*it looks like from the price / performance this rod might be a step up from say a Berkley Lightening Shock rod - anybody using the 7' MH Crank'n Stick ? I pick this one as it looks about the most usefull (maybe) for 1/2 oz. Lipless and 1.5 Square Bill crank baits ?

No experience with BPS Crankn Sticks but my M/M Berkley Lightning Rod has done well with those baits.

That said, if I was to do it again, I'd give strong consideration to the Lews Carbon Fire Rod. I handled this one in store when picking up a H version and the MH/M has excellent bend to it. 

 

https://www.dickssportinggoods.com/p/lews-carbon-fire-speed-stick-casting-rod-19lewu7crbnfrspdsrod/19lewu7crbnfrspdsrod

Thanks for the Lew's rod link - I had not heard of that series before so worth a look (a store is 6 miles from me) .

I have a few crankin sticks I love the 7’ medium for jerkbaits. And the 7’3 heavy for big top water and treble hook swimbait’s.

I have one of the new crankin sticks , the grey one , 7'6. Decent rod but , I think there are way better rods for the money. They really are cheap compared to the old style bps crankin sticks.

Dobyns 705CB Fury would be a better choice imo. Or a St.Croix Bass X 7'2 MH Moderate.

I do have a BPS Crankin Stick, but have read dozens of comments on them from a variety of  sites and the owners have only had words of praise for them.

27 minutes ago, OnthePotomac said:

I do have a BPS Crankin Stick, but have read dozens of comments on them from a variety of  sites and the owners have only had words of praise for them.

Most likely people talking about the old ones , the new ones that came out this last year are not that good.

Yes , it appears the new ones are not the same quality as the old ones - I believe I will spend more money on a Dobyns Fury 705CB as reviews are good in that approx. $100 price range Trap rod .