I'm trying to decide between these two rods for deep cranking. (6xd 8xd 10xd)

 

I was ready to buy the Fred's crank launcher https://www.tgsoutdoors.com/genesis-ii-irg7113cc-freds-crank-launcher/

Then I came across the lews rod. https://www.dowdlesports.com/Lews-Fishing-LDFP711MHDF-Prfct-Crankbait-Spd-Stk-HM42_p_74633.html

The main thing I don't like about the lews rod is the handle. I prefer the non-cork handles that have the split grips or whatever those are called. But the lews rod is less than half the price. Not sure if more than double the money is enough to justify getting a handle I like.

Does anyone have any or both of these rods? What are you're thoughts if you do?

I would buy something with a handle that I like.  I prefer the fugi ecs style.

I've never used the Lew's but I do own the crank launcher. It's an awesome stick. Perfect flex to keep them pinned and big time backbone. Handles 10xd no problems. 

I used the 9 ft. Model of the Lews for 10xd's for about a season.   I would not recommend the 9 foot model.  Don't get me wrong, it throws 10xd's great, but something I didn't consider is the longer the rod, the more exertion it places on your body while casting.

 

After about 20 casts, I would be ready to put it down for a while.  It also has pretty small micro guides toward the tip which made it tough to pass a braid to leader knot.

 

Something else of note is that while it is advertised as med-heavy/ moderate, the rod is labeled as mod-fast.  I called Lews about this and long story/short, it is a mod-fast.  Not really a deal breaker, but something to know.

 

I know it sounds like I'm bashing the rod but honestly it wasn't bad at all and I'd buy another one for cranking, just a shorter length.

 

It was pretty light weight for a 9 ft fishing pole and the build quality was decent.  I actually really liked the handle as well.  For the price on the web site you listed, it'd be tough to go wrong.

 

If I had 50 bucks laying around, I'd jump on one. For 10xd's though? Agggh, I have learned to hate that lure.  Hope these ramblings were of some help.

1 hour ago, LionHeart said:

I used the 9 ft. Model of the Lews for 10xd's for about a season.   I would not recommend the 9 foot model.  Don't get me wrong, it throws 10xd's great, but something I didn't consider is the longer the rod, the more exertion it places on your body while casting.

 

After about 20 casts, I would be ready to put it down for a while.  It also has pretty small micro guides toward the tip which made it tough to pass a braid to leader knot.

 

Something else of note is that while it is advertised as med-heavy/ moderate, the rod is labeled as mod-fast.  I called Lews about this and long story/short, it is a mod-fast.  Not really a deal breaker, but something to know.

 

I know it sounds like I'm bashing the rod but honestly it wasn't bad at all and I'd buy another one for cranking, just a shorter length.

 

It was pretty light weight for a 9 ft fishing pole and the build quality was decent.  I actually really liked the handle as well.  For the price on the web site you listed, it'd be tough to go wrong.

 

If I had 50 bucks laying around, I'd jump on one. For 10xd's though? Agggh, I have learned to hate that lure.  Hope these ramblings were of some help.

Thank you for the info, yes this does help some. The rod I was looking at is the one in the link above, its 7'11" so not 9 foot.  I'll be using this with 12 lb fluoro and not braid so there won't be a leader knot.

I have a Irod crank launcher that i like but i prefer other rods for bigger cranks

42 minutes ago, Brock_v said:

I have a Irod crank launcher that i like but i prefer other rods for bigger cranks

Okay, which rods?

cashion elite 10xd rods it handles all big cranks really well