I've been trying to make due with an ugly stik gx2 that my brother in law got me but its just a tad on the heavy side for me even being a bigger guy and the trigger isn't too comfortable when casting either. Just looking for some suggestions on a decent crankbait rod prefferably 8-17lb rated medium price limit less than 50$

Craigslist would be where id tell you to look or ebay tbh .. Be surprised .. I sold a David Fritts crankbait rod last year for 50 shipped and the shipping was 30

For 100 U could fish a micro magic crankbait rod and would looooooove it fyi ijs

At that price point you're looking at the lower end Berkley like a cherrywood HD that is part glass, that would work for you.

Academy has the h2o express crankbait rod for $59, if you wait until their rod riot I think you can get it for $39. It's a great rod for the price.

I would look around for last years skeet reese model specific rods. I was able to pick one up from TW regularly $100 on sale for $50 a month or so ago. 

Walmart close outs are supposed to start soon,  When they start theirs, the other chain stores start also.  Your best bet would be to make the rounds of Walmart, Dicks, Academy, BPS, whatever else is near you.  Make a decision based on what is available to you.  My current favorite cranking bait casting rod is a 7'4" BPS Extreme Med action that I got on sale for around $70 several years ago.   It seemed like a good enough deal that I got 3 of them.   I can't go more than a week without walking into some fishing tackle store, often more than one.   I'm always on the lookout for an upgrade,  so far I haven't found a good enough value for me to upgrade the crank rod, though.

 

Having said this much, I would point out that when I decide to throw cranks, the rod I first pick up is a MH Kistler spinning rod, with a curiously flexible tip.   Rigged with a large spool spinning reel and braid I find I get more distance when I need it, without the need for a strong wind up and it allows me more flexibility in the wind.

 

Really, I don't know, crank presentation is something I mess around with a lot.  One thing I do know is that I'm not a fan of the flexible, parabolic action fiberglass rods.  Too heavy, too tippy and decreased sensitivity.

@Walmart- Berkley "Shock" rod models either the SHC701M or SHC701MH, each are $40.00.

@Walmart- Berkley "Shock" rod models either the SHC701M or SHC701MH, each are $40.00.

X2 or the BPS crankin stick

How about a phenix maxium??!

Abu Garcia vengeance. I have a 6'6" mod-fast and it's a good crankbait and topwater rod.

How about a phenix maxium??!

It's $120. His budget is $50.

The medium power LR shocks are good for $50 but a Crankin Stick is a whole heck of a lot better.  You should be able to pick one up for around $60 once the online BPS classic sale starts. 

H2O Express has a couple different cranking rods. I have the 7' MH/M I bought for $40 while it was on sale and it's a really nice cranking rod. I like it a lot better than I liked the BPS stick. 

You might check out Gander Mountains house brand of rods.  They have one that is on sale this week called the Vortex.  I think it is only $20. I played with one of these and was impressed.  

Cherrywood HD, Daiwa Jupiter ($90 rod iirc, got mine for $30 discontinued), or Lightning Shock. 

 

Josh

Daiwa triforce rods run for about $40 http://www.daiwa.com/rod/detail.aspx?id=535

Powell Diesel.  I've thrown up to a 5xd on it and it handled it ok.  Perfect for anything less than that IMO.