I am in the market for a new crank bait rod. Will throw Rapala DT-16's and 10's and other baits in that size range or even slightly larger. I am a Dobyns and St. Croix fan by choice.

I am looking at the Dobyns Champion XP 765 MH rated for 1/4 oz. to 1 oz. and 8-20 lb. test line. The other rod is the St. Croix Legend Tourn. 7ft 8 in. MH rated 3/8 oz. to 1 oz. and 10 to 20 pound test line. St Croix web site calls it their "Big Cranker." Site also says total rod weight is only 4oz. if I read it correctly.

Any suggestions or advice would be appreciated.

Anyone had experience with the new Legend Glass from St. Croix?

The 765CB is a great cranking rod and I use mine for all the time for DT10-14-16's. I also own the 705CB which works well for DT10's, but I would prefer the extra length of the 765CB for using a DT16. 

 

I also own the Avid 7' H-Moderate cranking rod, and my tournament partner owns the LTB Big Cranker that you mention. So I have used the comparable St. Croix models to the Champion. 

 

In the end, both are great rods, but I much prefer the Dobyns cranking rods over the St. Croix. 

fishballer06

 

Thanks for the reply. I also have the 705CB which as you know also has very similar specs as the 765CB lure wt. etc. except for length, but it seems to me like the rods are to different "animals" altogether.

 

My brother has the 765CB and it fishes well. My 705CB seems to struggle with DT16's and 14's while his 765CB handles them without a problem.  His 765CB has a LOT more guts and "umph" than my 705CB for those deeper running baits.

 

Would you agree?

I throw dt10's on a 764 and 14/16's on a MHM AVID. The 765 would probably work well for what you need.  What about a 805CBRM??