I'm looking for a new rod and was wondering what the best rod under $100? I've looked at the Shimano Clarus and Convergence, and also the St. Croix Mojo Bass. It will probably be for shallow and medium diving cranks and maybe some jerkbaits.

For $99, you can't beat the Veritas. Just be sure to buy it in store, as I've gotten a few Veritas rods with crazy crooked guides. 

Mojo bass is such a nice rod. The veritas as well. If go with the mojo

For $99, you can't beat the Veritas. Just be sure to buy it in store, as I've gotten a few Veritas rods with crazy crooked guides. 

Word

The Veritas is a good rod, I also like the Vendetta, the Vendetta is 20$ cheaper too...

I'd hang out at the clearance section of Dick's Sporting Goods, or BPS. They'll often have some over $100 rods for well under. E.g., I picked up a St. Croix Premier casting rod at DSG for $50. Retail $110. The flea market here also has great deals from time to time.

Brand new, it is hard to beat the Shimano Compre if warranty is a big deal to you.

I got the *** ***, like it a lot for a 100 dollar rod

What about the Shimano Clarus and Convergence?? They are a little cheaper so I was wondering how they compared.

If you're going to solely be using the rod for cranking, take a look at the Rick Clunn series rods through Wright and McGill. You can get them for $65 at TW. They're a little heavy, but excellent action for cranking/jerkbaits and can't beat the price.

What about the Shimano Clarus and Convergence?? They are a little cheaper so I was wondering how they compared.

I have 6'6" Clarus cranking rod, I like how it feels and I can cast well with it..however I'm still a novice crankbait guy so I wouldn't have the best knowledge of how a setup totally should feel. 

There is no "best" rod.  The "best" rod is the one that feels comfortable to you and fits within your budget.  Personalty, I would recommend the St. Croix, but put your reel on the rod and see how it feels.  If you like it, buy it.

H2O Xpress Ethos $60-$80 it's an awesome inexpensive rod, comes in many lengths and strengths.

You can't go wrong with the BPS Carbonlite the new model is a little softer than the previous but it is the best $100 rod in sensitivity, weight, and has a strong back bone in my opinion.

Powell diesel for $70 is hard to beat.

St Croix Mojo or Premiere would be 2 great choices.  But their are a lot of rods in this price range and it will more then likely come down to what feels comfortable to you.

I have the clarus, compre, and powell diesel which are all rods under $100.  I like all of them.  Clarus has worked well for me and I have no complaints.  It is a good rod.  But right now with Tackle W having 25% off on all the shimano rods if I was buying a rod under $100 I would be pulling the trigger on the compre no doubt about it.  $89 for a 7'2" MF is a great deal for a great rod.  Especially with a lifetime warranty!! Although I really like the quality of the diesel as well, if warranty is not an issue you can't go wrong there either.  I purchased a Veritas originally and had to return it because of the epoxy chipping around one of the guides, and so went with the diesel instead.  I have seen so many complaints on the veritas that I will probably stay away from them until they get that fixed.  Am really impressed with the quality of the craftsmanship of the diesel and the way it feels in my hands, but i have not been able to fish it yet.  It is a good thing I blew all my fishing money on a new trolling motor or TW would be getting more of my business.

Ike is using the Veritas rods in the 2013 classic....this photo was taken today. If I had the 100@ to spend it would be a veritas hands down.

 

Vendetta.

Powell diesel for $70 is hard to beat.

X2

X2 on the Carbonlite. It will suprise you.

Another vote for the Veritas rod.  I have three now and love them all. I will be replacing all my rods with the Veritas line.

Go with the Mojo i have 2 and love them both

Carbonlite is the best, those that tell you otherwise do not know any better

Another vote for the Carbonlite. Just picked up my third today, the 6'6" med lite casting rod at BPS today. Put a Lews Tourney Pro on it. Lite as a feather. Plan on using it for jerkbaits, topwaters and small cranks. The Veritas is a nice rod just a little to stiff for my liking.

Another vote for carbon lite. You are getting a great value imo. Incredibly sensitive.