I am looking for a 7 ft. or slightly longer spinning rod to be used for small crankbaits 1/4 oz. to a very max.of 1/2 oz on occasion The rod will be fished in fairly open water so the rod  does not have to be the sensitive in the world. Will probably use 10 lb. braid with leader. Have a lake near us that is full of white bass and they are a fun break when the largemouth are not cooperating and a "picnic" to catch if they are moving.

 

I have 3 higher dollar spinning rods all M action with a fast taper that throw up to 5/8 oz.. I would like a rod lighter than these for the whites and have been looking at a ML from 1/8 oz. to 3/8 oz. I see several rod rated up to 1/2 oz., but am hesitant to buy a new rod for only 1/8 oz lighter. I would like to keep the cost of the rod around 150 to 180 dollars because I don't I need any more than that for this kind of fishing, plus the rod won't be used that often anyway.

 

Can I through up to 1/2 oz on this rod with shallow running crankbaits? I  like Dobyns and St, Croix but price point is hard to match up. Have looked at the Powell 3D Max ML 1/8 oz. to 3/8 oz but don't know much about them. They sell for around 189.00. Any opinions or suggestions would be welcome.

Lure ratings are basically just suggestions. Rods differ from company to company. Ones Med may be another's Mh. I don't own a St. Croix but I've heard they are always a tad more stout then suggested. As for Dobyns it's kinda the opposite. Their rods are just a tad softer. Any local shops you could go play around with a few and see what feels the best?

I fish a rod with just about the action you're looking for although it is way under your budget.  I fish the Falcon Bucco 7'M spinning rod.  Fishes light baits great, has great action for cranks (moderate), actually have 3 of these rods, two of which are casting.  Rod works great for shallow cranking.  I fish light baits on the spinning rod, but have no problem throwing a 1/4 to 1/2 oz  crank or spinnerbait on the baitcasting.  Might give it a look over.

I was looking for the same exact thing here is what I bought

BPS CarbonLite 7' Medium Moderate action.

Go check them out. It has the flex of Med Light with the backbone of Medium.

$109.99

SKU: 2139100

I was looking for the same exact thing here is what I bought

BPS CarbonLite 7' Medium Moderate action.

Go check them out. It has the flex of Med Light with the backbone of Medium.

$109.99

SKU: 2139100

I just realized you said spinning rod. my mistake. This is a casting rod.

There are no industry standards, some companies' rods fish heavier some lighter.  Doesn't make a difference as long as YOU know what you're using and what the rod can handle.

Agree with what's been said. Until you actually rig up and fish a rod, there is no way of determining how you will perceive it to actually perform for you. That being said, you might want to take a look at the Berkley Shock Rods. Not bad for an inexpensive rod and they do make a nice 7'6" model in ML & Med. actions.