I want to start taking my deep cranking more seriously.  To clarify, I am talking about Strike King 3XD to 8XD type lures.  With all the pull that comes along with the deeper cranks, I find my 15" handle cranking stick to be inadequate.  Are there any rods that have 20"+ handles that I can get under my armpit pit that are not swimbait rods which are typically specced for 3+ oz. lures?  

 

Could it be that I am doing something wrong with my technique?  I am open to those suggestions as well.

If that is where you like it, that's where you like it. Sounds like you're possibly want something custom made. 

 

On my swimbait rod purchased earlier this year, I went with a Phenix rod (Black Diamond PSW869H-Deckhand), deckhand wrapped (cord) butt section just so I could put the reel (a Shimano Tranx with 20 lb test) exactly where I liked it. That stick is a little too beefy for your stated needs, although I do throw larger crankbaits like the Megabass Big M 7.5 at 2.25 oz on it quite well. The do offer a PSW808MH rated for 15 - 40 lb line. . . I was given the impression by my local tackle store that Phenix might be open to putting the cord on one of their other similar rods if I was willing to wait for it to be built that way.  

I just got a megabass f6-711 launcher and so far I love it. It has a 17” handle and find it very useable and sits in the right position. I am 5’10” tall so someone who is much longer might not have the same results 

I have 2 deep crank rods, an XP 805cb and an Irod Fred's Crank Launcher. The Irod is probably a bit much for anything lighter than the 8xd. The Dobyns will do great with the 8xd, but the 3xd is a bit light. Neither have a 20 inch handle though. I don't know of a crank rod with a 20in handle as that's usually swimbait rod territory. The Irod does come with a 16'5 handle and also offers a Crank Jr that would probably work out fine for those 3xd.  

On 8/25/2020 at 1:12 PM, bunz559 said:

I have 2 deep crank rods, an XP 805cb and an Irod Fred's Crank Launcher. The Irod is probably a bit much for anything lighter than the 8xd. The Dobyns will do great with the 8xd, but the 3xd is a bit light. Neither have a 20 inch handle though. I don't know of a crank rod with a 20in handle as that's usually swimbait rod territory. The Irod does come with a 16'5 handle and also offers a Crank Jr that would probably work out fine for those 3xd.  

Have you thrown 6 or 10 XDs with your iRod? I’ve been looking for a deep crank rod for throwing those and thought I’d get your thoughts. It’s rated 3/8-1 1/2 oz and I’ve read that it will handle 10 XDs good and I thought I’d still be able to throw the 6 and maybe even 5 XD. 

13 fishing defy 7'9. best 70 bucks ive spent on a rod. can launch a 10xd about 60 yards on 15 lb fluoro with ease

3 hours ago, DHP said:

Have you thrown 6 or 10 XDs with your iRod? I’ve been looking for a deep crank rod for throwing those and thought I’d get your thoughts. It’s rated 3/8-1 1/2 oz and I’ve read that it will handle 10 XDs good and I thought I’d still be able to throw the 6 and maybe even 5 XD. 

I don't throw anything smaller than an 8XD on the Irod unfortunately. I'd imagine it could chuck a 6xd just fine and a 5xd in a pinch. It's a pretty stout crank rod, not much a noodle. So getting it to load up on casts will take a slightly heavier bait. 

Good to know, Thanks! I would mainly throw 8s and 10s or similar. Figured with the ratings it would work good for 6s too. Appreciate you sharing your experience with it. 

I throw deep divers like 5 and 6xds with a 7' MH Tatula XT glass rod with Tatula 150 with 5.4:1 ratio.