For those of you that was following my other post about the Mojo vs Abu IKE series. I was able to get to Cabelas and get my hands on the Mojo and I like them but was just a little stiffer then I cared for.

The other rods I was looking at was the Shimano Crucial. Anybody have any experience with the latest series of Crucial rods? (With the Cork handles)

i liked the exposed reel seat as i palm the spool(as I assume most of you do also) so my fingers will be touching the blank and the reel has less plastic between it and the blank to have a better feel for bites. The only thing I wasn't a fan of was I saw somewhere it's warranty was only a year where as the st.croixs were 5 yr to lifetime. And I can't find anything about the Abu IKE series warranty.

But anyway... does anyone have experience with these? Are they worth it? Are they sensitive? Durable? Have a good selection of powers and actions for different techniques? Are there better rods for the price or cheaper?

Thanks for any help 

I'm a Crucial owner of both spinning an casting rods. I've owned 3 so far. As for sensitivity I think the new ones, like you're referring to, are some of the most sensitive rods I've ever used. They're well balanced and well built, I would recommend them. My favorite setup is the Crucial paired with a Sustain as my river-smallies setup.

I would be remiss though if I didn't mention my new favorite, the Zodias. It's also sensitive and balanced, but have a different look to them, very JDM. They don't have the cork handles, but they're the best reel seat I've used for a casting rod. At approximately the same price point they're worth a look

Crucial and zodias are the best rods ive ever used hands down. In the near future my whole line up will consist of those 2 rods

15 hours ago, d-camarena said:

Crucial and zodias are the best rods ive ever used hands down. In the near future my whole line up will consist of those 2 rods

Mine already do - aside from a BPS Carbonlite combo I rarely use. I keep it more of a sentimental thing, my first casting rig, given to my from my wife. 

Otherwise it's Zodias/Crucial all the way

Stop in at Anglers Express in Hunt Valley. Put a bunch of rods in your hand. 

25 minutes ago, fishnkamp said:

 Put a bunch of rods in your hand. 

Best way to go about it right there! Find exactly what you like and take it home.

2 hours ago, fishnkamp said:

Stop in at Anglers Express in Hunt Valley. Put a bunch of rods in your hand. 

Yea I still need to make it on the other side of the bridge. I wind up heading east to Cabelas more often the. I do west over the bridge. And Cabelas didn't have the Crucial. Unless they had it tucked away somewhere