So I snapped my 7.2 MH crucial this weekend, EVA grips, about 2014 model.  I absolutely loved that rod, more than my Cumara.  The backbone and feel was great.  Any suggested replacements in the 250 less price range?  Bottom contact, pitching and flipping. 

I have one if you want it lol

There are usually some new crucials on ebay. I had one and broke it as well. I loved that rod. If you can't find one maybe check out the Zodias 

Know the feeling!

 

I've have one & I'll cry when it breaks ?

I also love my crucial especially these gen 2 with eva grip. Mine is 6'11 M/F dropshot rod. I wanted more but can't find any so end up with Compre (green bank) M/F worm/jig rod.

 

Have you try Daiwa Tatula? I hold the one 7'1 MH/XF, it is pretty light weight and backbone is awesome, and sensitivity is compareable. I have two of tatula in 6'10 MH/F and these two become my all around rod. The only complaint I have over tatula is the aluminum handle lock nut. This thing hurt my finger when fishing with jerkbait. 

My #1 Texas Rig CRC-X610MHXF, full cork handle

 

I also have a Crucial CRRC-X68MXF with split EVA handle, while it performs flawlessly I can not stand EVA.

 

I bought a Powell Inferno M/H extra fast, it's light & sensitive but aint the same feel.

Contact site sponsor DVT, good custom rod builder will know this blank and can duplicate action and feel you are looking for.

Tom

At your pricepoint there are hundreds of options. 

 

I owned the cork newer model Crucial and like it just as well, if not more than my older EVA handled one. 

 

But for a few bucks more I like the Zodias exponentially better - so much so I sold my Crucials and replaced them with Zodias rods

Zodias for me, I do have two Crucials...older version a DS rod with cork handle love that rod and I have the first gen EVA one.  Although it performs great, I just don't like the EVA.  Even though I don't mind EVA but for some reason that one bothers me.  It is now a back up because I love the Zodias rods! 

I went from gen2 Crucials to Tatulas and never looked back. 

So I went out today, used my cumara 74 heavy fast and it fished almost the same as my crucial 72 MH extra fast.  I think it's the tip.  What would you compare the crucial or Cumara to?  The Zodias or the Expride?  Crucial was zodias price point Cumara is expride price point but there didn't seem to be much difference in crucial vs Cumara 

For some anglers close to the same is good enough!

 

 

Call Shimano.  You could probably get it replaced with a zodias or new curado for half price.

I am pretty happy with my 7'3" MH Crucial ... Love the balance.