In a cranking rod debate.  I'm in the market for a cranking rod in attempt to tackle the following, squarebills, lipless baits, some jerkbaits, and deep divers (DT's).  Will be using baits that are no less than 1/4oz and no more than 3/4oz.  The rods I've looked at so far (clarus and compre), the M rod is rated for 1/4oz-5/8oz baits, and the MH is rated for 3/8oz to 1oz baits.  Which one do you think I'll end up better in the long run with?  Or if anyone has suggestions on another rod, I'm open to suggestions.  Plan on fishing everything from open water to moderate cover.  Trying to keep my numbers under $100.  Thanks.

In a cranking rod debate.  I'm in the market for a cranking rod in attempt to tackle the following, squarebills, lipless baits, some jerkbaits, and deep divers (DT's).  Will be using baits that are no less than 1/4oz and no more than 3/4oz.  The rods I've looked at so far (clarus and compre), the M rod is rated for 1/4oz-5/8oz baits, and the MH is rated for 3/8oz to 1oz baits.  Which one do you think I'll end up better in the long run with?  Or if anyone has suggestions on another rod, I'm open to suggestions.  Plan on fishing everything from open water to moderate cover.  Trying to keep my numbers under $100.  Thanks.

I think you may have answered your own question within your post.  How heavy are the cranks are you going to be throwing a lot?  Shallow or deep?  I think the Medium will suit you fine if you aren't using deep divers.  If you do more deep diving than shallow then go for the MH.  If you did both equally, I'd definitely will say go for the MH as it would be more versatile. 

 

However, personally I find that a Medium/Fast rod that is a "true" Medium/Fast can be used for shallow running squarebills and lipless crankbaits works fine and it has enough give especially if you use mono or copoly line.  I think it is more important to get a MH/Moderate for the deeper stuff as a "true" MH/F is a little stiffer.  So if it were me I'd get the MH cranking stick.  Plus it would be at least 7' or higher. 

Thanks for the reply and the info.  Looking at it, I may have answered it lol.  I've actually got a Cumara M/F laying around I could use for the squarebill's and lipless baits.  I think I'll get the MH/M for those deep cranks and see how it goes with all of them.  Thanks again for the info and insight.