano, and Powell. Recently, the Dobyns Champion Seris crankbait rods have caught my eye. In particular the 705 CB (not glass) which is 7 feet, 1/4 to 1oz. in a MH action. Have never owned a Dobyns, but many on this forum seem to have positive things to say about them. Do you think this rod will do the job and be a wise choice? What are the opinions of the Dobyns Champion Seris crankbait rods or Dobyns in general?

I was looking at the Shimano Crucial and new Cumara lines of crankbait rods with TC4. Both rods were the same taper, power, and had the same specs. The new Cumara was approx. $100.00 more than the Crucial. What separates these two lines of rods and is the Cumara a $100.00 better rod than the Crucial? Any input would be appreciated.

Is the Powell Endurance 706CB a composite or is it all glass? Have seen it described differently on two different web sites. Anyone own or have used this rod? Are composites or glass really the best choice for crankbaits?

ARV What model Powell do you have and is it a composite?

I see Powell Endurance is offering a "composite" and Shimano Crucial "dynamic fibers/high modulus graphite" in their crankbait seris rods. What do they mean by this? Is there any advantage to this technology? I have never used a composite of any type, but they have aroused my interest for throwing crankbaits. Any help or advice would be appreciated.

Will be purchasing a new rod shortly for heavy plastics and jigs. Have narrowed it down to Powell Max or Endurance, Dobyns Savvy, or Loomis GL 2. I would appreciate any opinions or thoughts as to which brand is an overall better choice. Looking at 7 feet or longer.

Thanks for the replies thus far. Any opinion on the Powll Endurance Seris rods? I have a fishing buddy who really likes them.

Is there any advantage to a 7 foot or longer worm rod as compared to the 6 1/2 foot I have used for years, or is it just a matter of personal preference? I am planning on buying a new worm rod soon and have never used anything over 61/2 feet. for that purpose. Also, what can anyone tell me about the "Micro Guides" offered on some casting rods? Are they an invitation for trouble? Just a gimmick or do they offer true merit?

I have fished the last 50 years with only ABU baitcasting reels dating back to the round 5500 C and 4500 C. I recently purchased a Revo STX and have been satisfied. A couple of weeks ago I looked at a Pfluger Patriarch and was impressed, at least at the Bass Pro Shop showroom in Des Moines. I would like and am willing to try something different. Any opinions? Has anyone fished with the Patriarch? Pfluger has been around a long time but I have never used one of thier products. Also looked at a Shiman Chronarch.