I have gotten into cranking pretty hard core this year and have found out I love to crank.  I have really only thrown Rapala DT, Strike King XDs, Spro, Bomber.  I prefer the Rapala DT series the best, just seem to catch more fish for me, especially in Old School color and in DT16.  I have also had some success on the Spro MD in the 7-9 ft range, but seem to have a lot of trouble with the Spros hanging up on my in the DD.  The DD seems to hang in trees more than any other crankbait I throw.  I know a lot of guys like the Bombers, but they just haven't caught fish for me.  SK are nice, but it seems only 1 out of every 3 seems to perform well.  Even after turning, something just doesn't seem right with all of them. 

 

What are you favorite brands and models that dive 12-18ft and why?

Bomber Fat Free is my go to...water clarity dictates color

why?  i've caught the most fish on that crank at that depth and they don't wear me out...comes through the water pretty easy and it doesn't seem to get hung up...as much as others.... imo

Bandit Ledge!  they say about 14 feet.  

I've done pretty well with the Rapala DT 20 Metal in both Helsinki Shad and Red Crawdad. They run true out of the box and don't hang up very easily. They are a bear to pull for long periods of time though. I also like the Norman DD22 a lot. Especially the Mean Green color.

 

Tom

Jointed Shad Rap JSR07,running depth 7'-15', firetiger

Bill Norman Deep Diver 14 & 22

Strike King series 5 or 5XD works well for me.

Bill Norman Deep Little N.  It won't get down to 18ft. but it's a killer in the 12-14ft. range and it too, comes through the water without a lot of stress on your wrist and forearm.

Rapala Shad Raps and Jointed Shad raps in Shad and blue/silver, black/silver, gold/silver.

 

Berkley Flickr Shad.  They have some amazing colors!

Bagley DB3, Norman DD14, and DD22

The Rapala DT 16's because they always run true and have a great action. Also I have started using the 6th Sense Crush 300DD crank and the paint jobs are awesome.

5XD / 6XD

5XD / 6XD

X2

DT series and I just picked up some DD22. The 6xd that I have seem to get destroyed after a day or two of use. Split rings open/rust, bills crack.

I love Spros in the clear waters I tend to fish with LC's being a close second.

5XD / 6XD

Same here

Strike King 5XD & 6XD

Spro Fat Papa 70 & Little John DD

Jackall Muscle Deep 15 Plus

Xcalibur XRK 100 1 knocker 1 oz lipless crank - slow roll