SproDD79

I use the 736 Champion split grip for frogs and heavy jigs in the junk,I love it. The main reason I enjoy it for heavey applications, 1. It's light and sensitive 2. It's got a great tip for a 6 power rod(it's not a broomstick). If you can do the Champion, I would go in that direction, if possible.

Go with the Sierra , better guides, better blank.

I have had a few quality control issues with SK XD cranks leaking(and I'm not slamming them into the bottom of the lake)The DD 22 has been a consistent cranking superstar for me over the years, I have also been impressed with the Dredgers as well. One more to look at is the Duel Hardcore 4+, it has great colors, a phenomenal weight transfer system and pretty good stock hooks, if you are using 10lb flouro or 20lb braid they can get you about 15 ft under, maybe a touch more on a good long cast. https://www.tacklewarehouse.com/Duel_Hardcore_Crankbait_4/descpage-DCF.html

I vote for the 705CB.

Over 5/8oz , Dobyns Champion 704CB with a Scorpion 1001XT, under 5/8oz Major Craft Nanoace 6'6 M spinning with a Vanford 2500.

I'm considering picking up the Shimano Exsence C3000MHG spinning reel, I have found some take down videos on you tube that highly recommend the reel. I'll be using it for for typical freshwater bass applications, wacky rig, neko, shakey head, weightless flukes, 1/4- 1/2oz blades and so on. Anyone have any on the water experience with the reel they can share? Likes, dislikes anything off putting?

If I can get my hands on a Legend X ,I'll take a look. I saw that new 7'1 ML Steez, it definitely caught my eye, I may go that way, I have never been disappointed with Daiwa.

Primarly for neko rigs and shaky heads, I'm looking for a super sensitive spinning rod, I have a zodias 7ft ML that has very good sensitivity, but I would be open to purchasing something with outstanding sensitivity. I had a Poison Adrena 7ft M spinning and was not impressed with its sensitivity or how tip heavy/unbalanced it was, I have the Adrena casting rods and those are super light and ultra sensitive, idk what shimano missed in the 7ft M spinning version, I may pre order the new expride and see what happens.

I'm interested in the the Zenon 7ft M spinning, unfortunately there is nowhere near me that has the rod for me to handle and inspect. The 2022 fishing show an hour away from me, which had an Abu booth has been cancelled again, I rather not drop $400+ on a rod I never held. Does anyone have any experience with the Zenon spinning rods? Any info/feedback is appreciated. https://www.tacklewarehouse.com/Abu_Garcia_Zenon_Spinning_Rods/descpage-ZNS.html

The 7'3 has a removable handle, the 7' does not. I'm not a fan of the removable handle, there is no line marking to make sure the blank and the reel seat are perfectly aligned , you need to eyeball it yourself. I own a 6'6 medium Nanoace,I use it for poppers and in line spinners, if your using 1/15 and 3/32 oz ned heads, I would go with ML in the Nanoace line.

Thanks for the heads up.

I'm a big fan of the current PG Bantam for cranking, definitely looking forward to a newer PG model.

Anyone know if there will be a JDM version? Or will Shimano offer the same exact reel for both markets. I see all the Bantams are out on Digitaka, so I'm wondering if there will be a JDM version and if so what the differences will be.

You took the words out of my mouth.

I have a few of them, the fit and finish are excellent. The Nanoace is definitely on the lighter side in regards to ratings. MS-1 is very sensitive. I gave a brief description of my experiences/opinions below. Nanoace 6'6 M Spinning- Love it for top water and in line spinners, X Rap 10. Nanoace 7'10 M Crankbait Casting- It's really a nice rod, I find it is great for deep diving crankbaits that are 3/4oz and under, has just the right amount of give to keep fish pinned down but not a wet noodle. (I'm not thrilled that it has a removable handle, but so far it has not been an issue) MS-1 7'5 H Crankbait Casting- Super light , very sensitive, the handle is a little long for my taste, but excellent craftsmanship and works well for DD 22s and other cranks in that range. MS-1 7 M Finesse Spinning- Absolutely phenomenal rod for neko rigs, drop shots, very sensitive when it comes to detecting light strikes. (This is probably my favorite of all of them) In my opinion Major Craft is a hidden gem and I will continue to grow my collection.

Rapala Crankin Rap, preferably the CRR14.

I believe until they are gone. It's my understanding the rod is being discontinued.

The okuma crankbait select series is a solid choice for cranking. The DC 705CB FR is a nice crankbait rod and can serve as a jerkbait rod as well. https://www.tacklewarehouse.com/Okuma_Guide_Select_Crankbait_Casting_Rods/descpage-OGSCB.html

They are the same blank as the champions. I have a 766 flip, I'm very happy with it for 1-1.5oz jigs in the junk.

Go with the Ultegra if you can , I have one and it is super smooth and casts great.

I second the Champion 704CB for jerkbaits. The DC 704 CB really excels in keeping those trebles from getting unbuttoned and has a nice amount of backbone to keep leverage on the fish at the same time.

I'm going to go with the C3000XG, thanks for the feedback everyone.

I'm under the same though process as you. TW e mailed me the early Black Friday sale link, but I have never heard of them giving out a 20% off coupon. I was not super interested in the blems, but if I knew I could get a 20% off coupon , I would of made an attempt to get them.

I'll be using 10lb braid. Thanks for the article.

Hi Everyone, I'm looking for some information to help me decide on which Vanquish to purchase, I want a 2500 size Vanquish and I was looking at the 2500SXG(6:4:1) but it appears the drag is really weak(3K) compared the the Vanquish 2500SHG(6:0:1) at (9K) drag power, I see that the Vanquish 3000XG(6:4:1) has drag power at (9k). Is the 3000 the same size as the 2500 or is it bigger? Is there anything considerably different between these reels other than gear ratios and drag power? Basically I want a 2500size Vanquish at 6:4:1 and 9K drag, I'm thinking the 3000XG is what I am looking for , I just want to confirm it's the same size as the 2500. Thanks for any input or feedback.