AmmoGuy

No worries, ha. It took me a second too. So have we concluded whether or not the Crankin sticks are included in this years Spring sale?

Ah, Canada. That may have something to do with it. Looks like it's completely out of stock too. I'm just trying to clear things up. I cannot find any current US sales that include the Crankin stick. I don't see it on the Spring Fishing ad either, but I guess I could have missed it.

I think you may be looking at the wrong ad. That is not the current version Crankin stick, and those prices on the St. Croix Premier are not current. If that IS a current ad, can you please link me to it?

Where are you seeing this? On the BP site they are regular priced? $79.

Odd. The digital “leaked” copy I’m looking at just has boats on the 5th page. For $49 it’s probably a safe bet.

Hmm ok. I browsed the ad, but guess I missed them.

Are they on sale? They seem to have a good reputation, although it’s weird to me that they call them fast actions.

Id definitely prefer all black too. Or at least all black accents with the green. I think the black/green/silver kind of throws me off. that said, I may over look it, because this seems to be a really Big Bang-for-buck reel.

No worries. I get why you made the suggestion. Yep, we'll see if anyone (that posts here) actually uses the rod regularly. It doesn't seem to be one that gets tons of attention (maybe unfortunately).

Thanks for the info. My reply to WRB was sincere (with a slight bit of tongue in cheek). I've watched all of ALX's videos on the rod, and read what info they have put out. I understand what the rod is, and it's specs. I'm familiar with ALX's lineup, just wasn't familiar with the Hustler. My interest was in hearing from people here that have put time behind a Hustler and may have an opinion (After all, that's basically what this sub forum is all about). Calling manufactures is great when I want to discuss technical info or get their pitch on a particular item. Posting on forums is (sometimes) good for garnering the opinions of others that may have experience using those items.

What should I ask him? "Do you think that the rod you designed and market is any good?" I posted here, in hopes to hear the third party opinions of people who have tried the rod.

I'm all set to order a 150 MGL... The pictures seem to look OK? What was it in person that threw you off?

I'm in the market for a new shallow/medium crank rod, and I don't know why I haven't run across this rod (Ikos Hustler) before, but it looks like a really good cranking option. Does anyone use one of these frequently? I'd be throwing DT6-10, Frittside 7s, OGs, and KVD 1.5s. I was going to try one on the newer Lews XD Cranking rods, the 7'4" 3XD version, but then the Ikos caught my eye and made me indecisive.

Interesting. I called Lews for some info, and the guy (that new nothing about the rod) told me it was an all graphite rod. BP and Tackle Warehouse say Graphite glass hybrid in their description.

The SLX 70 DC looks pretty sweet. I just need something sooner than it will be available. Even though I wanted to give DC a whirl, I’m starting to think maybe a Curado MGL 150 might suit my needs best.

I’ve never used Amazon Japan. I just use eBay and the usual JDM retailers. If you can check on Amazon, I’d appreciate it. I saw the reeltest vids. I was thinking he found that the 17 outcasted the 21? Maybe not. The Curado definitely threw further. Does the 17 have the micro gears? I’m definitely looking for butter smooth retrieve.

It’s actually less expensive than the 17. The 17 seems to be going for $300+? My only hold up on the 21 is that reviews seem to show that casting distance suffered with the new updates. That it seems more choked than the Curado or 17 Scorp.

I just ran across these in my quest for a new shallow/mid cranking rod. They look pretty tempting. looks like a graphite/S-glass composite, and I like the looks of the full Winn grip. I'm having trouble finding any discussion on them though? Maybe too new? What say you? https://www.lews.com/en/media/news/2021/team-lews-innovations-create-the-new-xd-cranking-rod-series

Well that’s interesting. I will say that smoooth retrieve is something I’m looking for (but not at the cost of meaningful casting distance). I’d assume the scorpion is smoother than the SLX? The 17 Scorpion is intriguing, but can’t find one anywhere.

I'm in the exact same situation as the OP right now. I've got quite a few Tats and like them for the most part... But they are generally very stiff/fast. Are the "regulars" quite a bit slower? Any experience with the TTU701MLRB Vs the TTU701MRB-G?

Well. This is actually why I'm shopping. I have a Coastal SV TW that doesn't have a home right now. I'd just strap it onto a cranking rod and get after it, but that particular reel is annoyingly geary. Not something I enjoy when slow cranking. Honestly, I've found all the Tatula reels are pretty hit or miss as far as smoothness. Hence I may venture into the world of Shimano.

Yea, I have several different SV reels. They all have their own "characteristics". Noted. Thanks. I'm not super concerned with Warranty. It's nice being able to walk into BP and exchange a rod if a guide falls out, but past that it's not much of a factor for me.

I've tried them quite a bit. That's why I'm considering adding one to my arsenal. Does it seem like magic? Nah. But it does seem to work quite well. I'm more concerned with which DC reel would be the "best buy".

So I need another dedicated crankbait rig for this year. DT4, 6, 10, Frittside 7s, OG's... Pretty much all of my reels are Daiwas, but a fishing buddy has gotten onto the DC wagon, and now I need to try one, *sigh*. His are all SLX DC's, which seem fine... But for about $40-50 more, I'm intrigued by the Scorpion DC and it's I-DC5. I've also never had a JDM reel, so that intrigues me too. Anything I need to know about the Scorpion? Any reason to just go for the SLX DC or Curado DC instead? Are the Scorpions generally smooth/quiet on the retrieve? My next option would be to go for a 21 Zillion SV TW, but I feel like it's time to get a Shimano (and DC) a shot.

Record rainfalls here the last three days. Flooding everywhere. I’ve never seen it rain that hard, for that long in my life. Slipped out this evening after it all moved out and got to tug on a good one. 23.5”. She was a pig. I’m 6’6” 280.