Last year I was using a IM6 graphite series , 6' 6", M, casting rod from Bass Pro but it really wasn't a cranking rod.  I now use an Allstar Pro II 6' 6", Light, model PT783C for light weight baits and a Bass Pro 7' Medium Cranking stick for medium and larger baits.  I could go back and try using Rapalas again but I am on a Bandit kick right now.  I guess the biggest reason I am shying away from Rapala is that many are balsa and really light.    

Not saying that you won 't catch fish with the common cranks, they still catch fish and I fish them most of the times but there are times that those 15-25 bones japanese baits are worth every penny you paid for them. Having some of them in your T-box doesn 't hurt.  

Thanks Raul.

As long as those performance features do make a difference for somebody, I can understand the higher price point.

I just wanted some feedback on whether anybody out there really has experienced that performance difference.

I know guys who are into racing who will spend hundreds of dollars on an upgrade to a go-kart just to shave off two tenths of a second from a lap time. To them, the difference is worth every penny.  

A lot of the Japanes crancks are hand made, hand painted... and this costs a lot...

Crankbaits-Norman,Rapala,Bandit,and Rebel.All will catch plenty of bass.

Floating Minnows-Rapala,Rattlinrogue,and Rebel are my favorites.

Lipless Crankbaits-Rattletrap,Cordell Spot

Been throwing cotton cordell big o's, bombers & Poes for a long time and like them !

Tried Bandits for the first time this year and like them very much also.great bait for a great price  

The only thing I have against Rapala is after just a few fish or a couple of bumps on cover they dont run straight anymore and its a pain to retune them.