I'm looking for a rod that I can use for both umbrella rigs and 6" plastic swimbaits with 3/4 oz-1 oz jig heads. The Shimano Crucial 7'9 looks like a good option for both and it's 25% off at TW. I also like the GL2's, but they look like they might not be as versatile. Any other suggestions or rods that you like?

I just picked up a new Cumara A umbrella rig rod not to long ago and I've been very very pleased with it so far. It's really sensitive, light, and once I got familiar with how it loads with an A-Rig tied on it's a great caster. I've only tried a hand full of baits on it so far but a 3/4-1 oz jighead and plastic will fish great on these rods in my (limited) opinion. I plan to use 1 oz scroungerheads with magnum flukes in the middle of summer on this rod as well so I'm planning very similar things as what you're looking for.

 

I'm sure the Crucial would be a perfectly good rod for these purposes as well, just not quite as light.   

Whats your budget and are you set on getting a Shimano or Loomis? Or are you open to other rods that may not be on sale?

I'm open to other options as far as brand goes. I'd like to stay under $200. iRod looks like it could also be a good option. 

Powell Endurance 795 Umbrella rig rod 169.00. Rated for 1/2 -3oz.

I own several powell rods but i dont have a swimbait/ a rig rod. Im in same boat as you. Ive been using a Powell flipping stick for a rigs and bbZ1's Im actually going to order this rod in a couple weeks. Ive been satisfied with every powell i own. They are terrific rods.

Powell Endurance 795 Umbrella rig rod 169.00. Rated for 1/2 -3oz.

I own several powell rods but i dont have a swimbait/ a rig rod. Im in same boat as you. Ive been using a Powell flipping stick for a rigs and bbZ1's Im actually going to order this rod in a couple weeks. Ive been satisfied with every powell i own. They are terrific rods.

I have a couple Powell rods and really like them, I'll look into the 795. Thanks!

Powell Endurance 795 Umbrella rig rod 169.00. Rated for 1/2 -3oz.

I own several powell rods but i dont have a swimbait/ a rig rod. Im in same boat as you. Ive been using a Powell flipping stick for a rigs and bbZ1's Im actually going to order this rod in a couple weeks. Ive been satisfied with every powell i own. They are terrific rods.

I own 5 Powell rods and I'm in agreement with you here, they're great rods for the money. I would have given serious thought to adding the Powell umbrella rig rod to my arsenal if it was in the Max family of rods but I just can't take the purple/pink coloring on the Endurance line. However I have NO doubt about the quality or performance you'll get if you decide to go with Powell.

Not sure about the the Endurance Umbrella rig rod, but the Powell Max swimbait rods have handles that are way too short. TW lists handle lengths (along with other specs) for all rods.

 

I don't know how different A-rig fishing is from small (sub 2 oz) swimbait fishing, but for the latter the Okuma 7'11" MH has the perfect handle length (for my preferences that is). The rod I use for similar baits is a Mattlures MH swimbait rod, and that has the same handle length.

 

 

P.S. I own several Powells too. Good rods for the money; for traditional bass fishing. Great customer service as well.

I use a custom build off of Saint Croix's Legend Tournament LTBC79HF that I love for this stuff.

Fenwick Aetos 7ft 9in H action. Brand new rod to me but it has held up so far.