I'd prefer glass or composite. I don't have a way to check out the BPS cranking sticks, but I've used an older model in 7" a few times and liked it. Not sure how the newer ones are, though. Anybody have the 7'6" MH one and could tell me how it balances? Right now I'm considering:

 

Shimano Clarus crankbait 7'6 MH

BPS Crankin Stick 7'6" MH

Skeet Reese Swimbait/C-rig 7'6"

 

MIght actually just pick up a Powell Diesel cranking rod even though it's only 7" since it's cheaper and I know it balances well. But I really want something a bit longer.

 

Anybody think the Skeet Reese rod would do? I checked one out today at Dick's and it had a pretty decent kinda whippy action that might be able to handle crankbaits. I know the quality of these rods are sometimes suspect, but this one felt nice in the store at least.

 

 

I own a Clarus crankbait rod and it has worked fine for me.  I like that it comes with a limited lifetime warranty, so thats a major plus.  However, I have been always contemplating on going for a BPS Crankin' Stick as they get good reviews and BPS has a decent return policy and warranty.  So I think either one would be a good idea, just as a side note I also never owned a Skeet rod, but a lot of complaints about Quality of the rods, that is what has kept me away. 

I have the 7' M action Veritas and really like it.  I think it only goes up to 3/4oz lures. This weekend was the first time I really got to fish it and it seems like a pretty good rod. They offer a 7'6" MH models that will throw the bigger deeper diving crankbaits. I will be picking one of these up in the near future for throwing the 6XD crankbaits.  They run 99.00 but i think you can find them cheaper on ebay.

Not really interested in the Veritas, I want something glass or composite.

 

If the BPS wasn't 3.5 hours away, I'd be able to check out those crankin' sticks. 

I'd say go with the Powell unless you can get some hands on the others before you buy.

Mostly what I'll be throwing is Rapala DT-16's, Norman Deep little N's, SK 5XD's, Deep Flat Warts and some Bomber medium divers. Probably a couple others I'm forgetting.

Not really interested in the Veritas, I want something glass or composite.

 

If the BPS wasn't 3.5 hours away, I'd be able to check out those crankin' sticks. 

Just curious why glass?

Not to sway you but I have the 7'6" Veritas Winch and the parabolic action on it feels like a glass rod.

I was recently turned on to Rapsody Rods.  As my budget allows I am converting to their rods.  Great rods at a great price.

Their "Crank It Up" should fit your needs.

 

http://rapsodyfishing.com/shop/index.php?route=product/product&path=60_63&product_id=56

I just like the give it has over graphite's crispness. I've used a graphite Powell Max the past 2 years and it's been good, but doesn't quite impress me as much as I wanted it to. 

Check out the Daiwa Ballistic cranking rods. I own the 7'7 M rod and i like it alot. Its on sale now at TW for 79.99

BPS Crankin Stick, hard to beat for the $$$$$$

I just like the give it has over graphite's crispness. I've used a graphite Powell Max the past 2 years and it's been good, but doesn't quite impress me as much as I wanted it to.

Which Powell Max are you using?

Powell Max 706CB graphite. It's currently for sale in the flea market, by the way. Very nice rod. I've caught a ton of smallmouth on it here on the Allegheny and Mon rivers.

Ok. I use a 695 Endurance for shallow crankin and lipless cranks. Love the heavy actions for that application. But i throw more of the larger/heavier shallow cranks than the lighter ones. Maybe a lighter action like a 3 or 4 power would suit what you need. I almost pulled the trigger on one of those rods when they were selling for 100... but right now, i justncant justify another rod.

Im about rodded out right now... but thanks for letting me know.

I have two BPS crankin sicks and they are great for the money. The Wright and Mcgill S Glass crank rods are also very good, with a slightly slower, softer action than the crankin' sticks.

I also checked out a Shimano Crucial 7' cranking rod today and it was also a bit stiff/crisp for my tastes. I'm assuming the Clarus is probably similar.

I also prefer a glass rod for cranking.

 

I use a Lamiglas that's no longer in production, however they still do make the Excel line which includes a glass cranking rod you might like.  It lists for a bit more than you're indicated you're looking to pay but if you look around a bit you can get one for just over a hundred bucks.

 

A-Jay

 

http://www.lamiglas.com/prod_indiv.php?groupid=65

I've read good things about that Lamiglas rod, but I'm looking for something over 7 foot for some longer casts.

 

Any folks who said they have the BPS rods, if you have one of the 7'6" rods can you discuss their balance and tip heaviness?

i generally dont recommend shimano rods, they are just not my cup of tea. having said that i have a claurus cranking rod and really like it. its a shorter medium but does very well for what i use it for.

I'd be interested in checking that out, but I have a feeling it's a bit too much rod for what I need. I'm actually really curious about using the SKeet Reese swimbait/c-rig 7'6" rod for my cranking needs. It felt pretty nice in the store, just not quite as floppy as the 7' glass cranking rod. At least I've got some time before I start doing much cranking. Maybe I can fit in the 3-4 hour trek to BPS at some point over the next two months.

What about the KVD Composite Cranking rods ?

 

A-Jay

 

http://www.quantumfishing.com/news/2786/New-PT-Cranking-Rods-Designed-By-Kevin-VanDam-TOUR-KVD.aspx

The Diesel. You can really fling it with that rod. I have a 7'6" Clunn S glass as well. I prefer the Diesel in all aspects.

for a 100 bucks it is toigj to beat the lews laser crankbait. if you like micro guides

Just curious why glass?

Not to sway you but I have the 7'6" Veritas Winch and the parabolic action on it feels like a glass rod.

 

Nailed it.  Action like glass, weight like graphite.

 

I've got a couple of the Reece glass crank rods, Crucial crank rods, BPS Crankin' Sticks and the 7' 6" Veritas.

 

Try to handle the 7'6" Veritas in a store before you decide.  It does have a very nice parabolic action only slightly faster than the Reece crank rods and slower than the Crucial.  It is similar to the Crankin' Stick but lighter.  I have uses for all those other rods but for the lures listed I'd look at the 7'6" Veritas crank rod really hard.

I'll try to handle a Veritas in a store. Really don't like the white rods, though