I'm using a Phenix X10 for cranks around the KVD 1.5 size but I feel like I need a beefier rod for square bills n lipless cranks. I'm thinking more of a true MH and moderate action. Or if fast action I may get away with using mono for a bit of more stretch to not rip some lips. Anyone have suggestions for a rod under $200? Would prefer split grip. Would have to serve as double duty as I'm close to being banned from buying more gears from the wify lol. Suggestions are welcome.

Edit: I will be throwning 1/2 to 5/8oz lures for this. Contemplating if I should just wait for 13 Fishings crank rod at Icast.

for the money the powell diesel 705cb is a great rod for squarebills lipless cranks and topwater baits.

I'm a big fan of the  Pinnacle Perfecta DHC5-701 CAMCB and St. Croix AVC70MM .

The Pinnacle is split grip, the Avid is not.

A couple of medium priced suggestions.  7'4" BPS Extreme MH.  7' Bucoo MH Trap Caster.  For a little more money try t ye 7'4" Fenwick Aetos Med action.

If you feel like you nee something beefier chances are it's the composite blend of the blank on the X10. Any medium heavy fast action graphite rod should serve you well. Tons of options available. 

Yeah that's why I'm thinking using my *** *** 7'3 MH and use mono for it. Would that be ideal?

for the money the powell diesel 705cb is a great rod for squarebills lipless cranks and topwater baits.

x2, I have the 695. I love it for squarebills and lipless cranks.

i just picked up one of the new abu garcia villan 7'1" MH-Fast rods for this.. paired with a new 6.4:1 STX seem to work pretty well, only had it a week but it seems like a nice setup so far

Falcon bucoo trap caster is the best I've used along with Yo-Zuri hybrid

For the people that are suggesting on the Powell Diesel 705cb would it be good for lipless and ripping it through grass with braids? I have been doing that lately.

I think I'm going to spend less in the rod and more on the reel for this technique.

Wright & McGill Rick Clunn squarebill rod is awesome for $50.  

For the people that are suggesting on the Powell Diesel 705cb would it be good for lipless and ripping it through grass with braids? I have been doing that lately.

I think I'm going to spend less in the rod and more on the reel for this technique.

I use this exact rod for fishing mid depth cranks. It is far to soft to rip baits through the grass IMO

Shimano Crucial Crankbait 7' MH.

Fenwick Elite Tech Smallmouth 6'10" MH-MF casting rod!! It is the the best reaction bait rod I ever used, you can throw any reaction bait bait with it but treble hook topwaters, jerkbaits, and square bills along with lipless is right in the wheel house for this rod. Those are all baits that work better with a fast action rod but need a little flex for fighting fish and this rod has both, it has a fast tip to work your baits with no problem and the length is just right in that you get distance but still have nice control. There are a lot of good rods anymore in the $100 - $200 price range and I'm sure you'll be happy with whatever you choose but this rod is amazing for jerkbaits and square bills and it is at a great price!!

Gotta agree with the Crucial 7 mh med-fast crank bait rod. I looooooove mine.