Hi guys, as of now, I only fish t-rig, senkos and spinnerbaits. Once I get back on the water, I want to start learining how to use crankbaits. Anybody got suggestions for a rod and reel? (preferably under 200$ combined) 

Daiwa Tatula can be scooped for $100, so I would start there.  I have 2 and 1 Type R and love them.

 

I would suggest an Abu Garcia Veritas 2.0 Winch Crankbait rod, 7' Medium-Moderate.  I do not have experience with this particular line of rods, but this is what I would do to stay within the $200 limit.

 

Personally, I use a Carrot Stix 7' Medium-Moderate and have had zero issues in the 4ish years I have had the rod.  However, due to other experiences I have read about I would not recommend an e21 Carrot Stix. Granted, there is a new manufacturer building these rods, so they may now be a great buy at $99.

 

I am interested to see what others here will suggest, as there may be better rod (or reel) options in other's opinion.

There a multitude of options in your price range. For reels, there a plenty of good quality performers, but get a lower gear ratio if you intend to use it for a wide variety of cranking situations. A 5.4 or so is good. As for names, you can't go wrong with a Lew's, Tatula, or Pflueger reel.

As for rods, there is numerous options including the Veritas, BPS Crankin Sticks, Berkley EMotion, and Field and Stream Tech Spec rods. I would go with a medium power rod, and I'm usually target cranking so I prefer a shorter 6'6" rod, but a 7' is a good all around length.

Decent crankbait rod, I would look into Academy's H2O rod's.   Can get a good crankbait rod for $60.00 either 7' or 7'10" depending on what you prefer. But if you choose something else, look for a rod with a Moderate Action and preferably a composite blank.  Doesn't have to be but the slower action helps with moving baits.  As far as reels, you want to find something that has around the 23-26 IPT otherwise you will wear yourself out depending on the size crankbaits you want to use (refering to deep divers greater then 8ft)  Brand is up to you but you could also get into a H20 Reel at Academy and stay under your $200 budget or you can shop around and find something else.  But it's like I said, look at the IPT for the reel and find something you like in that 23-26 IPT range and you will be good.

powell diesel is a decent crankbait rod

Bps cranking stick and bps pq

 

 

Especially if you can get your hands on a $50 PQ during the Classic sale.

For the reel, should I getter a faster gear ratio or slower??

Daiwa Tatula can be scooped for $100, so I would start there. I have 2 and 1 Type R and love them.

I would suggest an Abu Garcia Veritas 2.0 Winch Crankbait rod, 7' Medium-Moderate. I do not have experience with this particular line of rods, but this is what I would do to stay within the $200 limit.

Personally, I use a Carrot Stix 7' Medium-Moderate and have had zero issues in the 4ish years I have had the rod. However, due to other experiences I have read about I would not recommend an e21 Carrot Stix. Granted, there is a new manufacturer building these rods, so they may now be a great buy at $99.

I am interested to see what others here will suggest, as there may be better rod (or reel) options in other's opinion.

you just about read my mind!

I like Abu Garcia rods, haven't tried all of them, but they are good. You can score a Vendetta or 1st Gen. Veritas for 50-60 bucks used or sometimes new on sale. I'd pair it up with a Lews Speed Spool.

There a multitude of options in your price range. For reels, there a plenty of good quality performers, but get a lower gear ratio if you intend to use it for a wide variety of cranking situations. A 5.4 or so is good. As for names, you can't go wrong with a Lew's, Tatula, or Pflueger reel..

For the reel, should I getter a faster gear ratio or slower??

And for the rod, should I get a glass, composite or composite rod?

And for the rod, should I get a glass, composite or composite rod?

 

It really depends on the person. Glass will be a little heavier than your typical graphite rod, so it might take some getting used to. Glass composite will have the best of both worlds, and composite will be more sensitive. I prefer glass.

 

For the gear ratio, as long as you're not throwing deep divers, a 6.x:1 is what I prefer. Again, everyone has their preference. 

And for the rod, should I get a glass, composite or composite rod?

Depends on preference. If I were gonna buy a nice, dedicated crank rod, I'd go with BPS Crankin Stick wich is a composite.

Especially if you can get your hands on a $50 PQ during the Classic sale.

 

I'd rather have the Nitro Tournament Z or that new Porlite for $60.  I'v got both the NTZ and a PQ and I'd rather get another NTZ than another PQ.   

I'd rather have the Nitro Tournament Z or that new Porlite for $60.  I'v got both the NTZ and a PQ and I'd rather get another NTZ than another PQ.

X2 but they don't have low gear models. The PQ has a 4.7 and 5.4 gear sets, and a deep spool on those models. Truly said, I would buy a Lew's BB1.

If you're willing to go a little over your 200$ budget, I would go with a Lew's BB1 (160$) and a Lew's David Fritts Crank Speed Stick (80$). For the price of the setup I feel it can't be beat, will last a long time and handle your cranking needs. All that being said, personal preference comes into play because if you're not comfortable using it you probably won't like it. If you can, I would recommend going to a tackle shop and seeing what you can get in your hands to gauge a better feel for what you might like.