That's why choosing the Gloomis GL2 cranking rod may be a good option. Most major retail store has them. They have good warrantee and include the over the counter Wild card. Just a suggestion. I still haven't found the crank rod that is for me just yet. The GLX feels great for at $450 it's too expensive.

Have you tried the St. Croix Avids yet? I just bought another one in MM power today.

I have not but they have great reviews and a few members here loves them.

That's why choosing the Gloomis GL2 cranking rod may be a good option. Most major retail store has them. They have good warrantee and include the over the counter Wild card. Just a suggestion. I still haven't found the crank rod that is for me just yet. The GLX feels great for at $450 it's too expensive.

 

I like the look of the GL2s but the specs on their handle length are a little short, which is why I bailed on the Shimano. I'm a 2-handed caster and like a 14.5+ length handle for that. Have you noticed it feeling short at all?

Have you tried the St. Croix Avids yet? I just bought another one in MM power today.

 

i haven't tried the Avids but my first crank rod was a St. Croix premier. I maybe used it 3-4 times and just didn't like all that much. I bought a MH and probably should've gotten a M, so maybe it was my fault and lack of knowledge and experience.

I like the look of the GL2s but the specs on their handle length are a little short, which is why I bailed on the Shimano. I'm a 2-handed caster and like a 14.5+ length handle for that. Have you noticed it feeling short at all?

I guess I'm used to the *** rods and people have said the handle length on those are short for them. They fit me fine though. I always two hand cast, my forearm just isn't strong enough and I do have smaller hands. I'm 5'7 if that matters but I don't have a problem 2 hand casting a GL2. The GL2 CBR 845C is a nice cranking rod. Just not THE one for me. I one day want to try the Dobyns 704 or 705cb(composite) or the Gloomis GLX cranking rod. Those are $250 and $450.....ouch!

I guess I'm used to the *** rods and people have said the handle length on those are short for them. They fit me fine though. I always two hand cast, my forearm just isn't strong enough and I do have smaller hands. I'm 5'7 if that matters but I don't have a problem 2 hand casting a GL2. The GL2 CBR 845C is a nice cranking rod. Just not THE one for me. I one day want to try the Dobyns 704 or 705cb(composite) or the Gloomis GLX cranking rod. Those are $250 and $450.....ouch!

 

i have an *** and the handle there is fine. i just picked up a 6'10" M *** for finesse jigs and jerkbaits but haven't tried it yet. if the small lakes in my area aren't all frozen after christmas, I'm going to give that a whirl. I do like the idea of the wild card, i am a bit clumsy with my equipment sometimes and that is part of the reason i use to buy a lot of shimano products. but now, it seems like only bass pro will do the over the counter for shimano and then you have to have your receipt. which i do a poor job of keeping track of. maybe it is my sub-conscious way of hiding the 'evidence' from the Misses.

For the money the 7 ft. Denali Jadewood rod light and the right action for what you want to throw and only $99 with life time warranty.

Another suggestion is the Avid AVC70MM. I think JFrancho and 00Mod fish this rod, too.

Mine is matched with a CH 50MG.

 

 

 

I've been fishing that same combo most of the year. The avid is a fantastic crankbait rod. Gander mountain has a good sale on st croix rods now. Combined with a coupon code you should be able to get the rod new for ~$135 shipped.

Another suggestion is the Avid AVC70MM. I think JFrancho and 00Mod fish this rod, too.

Mine is matched with a CH 50MG.

All are good suggestions, a question like this will make you crazy...

 

The crank rod I'm useing the most now is the composite Phenix X11, and really love it.

It's light enough for me to throw all day, and sensitive enough to feel small Sq bill's with a slow retrieve.

The lighter X10 is also a great cranking rod but I like the extra beef because I use the X11 also for rippin traps off the grass.

 

 

 

Mike

All are good suggestions, a question like this will make you crazy...

 

The crank rod I'm useing the most now is the composite Phenix X11, and really love it.

It's light enough for me to throw all day, and sensitive enough to feel small Sq bill's with a slow retrieve.

The lighter X10 is also a great cranking rod but I like the extra beef because I use the X11 also for rippin traps off the grass.

 

 

 

Mike

I really like the sound of the phenix rods and thinking the x10 since I mostly fish rocks and timber and won't need to rip through the grass. But not sure if my lack of crank skills justifies 200 for the rod. I've got gift cards to spend and for some reason I put more thought into how to spend those than my own cash for some reason.

I do appreciate everyone's help bad ideas and hope everyone is having a Merry Christmas.