I have heard people recommending to use a glass rod for crankbaits and I was wondering why? Also, what length, power, and action should a crank bait rod be? And what rod would you recommend for under $120

The biggest reason for using a glass rod is the forgiving characteristics of the blank. Glass is much softer than graphite, so when a fish takes your bait it loads up deep into the blank and keeps the fish hooked. A faster action rod can have a tendency to rip small trebles out of the fishes mouth. 

 

You can however have a graphite rod with a parabolic taper that will serve the same purpose, but graphite is lighter, more sensitive and more crisp. There are also composite 

blanks which are graphite blanks that taper to fiberglass in the tip section. Sort of best of both worlds and my personal preference.

 

As for length and power it all depends on the baits your going to be using. Could be anything from 7' m to 8' h for deep divers.

I have used fiberglass crank rods and find them inferior to graphite mostly because of the weight and lack of sensitivity.  You can get any power and action you want in graphite.  

5 hours ago, It's a toad said:

I have heard people recommending to use a glass rod for crankbaits and I was wondering why? Also, what length, power, and action should a crank bait rod be?

 

I literally just wrote an article on this exact topic last week. Just waiting for fish hound to publish it. Keep your eye's out for it. 

I have a glass and composite rod for crankbaits and will never switch back to graphite unless it was my only option.  I feel the biggest benefit over the long run of casting - the moderate action/softer tip makes it effortless to whip the crankbait back and out like a slingshot without minimal stress/fatigue to my muscle and joints.

Glass rods are truly flexible and keep the fish pinned better, along with allowing the bass to better take the lure. Composite rods of both glass and graphite are just about as good though. Pure graphite is a no no for fast moving baits IMO.

10 hours ago, MickD said:

I have used fiberglass crank rods and find them inferior to graphite mostly because of the weight and lack of sensitivity.  You can get any power and action you want in graphite.  

 

I'm on board here.  Graphite or bust for me.