Anyone using these rods, and willing to give me some feedback?  TW still has 2 models left...7'7" and 7'11"...same ratings.  I have been using 2 of my MF rods for crankbaits and decided I'd like a rod designed strickly for shallow to medium running crankbaits.

 

On a side note, I see that Diawa lists their new Cielo Cranking rods with a Fast tip.  I thought crankbait rods all had slower than Fast actions.  I also noticed while cruising TW that the Shimano Sellus and TFO Gary Loomis crankbait rods all sport Fast actions.  I like using 8# mono on my Medium power rods, and the TFOs at 6-12 lb. fit nicely, but at $150 are more than I want to pay for a crankbait rod.  (Or can afford right now.)

 

I would love another Fenwick Smallmouth rod, but I'm not really interested in a 6'3" rod for crankbaits at this time.  Based on my Smallmouth rods, I would love to try an Aetos, but it is also out of my price range.

 

Someone always suggests the Diesel.  All I saw in that model at TW was a MH for mid to deep running lures.

 

BPS Crankin' Stick gets excellent reviews as a crankbait rod (and Fast tips again).  The 7' Med Lt Fast 1/16-1/2 oz and 6-14# looks interesting.

 

Looks like I am turning this into another "What is the best crankbait rod under $?", but don't mean to.  Mainly I wondered about so many crankbait rods having a Fast action (seems everyone suggests using Moderate or Med-Fast), and was looking through the TW site for other low priced cranking rods in case you guys say the Ballistics aren't worth the money.

 

Never researched crankbait rods before as I've always tried to buy all-around rods for the most part, and have thrown whatever I feel like using at the time on them.

First off, I will say that just because an action is rated X by a rod company, does not mean that it is actually X when compared to other companies. My Powell Endurance 695cb was rated extra fast, and I assure you, it is not an extra fast.

 

Next, I haven't fished the Ballistic, only held it. At face value it seems like it would be suitable for cranking. The only thing I would say is that I would not want a 7'7 or 7'11 rod for shallow squarebills. To me, those lengths are more for deep divers since you need more casting distance in order to get the cranks down to proper depth. For a shallow to med. depth rod, I'd be looking for something around 7. That's my personal preference though.

 

I can't say for any of the other rods, but the Fenwick, Diesel and BPS rods all get good reviews for their respective price ranges. Hopefully someone else will chime in on  differences between the rods you mentioned.

I have the 7'2 mh for deep divers and am very pleased with the looks and performance of this rod. I bought it on sale on TW and for the price it can't be beat.

The Ballistic cranking rods are a great buy at the price point, the only knock on the Ballistic when they came out was that Daiwa enthusiast were looking at a rod that was going to compete with the Zillion and the look seemed really great but a lot were wondering with the $99.00 price point and while they are good rods, they didn't have the "wow" factor so if you need a shallow to mid depth cranking rod don't fear, you'll get a deal as they are pretty decent and a great value at the price point.

Thanks for the feedback guys.  I wan't expecting many replies for this particular line.